Junior school pupils raise money for Haiti

Kathryn CrossWhile world leaders continued to pledge millions of pounds towards the emergency relief effort for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti, one Norwich school was showing an example to the rest of Norfolk on how to respond and raise money for the stricken country.Kathryn Cross

While world leaders continued to pledge millions of pounds towards the emergency relief effort for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti, one Norwich school was showing an example to the rest of Norfolk on how to respond and raise money for the stricken country.

Pupils at St Thomas More junior school went to school on Friday wearing a hat in response to an idea from head teacher Tony Hedges.

Steve Fordington, deputy head at the Jessopp Road school, said the pupils were shocked by what had happened and immediately wanted to help.

'We showed them the Newsround coverage as part of assembly and they were very, very upset and realised how poor Haiti is and how devastating the earthquake had been,' he said.

'We all realised it was important to respond quickly and Mr Hedges came up with the Hats for Haiti idea. Everyone came to school wearing a hat and gave a donation. They were very generous and so far we have raised �700 which will go straight to the Disaster Fund.'

He said he hoped other schools might take up the idea and hold their own Hats for Haiti days.

To make a donation to the DEC Haiti appeal visit www.dec.org.uk or donate over the counter at any post office or high street bank by quoting Freepay 1449, or send a cheque payable to 'DEC Haiti Earthquake' and mail to PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA.