Smith’s Wood pupils flourish in fundraising campaign

Children at Smith’s Wood Primary Academy have been congratulated by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Stuart Davis, for their success in Age UK Solihull’s Flourishing Fivers campaign.

The challenge set by the local charity involved Year 5 pupils being given £5 as an ‘investment’ – they were then tasked with forming teams and using their entrepreneurial skills to make their investment grow.

In total the pupils made an impressive £260 which will be donated back to Age UK Solihull and go towards supporting older people within the borough.

The Mayor of Solihull presented the winning team with a trophy and each child with a certificate on Wednesday 19th July.

He said: “It was a pleasure to meet the pupils and congratulate them on raising such a fantastic amount of money for a very important local cause.

“Flourishing Fivers is a great initiative as it allows children to develop their maths, teamwork and creativity skills, as well as learn more about fundraising and the remarkable work charities do.”

This is the first time Smith’s Wood Primary Academy has taken part in the Flourishing Fivers campaign.

Principal John Talbot said: “At Smith’s Wood Primary we abide by our motto of ‘More Than a School’. We’re always keen to find new ways for our pupils to develop their skills and this initiative has achieved that in so many ways.

“It was great to see the children come up with ideas of how to invest their £5 and I’m very proud of how well they’ve done.”

Lorraine Hart, Fundraising Manager at Age UK Solihull, added: “We’ve been running the initiative for three years now and yet again it’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm from all the pupils involved.

“We’re extremely grateful for the money they’ve raised which will go towards providing services to older people in Solihull, helping them deal with the challenges faced in later life.”

Age UK Solihull aims to improve the lives of all older people in the borough.

The charity provides information, advice and access to services through Community Advice Hubs based at Chelmsley Wood Library and The Core.

For more information: www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull