UCS stages annual food bank collection

Today UCS held its annual foodbank collection for North Paddington Food Bank. This event is always pupil-run and this year was planned and organised by Year 12 pupils Dylan Ireland and Xavi Mesquita.

Xavi volunteered at his local foodbank during the lockdowns of the past 18 months and was inspired to commit to further charitable endeavours, particularly in relation to food poverty. He said: “Volunteering showed me first-hand the massive impact that small acts of generosity and kindness can have on people in difficult circumstances. Speaking to people who used my local foodbank changed my perspective on the day-to-day reality that millions of people face.”

Reflecting on today’s collection, Xavi added: “During uncertain times like these, donating even a little can make a real difference to those affected by food poverty.”

Both Dylan and Xavi intend to continuing supporting charities like, and including, North Paddington Food Bank. Pupil-led charity work is a regular and important part of the pupil experience at UCS. Dylan praised the work of his peers, commenting that “we had an amazing volunteer team helping us out and we managed to have one of our biggest collections to date. We’re hoping to continue our work on this project and have an even more successful collection next year”.