BVGS Students’ Giving Tree – Spirit of Christmas in Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield

Every year, the Bishop Vesey Grammar School’s cohort of Charity Officers (Year 13) and Charity Interns (Year 12) develop a year’s Charity Plan getting all students involved in raising money and awareness for a whole range of good causes and this year is no exception.

The Giving Tree – Spirit of Christmas, which started as one Intern’s idea a few years ago, has grown and developed in significance and become an annual fixture in the school calendar.

The Charity Officers and Charity Interns teams have combined and increased their ambitions to gather as many gifts in-kind as possible to donate to their three chosen charities – YMCA, St Basils Hostel and St Giles Hospice. They have produced a corresponding flyer which explains the range of gifts that are needed.

Harry Hubbleday, BVGS Charity Captain says “The Giving Tree in Gracechurch Centre is our festive highlight in our busy charity-oriented year. The students identify a range of charitable causes to help and then devise a variety of voluntary and fund-raising activities. The whole approach is shaped and delivered by the students’ own efforts. We believe it is important for each student to develop a lifetime ethos of helping good causes. We know that times are tough for everyone at the moment but we would appreciate any gift, no matter how small, to give to people in need.”

Phil Wheat, Wm Wheat & Son has kindly donated the Christmas tree erected in Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield which is decorated by the Charity team. The School wishes to express its sincere thanks to the whole Gracechurch Centre team for their help and support in making this a successful annual event.

Our Business Interns, School Officers and other Year 12 & 13 students help the Charity Teams between 28 November to 18 December 2022 by attending the tree and giving out flyers which identify the type of gifts needed. Every year, the positive and enthusiastic response of local people and their generosity is greatly appreciated by the charities.

In the School’s Main Reception, we have our equivalent Giving Tree. It forms the collection point for all BVGS students and their families to donate their in-kind gifts for these three good causes.

Our students wrap up all gifts in festive paper and on Monday 19 December, will distribute them to the three charities. The big smiles and thanks when they deliver the presents to each charity is very rewarding.

Please encourage your family members, friends and colleagues to support our students at the Giving Tree in Gracechurch Centre and give in-kind gifts to this fantastic initiative organised exclusively by our students.