Join our fill a backpack campaign to help deprived children
HERE'S your chance to really make a difference and help disadvantaged youngsters all over the world.
The Mercury is joining forces with Mary Canham, 40, of North Luffenham Hall, to collect at least 200 bags for a backpack scheme run by the international charity Mary's Meals.
This campaign aims to help children in deprived countries to start school by providing stationery and clothing.
So far six schools have got behind the campaign and she is hoping more schools and families will get on board
Mary, a human rights lawyer and mother-of-four said: "I am very interested in the rights of people to education and health and most of the children who will benefit have suffered war, poverty, famine or natural disaster.
"I think this campaign is a great way of helping people internationally."
Mary's Meals, of which Mary is a supporter, runs feeding projects in poor countries and provides daily meals for more than 360,000 children in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Mary, who is married to Roger, is hoping youngsters moving onto secondary schools in the autumn and others would be willing to donate items such as pens, crayons, erasers, rulers, a small ball and pencil cases, and is hoping that youngsters moving onto secondary school next autumn will help.
She said: "As the children leave school it is good opportunity for them to donate their unwanted school items and really make a difference.
"We are in difficult times at the moment but this doesn't cost anything at all.
"We have to be realistic about what we can collect but with the Mercury's help, it would be absolutely fantastic if we could get 200. I urge everyone to get behind the scheme."
Schools signed up are English Martyrs in Oakham, Ketton Primary, Barnack Primary along with Stamford primary schools, St George's, St Augustine's and St Gilbert's.
St Gilbert's headteacher Claire Thorley said: "For our Year 6 pupils leaving the school this is something very tangible for them to understand and get involved with.
"I think this is a very worthwhile cause that the children will really get behind."
Other schools wishing to take part are asked to contact Mercury reporter Kerry Coupe on 01780 750405 or e-mail kerry.coupe@stamfordmercury.co.uk
If your school isn't signed up, there will also be collection points at our offices office in South Street, Oakham, and Sheep Market, Stamford, and our sister paper The Local's office in West Street, Bourne.
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Monday 06 February 2012
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