26 Feb 2021 Community

Thousands of children get into the festive spirit to help The Kirkwood Support Life

2020 was a challenging year for all of us, with the coronavirus pandemic having a major impact on the lives of young children across the country. So we were delighted when 4,599 children from across Kirklees donned their reindeer antlers and bright red noses to take part in our Reindeer Run back in December. 

The coronavirus pandemic led to many festive events being cancelled last year, and throughout our local community, families had to work harder than ever o make the Christmas season as special as possible for their children.

The Kirkwood Fundraising team wanted to do their bit too - launching their first ever Reindeer Run for children from across Kirklees to take part in.

A total of 4,599 youngsters from schools, clubs, nurseries, community groups and football clubs took part in December, donning reindeer antlers and bright red noses in the process. And hundreds of families joined in too.

Joanna Doherty, Community Fundraising with The Kirkwood, said: “To be able to see so many schools and children get in the festive spirit in a safe way in the middle of the pandemic was amazing. And we were able to raise an incredible amount that will really make a difference to the lives of those affected by a life limiting illness in our community.”

Pupils from Lepton CE Primary Academy getting ready for The Reindeer Run

 

Each school which took part was provided with Reindeer Run packs for each child, including antlers and a Reindeer nose, a certificate of achievement, and information about the campaign and The Kirkwood.

How they took part was completely their choice, with some schools organising a run around the playground and staff members dressing up as Santa and Reindeers, with others organising games and activities.

But all schools were able to take part in their bubbles and socially distanced, making it a safe way to add some fun into school life during the festive season.

The word quickly spread about the amazing efforts of all the boys and girls who took part, with Santa himself recording a special message of thanks to the wonderful local children who raised funds for The Kirkwood.

Community Fundraiser, Julia Owen, added: “The Reindeer Run has really showed us how wonderful local people are in Kirklees. It really showed us a sense of community at a time when the pandemic was at its hardest for many. With The Kirkwood’s income continuing to be stretched, we can’t thank everyone who took part enough.”

The sponsorship raised from this year’s Reindeer Run will make a huge difference, helping The Kirkwood nurses to continue providing care for people affected by a life limiting illness in every town and village across Kirklees.

If you would like to take part in the 2021 Reindeer Run, it’s not too early to sign up. Simply click here to find out more.

A festive message from Lepton CE Primary Academy

 

Here is just some of the feedback received from the local schools…

“Many staff members commented that is was fantastic as we all came together as a school (team). Although we were socially distant there was a distinct togetherness. That we were all pulling towards a cause. This doesn’t happen very often in modern day school as we are all so busy delivering the curriculum and providing individual opportunities for our classes.”

“As it’s a local charity that has worked with lots of our families over the years as well as needing some festive cheer in such uncertain times when most Christmas activities in schools were being cancelled due to COVID-19.”

“Both the children and the staff loved taking part! We would love to take part again this year!”

“The kids loved the Reindeer ears. Even more so that they can keep them! Plus, the feedback from children and parents has been wonderful.”

We would like to thank all the children, schools, clubs, nurseries, community groups and football clubs that took part, along with all the families who donated to the campaign.

Thank you to: Hipperholme Junior School, Shaw Cross Infant and Nursery School, Dale House School, Willberlee Junior & Infant School, Lily Park Primary Academy, Cumberworth CE First School, Emley First School, Lepton CE Primary Academy, Batley Parish CE J, I & N School, Joseph Norton Academy, Engage Academy, Denby CE (VA) First School, Barncliffe Nursery, Shelley First School, Crossley Fields Junior & Infant School, Kixx Huddersfield, Karen Codd Childminding, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Fixby and Cowcliffe Community Group, Scissett CE Academy, Huddersfield Grammar School, Clough Head Junior & Infant School, Wellhouse Junior & Infant School, Eastborough Junior Infant & Nursery School, Hillside Primary School, Lowerhouses CE (VC) JI and EY School, Denby Dale First & Nursery School and Cheeky Monkey Day Nursery.