IT’S PROBABLY one of the fastest fundraising sessions ever, and it’s even more impressive as it was organised by children aged 10 and 11.
Members of the Acorns RotaKids Club at Crosfields School in Shinfield collected more than £1,000 in just half an hour during a Christmas fair, held during break time.
There were cakes, books, drinks, toys and Christmas decorations on sale, and it was also possible to arrange to have a photo with Santa.
The proceeds will go to the Ambitious About Autism charity.
The pupils organised the entire event, seeking permission from the school to host it, then publicising the details to the school, and working with the maintenance department to arrange the setting up of 20 stalls.
The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh member Robin Edwards, who is the lead Rotarian at the Crosfields RotaKids meetings, was thrilled with the children’s efforts.
“I am amazed at the enthusiasm and creativity of these young children. We can all learn something from their fund-raising expertise,” he said.
A RotaKids club is for children aged between seven and 12, and there are around 200 across the country, all supported by local Rotary clubs.
Each club is run by a democratically elected team of officers: a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.
A Rotarian from the sponsoring club usually attends as an adviser at the weekly RotaKids meetings.
The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh supports two RotaKids clubs, one at Crosfields and the other at Winnersh Primary.
For more details about Ambitious about Autism’s work, log on to: www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/about-us
