St Albans school 'Bake Off' helps fundraising total reach £50,000

We will Rock You cake

St Columba's College school pupils who have devoted years to fundraising for charity have now managed to raise over £50,000 for communities around the world.

A few weeks ago, students of St Columba's College, St Albans, held a charity Bake off which helped them raise nearly £500 - contributing to the schools' fundraising grand total of £50,000 raised for CAFOD.

Bakers from the whole school showed creativity and enthusiasm by entering cakes in support of CAFOD. Teachers and house captains were the lucky judges and everyone enjoyed their share of cake.

Student, Grant Papesh, said: "The competition was fierce as there were some amazing entries this year including house themed cakes, cookie monster cakes, a cake with teacher photos, a CAFOD cake, and a cake based on this year's school play "We Will Rock You".

Along with being a fun day, bakers were encouraged to use Fairtrade products and £489 was raised.

This was another success of the school's student-led projects. During their week of social justice earlier in the year, over 80 students took part in a simple meal as an act of solidarity for all those living in poverty.

Teacher, Mr Tatham, who has been instrumental in helping to organise fundraising events over the past decade, said: "We have a long tradition of working with CAFOD and our campaigns have been wide-ranging: from big fundraisers, such as World Record attempts and over 12 years of sponsored bike rides to many Bake Off competitions and collections for in-school events like music concerts and book sales. We've also supported many campaigns that have lobbied parliament, carried out bucket brigades at short notice for emergency causes and annually sell charity 'World Gifts' at our Columban Fayre.

"Our boys are aware of their social responsibility towards others, and through CAFOD's superb education resources, which provide a framework for our 'Social Justice' lessons, the boys are inspired to support CAFOD's causes.

"Over the years, we have had many guest speakers from around the world, as well as local CAFOD volunteers, come in to deliver inspiring workshops to all year groups.

"We hope our relationship with CAFOD continues to flourish because its work is an essential part of our holistic education and the formation of men of compassion and service."

CAFOD representative in St Albans, Tony Sheen, added: "It was overwhelming to see so many young people baking with such enthusiasm and knowing it was going towards a good cause. Through the continued support of St Columba's RC College teachers and students have collectively raised over £50,000 for CAFOD.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to all the young bakers of St Columba's College for raising much needed funds for communities overseas and the continual support of all the teachers and students."

Note - There's only room for one picture here but we'' be posting more pictures of these spectacular cakes of ICN's Facebook page soon!