Chichester school, Westbourne House raises over £20,000 to support Children on the Edge’s Ukraine Appeal

When Russia invaded Ukraine this time last year, students at Westbourne House school in Chichester,  wanted to support Ukrainian families who had been forced to flee their homes.  The whole school community rallied, coming together to fundraise for Chichester based charity, Children on the Edge, raising more than £20,000 to support their work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and Romania in 2022. 

In assemblies and form time, pupils discussed the different ways they could help to make a positive difference. They created beautiful sunflower mixed media artworks, drew pictures and wrote letters to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. They also set up a fundraising page, where people could support the school’s fundraising efforts, which they shared with the wider school community.

On 23rd March the school’s Chapel Choir put on a special performance at Boxgrove Priory in Chichester. The children said that they were proud to be singing and helping to make a difference. The choir performed many well known and popular pieces including Handel’s He Shall Feed his Flock and Jonathan Willcocks’ Lord Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace. ⠀

​Westbourne House School, Director of Music, Alex Dichmont, said:​ “We are delighted the concert raised over £7,000 for Children on the Edge, who will put the money to very good use, assisting Ukrainian refugees in Romania and Moldova. It was wonderful to have a full Priory for our Edinburgh Tour Preview Concert, the children sang brilliantly.”

The incredible fundraising efforts didn’t stop there. During the Easter holidays, one year 3 student set up her own cupcake stall outside her house, selling beautifully decorated cupcakes and refreshments to people passing by. Her efforts raised a fantastic £33. 

On 1st May, another group of students, their families and school alumni took part in a 19 mile trek of the South Downs Way. The children aged between 10 - 14 completed the trek in just over 6 hours and raised over £11,300.

​One of the organisers, Westbourne parent and Old Westbournian, James Lock, said: “Not only did we want to raise money, but also in a small way, associate with the amazing resilience and strength of the Ukrainian children as they walk away from the chaos created by this horrendous conflict. The children were so positive and enthusiastic both about the walk and the great cause.”⠀

Children on the Edge Fundraising Officer Annie Whillians said: “We are incredibly grateful to Westbourne House for standing with us to support Ukrainian refugee families. The money that Westbourne House School has raised helped Children on the Edge to respond quickly as the crisis unfolded, supporting thousands of Ukrainian refugees as they fled their homes and crossed the borders into Moldova and Romania. We would like to express our gratitude to the Westbourne House School Community and everyone who supported their incredible fundraising efforts in 2022.”

Westbourne House School Head of Charities, Helen Barker, said: “The ethos of the school is very much about helping and we have been talking to our pupils about the ongoing war in the Ukraine to make sure we support them with their concerns and worries. Raising money like this really helps the children to feel that they can do something to help and we have been working with the Chichester-based charity, Children on the Edge, to fundraise as much as we can. This amazing charity regularly updates us on what they are doing and where the money is going, and we are so delighted to have raised over £20,000”

The Ukrainian refugees we support are no closer to getting home. They expected to take refuge for a few weeks, but weeks became months and now, a year later, Europe’s biggest conflict since 1945 is no nearer to a conclusion.  

​This time last year, the media was awash with hundreds of people from all walks of life, uniting to help Ukrainian refugees. A year on, these families still need our help. 
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Together with local partners, Children on the Edge will be working to provide vital services, in safe spaces, with trained professionals. ​

If you would like to find out about the ways that your school, business or organisation could support our work with Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and Romania please click here to get in touch with our fundraising team.