On Friday the 1st of July pupils from Poppleton Road Primary School in York organised a fun run to raise money for the Acomb food Bank.  The pupils are currently taking part in the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award which encourages children to 'be the change they want to see' and change the world for the better! To date, the children have completed many different activities which have made a positive difference to people in their area. The children invited Laura Chalmers, Manager of the food bank, to speak to them about poverty in their local area. They were shocked by the sheer numbers of people unable to afford enough food to feed themselves and their families; families living virtually on their doorsteps and they were inspired to do something to make a difference.  While the food bank benefits from the great generosity of locals who donate food, what they also need is money to cover running costs and overheads so the children decided they wanted to make a difference to the lives of people so close to home.

Mrs Bannister, the class teacher said

"Our young people have planned this event in every detail; from publicity to fitness planners and even writing to local supermarkets to ask for sponsorship.  We couldn't be more proud of their dedication to those less fortunate and their enthusiasm for the 'Young Leaders Award' project."

Kate Denney, Primary Schools Lead at The Archbishop of York Youth Trust said

“What an amazing group of children who have really taken on board the concept that they can ‘be the change they want to see’. What a fantastic, creative idea and what a difference they have all made. I know these pupils will go on to continue into adulthood with skills and inspiration which will empower them to look at the world and make it better.”

To date the Youth Trust have enrolled over 350 Primary and Secondary schools to the Young Leaders Awards, empowering some 37,000 young people to put leadership into action and make a difference in other people's lives through acts of service and community volunteering.

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