COMMUNITY SERVICE
Giving back
t’s not uncommon to have a slightly jaundiced view of our fellow humans, particularly when it comes to helping others. And you don’t have to look too far to find facts and figures which reinforce the sense that doing good is just so early millennium. Studies suggest that the percentage of people taking part in sponsored fundraising events has dropped by almost half since 2018. Donations to charity have taken a similar hit, falling by over a billion pounds between 2020 and 2021, according to the Charities Aid Foundation. Of course, there have been other factors at work, Covid-19 in particular, and it could well be that the trend reverses in the months to come. Anyone seeking inspiration in the meantime could do worse than follow the example of our area’s schools, which are full of heartening stories. Here, the desire to give back isn’t just growing, but never went away in the first place. After all, the link between schools and service goes back decades – and more. You could even say it’s in schools’ DNA given that many, including some in our area, were founded to do good by providing deserving children with a first-class free Schools throughout the region are emphasising the importance of community ties, providing initiatives that make a difference
26 AUTUMN/WINTER 2023
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