Charities and Fundraising
Charitable fundraising at De La Salle plays an important role in bringing our Lasallian values to life. Through a wide range of events and activities, students, staff, and families come together to support those in need locally and globally. These efforts help build a strong sense of community, encourage social awareness, and give students’ meaningful opportunities to develop leadership, compassion, and responsibility. Fundraising is not just about giving—it’s about living out our shared commitment to service and making a positive difference in the world.
Over the previous school year we raised money for:
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Charities, Fundraising & Service FAITH IN ACTION • SERVICE • SOLIDARITY • COMMUNITY |
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Charitable giving and fundraising are an important part of life at De La Salle School. Students, staff and families work together to support people locally, nationally and internationally through fundraising, collections, sponsored events, awareness campaigns and practical service. These experiences help students live out Catholic Social Teaching and the Lasallian commitment to faith, dignity, inclusive community and concern for the poor and social justice. |
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HOW OUR STUDENTS GET INVOLVED Students help plan and promote fundraising events, take part in sponsored activities, collect food and essential items, lead campaigns through Student Council and Chaplaincy, support awareness days, volunteer at events and encourage their peers to participate. Their formation also extends beyond school through diocesan and Lasallian opportunities such as FLAME, student leadership training, Youth Mass and the Lasallian Camp, where faith, service and leadership are experienced in wider Catholic and Lasallian communities. |
Harvest at De La Salle 2026: Living Our Lasallian Values Through Faith, Generosity and Service
Student Leadership, House Saints and Our School Community Come Together to Celebrate Harvest
At De La Salle School, Basildon, our annual Harvest celebrations have once again demonstrated the generosity, compassion and strong sense of community that lie at the heart of our Catholic and Lasallian identity.
This year, our newly appointed Student Leadership Team played an important role in organising and promoting our Harvest Food Collection, working through our House Saints system to encourage students across all year groups to support individuals and families experiencing hardship.
Alongside the charitable collection, our dedicated school catering team embraced the spirit of Harvest, creating a wonderful seasonal celebration within our school canteen.
Inspired by Our House Saints
Our House Saints provide an important foundation for developing faith, belonging and service across the school. Inspired by the example of their patron saints, students were encouraged to demonstrate kindness, compassion and generosity through practical action.
Each house collected donations of essential food items, including tinned goods, pasta, rice, cereals and other non-perishable products. Colour-coded collection boxes encouraged teamwork, house pride and friendly competition, while reinforcing the importance of working together for the benefit of others.
The response from our students, families and staff was outstanding, with a wonderful collection of food donations forming the centrepiece of our Harvest display.
Beyond the friendly competition, the collection encouraged students to reflect on the example of their House Saints and recognise that even the smallest act of generosity can have a meaningful impact on another person’s life.
Our New Student Leadership Team Leading by Example
Our new Head Boy, Lateef, and Head Girl, Rosalyn, alongside Deputy Head Students Enzo, Louis, Mia and Chloe, helped champion this important initiative across the school.
Their involvement demonstrated the importance of servant leadership within our Lasallian community, encouraging others to recognise their responsibility to support those most in need.
Through their enthusiasm and commitment, the Student Leadership Team helped bring our school houses together around a shared purpose, demonstrating that leadership is not simply about holding a position of responsibility, but about making a positive difference to the lives of others.
Celebrating Our Outstanding Catering Team
Our Harvest celebrations were also brought to life through the enthusiasm, creativity and dedication of our school catering team, who worked incredibly hard to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere for students and staff.
The canteen was transformed with beautiful autumnal decorations, sunflowers, pumpkins and seasonal displays, alongside a delicious Harvest-inspired menu featuring a variety of freshly prepared dishes.
A special mention must go to Emily Jones, Assistant Cook, whose hard work, commitment and positive contribution, alongside the efforts of the entire kitchen team, helped make the occasion such a success.
Behind every meal served is a team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure that our students are well cared for each day. Their work often takes place behind the scenes, but their contribution to the daily life and wellbeing of our school community is invaluable.
The Harvest celebrations provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise not only the team’s culinary skills and creativity, but also the warmth, enthusiasm and care they bring to their work.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Emily and every member of the catering team for their exceptional efforts, teamwork and continued dedication to our students.
Their contribution reflects the Lasallian values of respect, community and service that we seek to promote throughout every aspect of school life.
Catholic Social Teaching in Action
Our Harvest celebrations provide a meaningful opportunity for students to put Catholic Social Teaching into practice, particularly the principles of Human Dignity, Solidarity, the Common Good and the Preferential Option for the Poor.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” — Matthew 25:35
This powerful message calls us to recognise Christ in those experiencing poverty and hardship, and to respond with compassion and practical support.
Our Harvest Food Collection is a visible expression of this responsibility, encouraging students to recognise that faith must be demonstrated through actions as well as words.
Living Our Five Lasallian Principles
Our Harvest celebrations reflect the five core Lasallian principles that guide our school community:
- Faith in the Presence of God: Recognising Christ in those we serve and support.
- Concern for the Poor and Social Justice: Providing practical assistance to individuals and families experiencing food poverty.
- Respect for All Persons: Recognising the dignity and worth of every individual.
- Inclusive Community: Bringing together students, staff, families, school houses and our catering team in a shared celebration of generosity.
- Quality Education: Encouraging young people to understand their responsibility to contribute positively to society and care for others.
A Community United in Faith, Gratitude and Service
The success of this year’s Harvest celebrations is a wonderful reflection of the generosity, kindness and commitment demonstrated throughout our school community.
We are immensely proud of our new Student Leadership Team for their contribution to the Harvest Food Collection and grateful to the families, students and staff who donated so generously.
We also recognise the outstanding efforts of our catering team, whose hard work and creativity helped make Harvest a memorable celebration for the whole school.
At De La Salle, Harvest reminds us that being Lasallian means living our faith through everyday acts of kindness, generosity and service. Inspired by our House Saints and united as one school community, we continue to demonstrate that small acts of compassion can make a significant difference.
St John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!
CAFOD & Global Solidarity
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Soup, Solidarity and Service for CAFOD Family Fast Day 2026 Our Caritas Team invited students and staff to choose a simple bowl of soup as an alternative lunch in support of CAFOD’s Family Fast Day. More than 100 members of our school community took part — a fantastic expression of solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world who face poverty, hunger and injustice. As a Lasallian community, we are called not simply to learn about the needs of others, but to respond with compassion and action, especially in our concern for the poor and for social justice. By giving up something small today, our students demonstrated that simple acts, when undertaken together, can make a real difference. A huge thank you to our Caritas Team and everyone who helped prepare and serve the soup, and to all those who took part or donated. Faith in action. Together and by association. CAFOD • Lent • Solidarity • £152.00 raised |
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01 CAFOD Big Lent Walk Walking together in solidarity At the beginning of Lent, every student at De La Salle took part in a 2km Big Lent Walk around the school grounds in support of CAFOD. Students first heard from CAFOD about its work with communities experiencing poverty and injustice around the world. The whole-school walk then provided an opportunity for students and staff to act together in solidarity. Pupils participated, sought sponsorship and encouraged friends and family to support the campaign, with strong support from the PE Department and wider school community. Amount raised: £734.50. CAFOD • Lent • Solidarity • £734.50 raised |
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02 CAFOD Family Fast Day 2025 Choosing simplicity in solidarity with others As part of CAFOD Family Fast Day, students and staff were invited to stand in solidarity with communities experiencing poverty and hunger. Our Soup Kitchen initiative encouraged members of the school community to share a simple meal while reflecting on the experiences of people for whom access to food cannot be taken for granted. Students helped promote the initiative, took part in the meal and considered the reasons behind fasting and charitable giving. Amount raised: £238.00. CAFOD • Fasting • Empathy • £238.00 raised |
Local Charity & Compassion
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03 Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society Supporting children and families in our local area De La Salle is proud to support the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society, which works with children, young people and families across Essex and East London. Students can become involved through fundraising activities, awareness campaigns and opportunities to learn about the challenges faced by children and families within their own communities. Supporting a local Catholic charity helps pupils see that poverty, hardship and vulnerability are not distant issues. Local Community • Catholic Charity • Human Dignity • Compassion |
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04 St Luke’s Hospice Santa Run Festive fundraising with a serious purpose St Luke’s Hospice provides compassionate palliative and end-of-life care to people living with illnesses that are no longer curable, while supporting their families and helping people maintain dignity and choice. In December, De La Salle held a festive Santa Run to raise funds for the hospice. Students took part together, raised sponsorship and helped create a positive whole-school event. Amount raised: £320.00. Hospice • Dignity • Compassion • £320.00 raised |
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05 Macmillan Cancer Support Supporting people affected by cancer Our school community supports Macmillan Cancer Support, helping to raise awareness and funds for people affected by cancer and their families. Students can become involved through fundraising activities, awareness campaigns and conversations about the importance of supporting people through illness. The focus encourages pupils to consider not only the individual experiencing illness but also the effect on families and communities. Macmillan • Awareness • Compassion • Support |
Practical Service Close to Home
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06 Supporting Our Local Food Bank Practical service within our own community Supporting people within our immediate community is an important part of our charitable mission. Students and families contribute food and essential household items to support local people experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity. Pupils may help promote collections, bring in donations, sort items and learn more about why food banks are needed within local communities. Food Bank • Local Service • Social Justice • Dignity |
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07 Reverse Advent Calendar Giving rather than receiving during Advent During Advent, students and families donate food, toiletries and other essential items through the Reverse Advent Calendar. Instead of receiving something each day, the school community gives to people in need. The initiative connects charitable action directly with the Christian meaning of Advent as a season of hope, preparation and making room for Christ through service to others. Advent • Generosity • Service • Hope |
Our Lasalian Project in Kenya
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08 Our Lasallian Project in Kenya Supporting St Luke’s School, Abossi Our partnership with St Luke’s School in Abossi, Kenya is a significant example of international Lasallian solidarity. In July 2025, J. Tyler and P. Futcher travelled to Kenya to support the development of the school, particularly the construction of a new classroom and ICT room. Before the visit, the De La Salle community raised funds through a quiz night and Cultural Dress Non-Uniform Day. Money raised enabled St Luke’s to purchase four laptops, a projector, textbooks and educational resources. Staff also attended Mass, worked alongside builders and taught Geography and Mathematics. Kenya • Lasallian Solidarity • Quality Education • Global Community |
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09 A Continuing Kenya Partnership Building lasting change through sustained solidarity The partnership with St Luke’s continued after the 2025 visit. Throughout 2025-2026, fundraising included staff bingo, quiz nights and another Cultural Dress Non-Uniform Day. The generosity of the De La Salle community helped contribute towards the construction of two new toilet blocks for staff and students. During 2026-2027, the next stage of fundraising will support new shower facilities for students who board at the school. Continuing Partnership • Sanitation • Dignity • Lasting Change |
Wellbeing & Service
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10 YoungMinds Supporting emotional wellbeing and challenging stigma Through our support for YoungMinds, students are encouraged to recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing and challenge stigma surrounding mental health. Pupils can participate through awareness activities, fundraising, discussions and campaigns designed to encourage young people to support themselves and one another. The work contributes to a school culture in which wellbeing can be discussed openly and appropriately. YoungMinds • Wellbeing • Resilience • Inclusion |
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11 St Vincent de Paul Society - SVP Moving from awareness to practical action The principles of the St Vincent de Paul Society are closely connected to our mission of serving people experiencing poverty, isolation or disadvantage. Students are encouraged to take part in collections and practical acts of service, including donating essential items and supporting initiatives for local families. Student leaders and members of the chaplaincy community can help promote collections and encourage participation across the school. SVP • Service • Local Families • Catholic Social Teaching |
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12 Supporting Children’s Mental Health Caring for the whole person Throughout the year, De La Salle supports initiatives that raise awareness of and provide support for children’s mental health and wellbeing. Students participate in awareness activities, assemblies, discussions and fundraising opportunities designed to encourage open conversations about wellbeing. These activities reinforce the importance of seeking help, supporting one another and building a community in which every young person feels they belong. Mental Health • Belonging • Empathy • Whole-Person Formation |
Wider Faith, leadership & Lasallian Formation
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13 FLAME 2025 Unstoppable - Fan the Flame of Hope On Saturday 15 March 2025, OVO Arena Wembley welcomed more than 10,000 young people from dioceses across England and Wales for FLAME, the national Catholic youth gathering. The theme was “Unstoppable - Fan the Flame of Hope”, reflecting the Jubilee Year call to be Pilgrims of Hope. Speakers and performers included Brother Chris Patiño FSC, Bear Grylls, One Hope Project, Guvna B and Adeniké. De La Salle attended with 35 young people and five members of staff: Mrs Tough, Mr Norris, Miss Reynolds, Mrs Quinnell and Mr Purcell. It was a faith-filled day of prayer, worship, music, testimony and Eucharistic Adoration, giving our students an experience of Church on a scale many had never encountered before. The group thoroughly enjoyed the day, with some already hoping to return for FLAME 2027. 15 March 2025 • 35 Students • 5 Staff • National Catholic Youth Gathering |
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14 Student Leadership - Diocese of Brentwood From diocesan formation to action in school In July 2026, Mrs Tough and Mr Mongan accompanied our newly appointed Head Students and their deputies to Campion for a diocesan student leadership day organised by Caritas Brentwood and the Diocese of Brentwood Education Department. Our students met student leaders from other Catholic schools across the Diocese, shared ideas and began formulating a plan of action to bring back and implement at De La Salle. The programme supports young people in seeing leadership as service and gives them practical opportunities to develop student voice, Catholic life and community action. A follow-up leadership day is planned for October 2026, enabling the students to review progress and develop their work further. July 2026 • Campion • Caritas Brentwood • Follow-up October 2026 |
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15 Lasallian Camp at Kintbury Faith, friendship and community across the District From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 July 2026, seven De La Salle students from Years 9 and 10 travelled to Kintbury for the annual Lasallian Camp, joining young people from across the UK, Jersey and Malta. Students were placed in mixed teams and took part in activities including archery, oversized football, an art workshop, low ropes, the climbing wall and a team walk. The residential experience gave pupils the chance to build friendships beyond their own school, take on new challenges and experience the wider Lasallian family in a relaxed and supportive setting. With excellent weather throughout the weekend, the camp was a memorable experience and many of our young people are already eager to secure a place at next year’s camp. 3-5 July 2026 • 7 Students • Years 9 & 10 • UK • Jersey • Malta |
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16 Diocesan Youth Mass Young people taking an active place in the Church Each month, a group of De La Salle students is accompanied to Brentwood Cathedral for the Diocesan Youth Mass. The evening begins with a pizza and discussion session before young people join the wider diocesan community for Mass. We are grateful to Mr Purcell, Mr Futcher, Miss Davies and Mr Mongan for supporting these regular opportunities. In October, the Youth Mass was celebrated by the Bishop as part of the Jubilee Year. At the May Mass, Jahmaine in Year 8 took an active liturgical role by proclaiming the First Reading, demonstrating the growing confidence of our young people in the worshipping life of the Church. Monthly • Brentwood Cathedral • Pizza & Talk • Mass • Student Ministry |
