The Rotary Club of Buckie offered local schools £50 and invited them to "make it grow" in order to fund the purchase of ShelterBoxes. All schools in the Buckie area took up the challenge. With the support of the pupils, teachers, parents, the Rotary Club of Buckie, the congregations of St Peter's and St Mary's and the wider community, funds were raised to purchase 32 ShelterBoxes.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disaster worldwide.
Rotary Club of Buckie ShelterBox Showcase
The ShelterBox Showcase highlighted the remarkable enterprising attitudes of young people in the Buckie area. Offered £50 seed capitals by Buckie Rotary Club, pupils were able to make it grow for a cause they believed in.
Pupils in Portessie Primary were remarkably quick off the mark organizing a very successful Bring and Buy sale. A video reflected the importance of ShelterBoxes for those who have lost everything and pupils willingness to take action.
Older Portknockie pupils, environmentally aware, held a recycled fashion show to which parents and friends were invited. Younger pupils held an imaginative Craft Fair and pancake tea. All were keen to respond to the ShelterBox challenge.
Pupils in Portgordon Primary School worked in partnership and in teams to organize a concert with accompanying refreshments and a raffle. Different teams took responsibility for publicity, tickets, sales, etc. The video prepared by staff showed how much pupils had learned and contributed.
Pupils in St Peters Primary showed what could be achieved by collaboration. They had studied the effects of disasters on impoverished communities and determined to do something about it. The resulting coffee morning on Pancake Day was a great success. Thanks to the generosity of parents and friends, once again there was a spectacular raffle.
Cluny Primary pupils demonstrated their self-reliance and willingness to help others when they committed to "extra" sponsored tasks at home such as cleaning and washing up. Some pupils, aware of the need for healthy lifestyles undertook a sponsored walk, while other year groups organized a "Bake-a-thon" and beetle drive.
In Cullen a Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy sale created much interest. Pupils used their creative skills to produce their own "Primary Post" newspaper and organized a Crazy Hair Day that was almost won by the headteacher.
The approach in Findochty Primary School included a world theme, with pupils holding a Caribbean Day and selling fruit kebabs. Pupils used their problem solving skills in activities to design bridges and badges and make models.
Millbank pupils sustained interest in ShelterBoxes with five "dress as you please" days spread across the year. A toy sale was popular and led to many toys changing hands. Pupils researched the Titanic disaster and then held a themed Open Day for parents, while a P7 carwash proved popular with staff and parents.
Finally, the Buckie High students, although heavily involved in their exams, wanted to contribute to the ShelterBox cause. Enterprising students saw a market for heart-shaped lollipops on Valentine's Day and organized a bakes sale. They are now planning a welcome shorts and shades disco for Primary 7.
Malcolm Watt, convenor of Rotary's International Committee, said in summing up that he was amazed by the ingenuity, resilience and determination shown by all the young people. They had been deeply affected by a string of natural disasters and had shown a determination and commitment to do something about it. The ShelterBox Showcase had been an excellent opportunity to demonstrate, not only the presentation and information technology skills of pupils, but the willingness of pupils to make the world better. Mr Watt acknowledged that behind such skilled pupils there were supportive parents and excellent teachers. Teachers had collaborated across the whole Buckie area, learning from each other and enhancing the education of pupils.
