10 October 2025
Miss Mirin Niekirk, Chaplaincy Assistant
As we gathered to celebrate our Harvest Festival assembly on Monday 6 October, we focused on this year’s Sacred Heart Goal of Community. Our thoughts were of those less fortunate than ourselves, and how we could show them love and support by helping the wonderful work of Purley Food Hub with our harvest festival donations.
Sacred Heart Ribbon Liv, who led our Sacred Heart Reps in collecting and organising donations, said, “It was inspiring to see how everyone played their part, whether donating, sorting, or helping to gather all the donations from around school site (no small task!). This year’s Harvest Festival was a wonderful celebration of generosity, gratitude, and community. Throughout the week, students, staff, and families came together to provide a fantastic range of donations for the Purley Food Hub, including tinned food, cereal, milk and other essentials. Every single item contributed will make a meaningful difference to local families who are struggling, ensuring that support is available not only now but also in the months, ahead.”
Hub volunteer Helen Harris joined our Harvest Festival assembly for the 12th time since Purley Food Hub opened in 2013. She spoke of the Hub’s gratitude for Woldingham’s donations and reminded us of those living just a short distance from our school who don’t have access to necessities in life that we often take for granted. Since Purley Food Hub opened, with the support of generous donations from the local community, it has provided 400,000 meals for more than 45,000 people. Helen told us that she dreams of the day that the Hub closes due to the lack of need for it, but fears that this dream is a long way off, as its services are needed now by more by people than ever.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our Harvest Festival appeal with your generous donations. Purley Food Hub is normally well-stocked with donations, but its storeroom was only a quarter full on the day Helen visited us, so please consider regular donations, where you can make a huge difference to those who need help most.