Children at a Derbyshire school have turned Easter bunny by giving more than 100 chocolate eggs to put smiles on the faces of vulnerable housing trust residents living in the county.
Every pupil at Norbury C of E Primary School near Ashbourne has bought an Easter egg for residents of Derventio Housing Trust, which provides accommodation for hundreds of people around the UK who would otherwise be homeless. Staff joined in by donating eggs of their own, while some children at the 75-pupil school went even further and brought in more than one Easter egg, contributing to a generous final total.
Derventio Housing Trust gives housing to people who have lost their homes for a range of reasons, including mental health trauma, relationship breakdowns, redundancy, spiralling costs or other challenges.
As well as providing accommodation, the organisation also runs projects to help residents gain life skills and boost confidence, including a Growing Lives day centre in Ilkeston that provides activities including a bicycle workshop, craft sessions, gardening and cooking.
Children at the school were keen to help after hearing from a resident helped by Derventio Housing Trust who paid a visit along with his support worker.
Head teacher Sally Wright said: “I am incredibly proud of our children. This project has given them an important opportunity to build empathy and to think deeply about the experiences of others. By giving an Easter egg to someone they may never meet, the children have learned that even a small act of kindness can have a real and meaningful impact. It shows someone that they are cared for, and that simple gestures can help brighten another person’s day.”
Children and staff handed over the huge pile of eggs at their special Easter service held in the picturesque St Mary & St Barlok Church in Norbury.
Sarah Hernandez, managing director of Derventio Housing Trust, said: “An Easter egg is something that’s taken for granted by so many of us but residents living in Derventio Housing Trust accommodation often miss out on seasonal celebrations like this. This kind gesture from children at Norbury CE Primary School is very much appreciated. An Easter egg is a small treat but for residents to know they are being thought of at this time of year will mean a great deal indeed.”
