Mini Vinnies

Mini Vinnies at Our Lady of Walsingham

At Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary, our Mini Vinnies are young members of the St Vincent de Paul Society who put their faith into action. They follow the simple but powerful mission of “See, Think, Do” – noticing the needs around them, reflecting on how Jesus calls us to respond, and taking positive action to make a difference in our school, parish, and wider community.

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, our Mini Vinnies live out values such as dignity, solidarity, stewardship, and the call to serve others. They are a shining example of how children can become agents of change, showing kindness, compassion, and justice in everyday life.

Through prayer, reflection and action, our Mini Vinnies respond to the Gospel message by supporting those in need, raising awareness of important issues, and leading projects that build a caring and inclusive community. They remind us that no one is too small to make a big difference.

 

Fundraising

Garden of Hope: Dedicated to Our Lady

In Summer 2025, our amazing Mini Vinnies launched the Garden of Hope Project, a beautiful initiative dedicated to Mary, our Mother. The project’s aim is to create a peaceful prayer space within our school grounds – a place where pupils, staff and visitors can gather to reflect, pray, and find comfort in God’s presence.

The Garden of Hope is closely linked to the Jubilee Year of Hope, launched by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve 2024, and reflects his call for renewal, faith, and compassion. It also connects to the message of Laudato Si’, reminding us of our shared duty to care for God’s creation and to live in harmony with the world around us.

Through wonderful fundraising efforts – including ice cream sales, a sponsored obstacle event, an own-clothes day, and a joyful Jubilee Disco and receiving business donations from CEMPS (UK) Ltd – our school community raised an incredible £3,200. This generosity made it possible to purchase the statue of Mary, build the garden structure and benches, whilst providing gardening materials, prayer boxes, and other resources to enrich the spiritual experience for everyone both in and around the school grounds. 

The Garden of Hope will be unveiled in the Spring Term of 2026, marking the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope and the beginning of something new – a lasting legacy of faith, care, and community. As we take ownership of the garden, we also take on the responsibility to nurture and protect God’s creation, helping to build a more biodiverse and sustainable environment within our school grounds.

This new beginning represents not just a physical space, but a living symbol of our faith in action – a place where prayer, reflection, and nature come together, inspiring generations to come to treasure the earth and each other in the spirit of Mary, our Mother.

Supporting the Netherton Foodbank

Living Out Our Mission to Help Others

Throughout the year, our school community proudly supports the Netherton Food Bank, working together to provide help and hope to local families in need. Guided by our Mini Vinnies, we collect food, funds, and other essential items through a range of seasonal projects – including the Harvest Festival Food Collection, Spare Change Fridays during Lent, and the Santa Dash at Christmas.

Each initiative reminds us of the importance of generosity and compassion. Whether it’s donating tinned goods, raising money to buy Easter eggs, or collecting treats and toiletries, every act of kindness makes a real difference.

By supporting the Netherton Food Bank, our pupils put their faith into action and live out the message to “love thy neighbour.” Together, we continue to strengthen our community with care, empathy, and service.

Harvest: October Foodbank Weekly Collection

Harvest Festival Food Collection – Organised by the Mini Vinnies

Throughout the month of October, our Mini Vinnies have led a wonderful Harvest Festival Food Collection to support those in need within our community. Each week focused on a different type of donation, encouraging everyone to contribute thoughtfully and generously.

• Week 1 – Help for Hygiene: We began with essential hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo to help families maintain health and dignity.

• Week 2 – Perishable Goods: Next, we collected fresh produce and other short-life foods to bring nutritious meals to local food banks.

• Week 3 – Sweet Treats: A touch of kindness came in the form of chocolates, biscuits, and treats to brighten someone’s day.

• Week 4 – Liquid Donations: We finished the month by gathering juices, milk, and other drinkable items to complete our collection.

A heartfelt thank you to all who donated and supported this month-long initiative. Your generosity helps make a real difference and reflects the true spirit of our Harvest celebration.

Advent: Santa Dash Food Collection

Each Christmas, our school comes together for the annual Santa Dash, a fun and festive event organised by our amazing Mini Vinnies. Dressed in Santa hats and filled with Christmas cheer, the children dash around the school yard to spread joy and raise awareness for those in need.

To take part, every child brings a donation for the local food bank, helping to ensure that families in our community can enjoy a warm and happy Christmas.

The Santa Dash is always a highlight of the season – full of laughter, generosity, and the true spirit of giving. A big thank you to all our pupils, families, and staff who make this event such a success each year!

Lent: Spare Change Friday

During the season of Lent, our dedicated Mini Vinnies lead the way in showing compassion and generosity through our Spare Change Fridays initiative. Each week, children are invited to bring in any spare coins they can to help make a difference.

All the money raised goes towards supporting the Netherton Food Bank, where it is used to buy Easter eggs and other treats for families in need. This simple act of kindness brings hope and joy to others at a special time of year, reminding us all of the true meaning of Lent – giving, caring, and thinking of those less fortunate.

Thank you to everyone who contributes and helps spread love and kindness throughout our community.

Advent: Christmas Card Appeal for the Parish of OLW

Sharing Joy and Love with Our Community

Each year during the Christmas season, our thoughtful Mini Vinnies launch the Christmas Card Appeal, a heart  warming project that involves the whole school. Every child designs and creates a Christmas card filled with festive wishes and kind messages.

These handmade cards are then distributed to pensioners at the Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre, parishioners of Our Lady of Walsingham, and our local neighbours. This special initiative is a beautiful way to remind everyone of the true message of Christmas – to “love thy neighbour” and share joy with others.

Through this simple but meaningful act, our children help brighten the season for many people in our community, spreading warmth, kindness, and the spirit of Christmas.

Lent: Easter Card Appeal for the Parish of OLW

Spreading the Message of New Life and Hope

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, our caring Mini Vinnies invite the whole school to take part in the Easter Card Appeal. This thoughtful project encourages every child to design a beautiful Easter card filled with words of hope, peace, and joy.

The finished cards are delivered to residents of the Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre, parishioners of Our Lady of Walsingham, and others in our local community. These small but meaningful gestures remind people that they are valued and loved, especially during this season of renewal.

Through this act of kindness, our pupils share the true message of Easter – the promise of new beginnings, compassion, and the light that comes from caring for one another.