Mini Vinnies in action at St Mary’s
Who are the Mini Vinnies?
The St Mary’s Mini Vinnies group is for children in Year 5 & 6. Mini Vinnies meet to pray, discuss, support and help make a difference to our school, parish and wider community.
Mini Vinnies truly turn concern into action as they use the simple formula of ‘see, think, do’ to find people in need and help them.
Our group is part of the national Mini Vinnies organisation and we come together to form a part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society England and Wales, a voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms.
In Autumn term 2023 the Mini Vinnies:
Applied to be Mini Vinnies for Year 5.
Led Harvest Festival in church for the whole school.
Arranged the tin appeal for the SVP foodbank.
Wrote to the parents about our Advent alms giving.
Presented to the school about our Advent appeal.
Made Christmas decorations and Christmas cards for residents of the local old people’s home.
Made cards for refugee children.
Collected presents for refugee children.
Arranged the selection box appeal for SVP food bank.
Took part in an Advent wreath blessing service with Father Michael.
Represented the school at Horsforth Remembrance Service.
Organised and made cakes for the Macmillan coffee afternoon.
Organised and ran stalls at the Christmas fundraiser.
In Spring term 2024 the Mini Vinnies:
Led the Family Fast Day and served soup and a roll to KS2 children.
Shared the Lent charity work with the whole school in collective worship.
Led the Stations of the Cross collective worship.
Led the Mother’s Day assembly for the whole school and parents.
Arranged the Easter Egg appeal for the SVP foodbank.
Ran stalls at the Good Shepherd Fundraiser.
Led whole school Mass.
In Summer term 2024 the Mini Vinnies:
Led the school in our Pentecost Picnic.
Presented our Good Shepherd fundraising to the Bishop at Leeds Cathedral.
Planned and led the Flowers for Mary workshop for the school.
Ran a rosary club for KS1 children during May.
Planned and led stalls for our summer fundraiser.
Contributed to the writing of our chaplaincy programme in school.