A virtual pet show is enabling Ripon Grammar School students to help young people affected by the pandemic.
The imaginative idea ensures the show can go on, using Instagram as the platform to show off dogs, cats and other pets.
The school’s Prince’s Trust charity team is asking for photographs showcasing the best and cutest pets, for a suggested donation of £2. Cash and pet hamper prizes will be awarded in three categories for dogs, cats and other animals.
More than 50 favourite photographs have already been entered. The closing date is March 10 and winners will be announced later in the month.
All money raised will go towards the Prince’s Trust, which helps young people all over the UK. The charity helps them to build confidence and skills, while supporting them into education, jobs and training.
Organiser Alice Simmerson, who has entered her own dog, Flo, into the show, said:
“I feel confident that, despite lockdown, we can achieve our aims to raise a large sum of money for such a good cause.”
Will this cat win one of the Ripon Grammar School Pet Show prizes?
Student Molly Acton said she and the other members of the 13-strong RGS Prince’s Trust team feel strongly about helping young people adversely affected by the pandemic.
She added:
“I feel proud to be raising money for this charity, despite being confined to home. Even though we may be struggling to control our own lives, we can still help others.
“With education interrupted, the loss of apprenticeships and increasing youth unemployment, young people especially have suffered at the hands of the pandemic. If we can help in any way to make their lives easier and more sustainable, we must.”
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Previously, a team led by Marcus Bartlem raised £200 for the Prince’s Trust with a cake sale at school before the recent lockdown. It also sold candy canes before Christmas and aims to raise around £1,000 in total by the end of this academic year.
Marcus said:
“I’m happy the money is going to such a good cause, helping young people to stay on their feet when the coronavirus has derailed so many lives.”
Future fundraising plans include completing the Three Peaks walk, within guidelines, in 24 hours, and a funky tie or socks day once school re-opens.
