SIR,

I am writing to you on behalf of Monmouth Comprehensive School's Charity Committee, to let you know about the fundraising activities we have planned this year.

Already, we have raised over £900 for Monmouth Off Street Project, a charity aiming to improve outdoor facilities for young people in Monmouth. They are currently working on a new skate-park and a BMX pumptrack.

Additionally, we have been collecting donations for BulliesOut, a charity aiming to tackle bullying within schools, and the ongoing effects that it can have on young people.

Friday 15th November is Children in Need day, and students nationwide will be coming in wearing pyjamas and onesies.

We will also be auctioning a giant Pudsey bear cake, and every form group in the school will be creating their very own Pudsey entirely out of copper coins.

Throughout the month, we will be collecting donations for Movember. Many male members of staff, and some students, will be growing moustaches to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer.

We have also launched this year's Operation Christmas Child campaign, which will run until Friday 22nd November. We are collecting shoeboxes full of toys for children in less fortunate circumstances than ourselves.

If anyone wishes to take part, wrap a shoebox in wrapping paper, fill it with toys for a child of whichever age you wish, and bring it to the school reception with three pounds to cover the postage.

Last academic year, Monmouth Comprehensive School raised over £14,000 pounds for charity. Let's try to top that by next summer.

Alexei Warshawski

(Joint head of Charity Committee)