Big Hearted Highland Pupils

Pupils at primary and secondary schools in the Highlands are gearing up to raise thousands of pounds to help communities and young people across the world who are trying to re-build their lives following the devastation caused by last year’s Asian tsunami.

In February last year, all Highland schools were involved in raising money for the victims of the Asian tsunami. The successful Big Heart Day Highland 2005 raised a total of £65,301 for the appeal. However, one year on from the disaster, many of the tsunami affected areas still have a lot of work to be done to help people regain livelihoods, homes, health, education and community life. 

This year, Bruce Robertson, Director of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service, has asked schools to support another Big Heart Day Highland 2006, to mark the anniversary of last years event, and help support in rebuilding communities. On Wednesday 8 February, all 220 schools across the Highlands will be asked to raise as much as they can, through activities of their choice.

Mr Robertson said: "Following the success of last year’s event, we would like to continue our support of the rebuilding of tsunami affected communities. The region of Tamil Nadu in southern India was one of the worst affected areas, so the money raised this year will go towards the ongoing work in that region. It is hoped once again that children will come up with creative and inventive fundraising ideas, to make this another great day."

Last year schools organised a wide range of fund-raising events including: