Rooted in the Gospel, social justice lies at the heart of Xaverian College’s mission, and this term, our students and staff have once again demonstrated the power of compassion, generosity and community action. Through three major charitable initiatives, the College has supported some of the most vulnerable people in our local area, putting faith into action in meaningful and practical ways. 

Harvest Appeal 

Earlier this term, Year 12 and Year 13 students explored the theme of Human Dignity in their Core RE lessons. Inspired by this work, they launched the first charitable appeal of the academic year, supporting the Cornerstone Day Centre in Moss Side. 

Cornerstone serves up to 900 regular service users, including people experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers, and those fleeing domestic violence. The centre provides essentials such as hot meals, clothing, hygiene facilities and access to psychological therapies. 

Students were asked, if in a position to do so, to bring non-perishable food items to their Core RE lessons over a two-week period. The response was extraordinary. Thousands of donated items were collected and delivered to Cornerstone at the end of October. 

A group of students accompanied staff to drop off the donations, receiving a tour of the centre and hearing first-hand how the Church lives out the Gospel by serving the most vulnerable people in our community. Their contributions will make a significant difference to individuals facing hardship this winter. 

Toy Appeal 

For more than half a century, Xaverian College has come together each year to bring joy to children who may otherwise not receive gifts on Christmas Day. This proud tradition continued throughout November and December as staff and students once again united to support the Christmas Toy Appeal. 

Fundraising took place across the College community, from sponsored sporting events and talent shows to bake sales, Christmas fairs and tutor-group collections. The money raised was used to purchase a large number of gifts for local children, all of which were carefully wrapped and delivered to partner charities ahead of Christmas. 

The gifts are then passed anonymously to parents and guardians, allowing them the dignity of placing presents for their children under the tree themselves. 

The Toy Appeal began many years ago and was introduced by a Xaverian teacher who wanted every child in the local community to experience the joy of receiving at least one Christmas present. Though the project has evolved over time, its purpose remains unchanged, sharing hope, kindness and the spirit of Christmas where it is needed most. 

Advent Appeal 

This term also saw the launch of the Advent Appeal, coordinated by the College’s Mission & Ethos Team. This year’s appeal supports Burnage Foodbank, which provides vital emergency food parcels to individuals and families across Burnage and the surrounding areas. 

Staff have been asked to contribute a range of urgently needed non-perishable items, helping ensure that those struggling with food insecurity have access to essential supplies during the winter months. 

Members of Xaverian’s CAFOD Young Leaders group have been volunteering at Burnage Foodbank in recent weeks. They have witnessed firsthand the dedication of the volunteers and the life-changing impact that the foodbank has on the local community. Their experiences have inspired even greater commitment to this year’s appeal. 

Tony Knowles, Principal, commented: “Together, these charitable projects reflect the heart of our mission – to uphold human dignity, stand with the marginalised, and bring Gospel values to life through service. We are immensely proud of our students and staff for their compassion, leadership and willingness to act. 

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed time, resources or energy to these appeals. Your generosity is transforming lives and continues to show what it means to be part of the Xaverian community.”  

Xaverian College is a leading sixth form college in Manchester, dedicated to helping young people thrive academically and personally. To find out more, visit www.xaverian.ac.uk.