Children’s bake sale brings sweet success for Hedgehugs Hospital
Four enthusiastic Year 5 pupils from Castleford Park Junior Academy have proved that even the smallest ideas can lead to meaningful change after organising a successful charity bake sale in support of a local hedgehog rescue.
Twins Lola and Ted Wilson, alongside classmates Isaac Dixon and Charlie Weaver, first sparked the idea during a conversation in class.
Their teacher, Mrs Charis Bednar, overheard them chatting about pretending to raise money for an animal charity. Instead of dismissing the idea as play, she suggested turning it into reality.
The pupils were thrilled. With the support of Mrs Bednar and fellow teacher Miss Ella Collinson, planning began immediately.
Together, they held meetings to discuss their charity of choice, eventually deciding to support Hedgehugs Hospital, a small, largely self‑funded hedgehog rescue run from home by local volunteers Theresa and Julie.
Mrs Bednar reached out to Theresa, who was delighted by the children’s initiative and grateful for their support. Encouraged by her response, the pupils threw themselves into organising the event.
Families soon joined the effort, helping the children bake an impressive selection of cakes, buns, and cookies. Meanwhile, Mrs Bednar and Miss Collinson promoted the event across school to ensure a strong turnout.
On February 5, the four pupils confidently took charge of the after‑school bake sale, managing money, greeting customers, and sharing information about the charity. They even gave up their Friday break time to continue selling remaining baked goods to staff and pupils.
Their hard work paid off: the event raised over £150 for Hedgehugs Hospital.
Theresa and the Hedgehugs team expressed their delight and gratitude, emphasising how meaningful the contribution is for their work caring for sick and injured hedgehogs in the community.
Mrs Bednar praised the children’s dedication: “What started as a simple conversation turned into a brilliant opportunity for these pupils to show initiative, compassion and teamwork. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Castleford Park Junior Academy hopes the success of the event will inspire further pupil‑led community projects in the future.