Sanday School’s ‘Swim to Ukraine’ fundraiser

Pupils and staff from Sanday School will be swimming to Ukraine – thanks to the island’s swimming pool – in a bid to raise money for the ongoing humanitarian effort.

Around 60 pupils from P1-S4 will be taking part, alongside members of staff, to raise as much as possible for the DEC Ukraine Appeal. Every penny donated in sponsorship will be donated to the effort.

Principal Teacher, Kristen Muir, said it’s around 2,200 miles to Ukraine so they will be scaling the sponsored swim accordingly and counting all swimming lengths during the school and public sessions.

“All staff and pupils were keen to do something meaningful and raise much needed money to support the humanitarian efforts. Although we are far removed from what Ukrainians are experiencing, we can still empathise, educate, and share our thoughts and feelings. We are very proud of our young people, and indeed our whole community for playing their part and wanting to raise money.

“We are very fortunate to have full use of our swimming pool - which is run by volunteer lifeguards & key holders. This term pupils have received weekly swimming lessons and can attend public sessions in their own time.”

So far, they have reached Edinburgh so there’s a way to go yet, but the pupils are determined to keep going.

Here’s some of their thoughts:

“The swim challenge is a hard task to complete but doing it for Ukraine is really driving us all to swim more lengths as it will benefit so many people. I try to swim as many lengths as [possible each week for the Ukraine refugees.”

“We are helping to get food for Ukraine and I am swimming lengths I the pool to help.”

“I really like swimming and I want to help the people in Ukraine so the swim is a good idea.”

“I think the swim is a good idea because it will help the people and it will be a good challenge.”

If you would like to donate please contact the school office. All families have a sponsor form and there is one in each island shop.