YOUNG adventurers are hoping to have their fundraising efforts in the bag after taking to the checkouts to raise money for the trip of a lifetime.
Pupils from Haughton Academy, Darlington, helped shoppers at Morrisons with their weekly groceries by staging a sponsored bag pack at the supermarket’s stores on North Road and Morton Park.
The 18 pupils, from Year 7 to Year 10, are part of a 68-strong group, including five staff and one adult volunteer, who will travel to Courmayeur, Italy, for an eight day ski trip in March 2019, the first for ten years.
Haughton Academy deputy head teacher and ski course organiser Jamie Bettney said: “It is about ten years since our school has organised a ski trip and the uptake from pupils has been fantastic.
“The vast majority going to Courmayeur have never skied before and for some of them it will be the first time that they have been abroad.
“To help try and keep the costs down for pupils and parents we’ve organised a number of fundraising events.”
The academy has also negotiated a deal for clothing hire with ski firm Interski for the school party, which will travel to Italy by ferry from Dover to Calais, then across France by coach to the Italian border.
“It will be a great experience for everyone involved,” said Mr Bettney. “They will be taught to ski, learn a new language and get to experience a whole new culture, alongside enjoying a host of evening activities, such as ice skating, pizza night, karaoke, swimming and ice tubing.
“Hopefully they will all have a fantastic time and tell other pupils when they return so that it can become an annual academy event.”
Alongside raising money for the trip, pupils also fund-raised for Morrisons’ charity of the year, CLIC Sergeant, which helps to support young people with cancer.
Community champion for Morrisons Melanie Reid said: “We like to work with local community groups and schools to help them fundraise for various events which in turn also helps our nominated charity CLIC Sergeant.
“The pupils are doing a great job and will hopefully raise lots of money to help with their school trip.”
Pupil Jack Mallaby, 13, of Darlington, added: “This will be the first time that I’ve ever been abroad so I’m really excited.”