Pupils and teachers at a Carrickfergus school were thrilled to have a surprise visit from Pantosaurus as they get ready to host a superhero-themed fundraising event for the NSPCC’s flagship Childhood Day.
The friendly yellow dinosaur is the mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign that helps parents, carers and professionals have simple conversations with children in their care that help keep them safe from sexual abuse.
Joining forces with Lidl Carrickfergus, Victoria Primary School will be hosting a very special Superhero Day on Thursday 10 June to mark Childhood Day, and Pantosaurus dropped by to find out about their plans.
Pupils will be dressing up as their favourite superhero, which can be anyone from Superman or Supergirl to one of the remarkable NHS staff or key workers.
Donations will be made to the charity and children will receive a specially designed Lidl Superhero poster to colour in, Lidl lollypops, as well as some special merchandise from the NSPCC for all the children to enjoy.
The class that raises the most donations will receive a very special 'Lidl Superhero Party' with lots of goodies from the store to enjoy.
Joanne McMaster, Supporter Fundraising Manager at NSPCC Northern Ireland said:
“Lidl Northern Ireland is such an amazing and valued long-term supporter of NSPCC Northern Ireland and we are so grateful for their support. The Childhood Day event at Victoria Primary School will be such a fun day for everyone and will raise much-needed funds for children in Northern Ireland who have experienced so many challenges over the last year.
“Now, as lockdown has eased, we are calling on everyone in Northern Ireland to play their part in giving children a great summer and brighter future by taking part in Childhood Day and organising an event to raise money and help keep children safe.”
After a year in which Childline delivered almost 90,000 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK about mental wellbeing and abuse alone, Childhood Day is a chance for people to play their part by playing, whilst raising money to help keep all children across Northern Ireland safe.
Seanna Orr, Charity Champion at Lidl Northern Ireland commented:
“It was fantastic to welcome Pantosaurus to Victoria Primary School on Wednesday 26 May and we look forward to hosting our Superhero Day on Thursday 10 June.
“Both children and staff alike cannot wait to get dressed up and have fun and we are delighted to support the NSPCC, which has continued to support children and young people throughout the pandemic, by raising much-needed funds this Childhood Day.”
Carrickfergus Lidl will be selling limited edition Superhero Cones to all community Lidl Superheroes. They will be available in-store from Monday 7th June for £1 with all proceeds going directly to the NSPCC.
The charity has launched a new film that encourages people to play their part for children by downloading a fundraising pack and organising a play event on Childhood Day on Friday 11th June. For further details of how to take part in Childhood Day, please contact:
Childline is available for young people every day of the year on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.