FUND-RAISING teaching assistant Tracey White has brought more than £70,000 into her school, meaning students only have to pay £5 for trips.
Every year Tracey raises anything from £5,000 to £7,000 through raffles, sponsored walks and seasonal events so that children at the school only have to pay a small fee to go on class outings.
Tracey first started working at the school as a relief dinner lady and from there, decided to join the parent’s association. She now works as a teaching assistant.
“The fund-raising is something I’ve done for around ten years,” said the 55-year-old.
“Since I’ve been working with Julie Allen, the headteacher, we’ve aimed to raise enough so we can give children a school trip.
“We’ve just had our summer fair to raise money and then every Christmas we do a dedication tree where people can buy baubles and put messages on them which then go on the tree. We usually sell around 80 to 100 baubles every year.”
In recognition of her fund-raising efforts, Tracey has recently been awarded with a Hallam FM Hero Award in the Fund-raiser of the Year category, after Julie nominated her for the award.
Tracey has also been nominated for this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.
“I don’t know what to say, it’s lovely to be nominated and just to be recognised,” she said.
“Julie appreciates everything I do for the school, she really does.
“All that really matters is that the children get to go on a trip and doesn’t cost them a fortune.”
Julie added: “Tracey is a valued teaching assistant and is also and amazing fund-raiser for our school.
“I have been headteacher for ten years and she has raised over £70,000 for our school fund.
“This money goes directly back to our children by making sure that all of our trips and visits are heavily subsidised.
“Tracey is an inspiration to us all and we would be thrilled is she won a Proud of Barnsley award to thank her for everything she does for our school and community.”
