“Give to the poor in handfuls.”
Blessed Edmund Rice
Our mission as a school extends beyond worship; it is about living out the words and example of Christ in daily life. In the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice, and in keeping with the wider teaching of the Church that “faith without works is dead,” we believe that authentic faith naturally gives rise to action. Through our charitable endeavours, the whole school community—staff and students alike—actively participates in this mission.
Our charitable activities are closely aligned with the liturgical year, with particular focus during Advent and Lent. During these seasons, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their form and year-group initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and service. All of our efforts are inspired by the Eight Essentials of Edmund Rice.
In addition, St. Anselm’s is proud to sustain a number of well-established charitable initiatives, long supported by both staff and students. Some of these are outlined below, with a full table of charitable partnerships and their connections to the Edmund Rice tradition provided at the end of this page.
Our Sierra Leone Links
St. Anselm’s has a long-standing connection with Sierra Leone, stretching back several decades. Our former Headmaster, Brother Kerrigan, served as a missionary in the country during the civil war and was tragically killed there in 1995. Since that time, the College has deepened its commitment to supporting Christian Brother projects and other institutions in Sierra Leone, particularly in the town of Makeni.
We continue to provide both financial and material support to schools such as St. Francis and St. Joseph’s School for the Hearing Impaired. More recently, our efforts have extended to the village of Mabureh, where, in the academic year 2024–25, we launched a well-digging initiative that successfully provided the community with access to fresh water. These areas remain among the most impoverished in the world, having endured conflict as well as the devastating effects of Ebola and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Each year, staff and students participate in an Immersion Trip to Sierra Leone, visiting these projects, meeting the local community, and witnessing firsthand the impact of our support. This opportunity is offered to Sixth Form students, who independently fundraise for both their travel and the donations they bring. For many, this experience represents a capstone in their moral and spiritual formation during their years at St. Anselm’s.
The College community as a whole also contributes to these initiatives through the annual Brother Kerrigan Sponsored Walk, which continues to honour his legacy and sustain our shared mission in Sierra Leone.
The Friday Club
In the academic year 2024–25, the Friday Club proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary. This unique and remarkable organisation is entirely run and led by our Sixth Form students, continuing much as it was first envisioned by Brother Kerrigan. Each Friday during term time, students’ welcome local people with physical and learning disabilities into the College for several hours of friendship, fun, and fellowship. The initiative also provides carers with valuable respite time during the week.
The spirit of the Friday Club reflects the example of Blessed Edmund Rice, who cared deeply for his own daughter Mary, who lived with a disability, and whose home was always open to those in need.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is the oldest of St. Anselm’s charitable organisations, with a history of more than seventy-five years. Indeed, it holds the distinction of being the oldest school-run branch of the SVP in the country. Serving as the backbone of the College’s charitable mission, the society comprises both junior and senior branches. Its members lead fundraising efforts throughout the year, with particular focus during Advent and Lent.
The highlight of the SVP calendar is the annual Christmas Party, held in the school hall. This cherished event welcomes care home residents and senior citizens from the local community, offering them refreshments, entertainment, and hospitality—all planned and provided by our SVP members
| Sierra Leone | |
| The Brother Kerrigan Walk | Compassion for Those in Need “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Mathew 25:40 |
| Immersion Trip Fundraising | Building a Christian Community “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19 |
| The Saint Vincent de Paul Society (Jr and Snr Combined) | |
| The Annual Christmas Party | Compassion for Those in Need “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Mathew 25:40 |
| Donations to local Christmas charities | Education for Justice “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31 |
| Sponsoring placements on SVP holiday camps | Education for Justice “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “ Luke 6:31 |
| Mother’s Day Baskets | Concern for the Whole Person “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Mathew 4:4 |
| Care-Home penpals | Concern for the Whole Person “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Mathew 4:4 |
| The Edmund Rice Society (Proposed for 2025-26) | |
| Sponsoring placements on ERI holiday camps | Education for Justice “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31 |
| Action for Change (Proposed 2025-26) | |
| Care-Home Visits | Concern for the Whole Person “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Mathew 4:4 |
| Work with Heart4Refugees | Education for Justice “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “ Luke 6:31 |
| Work with The Charles Thompson Mission | Compassion for Those in Need “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Mathew 25:40 |
| The Samaritan’s Shoebox Appeal | |
| Donating and Assembling Shoeboxes. | Building a Christian Community “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19 |
| The Friday Club | |
| Hosting local people with learning disabilities. | Concern for the Whole Person “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Mathew 4:4 |
