A new take on Valentine's (From Stroud News and Journal)

A new take on Valentine's

THE effects of the tsunami has touched our hearts in the Five Valleys and this week one Stonehouse school linked its fund-raising efforts to another matter of the heart, Valentine's Day.

Children at Hopelands School have been beavering away making a mountain of Valentine's Card, which are now being sold to bring in money for the Tsunami victims.

Pupils of all ages have been involved in the charitable effort, so the cards vary from the naive charm of the reception class to the skilled work of the older children.

Parents and friends of the school have already been buying up the cards but there is a window of opportunity on Friday, February 11 between 2pm and 3pm for members of the public to pop into the school for the chance to snap up some up.

"It's a real production line," said the school's Tracey Barber.

"So far we've got about 150 cards."

Head teacher Sheila Bradburn said: "We obviously want our children to be aware of those less fortunate and the Valentine's Day card idea came from one of our 9-year-old pupils.

"The children have made some beautiful pieces and we want to sell as many as possible to raise money for an incredibly worthwhile cause." Cards will range in price from around 50p to £1.50.

Everyone knows a home-made Valentine's card is better than one from the shops, so those buying the cards can show their loved one they care while also helping those whose lives have been devastated by the disaster.