Mr. Darren May Sleeps Out for Homeless Charity and Leads Harvest Appeal for East Barnet Food Bank
Pupils at Vita et Pax Preparatory School have been learning powerful lessons about kindness, empathy, and the importance of giving, thanks to two inspiring acts of charity led by their Headteacher, Mr. Darren May.
Earlier this term, Mr. May took part in the Glassdoor Sleep Out, spending a night outdoors in support of Glassdoor Homeless Charity, which offers shelter, warm meals, and support to people experiencing homelessness in London. His participation raised awareness and funds for the cause and gave him valuable insight, which he brought back into the classroom to help children understand the reality many people face.
Just days later, Mr. May led the school’s much-loved Harvest Assembly, which this year collected food and essential items for the Chipping Barnet Food Bank, part of the Trussell Trust network. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Vita’s pupils and their families, the school gathered a substantial donation to support local families in need.
The assembly had a particularly special guest, Mary Perry, a former Vita et Pax Deputy Headteacher, who worked at the school 40 years ago. Now an active supporter of community initiatives, Mrs. Perry joined the celebration and shared fond memories of her own Harvest assemblies at the school all those years ago.
“It’s heart-warming to see that the spirit of giving and care for others is still alive and well at Vita,” Mrs. Perry said. “It was inspiring to see today’s pupils so engaged and thoughtful.”
Mr. May reflected on how both events, the Sleep Out and the Harvest celebration, were linked by a simple but powerful message: that everyone can make a difference.
“We want our pupils to grow not just in knowledge, but in empathy and social awareness,” he said. “By showing them real examples, whether it’s supporting the homeless through Glassdoor or donating to the food bank, we help them understand the true meaning of community.”
These experiences helped Vita’s pupils see that charity isn’t just about giving money, it’s about time, compassion, and taking action, however small.
From Mr. May’s night on the streets to the food parcels collected in the school hall, and with the wisdom of former teachers like Mrs. Perry, Vita et Pax continues to instil values that last a lifetime.
