Gingerbread House supports local cancer charity on International Friendship Day

Children and team members at Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery and Pre-School in South Croydon have welcomed Caroline Bridges from the South East Cancer Help Centre for a special visit to celebrate International Friendship Day.

Organised by Jessica Pais, the nursery’s Senior Deputy Manager, the trip aimed to raise awareness of the centre and learn more about the amazing work the charity does to support people in the local community affected by cancer.

Caroline, a fundraising administrator, brought along a large teddy wearing the charity’s signature purple T-shirt which the children loved meeting.

Together, they talked about kindness, friendship and helping others, while the children proudly shared the purple tie-dye tee shirts, friendship bracelets and artwork they had created in support of the charity.

The visit provided a memorable opportunity for the children to learn about compassion, community and the importance of supporting local charities.

Jessica Pais said:

“We were delighted to welcome Caroline to our nursery on International Friendship Day.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for our children to celebrate friendship while learning about kindness, compassion, and the importance of supporting people in our local community. The enthusiasm and creativity they showed throughout the day was truly inspiring, and we are proud to have partnered with such a fantastic local charity.

“The visit also helped raise awareness of the vital services provided by the South East Cancer Help Centre, which supports people affected by cancer across the local community. By introducing children to the importance of helping others, the nursery hopes to inspire empathy, inclusion, and a lifelong appreciation of giving back.

Caroline Bridges said:

“It was a pleasure to visit Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery and Pre-School and see how enthusiastically the staff and children have supported our Paint Purley Purple awareness campaign.

“The children looked amazing in their purple tie-dye T-shirts, and it was lovely to see the creative, purple-themed activities, including the sand tray and handmade pasta necklaces.

“As South East Cancer Help Centre receives no Government funding, community support is vital to helping us continue our work.  We are incredibly grateful to Jessica and the entire team at Gingerbread House for their fantastic support and commitment to raising both awareness and funds.”

Laura Clay, Partou Regional Childcare Director, said:

“At Partou Gingerbread House, creating caring, confident, and compassionate young learners is at the heart of everything they do.

“Partnerships with organisations such as the South East Cancer Help Centre provide meaningful opportunities for children to connect with their community while developing the values that will support them throughout their lives.”

See how children at Gingerbread House learn through community connections

Looking for a nursery where children develop kindness, compassion and a sense of community? At Partou Gingerbread House Day Nursery & Pre-School in South Croydon, children regularly take part in meaningful experiences that help them understand the importance of supporting others. From welcoming local charities into the nursery to celebrating events such as International Friendship Day, children learn how friendship, empathy and small acts of kindness can make a positive difference in their community. Discover more about how Gingerbread House helps children build confidence while forming meaningful local connections.