At Xaverian, giving back is not an add-on. It is woven into the life of the College.
The principle of Solidarity asks us to recognise our shared humanity and act on it. The Option for the Poor reminds us that a community is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. These are not abstract ideas. They show up in what we actually do.
Throughout the year, students and staff raise money, collect donations, volunteer their time and take on challenges for causes close to their hearts. Some events are long-standing Xaverian traditions. Some respond to what is happening in the world right now. All of them matter.
Each autumn, students donate non-perishable food items in support of Cornerstone Day Centre in Moss Side. Cornerstone provides vital support – meals, clothing, hygiene facilities and access to psychological therapies – to up to 900 regular service users. Donations are collected and delivered directly to the centre by Xaverian staff.
This is solidarity made practical. A bag of food from a student at Xaverian ends up on the table of someone who needs it, just a few miles away.
For more than 50 years, Xaverian College has been raising money and collecting gifts for local families as part of its Christmas Toy Appeal.
The tradition was introduced by a Xaverian teacher many years ago and, although it has evolved over time, its core purpose has remained the same: to make sure that every child has at least one gift to open on Christmas Day.
Fifty years is a long time to keep a promise. We think it is worth keeping.
During Lent, students and staff come together to support a range of causes through fundraising, donations and acts of service – all rooted in the values of compassion, generosity and justice.
Activities have included charity bake sales, sponsored events, food bank collections and fundraising for organisations like CAFOD. Every year looks a little different, and there is always a way to get involved.
Each year, students and staff spend a night sleeping outdoors on the college grounds to raise awareness of homelessness and support charities working with vulnerable people across the local community.
It is challenging, eye-opening, and one of the most talked-about events of the year. Participants raise sponsorship money for homelessness charities while getting a small glimpse of what it means to be without a safe place to sleep. That experience tends to stay with people.
Student Chaplains come together to bake and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Staff and students enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments while supporting a charity that provides vital care to people living with cancer. Everyone is welcome to come along.
Twice a year, students volunteer their time to spend an afternoon with local senior citizens. From serving food to calling bingo to performing musical numbers – guests always leave with a smile, and students do too.
These events are a reminder that service is not always about money. Sometimes it is just about showing up and being present for someone who might otherwise spend the day alone.
