Barings and Harris
Partnerships in conjunction with businesses, charities and organisations across London enable us to support the 40,000 children that we educate across the Federation. This support comes in many forms; we'd like to highlight in-kind support, like meals for Harris families struggling with the cost-of-living.
"I can't believe it, thank you so much, we will all eat well this week!" - Parent at Harris Primary Academy Kent House
Barings, a global investment management firm, began supporting Harris when the country went into its first COVID Lockdown and their continuing support has been so helpful to so many families
"Baring's kitchens had the facilities to provide meals en masse - the Harris Federation seemed like the best organisation to make a difference through. As Barings became more involved with Harris, more issues that affect the students and families became increasingly clear", explains Mark Williams, Head of Corporate Services at Barings. With 1/3 of our students being in receipt of Free School Meals - as well as those students sitting just outside of requirements - support of this kind, particularly in response to the cost of living crisis, is incredibly valuable.
"At both Harris Primary schools in Peckham, we received food donations from Barings throughout the Pandemic and continue to do so. Our families often have no access to funds because they have refugee status or they may be seeking asylum. The meals provide a life line for many families. Often families are living in one room or a hostel and so to be provided with a quality meal that needs very little preparation is very helpful", explains Marie Corbett, Executive Principal.
In-kind support makes a real and tangible difference - Barings support means that Harris students who are most affected by the cost of living crisis are able to be provided for both academically and at home, giving them the best possible outcomes for their education.
"I feel like we can have a ‘normal’ family meal, and sit down at the same time together” - Parent at Harris Academy South Norwood