The Redbridge Community Picnic brought the school community together in a successful event combining charity and sustainability. With creative activities and ambitious environmental goals, it highlighted the engagement of parents, students, and volunteers. This initiative demonstrated how fun and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand.
1. Community Engagement
The picnic attracted 400 participants and was a big success. The Parents Association exceeded their €20,000 goal for SOUMA, ensuring fruit and vegetables for a full year, thanks to a donor who matched every euro. The event also celebrated creativity in the “Baking for SOUMA” contest — congratulations to Charlie for the original lemon meringue pie!
2. A Zero-Waste Community Initiative
On 18 October, with the Parents Association, we held the first project of our 2025/2026 Eco-Schools Programme: the Redbridge Community Picnic. The event raised funds for SOUMA and tested (near) zero-waste strategies. We informed parents about Tapada da Ajuda’s zero-waste policy, shared tips, and sent a video by eco-delegate José Vicente voiced by TdA students. At the picnic, participants learned about sorting and reducing waste, supported by extra bins and special collection from the City Hall.
3. Waste Results and Impact
Waste produced: 5 kg organic, 14 kg paper, 10 kg plastic/packaging, 22 kg glass, 10 kg non-recyclable — under 200 g per person. Only the paper bin was full; other bins were partially empty. Most waste came from paper packaging, while non-recyclables included disposable diapers. These results show strong community participation and successful zero-waste efforts.
Conclusion
The Redbridge Community Picnic was more than just a successful fundraising event—it showcased the power of collective effort, creativity, and environmental responsibility. By exceeding the SOUMA fundraising goal and achieving remarkable zero-waste results, the community proved that meaningful change is possible when people come together. This event sets a strong example for future initiatives, inspiring continued engagement and sustainable practices throughout the school community.
