Following the news of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, 11 year old Eliza Street was touched by how many children were malnourished. Her reaction was to march her Mother down to the local supermarket, then choose and make up her own food parcels. She raised other people’s awareness, engaging her UK classmates in a project to link to a school in the Philippines, which Liza’s fundraising helped to rebuild. Whilst visiting the Philippines, Eliza has taken classes in the school and used basic sign language to reach deaf and disabled children, who were often homeless and without guardians.
Elizan also takes a lead role in promoting “Mini-Vinnies” (SVP in primary schools). She was amongst the first to volunteer for “Mini-Vinnies”, and when only five others joined her, she worked to encourage others. She managed to raise their profile so that that number soon rose to 20, provoked by the slogan that her small group created: “As a family with God in our hearts, we love, laugh and learn”.
Her nominator said “She is a role model for her peer group, constantly giving her time and ideas to causes she cares passionately about. She is devoted to the principles of Catholic social teaching as it makes her the person she is.”
Eliza Street, 11
Our Lady and All Saints Parish, Otley (Diocese of Leeds)