Children show their love for the planet

Youngesters at St Thomas’ Catholic Church, Emsworth, spent the day learning about the importance of saving energy and recycling as part of a campaign launched by the Climate Coalition in February.

The #showthelove initiative, which began on Valentine’s Day last month, aims to encourage the public to show love for the climate in a bid to battle global warming.

Maureen Thompson, a CAFOD (Catholic Fund for Overseas Development) volunteer, said: ‘At church last week our children’s group discussed ideas from the Bible about being good, and how to put that into action.

‘With our greenValentine’s,we are asked to extend that love to all living things and care for the earth.

‘We decorated green hearts with flowers, penguins, butterflies, zebras and runner beans.

‘This is very much the message of Pope Francis in his Care for Our Common Home letter.’

A family breakfast at the church kicked off the day after which the children decorated green hearts and badges.

Maureen added: ‘As part of the day, the children recycled old and unused items.

Olive, five, said : ‘We sorted out some toys and clothes to take to the Havant passion play shop then other children can have them.’

CAFOD, is an international charity working to alleviate poverty and suffering in developing countries.

Maureen said: ‘As a parish volunteer I keep the churchgoers in touch with CAFOD news and encourage people to get involved in campaigns.

‘The Valentine’s campaign seemed a lovely activity to involve children in.

‘We hope more people will join in and talk about the things we love and clean energy choices we must make to protect our world.’