School Kids Sleep Rough To Raise Money For The Homeless
Pupils from St Cecilia's brave the cold for Crisis charity
During one of the coldest nights of the year so far, year 7 pupils, sixth formers, staff and parents from Saint Cecilia’s Church of England School in Southfields slept out in the playground for four hours to raise money for Crisis at Christmas.
The event - which was held on November 30th - has so far raised over £3,890 for the homeless.
Crisis at Christmas is a volunteer project from the Crisis charity that aims to provide homeless people with accommodation over the Christmas period, including Christmas lunch, access to showers and clean clothes, as well as dentist and doctor check-ups and a haircut. It costs £26.08 to reserve a place for one homeless person - the amount of money raised so far by the school will be enough to provide this service for 150 homeless people.
Ollie Davies, a year 13 student, said, “It was a fantastic night for all to experience what life is like on the streets at three degrees wrapped up in sleeping bags. I can’t believe people have to live like this day-in day-out.”
Danny Frood, another sixth former, added, “It's a great way to support homeless people over Christmas; it makes me feel so lucky and thankful to have a roof over my head. I’ve finally defrosted from last night.
Year 7 pupil Josephine Quinn said, “We have been reading a book in English about homelessness; this experience really helped me to see how difficult life on the streets is.”
And another year 7 pupil, Jamie Parker-Gomez, comented, “Last night gave me only a slight insight into what it’s like to be homeless. I realised how tired, cold and hungry they would be. I am so glad we did something to help them over the Christmas period.”
Mr Gallagher, Headteacher at Saint Cecilia's, said, “I am really proud of the whole school community and their efforts to help those who face the prospect of spending cold nights on the streets during the Christmas period. Crisis is a fantastic charity – the money raised will help them continue their efforts to end homelessness.”
If you would like to make a donation, the JustGiving page is still open at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/saintceciliasthelittlesleepout
December 12, 2017