Despite a drizzly and wet day, all the children at Bede’s Prep School in Eastbourne set off on their last day of term for the annual whole school sponsored charity walk across the South Downs to help to raise funds for local charity Homes for Homeless.
With four times as many homeless people in Eastbourne now than there was 5 years ago, The Homes for Homeless project, which is part of a centenary project by Eastbourne Rotary Club, aims to raise up to £400,000 to finance the development of four self-contained homes. Here residents will be supported with long-term social support and care by Southdown Housing Association to help them recover from the trauma of homelessness and return to independent living.
Bede’s Prep pupils raised a staggering £4,829.96 including gift aid, more than doubling their original target with donations still coming in. Bede’s Prep Headmaster, Mr Mark Hammond said, “I am hugely proud of our pupils who, on the last day of term, despite the weather conditions, completed our annual Whole School Charity Walk. The children were fantastic, singing along most of the way and never complaining. Thank you to everyone who has donated and all of your support. The sum raised will make a huge difference to the lives of young people living on the streets.
Ian Huke from Eastbourne Rotary added, “The motto in the Rotary is ‘Service above Self’ and all who took part epitomised the very reason why the Rotary exists - a noble demonstration of achieving something worthwhile to help others. All the children are to be commended and we pass on our heartfelt thanks to all concerned. The amount raised is a remarkable achievement.”
Well done to all of the children and thank you to everyone for your generous support. There is still time to donate; click on the red button below to reach our online fundraising page.
