Little stars at Oakley Infant School’s nativity made a big difference to help the borough’s homeless people this Christmas.
Their Christmas productions raised £525 in donations from generous parents and friends for the Real Change, not Loose Change campaign.
The school always has a retiring collection in aid of a charity instead of charging for tickets.
Headteacher Sally Harvey said: “We were delighted to be able to support this local charity. The School Council decided, through the work we do on Rights, that the right to a clean and safe home or shelter is especially important at Christmas time.”
The children were pleased to perform their nativity knowing that the money they raised would help to give rough sleepers a warm bed and a hot meal at the Basingstoke-based Night Light Winter Shelter.
The Real Change, not Loose Change campaign, run by the Social Inclusion Partnership, aims to raise vital funds to provide the night shelter, in addition to a third day of opening at the Camrose Day Centre and safe storage for rough sleepers’ personal possessions.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Chair of the Social Inclusion Partnership Cllr Terri Reid said: “Huge thanks to the pupils and staff at Oakley Infant School for their show-stopping donation for the Real Change, not Loose Change campaign.
“They have shown how they can make a real difference to improve the lives of people who are homeless.
“I encourage everyone to show their support by donating time, money or items, however small, as an alternative to giving directly to people on the streets.”
Donate your spare change – or make a bigger donation this Christmas – to the Real Change campaign at www.spacehive.com/real-change-basingstoke-2017
Find out more at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/real-change
