Helping fight homelessness: Porchlight praise for school

Homelessness charity Porchlight has paid tribute to Tonbridge School for its fundraising efforts.

The school has raised more than £72,000 for Kent-based Porchlight over the last seven years through its annual ‘Sleepout’ event, pictured right, when all first-year boys sleep rough in the Quad for a night.

This year alone, more than £14,000 has been raised, even before taking gift aid into account. Porchlight helps homeless and vulnerable young people across Kent and the south-east.

Nathan Tough, Community and Corporate Fundraising Officer for Porchlight, said: “Tonbridge School is one of the most important relationships Porchlight has, and we cannot thank the school enough for the support it has given us over the years. 

“I would say the school has helped us work with, and potentially house, somewhere in the region of 160 people sleeping rough. Without them, we would not have the same level of success.” 

The Sleepout event in April saw 135 first year boys – and six hardy members of staff – spending the night in a ‘cardboard city’ to raise funds and also to learn more about the factors that lead to homelessness.

The school’s Community Action Manager Juliet Burnett said: “Porchlight does such vital work, helping young people into safe accommodation, giving support and training, and assisting them to plan a career and a proper future. We are very proud to work with the charity and give as much backing as we possibly can.”