Bournemouth Collegiate School sixth formers have raised over £5000 for YMCA Bournemouth.
They took on the challenge to ‘Sleep Easy’ on Friday 15th November, all in aid of helping the homeless.
The students built their own shelters out of cardboard to experience what it’s like sleeping rough.
All funds raised will go towards the 60 new units of accommodation that are planned for the YMCA’s Westover / Hinton Road site.
Head of Sixth Form Lucy Beng was incredibly proud of the pupils’ efforts and enthusiasm, commenting: “This was the first time BCS Sixth Form participated in this charitable event and we have raised over £5000, including the gift aid donations – such an incredible achievement!
“The best part was seeing how positive the pupils remained when their shelters fell apart and the temperature dropped, yet they all made it through the night with smiles on their faces.”
Thomas Dowdeswell and Marnie Dodd, two Year 12 students, who took part in the challenge said: “It was such a pleasure to be a part of the organisation of the event. The YMCA is a charity that hits close to home for many of us and being able to support such an amazing charity by raising £5000 is unbelievable. It was a great experience sleeping like the homeless for only a night but it is a memory we will keep forever.”
Sheena Dayman from the YMCA and local sponsor Julie Partington from Dutton Gregory Solicitors will be in to celebrate with pupils today (25th November) during a whole school assembly, but it’s not too late to donate – the pupils’Just Giving page remains open and you can still help raise money for YMCA Bournemouth by visiting this link.