Students and staff at The Royal Harbour Academy, part of the Coastal Academies Trust, have successfully raised £1,312.50 for Porchlight, a local homelessness charity, as part of its 50th anniversary fundraising efforts. The Academy joined forces with Porchlight supporters across Kent by organising a sponsored sleep out in October, with a collective goal of helping to raise £50,000 for the charity during this milestone year.
With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and housing emergency pushing more people into homelessness, Porchlight's work has never been more vital. The money raised will go toward providing critical services. For example, £25 can fund an hour of outreach support to help rough sleepers off the streets, and £50 can provide essential welcome packs for two people moving into a hostel.
The event saw students and staff work together to construct makeshift beds from cardboard, generously donated by Westwood Cross McDonald’s. The evening featured games and activities alongside important discussions about the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable in our society. While few participants managed much sleep, the experience gave them a powerful insight into the struggles that many face daily.
Assistant Headteacher, Samuel Wall, who organised the event, reflected on the impact of the experience: "This was a humbling experience, knowing that some of the most vulnerable people in our society have no choice but to sleep rough. We found one evening tough, and knowing that the weather will dramatically change over the coming months was a real eye-opener to all of us. Thank you to everyone who donated. We are forever proud of our students' resilience and willingness to \help others."
The morning after the sleep out, students were treated to a McDonald’s breakfast, kindly donated by McDonald’s Broadstairs, as a thank-you for their efforts.
The Royal Harbour Academy is committed to supporting both local and national causes, and this event stands as a proud example of the school’s dedication to developing empathy, resilience, and community spirit among its students.
For more information on Porchlight and how to support their work, visit: https://www.porchlight.org.uk/
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