Poole-based girl’s school and sixth form, Parkstone Grammar has donated £8,576.45 (including Gift Aid) to YMCA Bournemouth after students and teachers built their own cardboard shelters and set up camp outside the school for one night.

The fundraising event formed part of YMCA Bournemouth's annual Sleep Easy events, where over £100,000 has been raised to date from schools, businesses, and local groups sleeping rough to help raise awareness of homelessness in Dorset. 

Rosie Moore, Pastoral Head of Sixth Form at Parkstone Grammar commented: “It was fantastic to see more than 100 of our students and staff turn out to support our fundraising efforts. We believe we have a responsibility as a local organisation to support others who give so much back to our communities.

“Such events provide an opportunity for our students to better understand and appreciate the meaningful difference charities like YMCA Bournemouth make in our local area. I am very proud of all the staff and students who supported us this year, allowing us to contribute towards YMCA Bournemouth’s fantastic work.”

YMCA Bournemouth also hosts a ‘BIG Sleep Easy’ event every year, with its next scheduled for 14th October 2023 to inspire simultaneous efforts among local businesses. Over the past five years, the ‘BIG Sleep Easy’ has seen donations total more than £100,000. 

Sheena Dayman, Events Manager at YMCA Bournemouth added: “It’s wonderful to see local schools supporting our Sleep Easy initiative by hosting their own events and engaging their communities by encouraging donations.

“The funding raised from local Sleep Easy events helps us continue supporting those who are homeless by providing a temporary, safe place to live alongside a range of services including counselling, health, and fitness. Our goal is to help them achieve independent living and secure a safe, positive long-term future. 

“The support of local schools, businesses and other organisations will always play a key role in our fundraising efforts, and we want to thank Parkstone Grammar School and many other local contributors who continue to take part in these fundraising initiatives.”

Last year, YMCA Bournemouth housed and supported more than 175 individuals. To sign up to ‘Sleep Easy’ events and receive an information pack, or to become a sponsor, visit https://www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk/housing/sleep-easys-2022/.