Reading homelessness charity raises £20,000 at carol service
Launchpad say the amount raised is "fantastic"
Reading homelessness charity Launchpad say they raised £20,000 at their carol service earlier thsi month.
Nearly 700 people attended the event in Reading Abbey ruins.
Money for the event came from ticket sales, sponsorship, bucket collections, text to donate and generous donations from supporters who couldn’t attend.
The service featured Reading Community Gospel Choir and was hosted by Launchpad’s patron, Danyl Johnson.
Su Hamblyn, CEO of Launchpad, said:
“Our Christmas event is always a highlight of our year. This year we thought we would try something different and give everyone the opportunity to be able to come together safely outside – especially as we couldn’t do so in 2020.
“It was magical to look across the ruins and a sea of smiling faces enjoying the lovely music in such beautiful surroundings – all there to support Launchpad and help those in need in Reading. It’s a testament to the kindness and compassion of the local community that we have raised such a fantastic amount of money which really will give the gift of a better Christmas to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
“I’d like to thank every single person involved – from Reading UK and Abbey Quarter BID, the choir and Danyl, to our staff and volunteers who worked so hard on the night, and everyone who kindly bought a ticket.”