Young citizens do their bit to raise money for baby hospice
A GROUP of youngsters from Hinckley have raised more than £700 for Coventry baby hospice Zoe’s Place.
Their efforts were organised as part of the National Citizenship Service (NCS), a scheme for 15-17-year-olds to build and develop skills for life and the workplace.
Millie Smith, 16, said: “They do such a wonderful job in looking after babies with complex medical conditions so I was delighted when the group decided to support Zoe’s place.
“I couldn’t believe how supportive and generous people were. We organised collections and bag packs in supermarkets, a Disney themed walk, cake sales and a car wash. We were also very grateful to the Co-op in Hinckley and Nuneaton who donated three hampers for our raffle and the tombola prizes.
“I was staggered to learn that we raised over £700 for the hospice and it was a pleasure to go along and make the donation on behalf of the group and see the work of the hospice first-hand.”
Caitlin Hinton, 16, from John Cleveland Sixth Form centre, who was also part of the group, said: “It really encouraged teamwork and leadership skills and enhanced our self-confidence and esteem.
“There were 13 people on the NCS scheme and many of us have become very good friends so it was a really positive experience.”
Mick McCann, fundraising manager at Zoe’s Place, said: “It was lovely to meet Millie and Caitlin and hear all about the efforts they made to raise funds on behalf of the hospice.
“With modest government funding we rely so much on people in the local community to help us meet the £1.3 million we need every year to provide nursing care for babies and infants with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.
“So we are most thankful to everyone that took part in the NCS scheme and that supported their fundraising.
To learn more about NCS visit www.ncsyes.co.uk or phone 0203 476 4400.