Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
My festive treat for homeless
Girl gives dozens of parcels to help needy through Christmas residents’ appeal
A little girl has played Santa to the homeless in Canterbury after she was moved by the sight of people living rough on the streets.
Maci Rayford, six, decided she had to help and launched her own fundraising campaign.
She has now given dozens of Christmas parcels containing vital provisions and treats to the Catching Lives charity.
“When I see homeless people on the street, I always ask mummy if I can have some money to give to them,” she said.
“Then we found out about the homeless shelter nearby and I asked how I could help.”
The caring youngster thought up a variety of money-making ideas throughout the summer, including a cake sale, raffle, nail painting party and even a six-mile sponsored bike ride.
The result was a whopping £770 raised, which she then spent on winter clothing, toiletries and treats for the homeless.
They include sleeping bags, flasks, hats, gloves, socks, shower gels, shaving foam and various food items and chocolate goodies, all wrapped up for Christmas.
And last week, she and mum Vicky visited the Catching Lives charity day centre in Station Road East with their sacks of gifts and were welcomed by staff, volunteers and clients.
Vicky, of Hazebrouck Road, Faversham, said: “Maci has a big heart and wants to help everyone, but she has always shown extra interest in the homeless.
‘When I see homeless people on the street, I always ask mummy if I can have some money to give to them’
“She is too young to volunteer at the centre but wanted to fundraise as much as she could to help provide people with essentials, especially during the colder months. All the ideas were her own initiatives and I’m very proud of her.”
Catching Lives trustee James Duff says everyone at the centre is thankful for Maci’s efforts.
“We have been following all of her fundraising events over the summer and are amazed by all the hard work she’s put in,” he said.
“Many of our clients have lost touch with loved ones and Christmas can be a difficult time for them. The items that Maci has donated will therefore be massively appreciated by them over the winter months.
“It is brilliant to see someone so young take an interest in supporting our clients, and it shows that even if people are not quite old enough to volunteer in person, they can still support those who are less fortunate.”
James presented Maci with a certificate and invited her back to the centre when the Christmas decorations have been put up.
For more information about Catching Lives, including its Canterbury Community Shelter, which provides overnight accommodation from December to February, call 01227 464904 or visit www.catchinglives.org. A Christmas charity appeal which aims to raise £500 for the homeless has been launched on the popular Canterbury Residents Group on Facebook.
Administrator Edd Withers, pictured above, said: “We have more than 8,000 members and the page provides a valuable service to many people. So instead of paying for the group, we hope members will consider making a donation to Catching Lives.
“Ever been reunited with a lost item? Got away with a cheeky bit of free advertising? Found the perfect tradesperson?
“Had an evening’s worth of engaging, perhaps even enjoyable debate?
Please consider making a donation to give something back.”
Last year the appeal raised £500 and Edd hopes for the same this year. But by Tuesday, 25 donations totalling £472 had already been made, prompting Edd to suggest raising the target. To donate visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ Crgchristmasappeal16