Caring readers in Kent have responded magnificently to a
regional newspaper campaign to help fund night shelters for the
homeless.
The KM Group-owned Kentish Gazette, circulated in Canterbury,
launched the Give Them Shelter appeal in the
run-up to Christmas, asking readers to support the work of the
local charity Catching Lives.
After its launch on Thursday, November 18, £18,000 was raised in
just one month. These funds will allow the charity to commit itself
to operating shelters in church and community halls during the
winter months.
Project coordinator Jon Limebury said: “We owe a debt of
gratitude to the Kentish Gazette and its readers because we
couldn’t have done it without them.
“Far more money has rolled in than we
expected, including several large donations, which means that if
the project continues to go well, we can keep the winter shelters
running through February.
“I think the fact that it has been so
cold really focused people’s attention on those who might be left
coping on the streets.”
Kentish Gazette editor Leo Whitlock said:
“It never ceases to amaze me how readily our readers put their
hands in their pockets when it really matters.
“When you think how tough it is out there,
their generosity knows no bounds.
“In the freezing cold weather, the
contribution of our readers made a massive difference to people’s
lives.”
Named Weekly Paid-for Newspaper of the Year at the EDF Energy
London & the South of England Media Awards 2010, Kentish
Gazette Group titles circulate 19,237 copies each week* to 53,291
readers.**
Sources: * ABC Jan - Jun 2010 / ** JICREG
Oct 2010
(January 4, 2011)