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| 22 May 2020 | |
| OT Events & Reunions |
| Each year, first year boys give up the comfort of their own bed to ‘sleep rough’ for a night in the school Quad. At the same time, they hear more about the work of Porchlight and gain a deeper understanding of the social issues that can lead to someone being left without a home or anywhere to stay. This year, boys have been set the challenge of joining in the spirit of the Sleepout by ‘getting creative’ and making a shelter in a garden or bedding down for the night in an unusual area of their house. Boys and staff rose to the occasion by building shelters in gardens and garages, on roof terraces or even inside flats, using whatever material they could find and coming together online to discuss their plans. The boys raised more than £17,500 for Kent-based charity Porchlight, beating previous school Sleepout records despite having to endure the night on their own and without their friends. This brings the total raised for Porchlight by Tonbridge School over the past nine years to £91,000. Rachel von Hoven, Community Fundraising Manager for Porchlight, said: “These fantastic pupils have shown that the lockdown is no obstacle to helping others. Their ingenuity and generosity makes a big difference in times like these, when vulnerable people are relying on us more than ever. We're really grateful to all pupils who took part in the Sleepout.” Rupert Scarratt, the school’s Master in Charge of Charities, said: “It’s fantastic that the school has come together in this display of ‘virtual solidarity’ and that everyone has shown such imagination and enthusiasm. We’re also very grateful to our wider school community for their very generous support." |
