A school has become the first founder donor of the Love Kingston appeal, pledging an initial £1,000 to good causes around the borough.

With just under a week to go before the inaugural Love Kingston Day, Kingston Grammar School (KGS) in London Road has committed itself to helping the borough-wide fundraising appeal for years to come.

This week, headteacher Sarah Fletcher met Love Kingston fundraising manager Elaine Miller to hand over the first of what is hoped to be many cheques.

Mrs Fletcher said: “KGS is delighted to support Love Kingston.

“We have been at the heart of the community for more than 450 years, and take our responsibilities in this area very seriously.

“We hope the donation we are making to Love Kingston today will be the start of a very purposeful and long-lasting relationship, and we look forward to future fundraising for the charity, starting with our Valentine’s Day initiative, which will quickly be followed by the collection at the school’s act of commemoration at the Rose Theatre on Wednesday, March 6.”

Ms Miller said: “We are proud and thrilled that KGS has chosen to support Love Kingston and become the first founding donor.

“We hope it encourages other schools in the borough to come out and support our campaign."

The first Love Kingston Day takes place on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14.

It is a chance for residents, organisations, charities and businesses to raise money for those most in need in Kingston.


Half of all money raised through the Love Kingston appeal goes to five charities – Kingston Foodbank, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, women’s refuge Hestia, credit union Kingston Savers and youth charity Oxygen.

The other half goes to the Kingston Legacy Fund, which distributes cash to other Kingston-based good causes and receives match-funding from the Government.
 

Businesses and organisations so far getting involved in Love Kingston day include: the Rose Theatre, Kingston College, Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Kingston University, Kingston Voluntary Action, CNM Estates, Kingston First, Bentalls Centre, Paul’s Cafe, Ten Pin Bowling Kingston, Stein’s, Jamie’s Italian, George P Johnson Marketing, Sblended Milkshakes and the Gym Group.

l To donate to Love Kingston text 70070 with the code LVKG00 and the amount you wish to donate, or visit love-kingston.org.uk.