Local housebuilder Barratt Kent is celebrating 2023’s fundraising successes for Porchlight, its chosen charity of the year. A total of £79,097.31 was raised by staff throughout the last year through various events, including employee sports day, a successful sleepout and a golf day. Now, these funds will be used to aid one of Kent’s largest charities supporting homelessness and vulnerable people.
Porchlight is Kent’s leading poverty, health and housing charity. It has been helping people facing homelessness, social exclusion and poor mental health for 50 years. Just last year alone, it gave vital support to 7,539 people. Barratt Kent kickstarted its fundraising for the charity in March 2023 with a sponsored ‘sleep out’ at Leeds Castle in Maidstone, raising almost £13,000 for the charity.
Hazel Eddy, Head of Fundraising at Porchlight, adds: “This amazing support couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. Our charity is bracing itself for homelessness funding to be cut in April. The money raised by Barratt Kent’s go towards protecting lifesaving services, such as our hostels, from these cuts. Their commitment, time and fundraising has truly made a difference. We’re very grateful.”
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Kent, adds: “Supporting Porchlight this past year as a local housebuilder in Kent has been an honour, and we are so proud to have raised almost £80,000 for our charity of the year! A pillar of support, Porchlight’s phenomenal work has transformed the local community, and has ensured individuals in Kent receive the support they deserve. It is crucial to help local charities like Porchlight, who make all the difference in the community.”
Barratt Kent has now announced Demelza as its 2024 charity of the year. Having previously donated £15,000 to the local Sittingbourne children’s charity to aid children and their families through difficult times for the last 25 years, Demelza’s exceptional efforts will now be supported by Barratt Kent for the year to come.
To find out more about the homelessness, housing and mental health-related support that Porchlight offers, visit www.porchlight.org.uk.
