A CAROL singing celebration held in Reading last week has raised nearly £20,000 for a charity that works with some of Reading’s most vulnerable residents.
Launchpad held its Carols by Candlelight celebration in a new venue, the Blagrave Street Concert Hall, and the star-studded event was a sell-out.
The charity’s patrons, Matt Allwright and Danyl Johnson, hosted the evening, welcoming performances from the Reading Community Gospel Choir and Bulmershe School Chorus.
The event was attended by The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Pluxley; Alka Kharbanda, the High Sheriff of Berkshire; Graham Barker, Vice Lord-Lieutnant of Berkshire; TV host Chris Tarrant; and ITV Meridian’s Mel Bloor.
There were readings by special guests, a raffle with prizes donated by local Reading businesses, and inspiring stories about Launchpad’s work with people in housing crisis. In all, £19,XXXX was raised.
The charity says ticket sales will help its supported housing which offer warm, clean and safe accommodation for up to 104 people in need – a lifeline to the many individuals, couples and families due to be made homeless by the rise in the cost of living over the coming months.
Vicki Lewis, fundraising manager at Launchpad, was delighted with how the event, held on Wednesday, December 14, went.
“For many local people, we know that Carols by Candlelight kicks off their Christmas festivities and it was lovely to have so many people join us last night,” she said.
“It was a truly special event and I think the 400-strong audience were blown away by not only how beautiful the Concert Hall looked with all the twinkly lights and candles, but also the incredible performances from both choirs During what is a difficult time for so many, we’re really grateful to everyone who bought a ticket, made a donation or took part in the raffle.”
Debs Edwards, Deputy Mayor of Reading and Launchpad Trustee spoke at the event, and said: “If we have been taught anything by the events of the last few years and months, it is that life can change in an instant, and absolutely anyone can find themselves in a situation where they are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
“Sometimes all it can take is an unexpected change in circumstances, a fuel bill, a few poor decisions or bad luck.
“While there are many reasons someone could face homelessness, the individuals, couples and families we support are from all walks of life, who through no fault of their own have found themselves in an impossible situation.
“We know the rise in the cost of living will leave many local people without a place to call home but with your kindness and generosity, we can continue our vital work providing warm, clean and safe accommodation for Reading’s most vulnerable.”
The charity has a Christmas appeal: launchpadreading.org.uk/donate
