Fox House Funds Delivered!

Fox House were pleased to hand over £793.39 to Reading-based charity, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, on Wednesday 6th December. Fox House have been collecting funds since September 2022 and have undertaken a charity bake sale, a Sports Day drinks sale and the House clerk, Simon Booth, took a bold step by shaving his head to encourage donations. Fox House decided to continue to support Alexandar Devine  as a collective decision because the House had a strong connection to the cause, and we wanted a long term sustained impact. The charity also aligns with our School’s Quaker values.

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice was founded when Fiona and John Devine tragically lost their son, Alexander, at the age of 8 to a brain tumour. Since then the charity have been providing specialist care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and into surrounding counties. The charity was selected by Fox House through a vote involving all House members last year and the House has kept its charity focus for the second year running.

House Charity Lead, Delya (Upper Sixth), is enthusiastic about supporting the work of the Hospice: “I believe in the impact that our collective efforts can have on the lives of those supported by the Hospice. Through our commitment and fundraising, we have the power to bring comfort and happiness to those who are facing challenging circumstances. The work of the Hospice is really positive, and I am very happy to bring the house together to contribute to this cause. Together, we can make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of those who need it the most.”

Jazmin Parker from Alexander Devine who collected the cheque commented, “Adult hospices are very common and people are really aware of the work that they do but with children’s hospices it is really different. We are a local charity and Berkshire’s only children’s hospice so it’s good to spread the awareness as not many people, children or adults really know about us. Only 10 minutes in every hour of care that we offer are funded by the government and 80% of the money comes from fundraising, which is fundraising from the community. Thank you so, so much for all your incredible support. Every pound, every penny, anything really does help our charity and makes a difference to the families that are accessing our support so thank you from the bottom of our hearts; we really appreciate it.”

Every member of the school community belongs to a House and the Houses unite staff and students in shared endeavours from fund-raising to raising the roof at events like House Performing Arts, House Music or Sports Day. The other Houses are supporting their own selected charities which are currently Bentsi-Enchill supporting children’s bereavement charity, Daisy’s Dream, Cadbury helping troubled families through Parents And Children Together (PACT) and Tubman supporting The Cowshed, providing good quality clothing and essential to those in need.