School children across Bradford and Leeds are invited to take part in a Christmas-inspired fundraising event to raise funds for local homelessness charity, Simon on the Streets.
Throughout December, hundreds of pupils across several West Yorkshire schools will take part in an ‘Elf Run’ around their schools and local areas dressed as Christmas elves in support of the charity and Simon on the Streets is encouraging more local schools to get involved.
Founded in 1999, Simon on the Streets is an independent charity, working with local people affected by homelessness and rough sleeping in Leeds and Bradford.
Christmas 2023 will mark the charity’s third Elf Run fundraiser which has helped raise more than £10,000 since it began in 2020.
The charity is also offering the chance for each participating school to receive a visit from a representative of Simon on the Streets during school assemblies to teach the young students about the realities of homelessness and how they can help.
Leeds-based primary school, Alder Tree is one of the schools taking part. Principal Kate Burton comments:
“Alder Tree pupils have decided to join the Simon on the Streets 2023 Elf Run as it is a local Leeds charity that works incredibly hard to support people in need. Our children believe that belonging to the community of Leeds is an incredibly proud thing and they want to become responsible citizens of their community.”
The pupils and staff of Alder Tree and other West Yorkshire schools, including nursery children as young as three years old, will be walking, skipping, hopping and running in their festive elf wear to raise money for the local cause.
Natalie Moran, CEO of Simon on the Streets said:
“The amount of people sleeping rough in the UK is predicted to increase to over 300,000 this year, and we need the generosity of our local community now more than ever to adequately support the rising numbers of people facing homelessness. We would be so thankful for every penny that schools local to us can raise.
“This is the third time we’ve run an Elf Run and it’s always so inspiring to see school children learn about the realities of homelessness and actively get involved in a fun initiative which will help raise valuable funds to support the local homeless community is truly heartwarming. We’re so grateful to Alder Tree and all the other schools for their support and can’t wait to see them running, dressed in their festive outfits!”
Schools who wish to take part should contact Andy Sharpe, senior fundraiser at andy@simononthestreets.co.uk.
