Saturday 19 November 2016

Rucksack Event Portsmouth 2016 - Thank you 💙

I don't know what to say... Just thank you 💙 It's so overwhelming.... the support, the help, the donations, the charities, the community spirit, the volunteers, just everyone. Thank you. Truly humbled, truly exhausted, truly elated. Happy tears indeed! What a day.

Around 2,400 rucksacks donated plus extra donations of clothes, food, toiletries, sleeping bags as well. Just wow!

So many companies to thank, those acting as hubs, those with vans doing deliveries, those who gave us food and donations, those whose staff spent the day helping us... Tesco Fratton and North Harbour, Greggs, Riches bakery and Hyde Property Services to name a few!

So many individuals to thank; my mum Tracey and Kat sorting and packing clothes all day, my colleagues from work Chris and Luke delivering donations across Hampshire for charities, Lorraine from HMS Sultan who worked the food bank like a complete pro, Becky from Little Kanga dealing with the media and social media, friends of mine and Jo's and people who stayed to help - sorting, lifting, shifting, directing, helping, just so many of you - you were all amazing, thank you all so much!

Volunteers and the centre... Pompey in the Community and the NCS volunteers - hats off to you all and a massive massive thank you, for the venue, for the help, for the everything!

Everyone who donated from all across Hampshire - you're all simply amazing! Getting your companies and work places involved, acting as drop off hubs, collecting items from others who couldn't make it on the day. Thank you so much, so humbling to see everyone wanting to help, wanting to give, wanting to share, pulling together, real community spirit, thank you all - we certainly couldn't do this without you guys.

The 25 charities who collected and benefitted from the donations today - a long list of hostels, services, schemes, groups, charities, soup kitchens, churches, all of you! You are the special people who make such a difference to people, running your services and delivering the goods directly to those in need. The work you guys do is just amazing, and truly appreciated.

And a special mention, of course, to a lady who doesn't like too much recognition, Jo.  None of this
could happen without you.  You are a force to be reckoned with, an energy like no other.  I may help you to organise, I may tell you everything will be fine and be your partner in crime, but seriously - you're one special lady!  Big love and enjoy that wine!

We may have finished our event for this year, but please do consider donating to your local shelter/hostel/service all year round, I'm sure they'll be happy to take items from you; or if you're able to - give directly to someone you meet. Stop, say hello, ask how someone is and share a smile if nothing else.
Here's a few pics from the day, in reverse order for some reason!  Portsmouth, once again - quite simply - You Rock! #itsnicetobenice

Same time next year, yeah?! xx





































Sunday 30 October 2016

3 Weeks To Go! #rucksackevent

It's less than 3 weeks to go! I can't believe it's come round so quickly!

There's loads of activity on the Facebook event and it's so lovely to see the community spirit well and truly alive and kicking.  People collecting, sourcing items, acting as drop off points, driving round the county for collections - you're all amazing!
Just a quick note tonight to let you know about the charities who will be receiving your wonderful donations. We're welcoming some old friends, new friends and well just about everyone!
Here it is... here is the list of charities we have confirmed so far, who will be receiving your kind donations from this event...

✔️Central Point - Portsmouth
✔️Hope House (Salvation Army) - Portsmouth
✔️Hampshire Homes For Veterans 
✔️Portsmouth Welfare
✔️United Reform Church - Portsmouth
✔️St James Church - Portsmouth
✔️Two Saints - Patrick House & Day Centre - Southampton 
✔️The Roberts Centre - Portsmouth
✔️Bournemouth Outreach
✔️Fareham & Gosport Basics Bank
✔️Opsafe Winter - Brighton
✔️Two Saints - Yew Tree House - Portsmouth
✔️Family Church - Portsmouth
✔️No Limits - Southampton
✔️St Jude's Church - Portsmouth
✔️Purple People Kitchen and Food Bank - Brighton
✔️Step by Step - Havant
✔️Two Saints - Havant
✔️Winchester Churches Night Shelter
✔️AOK Rucksack Appeal - Bournemouth
✔️Help for Homeless Hampshire

Can't wait to meet you all, see you there!

TTFN, Sammy xx

Wednesday 14 September 2016

Great South Run for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

So this is it, this is the year Mr. B is going to run 10 miles for charity.  It is his first time, not through want of trying - he's signed up a few times now but had to pull out due to injury etc, but hopefully this time it'll actually happen!

Now Mr. B is a fan of running, not quite as much as his daughter (crazy lady!) but he does enjoy pounding those pavements and to complete this run is something he has on his bucket list.  The race is in 5 short weeks and from what I can see, training is going well!!

Now alongside doing this run, Mr. B is also collecting for charity.  He has chosen to run for a charity very close to our families heart and that is Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association - http://www.portsmouthdsa.org/
So let me tell you a little bit about why this is his chosen charity. 

Around 10 years ago, my cousin and his wife gave birth to a very lovely little boy called Ethan. Ethan is their first child and he is just beautiful.
He's growing into a lovely young lad; he loves school and drama, playing with his friends, he especially loves all his cousins and of course giving his mum and dad some cheek occasionally!
He's currently in his last year of junior school getting ready for the transition to senior school.  

Ethan is no different to you and I, he likes to have fun, partake in outdoor activities, he likes to watch musicals and he loves spending time with his family. 
Shortly after he was born, my cousin and his wife were given the information that Ethan was indeed a very special little boy and he in fact is rocking an extra chromosome! Ethan has Down Syndrome, he is not a Downs child, or anything other derogatory people can or may say, his make up is just a little different to some other people, but you know what - let's celebrate individuality, difference and diversity, it's a beautiful thing. 
Ethan is just amazing, there is nothing he can't do or won't try. He knows he has Down Syndrome and that this can make people think he looks or is different, his parents have explained this to him and this won't stop him doing whatever he wants to in life; some things he is really good at and others he has to try harder to learn than other people.
The learning Ethan does and the support his family and school receive is where Portsmouth DSA come in to the equation. 

Through Portsmouth DSA (footprints) Ethan benefits from speech therapy, drama classes and social events for children with Down Syndrome. They also provide Ethan's school with expert advice, which is invaluable and they are currently helping with his transition to senior school. To be able to do all of this, the service requires vital funds and we are very honoured to be able to raise funds for them in any way we can!

So with all this said, Mr. B will be running 10 miles, I will be making my way round 5km with Ethan's grandad. Ethan's mum will be running 10 miles and Ethan will be running the junior run of 2.5km after completing the 1.5km for the the last 4 years.
So if you'd consider sponsoring us - any of us, we'd be most grateful!!

Here is Mr. B's link, and if you have any questions - please don't hesitate to ask 💜
Virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewBarcroftBarney 

Thanking you in advance, Mrs B xx