House Charities

Whitechapel Mission

It has been uplifting to be back on the school site together, catching up with school friends, enjoying sports and outdoor activities, and many things that we have previously taken for granted. It made me think about people whose ‘normality’ will always be very difficult and for whom returning to their normal life holds little or no joy. We can only imagine what their lives must be like, and be grateful that we have the Glyn community to support us.

Over the past few years, we have supported Whitechapel Mission - a homeless charity based in one of the poorest areas of London - as one of our many chosen charities. It is our students who vote each year for the charities that they would like to support.  Whitechapel Mission aims to be the “most effective provider of compassionate care and life transformation for people caught in a cycle of poverty in London.” The Mission has been helping Londoners who are rough sleeping since 1876.  Their Day Centre is open 365 days a year, providing a free breakfast every morning, showers and fresh clothing. The charity works on a 100% donations policy.

As difficult as this past year has been, I have been fortunate to have spent my time in a warm, comfortable home with an abundance of food, and knowing that I have people who love me, have missed seeing me, and will always be there for me.  For some people, Whitechapel Mission and the support it offers is all they have, with no hope of things improving.

The students of Bourne, St Benet and Tudor Houses have chosen to support Whitechapel Mission during our House Charity Week.  Over the past two years, families and staff have been incredibly generous, donating all kinds of clothing and dry goods for the charity, which has really improved some people’s lives, and we hope you might be able to support this cause again this year.  I used lockdown as an opportunity to tidy my wardrobes and cupboards at home, as I know that my unwanted clothes can really help another person.  If you are also able to bag up any unwanted clothing for the charity, that would be wonderful.   Whitechapel Mission needs everyday wear for people of all ages, men and women, as well as clothes suitable for job interviews.

Give and Make Up

This year we are also asking if you have any unwanted new or slightly used make up or beauty products for another charity we would like to support called Give and Make Up, which is a non-profit initiative that brings everyday beauty essentials to women and young girls escaping domestic violence.

Smalls For All

Smalls For All charity provides bras to women in Africa who are at risk of being raped. The possibility of a woman being raped is significantly less if she is wearing a bra, as it is seen as a sign of wealth.  Please donate any unwanted bras you have for this charity.  Additionally, if you are able to purchase a cheap pack of basic knickers on your next shop to donate to the charity, that would be wonderful.  Donated knickers must be new, whereas bras can be previously worn.

I realise that many people have had a difficult year but, as we find ourselves moving towards brighter days as the current lockdown eases, please help to support these charities as, collectively, we can make a difference to others in need.  For the moment, please keep donations at home, bagged up and labelled, and we will let you know when and how we will be able to arrange to take them in.

Thank you.

Mrs Fairbrother, Mr Beaney and Miss Zimmermann 

Bourne, St Benet and Tudor Houses