The Spirit of Speech Day Raises Funds for Local Harrow Charities

The fundraising weekend at The Harrow School aims to help those most in need in the Harrow on the Hill community.

Many charities are facing significant funding challenges; still others are at risk of total collapse. The UK charitable sector is estimated to be facing a £4 billion loss of revenue in the next quarter as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The capacity to support our wider community at an unprecedented time of difficulty and concern for the most vulnerable members of our society is significant. The Harrow School itself has become a food bank hub and protective equipment provider and is working closely with our local Council, schools and hospitals to ensure that we are able to support their vital work. All youth, parents, staff, family and friends are invited to contribute to this effort by taking part in a fundraising activity whilst at home on what would have been Speech Day.

"All the money raised will be strategically targeted to trusted organisations to make the biggest possible impact and can be donated here" - Tim Dalton, Director, Shaftesbury Enterprise

Helping Others in Need

The main recipient of the funds will be Young Harrow Foundation (YHF): half of the money raised will be given to YHF to support charities helping disadvantaged young people particularly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. YHF is brilliantly placed to direct the money raised to where it is most needed, whether by supporting those in food poverty or young people particularly affected by the effects of social isolation.

A quarter will go to The Harrow Club, which works with some of the most at-risk or marginalised young people in West London, providing opportunities for them to maximise their life chances and enhance their personal development. The final quarter will be given to Shaftesbury Enterprise partners (such as Harrow Carers and FirmFoundation), positively impacting organisations best positioned to provide vital support to the community during the current crisis.

Youth, family members and friends are all encouraged to get involved – it is no exaggeration to say that these charities are keeping parts of the community afloat throughout the crisis and need all the support they can get.

Community Gratitude

Charmain Boyd, CEO of Harrow Carers: “We are so grateful to Harrow School for this and all the other amazing support they have given us. Keeping our care support workers safe is our top priority – so they remain as protected as possible to enable us to continue to look after clients in their homes. Harrow School’s generosity and speed of response is therefore all the more welcome.”

Get Involved

To learn more about "The Spirit of the Speech" and other activities related to the event, please contact Mr. Tim Dalton at tmd@harrowschool.org.uk