Stamford Hill youngsters launch campaign
to Help the Aged this Christmas
Released: 02.12.05

 

A group of 35 young people from Stamford Hill have launched their own initiative to support Help the Aged this Christmas in their efforts to care for elderly people in the community.

The youngsters from the Victory Youth Group, part of the UCKG HelpCentre in Stamford Hill, were shocked by statistics stating that 40,000 elderly people could die of cold this winter because of escalating heating bills. The team decided to pull together and donate their old clothes, books, CDs, and mobile phones to the Help the Aged recycling appeal.

The youth group then approached family, friends, neighbours and members of the community with a similar appeal for unwanted items, all of which will be recycled and transformed into vital funds for the charity or sold in Help the Aged shops across London. The charity will receive £4 for every old mobile phone recycled.

“The response from the children's campaign has been fantastic,” said Michael Boodram, VYG leader in Stamford Hill. “Not only has the youth group taken part but members of the church congregation have also helped out with donations of their own.

“I think it is really important for young people to be aware of the needs of the community around them,” he continues. “This not only keeps them occupied with constructive activities but also gives them the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference.”

Youth group member Keeley Auguste, 17, said: “I wanted to be involved in this appeal to help the elderly as I genuinely care for those in need. I've been contributing my spare time to collect items and think that helping the recycling campaign will be the best Christmas present we can give the elderly in our community.”

The Victory Youth Group was set up in 1996 by the UCKG HelpCentre, a Christian church and registered charity, and currently has a regular weekly church-wide attendance of over 1000 youngsters aged 14-24. It provides stimulating, constructive activities including trips to Alton Towers, football and basketball competitions, cinema trips and musical events.

VYG meetings are held every Sunday at 2pm and every Thursday at 6.30pm. Call 020 7686 6000 for your nearest branch.

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If you require any further information regarding the UCKG, please submit your enquiry or telephone Francessca Lewis on 0207 686 6033.