Five-year-old finds practical way to help homeless

A five-year-old Arundel boy dreamed up a great way to raise money for the homeless.
Oscar in the hostel larder with Stonepillow chief executive Geoffrey WillisOscar in the hostel larder with Stonepillow chief executive Geoffrey Willis
Oscar in the hostel larder with Stonepillow chief executive Geoffrey Willis

Oscar Maitland, a pupil at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Arundel, saw a homeless man in Brighton and wanted to do something to help.

He came up with the idea of holding an exhibition of artwork by pupils in his class, based on the concept of their dream home.

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The display raised £113.22 for Stonepillow, a charity which provides a lifeline for homeless people with hubs, hostels and supported accommodation in Chichester, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Oscar said he felt ‘very happy’ about raising the funds and parents Josie and Mark said they were ‘immensely proud’ of him.

Josie added: “Oscar put so much thought into how he could help others and we are grateful to the school for supporting him to see the idea through so successfully.”

The artwork was shared with parents and grandparents, who donated money to the charity in appreciation of the children’s efforts.

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The creative designs included homes in the style of a flying rocket, a giant tree house and a house made out of marshmallows.

Head teacher Lucy Horne said: “As a school community, we were delighted to support Oscar in his vision of raising funds to help those less fortunate than himself.

“His idea was so simple yet very touching and certainly relevant to the children in his class. They enjoyed designing fantasy homes in art lessons and then having them displayed whilst also recognising that they were helping others in our wider community.

“What a fantastic, practical way of living out our school ethos.”

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Oscar visited Stonepillow in Chichester to hand over the money and chief executive Geoffrey Willis was delighted to show him around, explaining how the funds would be used to empower homeless and vulnerable people to make positive change in their lives.

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