As the weather turned cold in late October, six-year-old Emily Ritchie asked her mum Lauren what she could do to help stop people who were homeless from getting cold.
It was this conversation that sparked an idea to organise a collection of winter warmth items, including hats and scarves.
With the help of her fellow pupils at Greenlands Community Primary School in Stanley and the team at PACT House, in just a short amount of time Emily collected over 30 donations which are now heading to those in need in time for Christmas.
Emily’s generosity has seen her be named one of Karbon's 12 Deeds of Christmas Community Stars, an initiative which recognises a mix of individuals and organisations from across our communities who have gone the extra mile to help others and deserve a big thank you.
Emily’s mum Lauren said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Emily. She’s always been a real sweetheart but when she came up with the idea to start a collection I couldn’t believe how thoughtful and kind it was. You don’t expect an idea like that from a six year old.”
“She wrote a beautiful letter to her headteacher, Miss Lewis, (see below) asking if her friends and teachers could help and the school have been brilliant in helping make this a success. I’m also really thankful to the team at PACT House who we've given the donations to to make sure they get to those who need them most.”
Emily has joined a number of other Durham based Community Stars in this year’s 12 Deeds of Christmas list, including the volunteers at Burnopfield Community Centre, the 1st Burnmoor Scouts and Thomas Sterling for his dedication to Great Lumley Methodist Church and supporting communities in Chester-le-Street.
All the named community stars received a thank you and a £100 shopping voucher to treat themselves.
Paul Moralee, Community Investment Manager at Karbon Homes said: “Once again it’s been humbling to be involved with the 12 Deeds of Christmas initiative. It’s heartening to hear about the amazing work that individuals and organisations are doing in the community to support others and to bring cheer. It was difficult to whittle the nominations down, as we had so many amazing nominations.”
As the weather turned cold in late October, six-year-old Emily Ritchie asked her mum Lauren what she could do to help stop people who were homeless from getting cold.
It was this conversation that sparked an idea to organise a collection of winter warmth items, including hats and scarves.
With the help of her fellow pupils at Greenlands Community Primary School in Stanley and the team at PACT House, in just a short amount of time Emily collected over 30 donations which are now heading to those in need in time for Christmas.
Emily’s generosity has seen her be named one of Karbon's 12 Deeds of Christmas Community Stars, an initiative which recognises a mix of individuals and organisations from across our communities who have gone the extra mile to help others and deserve a big thank you.
Emily’s mum Lauren said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Emily. She’s always been a real sweetheart but when she came up with the idea to start a collection I couldn’t believe how thoughtful and kind it was. You don’t expect an idea like that from a six year old.”
“She wrote a beautiful letter to her headteacher, Miss Lewis, (see below) asking if her friends and teachers could help and the school have been brilliant in helping make this a success. I’m also really thankful to the team at PACT House who we've given the donations to to make sure they get to those who need them most.”
Emily has joined a number of other Durham based Community Stars in this year’s 12 Deeds of Christmas list, including the volunteers at Burnopfield Community Centre, the 1st Burnmoor Scouts and Thomas Sterling for his dedication to Great Lumley Methodist Church and supporting communities in Chester-le-Street.
All the named community stars received a thank you and a £100 shopping voucher to treat themselves.
Paul Moralee, Community Investment Manager at Karbon Homes said: “Once again it’s been humbling to be involved with the 12 Deeds of Christmas initiative. It’s heartening to hear about the amazing work that individuals and organisations are doing in the community to support others and to bring cheer. It was difficult to whittle the nominations down, as we had so many amazing nominations.”
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