TWO of our junior school pupils were so worried about the plight of homeless people on the streets of Lewes during the pandemic that they have raised hundreds of pounds for Shelter in the half term by baking. 

Sophie (Year 6) and Sam (Year 3) were upset to realize the homeless were impacted by Covid as less people were around to help them and were less likely to carry cash around to give to them. 

So the pair set about baking cakes for neighbours and asking for donations towards Shelter in payment. They hoped to raise around £70 but ended up with a whopping £638. 

Said mum Helen: “Sophie and Sam have both enjoyed cooking and baking since they were tiny, and over the lockdowns have both noticed an increase in the number of homeless people in Lewes.  They came up with this idea as a way to raise money for something they both care about while doing something they enjoy. The response far exceeded their expectations.  Sophie had hoped to raise £20; Sam had aspired to £50, and in the end a total of £638 went to Shelter.  There were some lovely reactions from neighbours – everyone was so supportive and ordered a lot of cake! 

“The children worked incredibly hard and did it all themselves, from working out recipe quantities to delivering.  They were also very aware of how important handwashing and hygiene are, especially at the moment, and took a great deal of care to be careful.  I am enormously proud of them.” 

The dynamic duo whipped up 33 squares of chocolate cake, four Victoria sponges, 30 chocolate biscuits, and a chocolate birthday cake. Their neighbours in Lewes put their requests in via their street’s Whatsapp group and  Sam delivered them – running up and down the street to 21 different doorsteps. 

Said Sophie: “We chose Shelter because we know homeless people are suffering more during Covid as people don’t have loose change to hand over as everyone uses cards. On top of that, more and more people are losing their jobs and becoming homeless.” 

Sam added: “When we go out we see homeless people almost always and by helping Shelter I thought we would help there to be fewer of them.” 

LOGS Junior headmistress Mrs Whyte said: “Sophie and Sam stopped and noticed the lives of other people and decided to take action. That sort of kindness and compassion makes teaching children such a pleasure. We are inordinately proud of them.”