NEWS FEED
The outgoing chairman of East Dorset District Council has donated £3888 to two local charities.
During his time as chairman Cllr Steven Lugg has been raising money for local homeless charity PASHA and the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). Representatives from both charities were each presented with a cheque for £1944 at an informal ceremony held at the East Dorset District Council offices earlier this week.
PASHA is a homeless shelter that works with people from 16 upwards, helping them to get off the streets and secure long term accommodation. The charity helps homeless people to develop basic life skills, as well as providing services such as a morning breakfast club and basic supplies including toiletries and clothing.
During the cheque presentation PASHA representative Kath Osborne said, “We rely on public donations to give homeless people what we often take for granted like brushing our teeth or having a good breakfast to set us up for the day. No one who leaves us goes back on the street, instead we help them to secure accommodation that enables them to go on and live independent lives.”
The second cheque went to the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation to support an initiative at Ferndown Upper School that is helping sixth formers get into employment by developing their interview skills and securing apprenticeship opportunities.
Peter Thornton from the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation said: “Ferndown Upper School is one of 19 youth organisations that we currently support and it was where John Thornton himself went to school. These funds will help local young people to do what they want to do.”
In his presentation Cllr Steven Lugg said, “Councils should be looking to positive life outcomes for the vulnerable, else they fail. Throughout my year as chairman I have tried to involve those whom have not come into direct contact with the council. I have particularly championed the young, those in poverty and those suffering from economic obstacles to work, and will continue to ask both central and local government to concentrate on the vulnerable.”
