The KM Group-owned Kentish Gazette, circulated in Canterbury, launched the Give Them Shelter appeal in the run-up to Christmas, asking readers to support the work of the local charity Catching Lives.
After its launch on Thursday, November 18, £18,000 was raised in just one month. These funds will allow the charity to commit itself to operating shelters in church and community halls during the winter months.
Project coordinator Jon Limebury said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Kentish Gazette and its readers because we couldn’t have done it without them.
“Far more money has rolled in than we expected, including several large donations, which means that if the project continues to go well, we can keep the winter shelters running through February.
“I think the fact that it has been so cold really focused people’s attention on those who might be left coping on the streets.”
Kentish Gazette editor Leo Whitlock said: “It never ceases to amaze me how readily our readers put their hands in their pockets when it really matters.
“When you think how tough it is out there, their generosity knows no bounds.
“In the freezing cold weather, the contribution of our readers made a massive difference to people’s lives.”
Readers also gave a lot of support to the newspaper’s Charity of the Year for 2010.
Tony Meire, chairman of the Kent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Canterbury, said: “In a very uncertain economic climate the Kentish Gazette raised nearly £5,000 towards our appeal for the new Centre, an amazing result for which are truly grateful.
“In addition, the extensive editorial coverage has enabled us to significantly increase our profile and spread the message of who we are and what we do here.
“Over the last five years or so our membership has grown by 15 to 20 per cent per annum. Last year it increased by 33 per cent.
“Such is the power of the Kentish Gazette.”
