William’s Amazing Fundraising Story

William is one of our most active fundraisers, holding not just one, but three book and bake sales this Summer alone. He has raised hundreds of pounds for CENS and we had a quick chat with him to try and find out the secret to his success.

I first came up with the idea of fundraising when I was searching for something in my bedroom, and realised I had lots of books and toys that I no longer needed. I decided that I would sell them and donate the money I raised to charity.

When I was on holiday I often saw homeless people on the streets and would give them my holiday money. Then I decided I wanted to help as many homeless people as possible and thought raising money for CENS would be a good place to start.

I have held three sales already this year. It started during lockdown, as I had plenty of free time. My Mummy posted about what I was doing on social media and lots of our friends and family supported me by coming to see what I was selling and helped by giving me more of their own books to sell. My best-selling cake was the giant triple chocolate brownies!

There are so many things I love about fundraising but if I had to pick one, it would probably be thinking about how happy the homeless people in Colchester will be when I hand in my money.

My friends are really proud of me and supported me. Some even gave me an extra 50p or £1 because they knew the money was going to a good cause.

My future plans are to hold more sales – especially when the weather is better and my Mummy will promote them again on Facebook.

Thanks for sharing your story William. You really are a superstar and every bit of the money you have raised will go towards helping our residents. Thank you so much and….save some of that triple chocolate brownie for us next time!!

CENS Essential Shopping List

  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Sugar
  • Hot chocolate
  • UHT milk
  • Squash
  • Vgetable oil
  • Gravy granules
  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Salt & pepper
  • Stock cubes
  • Herbs and spices
  • Tinned fruit
  • Tinned/packet custard
  • Baked beans
  • Tinned tuna
  • Tinned vegetables & potatoes
  • Tinned tomatoes
  • Kidney beans
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Men & women’s deodorant
  • Men’s razors
  • Shave gel
  • Shower gel
  • Toothpaste
  • Cloths
  • Scourers
  • Washing up liquid
  • Surface cleaners
  • Floor cleaner
  • Bleach
  • Bathroom cleaners
  • Bin bags
  • Food caddy liners
  • Loo roll
  • Washing tablets
  • AA batteries
  • NEW single duvets
  • Pillows/pillowcases
  • Single duvet covers/sheets
  • Clean/good condition towels

Please no soups!
Thank you