A selfless young boy who devoted his time to raising money for the homeless has won a community hero award. 

Ethan Sumpter, 11, from Rickmansworth decided to fundraise for New Hope after his teacher Mrs Sharp from St Mary’s Church of England Primary School gave an assembly on homelessness.

Ethan learned about the hardships they faced, especially during the winter at Christmas, kick-starting his charity 
mission. 

Ethan said: “Mrs Sharp asked us to think about our own Christmases and what it would feel like waking up on Christmas morning and being disappointed.

“It made me feel really sad and grateful.

Hillingdon Times:

“Mrs Sharp had said how something like a warm thick pair of socks and a big bar of chocolate on Christmas day could mean everything to someone living on the streets. 

“I decided I would hold a cake sale and ask for donations. 

“I thought if I raised enough money, I could buy some sleeping bags, pairs of socks and bars of chocolate.”

Ethan then wrote a letter to his teacher to ask if he could speak at the next school assembly to ask fellow students for sock and chocolate donations. 

He made various treats ranging from chocolate fudge cake and cookies which he sold at the Christmas fair. 
His efforts raised over £100 which was donated to New Hope to buy ten sleeping bags.

Hillingdon Times:

Ethan added: “My favourite part was knowing that I was doing it for a good cause, and I could not believe how generous people were with their donations.

“It made me realise that other people care about the homeless as much as I do.”

Ethan’s selfless actions inspired others in his class to follow as a fellow classmate decided she was going to create care packages to hand out to anyone living on the streets. 

Mr Sumpter said: “I would love to continue fundraising for the homeless. My mum says when I’m a bit older she will take me to help out at a local food bank.”

When told he won the community hero award Ethan said: “I feel very honoured to win the Watford Observer community hero award.

“If anyone reading this feels as passionate about the homeless as I do then please consider donating to New Hope Homeless Charity.”