Kind-hearted schoolboy helps feed homeless people

A six-year-old boy has raised hundreds of pounds for people who are homeless.

Kian Lamonby, from Shobdon in Herefordshire, helped raise over £500 for The Salvation Army after seeing someone sleeping rough while out shopping with his mum Sophie.

The schoolboy, who attends Shobdon Primary, couldn’t understand why someone would have to live on the streets and asked his mum if they could do something to help.

Sophie said: “Kian saw a man sleeping on the pavement and started asking questions like: ‘Why won’t the builders build him a house? Will Santa give him presents? Where are his mummy and daddy?’

“We went and got the man a hot chocolate and a muffin. Later on Kian asked how he could buy food for other people living on the streets.

“We did some research and discovered many homeless people were in temporary accommodation with only a kettle and microwave, so we looked at raising money to buy food that can be microwaved or made using boiling water. Noodles, soup, baked beans rice, curry sauces etc.”

Sophie set up a Just Giving page that raised £425 in a matter of days - and they received more donations in cash to take the total over £500. The family had planned to go shopping to buy the food but Kian, who celebrated his birthday this month, and his little brother Kylo (1) were struck down by the coronavirus and had to isolate. Thankfully both boys only had minor symptoms and are now fully recovered.

Sophie said: “We were forced to isolate for two weeks so we couldn’t go out and buy the food with the money raised. Instead we decided to give the money directly to The Salvation Army in Herefordshire for the work they do in supporting people who are homeless and vulnerable.

“Kian is a curious little boy and I’m proud of him for wanting to help people who are vulnerable and in need.”