Olivia Leggett gives up pocket money for the homeless

Nine-year-old Olivia Leggett, who lives in Fortescue Road in Parkstone, approached her dad Michael at the start of the month asking if she could give up her pocket money of £2 a week and the money could instead be used to buy essential items for the homeless.

The youngster packed eight bags to give to the homeless containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, shower gel, baby wipes, a snack and plasters.

She and her dad visited Bournemouth town centre to hand out two packs to the homeless last weekend.

Michael said he approaches homeless people and tells them about Olivia’s idea before asking if they would be willing to receive one of the bags.

They were due to hand out the other six packs yesterday.

Michael said: “It’s the first time she’s ever done anything like this. It very much came out of the blue.

“She’s always had a big heart for people not in a privileged position.

“She always mentions people who are less fortunate,” he added.

Michael also posted a video on Facebook on Saturday about Olivia’s kind act which has now been watched almost 1,000 times.

He said: “I was expecting to get 20 likes and a couple of comments.

“Before we knew it, we had 1,000 views and lots of comments from people saying it’s restored their faith in society.

“It’s a very big gesture and I couldn’t be prouder”, Michael added.

Olivia has also found out about Bournemouth-based charity Faithworks Wessex which helps people in crisis through her local church and anyone who would like to show their support for her is invited to make a donation.

Faithworks Wessex runs the Sleepsafe campaign along with more than 20 churches in Bournemouth which helps to find beds for rough sleepers during the winter months.

Last winter Sleepsafe helped get 43 rough sleepers off the streets of Bournemouth and into accommodation.

Visit https://localgiving.org/charity/sleepsafe-bcars/ or alternatively see streetsupport.net to find out how to help someone on the streets.