Wednesday 22 February 2023 We were overwhelmed by the response to GSAL’s cost of living campaign, launched in Memento magazine last November via a personal letter from the mother of one of our bursary students. In the letter, Maria* spoke movingly about how rising costs had impacted their family on top of the sacrifices they already make to pay their son’s remaining school fees. “There are no family holidays, no meals out, no going out for a drink. No shopping. I don’t even go to meet a friend for a coffee. We wear our clothes until they’re done,” she wrote with searing honesty. However, the generosity of an anonymous donor means that Maria’s son’s transport costs are now covered. “You have made an enormous difference to our lives,” she wrote. “Thank you.” Maria’s words proved to be a rallying cry to our alumni community with donations soon flooding in. To date, the campaign – which was match-funded by two of the school’s donors – has raised an incredible £50,000. As funds were distributed, countless bursary families got in touch with words of gratitude. One parent wrote to say that money worries had been “keeping her awake at night” and that the donation covering her daughter’s lunches and transport has made a huge difference. She added: “As a family with disabled children, [the rising cost of living] has hit us particularly hard…it sounds like a small thing, but knowing that she’s able to join her friends for lunch and not having to worry about how we’ll pay for it is a huge relief.” In Maria’s original letter, she wrote of the families who “thought they could manage but, with the increased cost of food, gas, electricity and housing, they just can’t any more”; a sentiment which was echoed by many of the families who contacted us. ”It will be a big help for our financial situation at present,” said one. “It’s invaluable support when we need it the most,” said another. “We are so grateful for [the donors’] kindness and generosity,” said another. “The alumni and the GSAL community are always there for anyone who needs help.” One father wrote poignantly about his hope for his son to develop the same generous spirit that had been shown to him during his time at GSAL. “I hope my child will be able to repay your goodness to him by contributing meaningfully to the community,” he wrote. “I wish that he adopts your example, taking inspiration from your kindness to assist those in need.” Another family sent a poem written by their daughter Megan* to thank the donors who had contributed towards her school lunches. “For some it is a privilege, for others it is a right / For me, it is the difference between a shadow and a future that is bright,” she wrote. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of GSAL, a huge burden has been lifted for dozens of bursary recipients and their families. *Names have been changed – A donation to GSAL’s bursary fund can change a life. To discuss making a donation please contact Donna Woodman, Director of Development on alumni@gsal.org.uk, or visit https://gsal.org.uk/alumni/make-a-gift/. Alumni
