Homeless youngsters lend a hand to Haiti

Sam EmanuelYoung homeless people have put their own problems aside to organise and perform in a show to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti.YMCA Norfolk residents took part in the live show, called Hands for Haiti, on Friday to help people whose lives have been torn apart by the devastating earthquake.Sam Emanuel

Young homeless people have put their own problems aside to organise and perform in a show to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti.

YMCA Norfolk residents took part in the live show, called Hands for Haiti, on Friday to help people whose lives have been torn apart by the devastating earthquake.

Despite some technical hitches at Norwich Arts Centre, where the event was held, which included the fire alarm going off repeatedly, everyone who attended had a fantastic night.

The event, which was part of the Norwich Fringe Festival, saw the young people MCing, DJing, beatboxing, singing and playing in bands.

It was the brainchild of staff from the Norwich Central YMCA, designed to empower young people to use their talents on stage and gain experience in organising arts events and raising money.

The residents also auctioned off pieces of artwork by current residents, ex-residents and staff.

All proceeds will go towards Y-Care International, the international development arm of the YMCA that is currently helping people in Haiti in their time of need.

DJ Matty Owen, 18, was the first person to perform, playing a selection of dubstep and reggae beats, and he was followed by singer/songwriter Joshua Holliday, also 18.

Other acts, peforming in The Ten Bells pub, included MC Kro, Dus-T, Marshy Miagai and Intensi-T

YMCA Norfolk's chief executive, Tim Sweeting, who shaved off staff member Gus Hawes' beard for charity, said: 'Our young people have planned and executed every part of this event, using their diverse skills for the benefit of others less fortunate than themselves.'

YMCA tshirts were also on sale for �6 each as another way to raise funds for the charity.

Last month, the Evening News reported how the YMCS had honoured the hard work of its former chief executive John Drake by renaming its newest building after him as it launched a �1m public appeal to fund a new �4.4m project to build 40 self contained flats in Bethel Street, behind the YMCS building in St Giles Street.

Are you taking part in an event for charity? Call Local Life editor Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk