Valentine’s Day is only five weeks away, where millions of couples will celebrate their love for each other through all kinds of gooey romantic gestures.

But here in Kingston we do things a bit differently, and show our appreciation not just for our other halves, but the borough we live in.

This February 14 will be the second annual Love Kingston Day, where residents, businesses and organisations raise funds for Kingston-based good causes.

It is the single biggest fundraising event organised by the Love Kingston appeal, which supports five charities providing ‘pathways out of poverty’ for the borough’s most in need.

Over Christmas, a number of supporters visited the charity’s Siddeley House offices to record a video message about why they are supporting Love Kingston day.

All the videos have now been uploaded onto the charity’s YouTube channel.

Click below to watch some of the videos in support of Love Kingston Day

 

In 2013, the appeal was pledged £90,000 to support women’s refuge Hestia, Kingston Foodbank, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, credit union Kingston Savers and youth charity Oxygen.

But this year, Love Kingston fundraising manager Elaine Miller is confident of beating that total – setting a daunting target of £100,000 for the day alone.

Ms Miller said: “It’s bold, I know, but I think it’s a good thing to have something that’s challenging.

“That way the community sees it and thinks it’s a big ask and wants to help get there.

“People are really picking up on Love Kingston Day. There’s an awareness that wasn’t there last year.”

You can help spread the word about Love Kingston Day by displaying an official poster in your home or business – contact Elaine Miller on 020 8255 3335 or tweet @LvKingston Alternatively, if you want to display a special Love Kingston Day promo board provided by corporate property consultant Bonsors, email Elaine@londoncf.org.uk