A PAIR of generous brothers have been praised for their fundraising exploits and social awareness.

Earlier this year, Archie and Stanley Currie, from Tadley, were challenged by their mum, Jacquie, to raise money for charity.

The two brothers, aged 10 and eight, were given £1 and decided to use the money to set up a sweet stall.

Using the initial profit they made, the Bramley Primary School pupils restocked, sold and restocked several times, surpassing their target of £50 and making £65 by the end of one week.

Archie and Stanley decided to donate the money raised to The Camrose Centre, based at Glebe Hall, which works to provide immediate help to homeless people and those who are at risk of losing their homes.

The boys spent their £65 on items the Camrose Centre badly needed and then went along to the centre to hand over fresh minced beef, underwear and socks.

Speaking about her sons’ efforts, Jacquie said: “Every time we go to town the boys really hate seeing people sleeping on the streets or begging for change or food.

“When we were talking about the money they might be able to make, they decided between themselves that they didn’t really need any money and that they would like it to help the people they see on Basingstoke’s streets.”

According to Jacquie, it was Stanley’s “fearless approach of selling” which allowed the boys to raise so much money in a single week.

The Camrose Centre welcomes donations of easily prepared food, basic catering supplies, good quality adult’s clothing and personal hygiene supplies, all of which are used to help people living on the streets.

The centre is also grateful for any financial donations to contribute to its running expenses which are kept to a minimum by the generosity of the volunteers who give up their time to help the homeless.

For more information, go to thecamrosecentre.org.