A CHARITY which helps some of London's most deprived children has called a £200,000 donation raised by Evening Standard readers "a godsend".

Hundreds more young people will now reap the benefit of schemes run by Greenhouse, the charity supported by the Evening Standard's online Christmas auction.

Standard editor Veronica Wadley presented a cheque for £202,677 to Greenhouse founder Michael de Giorgio at Greenhouse Bethwin Football Club, one of the charity's landmark projects in Peckham. The project helps turn young people away from a life of gangs and violence through a strict regime of coaching and training, instilling discipline and respect.

The money raised will help the charity roll out even more schemes across London.

Ms Wadley said: "There is nothing more important than getting kids off the street and engaged in sport and worthwhile activities."

With nearly 500 members, and employing 30 staff, the community football project is one of the charity's biggest success stories. Michael de Giorgio, Greenhouse's founder, added: "It is a godsend. In times like this it will be a real boost for us."

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