Southampton-based charity, The Society of St James (SSJ), received an unexpected windfall last year from the Portsmouth-based charity A Touch of Magic.

The charity raised a grand total of £10,836, surpassing their set target of £10,000.

SSJ assists individuals in need, particularly those dealing with homelessness, alcohol and substance misuse, and other intricate problems.

A Touch of Magic organised several fundraising events to exceed their goal, such as a 'Down in New Orleans' ball, a Swing music and Bingo fusion game dubbed 'Swingo', and an Elvis tribute night.

Jess, the founder of A Touch of Magic, and her mother Lara, decided to choose SSJ as their Charity of the Year after visiting Portsmouth’s Rough Sleeping Hub.

They were moved after witnessing how the charity's activities positively impacted the lives of its beneficiaries. The funds raised will be utilised to supplement additional activities offered by SSJ to their beneficiaries.

Since launching in 2009, A Touch of Magic has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping a variety of causes.

The charity has allocated a massive £139,000 to different charities, including Cancer Research, Parkinsons UK, Tonic Music for Mental Health, the Make a Wish Foundation, and Naomi House. In 2024, A Touch of Magic will support the Queen Alexandra’s Breast Care Unit, which falls under the Portsmouth Hospital’s Charity umbrella, as their chosen Charity of the Year.

Founder Jess said: "We chose SSJ because I grew up in Portsmouth, so it’s close to my heart. I met Lucy at SSJ and visited their Rough Sleeping Hub and fell in love with the work they do. Homelessness is rife and it’s not an area A Touch of Magic has helped before.

"We really appreciate the difference SSJ makes to vulnerable adults, especially after visiting their centre and seeing it first-hand."

Michelle Jeffery, business development and fundraising manager for SSJ, said: "We truly feel like we have experienced a Touch of Magic through Jess, Lara and their wonderfully welcoming friends and family over the last year. Their dedication and determination to exceed their target for our beneficiaries has been inspiring. Their efforts will benefit 100's of people in Portsmouth facing multiple disadvantages and has indeed helped us to attract even more funding."

SSJ has been serving the community in Southampton since 1972, focusing on helping vulnerable individuals transform their lives.