South London charities have received more than £16,000 from this year’s Gannett Foundation giveaway.

The foundation was set up by this newspaper’s parent company to award grants to charities.

The biggest benefactor was Demelza Children’s Hospice, which has offices across south-east London, was awarded £8,900 that will go towards renovating a kitchen and children’s bedrooms.

Alexandra Kopyciok, partnership executive at Demelza, said: “About 124 families use the service and a lot of the children have specialised needs.

“It’s important that nowhere looks like a hospital and installing an industrial kitchen, which families and staff use 24/7, and improving the bedrooms is something that is important to parents.

“We try to make Demelza a home from home and it’s important to let families create lasting memories. We’re really grateful for this grant.”

Parallel Youth Enterprise (PYE), in Gipsy Road, West Norwood, received a grant of £4,080.

The money will help the charity deliver projects across Lambeth that provide support for children and young adults by giving them a safe place to develop their talents.

Projects include sports classes, trips to the seaside, summer camps and musical and artistic sessions.

Rachel Bright, trustee for PYE said: “For years we have looked to break down barriers between youth and police and to stop them from getting involved with people that they should be getting involved with.

“Our projects are aimed to let children and young people experience things that they would not necessarily do and the money will go towards delivering that.

The Young Lewisham Project (YLP) was awarded £3,080 and has offered programmes for children to develop their leadership, discipline and team working skills for more than 40 years.

David Newman, YLP programme coordinator, said: “We recently sent about 50 donated bikes to children living in Malawi.

“It was a very proud and satisfying moment for us all and it has inspired us to carry on sending bikes over and the next batch is on its way.”

Group managing editor Andrew Parkes said: “We’re incredibly proud of the strong relationships that have built up between the communities we cover and our newspapers and websites.

“Readers and advertisers have always supported us and it’s great to be in a position to give something back.

“These grants to local charities, who work so closely with our readers, are a great way to be able to support our community.

“I wish them all well and look forward to continuing to report upon their good work.”