Having spent many years supporting charitable causes in both the UK and France, Steve and Shaun wanted their 2026 fundraising efforts to focus on organisations that bring hope and joy to children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
In February 2026, they launched Under One Sky / Sous Le Même Ciel with an ambitious goal: to raise €10,000 in support of children living with critical illnesses. All funds raised will be shared between two remarkable organisations, Make-A-Wish France and When You Wish Upon a Star UK.
The campaign is rooted in a long tradition of community fundraising. Steve and Shaun are proud members of The Original Pearly Kings and Queens of London, one of Britain’s most recognisable charitable organisations.
For more than a century, the Pearly Kings and Queens have been iconic symbols of Cockney London, famous for their magnificent suits, caps, and dresses adorned with thousands of iridescent pearl buttons. Yet behind the spectacle lies a simple mission: helping those in need. Founded in the 19th century by Henry Croft, an orphan who used pearl buttons to draw attention to his community’s struggles, the Pearly tradition was built on raising funds and awareness for charitable causes. https://thepearlies.org.uk/
It is this spirit that Steve and Shaun have brought with them from the streets of London to the fields of France. While they may have traded their button-covered suits for aprons (most days!), their commitment to supporting others remains exactly the same.
TWO CHARITIES UNDER ONE SKY / SOUS LE MÊME CIEL
Bringing light to families when they need it most.
While the charities operate on different sides of the Channel, their impact is identical: providing children and their families with moments of hope, joy and the realisation of a cherished dream. Whether it is a child in France wishing to be a firefighter for a day or a child in the UK wanting to swim with dolphins, these organisations prove that magic is possible, even in the darkest times.
At the heart of Under One Sky / Sous Le Même Ciel is a growing ceiling of stars at the Auberge. By the end of the year, the ceiling will have become a shining constellation of support from diners, guests and local businesses.
Since launching in mid-February, the campaign has already raised more than €3,500 towards its €10,000 target, a remarkable achievement made possible by the generosity of guests, friends, neighbours and local businesses.
As well as creating the constellation, a number of events are taking place throughout the summer to boost fundraising efforts, and everyone is invited to take part:
• Sunday Afternoon Teas: 21 June, 19 July and 23 August
• Bottle Star Galactica: Saturday 11 July. Guests won’t know what kind of bottle they are bidding on until after the auction, and a number of special prizes will also go under the hammer throughout the evening.
• London Meets Londigny Gala Dinner: Saturday 29 August. The flagship event of the summer, featuring special guest appearances from the Pearly Kings and Queens of London in what promises to be a unique, one-night-only spectacle in the heart of Charente.
The centrepiece of the campaign is the Auberge ceiling itself. When guests visit, they are invited to purchase a star: €1 for a coloured star or €5 or more for a gold or silver star. Each one is signed and pinned to the rafters, becoming part of a growing constellation of community support.
The campaign has also captured the imagination of local tradespeople and businesses. Several firms have committed to matching monthly star sales, while others are helping sell stars through their own customer networks, extending the campaign’s reach far beyond the walls of the Auberge.
Under One Sky / Sous Le Même Ciel is a true community effort, bringing together French and English residents in a shared mission to support children and families facing extraordinary challenges.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
• Purchase a star
• Attend an event
• Donate a raffle or auction prize
• Become a business sponsor
• Share the campaign with friends and family
Whether you attend an event, sponsor a star, donate a prize or simply spread the word, every contribution helps bring a little more light to children and families who need it most.
Visitors can follow the campaign’s progress throughout the year as new stars are added to the ceiling and the fundraising total moves steadily towards its €10,000 target. Regular photographs, event updates and fundraising milestones will be shared through the Auberge’s website and community Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/aubergedunoyerunderonesky
