Thursday, 27 October 2011 11:44

9000 Children - Thousands of Memories

At CHICKS we are incredibly excited as Thursday 27^th October will see our 9000^th child come on a CHICKS break since we began in 1992. This is a huge milestone for the charity that we are very proud of. It means that 9000 disadvantaged children from across the UK have benefitted from our free six day respite breaks making thousands of happy memories.

The children on Tango Camp, which will be held at our Moorland Retreat in Brentor, are in for an incredible week as we celebrate. They will experience activities such as horse riding, climbing, Crealy Adventure Park, swimming, as well as an extra special treat on the Ice. The Ice Angel Events have made CHICKS their charity of the year and are opening the rink exclusively to CHICKS children to enjoy a session.

To mark this milestone we would welcome all press to the Rink on Monday 31^st October, or to our Moorland Retreat at any point during the camp, which runs from Thursday 27^th – Tuesday 1^st November. (Activities are scheduled during this time).

Over the years we have seen some huge changes from starting out in tents in rented fields to owning our own retreats in both Devon and Cornwall. One thing that has never changed is the level of care and attention that every child receives, we hear from adults that were CHICKS children who confirm what a difference their break made.

Mike Dovaston attended CHICKS in 2005 and 2006 aged 13 and 14 years. “I can safely say I had one of the best weeks of my life. Through CHICKS I found confidence to be able to feel good about myself and actually merit myself, therefore I decided to pursue a career in something I have always enjoyed which is acting. I went to college and came out with the highest grade possible and now I'm at Central School of Speech and Drama in London studying Drama, Applied Theatre and Education. I think if you look at me, I have a lot to thank CHICKS for. I just hope that this amazing charity gets to continue its work. Plus I'm kind of hoping for a job offer one day!”

At CHICKS we have so many letters and stories from CHICKS children telling us what an impact their break made, and of course it doesn’t stop there. Every child receives a freepost envelope so they can keep in touch with their new friends, this year alone we have received over 900 letters and every child also receives a Birthday and Christmas card and a Christmas gift.

During the rest of 2011 we have several positive news stories which maybe of interest from wrapping 1,200 Christmas gifts for every child that has had a break this year to running our first ever Christmas Camps!

We always have case studies, photos and follow up letters from every child that comes on camp and as we have supported 417 children from the South West so far this year there are plenty of inspirational stories to choose from.

For further information please contact Leila Nottage, Head of PR and Communications on 01822 811118 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

ENDS

25/10/2011
Notes for Editors: 

1, CHICKS was founded in 1992. Our aim is to provide disadvantaged children from across the UK with a free respite break.

2, In 2011 we want to give 1,200 disadvantaged children a much needed break.

3, We have two retreats in the South West and our breaks run from March to December.

4, The children CHICKS care for come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have been abused, live in poverty, or have been neglected. Others live in care or are themselves young carers, often bearing the extraordinary responsibility of caring for disabled or terminally ill relatives. What they have in common is the desperate need to create some positive childhood memories, to be listened to, and to have the kind of fun that all children deserve.

5, On the 27^th October 2011 CHICKS will celebrate taking their 9000th child on camp since they began in 1992 - a huge landmark they have reached with amazing support. The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of individuals, organizations, community groups, trusts and foundations. Help them to reach more children every year.

6, At CHICKS children can run free and be completely safe. Every child gets the total attention of CHICKS fully trained supervisors, and are made to feel cared for and valued.

*           We request that journalists include the website in all reporting www.chicks.org.uk

*           We request that journalists refer to CHICKS breaks as respite breaks and not holidays

*           If you require photographs please use the contact details below

Contact:

Leila Nottage
Head of PR and Communications
T:         01822 811118
E:         This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
M:        07789 642915

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www.twitter.com/CHICKScharity

Registered Charity in England and Wales (1080953) and in Scotland (SCO40536)