Thursday, 22 March 2012 10:34

Children's charity CHICKS started their 2012 season at the beginning of March – they provide free respite breaks to disadvantaged children from across the UK and welcomed the first 16 to their Retreat in Brentor when their washing machine decided enough was enough! With 16 children, three staff and eight volunteers each week at one Retreat the charity were in a spin and needed help. Thankfully local company Sparkworld, the home of domestic appliances stepped in to save the day...

Rod Webb-Taylor, CHICKS Head of Operations said: "We were nearly all washed up, we literally had a mountain of washing and Sparkworld's speedy response and taking our old machine turned our dirty washing mountain into a molehill!"

Tom Cross, Sparkworld's General Manager said: "Sparkworld are happy to support such a worthwhile children's charity in our local area" CHICKS are so grateful to Sparkworld and hope to work with the organisation in the future.

This year celebrates CHICKS 20th Anniversary and the charity aim to help 1,200 disadvantaged children by providing them with a life changing respite break at one of their two Retreats in Devon and Cornwall. The children CHICKS help 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.

As the charity receive no government funding they rely on the support of companies, individuals, community groups, trusts and foundations.

If you would like to get involved or learn more about the charity please visit www.chicks.org.uk or call 01822 811020.

20th Year Celebrations: Music Nights | Bungee Jumps | Skydives 18th August in Cornwall, Scotland and Wiltshire | 20th Birthday Ball and so much more... check our website for details.

ENDS

21/03/2012

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 2012 we aim 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, In October 2011 CHICKS celebrated taking their 9000th child on camp since they began in 1992 - a huge landmark they are very proud of and could not of reached without amazing supporters. 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 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
w:         chicks.org.uk
f:          facebook.com/chickscharity
t:          twitter.com/CHICKScharity

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