Holiday centre for needy children in 2022 cash plea

Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre – which provides breaks for needy children – has made a plea for donations so it can open to as many youngsters as possible in 2022.

This year, the centre has made the difficult decision not to open its doors to young people in the wake of the pandemic.

However, it is now urging Derbyshire businesses to consider supporting them so that more in-need youngsters can get a longed-for holiday in 2022.

Its trustees are urging local companies to lend their support so that they can open up again to the maximum numbers of young people.

The charity, which has a specialist holiday centre in Skegness, gives 660 residential holidays a year to children from Derby and Derbyshire who would otherwise not have one.

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Nominated children come from homes where the impact of financial hardship, deprivation or abuse has created a situation where stress is common and there are few comforts.

This will be the second year running that children have not been able to enjoy a week by the seaside, due to the restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now trustees from the charity are re-doubling their efforts to secure enough funding so that as many children as possible can benefit from a week’s fun in the sand next year.

Any shortfall could mean the charity may have to reduce the numbers who can enjoy the centre.

DCHC chairman Alan Grimadell said: “The coronavirus pandemic has meant that many people have had to put their holiday plans on hold.

“But for the children who come to our centre, a holiday means so much more.

“It is a break from what is in many cases a highly stressful home-life.

“Like all charities, our fundraising has taken a hit due to the pandemic, so today we are simply urging local companies and individuals to consider offering us their support.

“Just a small amount of funding will mean such a lot to the young people who rely on our service from some much-needed rest and relaxation.

“Anyone who would like to support us so we can carry on offering our service for many more years to come should get in touch.”

In the meantime, DCHC is putting on a number of fundraising events in 2021, such as a film screening of the latest James Bond film at Quad in Derby; a family steam train trip and a ‘One in a Million’ campaign.

It is planning to recruit some professional fundraisers and is urging companies to consider offering corporate support, as well as individuals who may wish to provide a donation to the charity in their will.

To donate as part of the ‘One in a Million’ scheme, text DCHCMILLION to 70085 to pledge £4 a month.

Alternatively, visit the charity’s Just Giving page to give a different amount.