Bondholders help kids build holiday memories

Derby Kids’ Camp has thanked its corporate supporters, which includes a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders, for helping make sure hundreds of children enjoyed a memorable summer break.

Ahead of the arrival of more than 300 children and almost 200 volunteers, more than 100 people, including several Bondholders, came together for the annual ‘Camp Build’.

The build involved transforming an empty field into a fully functioning canvas village, complete with running hot and cold water, electricity, comfy beds, a fully-equipped kitchen and more.

The Camp Build event takes place in little over 48 hours ahead of the first team of holiday volunteers arriving on site.

Build volunteers helped to put up marquees, organise activity equipment and put all the finishing touches in place.

Derby Kids’ Camp was supported by volunteers from Rolls-Royce, Aston Lark, Mortgage Advice Bureau and Bloc Digital, who worked alongside volunteers, friends and family.

Chris Edwards, chairman of Derby Kids’ Camp, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, said: “Camp Build is one of the biggest challenges on our annual calendar.

“In just a couple of days, we needed to transform an empty field into a welcoming, exciting and functional canvas village – all in time for the first group of children to arrive!

“We were overwhelmed by the incredible support from our local businesses this year, and we’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who worked so hard and gave their time to support us.

“Volunteers came with enthusiasm and energy to get the camp ready for the children and their efforts have made an amazing difference to hundreds of young children.”

Every year, Derby Kids’ Camp provides free holidays to around 300 local children who need a break.

Nominated by their primary schools, the reasons for nomination are varied but include daily challenges such as mental health difficulties, bereavement, living in poverty and difficulties with social interaction.