Children from across the county will benefit from thousands of pounds generously donated by KOS Media’s army of readers.
The Kent Kids for Christmas appeal allowed people to purchase Kent on Sunday for 60p over the festive period, with the profits handed over to charities that help youngsters who face disadvantages such as disabilities and homelessness.
The charities that will benefit from your money this year are Demelza Hospice Care for Children, Martha Trust, the Kentish Retts Angels and The Molly Bubb Fund.
Cash is also being donated to Invicta FM’s Help a Kent Child campaign.
The Molly Bubb Fund was set up following the death last October of four-year-old Molly from Canterbury, who had been struck with a rare form of brain cancer called choroid plexus carcinoma.
Her mother Kerry said the £500 donation will go towards researching and raising awareness of the illness so other families do not have to go through what theirs did.
She added: “Every single penny helps. We’re just a small charity made up of family and friends, we have no overheads and all the money we receive goes straight into the research.
“We’re very happy with the donation.”
A further £500 has gone to the Kentish Retts Angels, which is a support group for parents of Rett syndrome sufferers. The illness causes severe disability in children, and mainly girls.
Charity organiser Lorraine Hockey, whose 16-year-old daughter Kassie has the condition, said the money will go towards a Christmas party for affected youngsters and their families.
She added: “Our members come from all over Kent so this money will enable a lot of people to have a really great evening and I’d like to say thank-you to KOS Media’s readers.
“Parties are getting more and more expensive so this money will be a great help.”
Martha Trust provides a home for life for people with profound physical and learning difficulties, and has a residential home and day centre in Deal.
Fundraiser Serita Boxall said of the £1,000 donation: “It’s a lot of money and will be a huge help. It’s really kind of your readers to have donated in this way.”
The charity is also holding a fire-walk at the Basepoint Business Centre’s car park at Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, on October 28, to raise more funds.
It is also looking to sell off pieces of a giant puzzle to help pay for days out and specialist equipment for residents. Visit www.marthatrust.org.uk for more information.
Demelza House children’s hospice will also be receiving £1,000 while £5,000 is being given to Invicta FM’s Help a Kent Child Campaign, from which several charities across Kent will be hoping to receive a share of the total amount raised.
Invicta charity co-ordinator Neville Dack said: “We try to aid smaller charities that help people directly, and without the generosity of others this would not be possible.”
Demelza area fundraiser Keith Lee said: “I’d like to thank the readers for their continued support. Demelza relies heavily on the generosity of the public and without it we would not be able to provide the vital services we do to our children.”
KOS Media’s marketing manager Richard Purvis will be among the panel members deciding where the Invicta cash should be directed.
He added: “Thanks to all of our readers, as well as the wholesalers and newsagents who also contributed.
“You have helped make a difference to youngsters’ lives.”
POSTED: 03/05/2009 14:00:00
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