Wiltshire | Archive | 2002 | November | 11
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 11th Nov 2002.
THIS year's Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal got off to a cracking start thanks to a £1,000 donation from Nationwide.
But that is only just the start and we still want all our readers to help make this year's appeal the most successful ever.
Last year, we collected thousands of toys along with a total of £2,214 in cash for 11 of the borough's children's charities.
This year, we have set a target of raising £5,000 in cash.
We have asked the same 11 charities to write a wishlist, and so whether they want a new cooker, a Christmas party, or some new play equipment, we hope to make their dreams come true.
Youngsters at Brimble Hill Special School, like six year-old Daniel Brown, are set to benefit as the contributions start to roll in.
The school in Park North is home to delights such as a sensory room, a ball pool, the magical light room and a garden fountain. And, of course, the 74 pupils who, judging by the happy faces and resounding laughter, truly believe this is a very special school.
Visually impaired children benefit from fibre optic items, while others enjoy riding their bikes and playing with sand and water.
The school is trying to expand the playground, which incorporates a sand pit, a colourful fountain and a shed stacked full of bikes and toys.
The Swindon-based Koalas group is also one of the 11 beneficiaries of this year's appeal.
The voluntary service, based in the recreational room at Victoria Hospital in Okus Road, aims to offer help and support for families with children with special needs.
It provides children up to five- years-old with the opportunity to play and learn, while their parents have the chance to mix with others in similar situations.
The Otters group, made up of 15 children aged between four and 12 years, meets every fortnight at the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy pool in Jefferies Avenue.
The children, who suffer from a range of physical impairments and learning difficulties, can exercise while having fun and building confidence in the water.
Home-Start is another beneficiary of the appeal. The voluntary organisation has been helping support young families around Swindon for 20 years.
And the Welcome Centre in Park North, which has just expanded, is also set to benefit. It now also runs the Park South Project in Priory Road, which opened last week. Both projects support families in the Parks area.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008