Thousands of children with special needs will enjoy a memorable day out today (Wednesday 11th June) when they take part in the annual Rotary KidsOut Day, the largest day out for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.
More than 28,000 children and their carers will be taken on trips to the seaside, zoos, safari parks, museums, theme parks, and farms across the UK, organised by members from hundreds of Rotaryclubs from Great Britain and Ireland.
More than 100 venues will be visited today with more than 1,700 volunteers, supported by local authorities, police and fire services, working to ensure the day is as safe as it is special for children and their carers.
Don Carsley, Rotary Coordinator for KidsOut, said: "Days out give children the opportunity to experience and discover new things and the effects of something as simple as having fun can last forever. All our Rotary volunteers love taking part in the KidsOut Day because it is a day filled with laughter and you can tell by the smiles what a difference it is making to these children."
The Rotary KidsOut Day is organised by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and supported by KidsOut, the national charity which provides fun and happiness for disadvantaged and special needs children. Since the first Rotary KidsOut Day in 1990, more than 350,000 children have benefited from a fun-packed dayout.
David Baker, Chief Executive KidsOut Charity said: "Many children are fortunate enough to be able to take trips to the beach and parks for granted but for some, these are days they may never get to experience. Organising a day out is often a major challenge for parents and carers who look after disabled children and those with profound learning difficulties.The Rotary KidsOut Day makes these special moments possible."
"Rotary and KidsOut both believe strongly in the importance of promoting fun and happiness for disadvantaged children and young people irrespective of background or circumstance."
Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland is the largest voluntary non-profit organisation where members meet regularly to perform charitable works either by direct hands-on efforts or by raising money for other organizations.
KidsOut, the Fun and Happiness Charity, currently helps over 55,000 children and young people in the UK every year transform their lives by providing fun opportunities and positive experiences that are designed to socially engage and develop confidence and significantly enhance their wellbeing and outlook for a happier future. Through the Funds-4-Fun scheme, KidsOut provides small financial grants to individuals, families, schools and groups for the purchase of special play equipment, toys, holidays and outings.
11/06/08
