Simon Bailes urges businesses to back Friends of Chernobyl’s Children group
Added: 02 October 2019
Simon Bailes Peugeot is encouraging more businesses to support the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, Northallerton.
The charity’s volunteers are already organising several fundraising events in preparation for next summer’s visit by youngsters who still live in one of the areas worst-affected by the 1986 nuclear disaster.
Each year, it provides a month of love and respite care for the youngsters who stay with local host families in the Northallerton area during a four-week period.
Simon Bailes Peugeot has provided practical support to the charity for the past 21 years – organising a sailing trip with Ocean Youth Trust North for the children who visited earlier this summer, as well as providing each with a new pair of shoes.
The nine girls and seven boys were treated to a voyage to remember along the Tyne aboard a yacht and rigid hulled inflatable boat.
Simon Bailes said: “I’d urge other businesses to become involved by organising or funding a fun or educational day out.
“It is such a worthwhile cause – helping a local group of dedicated volunteers create so many happy memories for youngsters whilst at the same time improving their life skills.
“The charity recently shared some more photographs taken during the sailing trip and the look of joy on their faces is reward enough.
“It’s heartening to know that a little kindness makes such a difference to these young lives and helps them escape for a short while the many difficulties they face in their home country of Belarus.”
During their stay, the children visit a local doctor, dentist and optician for vital health and wellbeing checks, and also are treated to new clothing and footwear.
The Friends of Chernobyl’s Children was established in 1994 by Olwyn Keogh MBE and has since grown to become a national charity.
Alison Shepherd, co-ordinator of Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, Northallerton, said: “We are exceptionally grateful to Simon for his continuing generosity. Such support makes a real difference and we’d encourage other businesses to follow his example by helping create more happy and cherished memories for many more years to come.”
For further information on the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, Northallerton call Alison on 07795 142 855, email foccnorthallerton@outlook.com or visit https://foccnorthallerton.weebly.com/