Leicester charity flying high after donation
08 June 2022
A local charity that provides free holidays for young children in Leicestershire has received a cash boost.
Persimmon Homes North Midlands has awarded Leicester Children’s Holidays a £1,000 grant as they continue to help local groups and charities in the area.
Persimmon donates up to £64,000 a month to fund initiatives as part of the highly successful Community Champions scheme.
The charity aims to develop key life skills for children and young people through an experience-rich holiday that would otherwise be out of their reach.
Nicky Kandola, from the charity, said: "Thank you so much Persimmon Homes, this donation will help local children who are disadvantaged and in need of some respite. Each summer we take over 80 children to the Norfolk coast where they participate in informal group educational sessions and stimulating activities to build confidence and personal development.
"COVID has demonstrated how important being outdoors is for mental and physical wellbeing. Some of the activities we offer include climbing walls, zip wires, archery, Air Jump and there are also field study activities to engage with nature."
“The charity subsidises all holidays through active fundraising, and we currently have an urgent need to provide suitable waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear as some of the children who attend our holidays simply cannot afford these items. This funding will go towards providing 20 waterproof jacket and trouser sets and 20 pairs of wellingtons which will ensure that no child is disadvantaged due to finances.”
Nadine O'Dowd, sales director at Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to have chosen Leicester Children’s Holidays to receive our £1,000 Community Champions donation this month.
“As one of Leicestershire's oldest charities, its already provided over 60,000 free holidays for young children in the area which is an amazing achievement given it relies on public funding. Hopefully this additional £1,000 grant will help more local children go on fun adventures, try exciting new activities and do things they wouldn’t ordinarily have chance to do.”
To apply for Community Champions funding visit the website.
