Adventure break funding for disadvantaged children

A builder’s donation will fund a week-long adventure break for one of Cornwall’s most disadvantaged youngsters.

CHICKS, which provides free respite care for children aged from eight to 15, has been awarded £970 from Persimmon Homes Cornwall’s Community Champions fund – enough to cover the total cost of one break and all the activities.

Mick Ryan, who made the application on behalf of CHICKS’ Coastal Retreat in Tywadreath, explained: “The children who come to our centres are some of the most disadvantaged in the UK and come from a variety of backgrounds.

“The one thing they all have in common is they benefit from a break away from their circumstances so that they can simply enjoy being children.

“At the Coastal Retreat the children enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking and horse-riding and this generous donation will cover the cost of a break and all the activities too.

“The Community Champions donation is brilliant news for us as we rely on donations and volunteers to look after the 800 children CHICKS support each year.”

Dan Heathcote, director in charge for Persimmon Homes Cornwall, based in Launceston, said: “We are extremely proud of our Community Champions scheme. It’s terrific to be able to support groups and charities across the region with thousands of pounds every year.

“The children helped by CHICKS are facing some very tough situations and it is an honour to be able to support the charity and offer some respite to a child who is living in an adverse situation.”

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative invites groups and charities who have already worked hard to raise money themselves to apply for match-funding of up to £1,000. Persimmon Homes Cornwall has two awards of up to £1,000 each available every month.

To find out more or to submit a bid, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity