Even in the face of the pandemic, KidsOut (originally started by Rotarians in 1990) continued in their mission to bring joy to disadvantaged children across the world in their latest collaboration with Rotary, ‘Every Refuge, Every Child’.
Rotary clubs across the country were asked to make a donation of £25.00 to KidsOut for every Rotary Christmas ‘Toy Box’ – boxes filled with over £80.00 of new toys that KidsOut send to children living in Domestic Violence (Women’s Aid) Refuges in England, Scotland, Wales & N. Ireland at Christmas.
Rotary GB&I did not disappoint as clubs nationwide donated an astounding £76,000 that meant 5,745 toy boxes could be delivered.
The purpose of a KidsOut Day is to give an experience to children which, through mental and/or physical disability, family and/or monetary circumstances would not normally be able to enjoy and that most of us take for granted.”
In addition to distributing the Rotary Christmas Toy Boxes, KidsOut were also able to supply a supermarket food voucher per family as well as free cinema tickets, including a refreshment package.
KidsOut also provided over 20,000 ‘loose’ toys to children who were not able to get into a Refuge because they were full to capacity.
The partnership between Rotary GB&I and KidsOut has lasted more than 30 years.
The partnership between Rotary GB&I and KidsOut has lasted more than 30 years and focuses on providing disadvantaged children with unforgettable experiences they wouldn’t usually be able to have.
KidsOut is one of the more unique charities Rotary works with as the charity annually gives back to Rotary in excess of £100,000 by way of subsidising children, free hats/caps, Christmas Show/Theatre & Cinema Tickets and Toys etc.
As a way of appreciating Rotary’s efforts this past year, KidsOut is offering an increased subsidy payable direct to Rotary Clubs from the previous £2 to £5 for every child that attends a Rotary Kids Out Day/Event.
The National Rotary KidsOut Day is usually held annually between March and September. In 2018, KidsOut were able to provide 30,000 children a day out thanks to sponsorship and involvement of Rotary throughout Rotary GB&I.
The purpose of a KidsOut Day is to give an experience to children which, through mental and/or physical disability, family and/or monetary circumstances would not normally be able to enjoy and that most of us take for granted.
KidsOut is one of the more unique charities Rotary works with as the charity annually gives back to Rotary in excess of £100,000.”
The past two National Rotary KidsOut Days were postponed due to the pandemic, with KidsOut awaiting confirmation as to whether 2022’s can go ahead, but in the meantime KidsOut stress that a KidsOut Event can take place anywhere on any day, whether lasting 2 hours or all day.
Past examples of KidsOut Events include trips to farms, theme parks, theatres, cinemas and bowling alleys, various workshops, boat and train rides and even children’s disabled sports competitions and special ‘in school’ events.
In addition to the £5.00 subsidy, free Rotary KidsOut ‘caps’ are available ALL Rotary KidsOut Events.
You can find out more about what KidsOut do on their website and if your club wishes to organise a KidsOut event at any point this year, contact your local District Rotary KidsOut Ambassador or get in touch with Rotary GB&I KidsOut Coordinator Steve Cartwright via email.
