Urgent appeal for donations for local children's charity

A W3 charity based in Acton Park which helps youngsters has sent out an SOS to the local community to help keep it running.

Co- Founder Vicki Barker, writes :

APPLE works with children and young people to help improve their self confidence; we teach life skills such as cooking, gardening, DIY; creative activities such as arts and crafts, dance, performance; practical work skills such as, gaining qualifications (AQAs- catering, sports coaching, putting on events), work experience (work sessions, event management). Above all we provide a safe place for them to play, grow and discover their own interests and talents.

“It enables the children to become individuals and they become their own people which is great for the children. They make new friends. The equipment, the artwork, everything is amazing! It teaches the children how to cook, how to interact with adults and children. The older ones look after the younger ones which is great. “Christine (parent)

A.P.P.L.E. believes very strongly in the importance of community cohesion and the benefits that living and working together positively can bring to all its residence. A.P.P.L.E sessions are free and open to all children and young people from 8 – 18 years old; this is important as it allows everyone to take part regardless of background or circumstances.

APPLE are active in the local community and encourage our children and young people to become active citizens concerned with the well being of themselves, their friends, their families, neighbours and local community. Belonging and being valued creates the communities we all want to live in. The activities at A.P.P.L.E have a ripple effect throughout the local community and people passing through the park love to see our youth busy, active and working together.

However, the wellbeing of a community, of society, does not happen by accident. If people desire a safe, friendly thriving place to live, it needs active citizens prepared to contribute. Communities need somewhere for children to play, to make art, music, drama, enjoy the outdoors, make festivals, galas, celebrations, enjoy and learn from neighbours cultures, share interests and passions- anything and everything from allotments to music, football to painting.

This is where I hope that you can help.

Like many charities A.P.P.L.E. are under financial pressure, lack of funding from the local authority and the current economic climate means we need to seek donations.

Your donation would help us to continue the work we are doing and even expand to include more projects, activities and community events to benefit not only the children and young people of Acton, but the whole community. Any donations you are able to make would be gratefully received; monetary, in-kind, sponsorship, produce or equipment - it all helps!

For more information about APPLE, the work we do and what your donation could help us achieve, please visit our website www.apple-play.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Donation can be made through MyDonate to A.P.P.L.E.

20th July 2016