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The Children’s Society |
This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Children’s Society. In celebrating this birthday it is sad to recognise that the need for the Society’s work in caring for disadvantaged children is as great today as it was in 1881. In London in that year, Edward Rudolf found two young boys who had attended his Sunday School, begging on the street. His concern led him to set up Waifs and Strays which in turn became the Church of England Children’s Society. Now known simply as The Children’s Society, the charity still values the vital support which it receives through churches and from church members.
The Society now helps 50,000 children each year, focussing on four main areas of need: disabled children; children in trouble with the law; young refugees and children at risk on the street. One aspect of the Society’s work is the Safe and Sound campaign, launched in 2004. Every year over 100,000 youngsters under 16 run away and the Society believes that when those children feel they have no choice but to leave home, they should have somewhere safe to go. Food, shelter, protection, hope and understanding – whatever needs a child on the streets may have, the Society’s goal is to support them and to ensure that others do too.
The Maidstone Committee has been raising funds for the Children’s Society since the 1950s, with events ranging from wine and cheese parties to concerts, from coffee mornings to quiz evenings. This year, for the first time since the 1980s and to mark the 125th anniversary, the local committee is holding what was traditionally called a bazaar. A Michaelmas Fair is taking place on Saturday the 30th September, at St. Nicholas Church Hall in Poplar Grove, Maidstone, between 10.30am and 3.00pm. Support is coming from the Mothers’ Union, with Deanery members providing a cake stall and refreshments, and from local organisations.
The Maidstone Committee hopes that as many church members as possible will support the Michaelmas Fair, by coming along on the day and by giving items for the stalls. These will include Gifts, Toiletries, Jigsaws, White Elephant and Jewellery as well as a general Tombola and a Chocolate Tombola. More unusual stalls will include Accessories such as new scarves and handbags, and Transport, Militaria and Ephemera. Offers of items for the stalls will be welcomed by the secretary of the Maidstone Committee on 01622 751900.