Helping Underprivileged Children

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31178, 30 September 1966, Page 2

Helping Underprivileged Children

As our thoughts turn towards Christmas we should remember children in less happy lands, says the North Canterbury president of the Save the Children Fund (Miss M. G. Havelaar) in a letter to “The Press.”

“There is still time to make Christmas happy for a less fortunate child in Austria, Basutoland, Greece, Korea, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Jordan, Morocco or Pakistan,” says Miss Havelaar, who appeals for sponsorships and gifts. Miss Havelaar enclosed a letter from John, aged 10, who lives in Crete. He writes:

“We received your grant and our joy was so great, for now we can pay the rent. In my family things are difficult. My sister is in hospital, having an operation on her tummy. My father’s operation on his eyes was not successful. He cannot see now so he cannot work at all.

“My mother has to work so often and she is not well. It is horrible to see her look so tired. I must try and finish school and go to work. We all thank you so much.” Afroditi, aged 11, has written from Greece.—

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your help is all we have and not only the money grant, but your kind words and thoughts for us. “We must endure to the

end and cannot do anything against fate, but we do thank you so much. I won’t tire you any more. I kiss your hand with great respect.” From Korea, Jung, aged six, writes.— “We are six of us and live in a canvas shack on a hillside. Father is blind and

mother is ill, but she goes to work every day and tries to sell things to get food for us. “I go to the Save the Child ren Fund clinic and they put something in my arm to make me well again. “Your letter and your parcel were the most wonderful things that have ever happened to us.” “These are just some of the many letters coming to our New Zealand sponsors from many parts of the world,” says Miss Havelaar. Sponsors pay £l5 a year for one child or £3O for a family in Hong Kong, and £36 for a family in Korea, Greece or Crete. Money is sent to the administrator of the fund in the country concerned. Today the New Zealand fund supports 4000 children

in war-torn countries or in countries where national disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, have left many children homeless.

Sponsorship also helps in special cases of sickness, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, blindness and leprosy. Destitute orphans and homeless waifs are given grants for schooling and vocational training. The Beggar Boys’ Home in Korea, and many war widows who are trying to give their children a chance in life also receive help from the fund, says Miss Havelaar. For the last four months the North Canterbury branch has collected goods for the children in Vietnam.

“We have already been asked to send milk powder and we will shortly be asked to support special cases there, but meanwhile we are gathering toys and clothing,” says Miss Havelaar.

For details of sponsorships and gifts please telephone 517-950.