APPEAL BY CORSO

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22289, 26 March 1947, Page 2

APPEAL BY CORSO

QUEST- FOR TOYS

“CORSO is a co-ordination for voluntary effort to meet the tragic needs of overseas relief. It is New Zealand’s opportunity to give more to stricken lands from her own privileged position in the world to-day. By special exemption from the patriotic purposes emergency regulations, CORSO is authorised to collect from the New Zealand public funds for the equipment, despatch and maintenance of relief personnel overseas; and supplies ‘to assist devastated peoples and countries in need of relief and rehabilitation.’ ” Such Is the introduction to the CORSO handbook which has recently been issued and which especially asks the women of New Zealand to help, singly or in groups, in no matter how small a way, in the collection of materials for the stricken countries of the world.

Appealing mainly for materials, the handbook (which is obtainable free from CORSO, Box 11, Govt. Bids., Post Office, Wellington), lists under separate headings materials acceptable for despatch to various countries. This is what it has to say regarding toys:— “Children must play as well as work; and children growing up under the shadow of war have had little chance to play. Dr. Cyril Hopkirk, CORSO member in Greece, writes: ‘Thousands of small children here in orphanages and villages have never had soft cuddle toys—animals, balls, etc. The need is tremendous. Here is a real chance for Christmas charity.’ “New Zealanders have been quick" to respond. The Junior Red Cross Society is encouraging the making of wooden toys, rag dolls, quilts for babies’ cots, knitted babies’ vests and pilchers, out of scraps and pieces. The Girl Guides’ Association is assembling sporting and games’ kits comprising soft balls, tennis balls, footballs (preferably soccer balls), bats, neck-tennis rings and nets, soft toys, drawing and design kits, woodwork and handicraft kits. A Y.M.C.A. boys’ group, the Girls’ Life Brigade and Bible Classes as well as Women’s Institutes. are making toys.” Gifts of toys should be sent to CORSO, Box 11, G.P.0., Wellington.