A CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22718, 2 November 1935, Page 25

A CHRISTMAS APPEAL

to the editor.

Sir,—The Children's Rest Home (Inc.) provides a temporary home for children of sick mothers in poor circumstances of all denominations, and no deserving case has ever been turned away in the 17 years of its existence. The work that is being done in this connection is not only valuable, but also necessary. Indeed, as time goes on, it seems that the need for such an institution becomes more and more urgent. This is largely due to the fact that the long periods of unemployment which has afflicted our menfolk is having a sorry effect on many wometi and children, and when mothers fall ill their troubles are increased a hundredfold by the worry and anxiety inseparable from a desire to see to it that their little ones are properly cared for. The removal of all such worry is one of the principal functions of this wonderful movement. Two recent cases will suffice to show the value of this work: (1) A mother of nine children took a stroke at the age of 42 and was ordered into Hospital. We took the five youngest children until the mother recovered. By thie means the father was able to continue at his work. (2) A mother of five children was ordered into the Hospital for an urgent operation caused from shock through the husband being killed in an accident. The mother had two weeks' rest after being discharged from Hospital. We had the children for four weeks. No other organisation takes in children temporarily. Each Christmas we give all the children who have been under our control during the year, with their parents, a day's outing at Tahuna Park. We are urgently in need of funds for general expenses and to provide Christmas fare for our large family. Will our dear friends please do all they can to help us make their lives happier and brighter this Christmas? Our needs are money donations, goods in kind suitable for any private home, men's and women's clothing of all descriptions, but especially children's clothes, stockings and boots, jam (we can supply empty jars), and toys. Donations may be left at the office, 14 Moray place (near the Public Library). Hoping for a liberal response, —I am, etc., S. Dunkjley, November 1. Manager.