DR BARNARDO'S HOMES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4559, 13 April 1942, Page 5

DR BARNARDO'S HOMES

Sir, —These ' splendid homes have suffered very severely through the war. Eight homes have be°n destroyed. Headquarters in London was bombed in the first air raids, leaving the Barnardo Charter still readable: “ No Destitute Child Ever Refused Admission." The destruction of thi« centre was a terrible loss, as stores of clothing and food were distributed from there to the other homes. The large consists of between 8000 and 9000 boys, girls, and babies, and to it in normal times five little ones are added daily; but since the war many hundreds of additional children are sheltered. For all these children funds and clothing are urgently needed. Over 126,000 children have passed through the homes. A great tribute to the homes is the fact that 98J per

cent of these waifs and strays “ make good,” which shows the excellent training they receive. Many high positions are filled by these one-time slum children. Eleven thousand odd boys fought in the last war; many thousands are fighting in this conflict, and many have already given their lives for their country. Over 4000 children have been received; many of them are.£hildren of men in the Services or whose homes have been destroyed through enemy action. Nearly 2000 children are under five years of age. Your readers may desire to give money or clothing to assist these valiant workers in their struggle in this time of such great need. Surely there is no stronger appeal than helpless children in war conditions. Anything small or great will be most gratefully received and forwarded to London.—l am etc.. (MRS) ELEANOR A- LEIGHTON. 33 Sea View Road, Remuera, Auckland.