A children’s birthday with a difference….

Yesterday we heard from six year old Jacqueline who saw our advert on the television. She was sad when she discovered that not every child could go to the doctors when they weren’t well. She decided to do something about it, so she has asked her family and friends to donate to Save the Children instead of buying her birthday presents this year.

Jacqueline reminded the team of all the children we have heard from in the last year who have made this generous gift. Each time we hear from them we are amazed and humbled.

When I think back to my sixth birthday, I remember cake, friends, pass the parcel and musical bumps. I remember being very excited opening my presents, which included a Fisher Price tape player complete with microphone! I don’t remember thinking about children who didn’t even have enough food to eat and I certainly wouldn’t have even considered asking people to give money to charity instead of buying me presents.

When the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan earlier this year we had a massive response from people wanting to help fundraise, but again we were surprised by the number of children who wanted to help. Perhaps they saw children, like them, who had lost everything they owned and they wanted to do something about it.

There are so many stories we could share from that time. From cake sales and sponsored swims to mountain climbs and long distance walks, so many children have chosen to make a huge effort to support our work.

Thank you.