This weekend we are launching our 23rd Shoebox Appeal and we hope you will help us! We have sent almost 11,000 boxes to disadvantaged children/refugees in Eastern Europe and the Philippines from St Boniface Church since 2000. The boxes have been joyfully received by children in the most distressing of situations! Each box of love gives a child hope and belief that they are special and that someone they will never meet cares for them.

So-will you help?

This year there are some changes to the scheme made by the Rotary Club itself. First of all the boxes are provided by the Club as flat packs which we have made up for you. You can decorate your box by applying Christmas stickers, cut out motifs from wrapping paper, children’s messages and/or drawings etc. The lid has to fit into a slot provided on the box.

As before, the leaflet explains all you need to know and an elastic band/shoelace etc must be placed around the box and £2 towards transport be attached. Boxes can be collected this weekend or next and must be returned to the Margaret Clitherow Room in the Hall before Masses on Saturday or Sunday 22nd/23rd October (not the Saturday 10.00 am Mass).

It is a few months now since we saw on our screens the exodus of so many Ukrainians into the neighbouring countries in hope of safety. The Rotary clubs on the ground helped then and are still helping the thousands of people both those who have chosen not to leave their safe haven for Europe so they may return one day more easily, and those who did move on. The clubs in Albania, Moldova and Romania are active in this area and commit to doing their best to deliver our boxes of love and kindness (and those of other local groups and churches) to the most needy of children they help in their countries whether refugees or local families.

Please- whatever you are doing for your own families- help us by making up a box or giving a cash donation via the “Sponsor a shoebox” envelopes available in the porch!

The children who will receive the boxes are so special. Please remember them and help us. They are all God’s children and we can make a difference to their lives. Your box may be the only present some of these children have ever received or will ever receive!

Thank you so much for whatever you can do for us.

Carole and Tom Olding