Donation enables children to go on holiday.
Twenty inner-city children will enjoy laser quest, face painting and craft workshops on an adventure holiday, thanks to Birmingham business Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG).
Edgbaston-based PPCG has sponsored several activities through its payroll giving scheme, ensuring a lively holiday for 11-13-year-old children from inner-city areas. It’s the third consecutive year the company has offered its support.
Vicky Ryan, community fundraising manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, is a lead volunteer for Birmingham PHAB Camps and helps to organise the holidays each year for a group of 10 disabled and able-bodied young people. “PPDG provide help for numerous charities so when I mentioned my voluntary role with Birmingham PHAB their staff decided to get involved,” said Vicky, who is heading to Wingate Centre, Cheshire, in August, with 20 young people and 14 volunteers. “The camps offer an opportunity for children from more deprived backgrounds, both able bodied and those with a disability, to enjoy an activity holiday away from the city. We desperately need additional funding so that we can make the experience one to remember and the £400 donation has paid for items at the top of our wish list.”
PPDG’s Phil Pemble made the suggestion to support following a conversation with Vicky. “Our payroll giving scheme was the perfect vehicle to provide support,” said Phil. “Volunteers are so important in our communities; we want to encourage them and this is an ideal way of doing so. We’ve also donated a supply of chocolates and sweets to help keep energy levels up.”
Looking forward to attending his second camp is 11 year-old Jack Cottam from South Woodgate in Birmingham. “Jack has cerebral palsy and had a phenomenal experience last year so we’re delighted he can attend again this summer,” said his dad Mark. “Being able to socialise and get involved in things outside of school life is so important for his personal development; the benefits derived from going away are enormous.”
“PHAB camps provide the independence he needs,” added Jack’s mum Rebecca. “We know he’d had a fantastic time because he talked about nothing else for the rest of the school holiday.”
Vicky’s fellow leader Jodie Sabin, a doctor, said the children learn many life skills during the week. “Our job is to integrate everyone and encourage teamwork,” said Jodie. “The disabled children who come with us really benefit from being with their able-bodied peers, meaning they can participate in all of the activities on an equal footing. Each year we have a theme on camp and this year the theme is Tribal, which includes teamwork and supporting one another.”