News Release

29th October

BE A STAR

Feed The Children wants you to be a star or make one!  Their 2008 Christmas campaign hangs on a star theme, encouraging you to decorate a star and add a message to send with a box of aid to a needy child or family or to make star-themed Christmas decorations to sell at Christmas Fairs.

You can download the star ideas at www.feedthechildren.org.uk, where there is an information pack giving you lots of options to make a Christmas donation to their vital work. Alternatively, paper copies of the pack can be requested by phone - 0118 932 0095.

“A star is a powerful symbol, says Feed The Children’s marketing co-ordinator, Kim Tame. “In the Christmas story, the wise men followed a star to find the infant Jesus.  They were side-tracked for a while because they expected to find the child in a palace, but eventually found him in a humble stable.

“The star symbolises the hope that shines, even over a situation of poverty and homelessness; the hope that comes to desperate people when they realise they have not been forgotten.  Someone cares.

“This Christmas,” adds Kim, “can you help children like nine-year-old Hanna?  Feed The Children found Hanna, an orphan of aids, living on the streets of Kampala, Uganda, close to starvation and in danger every day from violence and exploitation.

“It didn’t take much to bring hope back into her life; a wash, a clean dress and a meal she didn’t have to beg for.  A visit to the doctor later, she had de-working tablets and treatment for the eye infection that had bothered her for months.  To look at her today, you wouldn’t think she was the same frightened, skinny girl we took in just a few months ago. 

“There are more children like Hannah, please help us to help them this Christmas,” asks Kim.

Feed The Children UK concentrates aid on children suffering the effects of poverty, especially those who have been orphaned or abandoned. The charity works worldwide to develop sustainable communities and provide food and other necessities for those in great need.   The charity also runs several breakfast clubs in the UK.