Hope & Homes for Children

The heart-rending challenge of lifting 8,000 vulnerable young war-torn orphans out of a joyless life of institutional care and into a loving family home environment was graphically conveyed in a moving talk to members at their meeting at Faenol Fawr. Guest speaker John Harris of Harpenden, a dedicated supporter of the Hope & Homes for Children charity, said the transforming effect of moving these innocent victims of the awful conflict in Romania and neighbouring territories in the nineties out of the regimented orphanages, could not overstated. Instead of facing the dire prospect of a deprived existence, starved of affection, conversation and purpose, leading inexorably to an enforced existence in crime, prostitution or worse, they could be integrated into a caring family community and be given the cherished opportunity to experience a fulfilling, fruitful and independent life. Praising the contribution which Rotary clubs throughout Britain had made to the work of the charity, resulting in 3,400 social workers being fully trained to help provide community support and life-changing skills, he said more than £3m had been provided so far, thanks to Rotary demonstrating its motto of Service Above Self. After answering a variety of searching questions, the speaker was warmly thanked by past President Mike Howarth for his most thought-provoking and illuminating talk, before being presented with a cheque by his long-standing friend of more than 50 years, President Rod Brocklehurst, on behalf of the Rhyl club. Having already nominated Hope and Homes as his chosen charity for his year in office, the President said he was confident that this would be the first of a number of donations, especially as he was planning to organise a major charity walk up Snowdon, with all proceeds ear-marked in its support. Earlier members were informed that they would again be taking on Rhos-on-Sea in the opening round of this year’s District Quiz. Having lost to Rhos-on-Sea in last year’s contest following two previous victories, Rhyl would be looking to return to winning ways in this away match on October 18.