Kids Out

11 March 2021 Zoom Meeting – KidsOut – Steve Cartwright – Rotary GB&I KidsOut Coordinator

Steve is a member of Cannock R C (District 2010) and a Trustee of the KidsOut Charity (of 3 Rotarian Trustees). He did a PowerPoint Presentation, sharing screen on Zoom with their logo that has a strap line: ‘The Fun and Happiness Charity’ whose objective is to give kids a great time. He pointed out that PDG Michael Longdon is our Rotary District 1220 KidsOut Ambassador, to assist if required.

KidsOut started in 1990 by Kingston RC with a visit to Thorpe Park starting a trend of the annual National Rotary KidsOut day (2^nd Wednesday in June) and also mentioning the ROTARY Christmas TOY BOX initiative.  Suggesting that it’s not just about a great day out but supports and works closely with Local Government Child Care, Women’s Refuges.  Originating and promoting ‘World Stories’, designing and funding ‘Phyzzpods’ (Sensory rooms), free toys, Cinema and Pantomime tickets. Relying on Rotary for ‘KidsOut Days’.

He provided some hard facts about ‘Refuge Children’: in 2019 20,000 children fled from domestic abuse, 4 000 of which were re-located away from the abuser in Women’s refuges.  These are the most vulnerable children, with the highest rate of suicide, runaways, school exclusion and 36% of whom turn to drugs and crime by the age of 18, but with intervention 86% do not.

The ROTARY Christmas TOY BOX is a new initiative, everything in a box, age and gender varied.  ‘World Stories’ another initiative with short stories from all over the World, available in 19 languages and 350 000 children registered since 2012

COVID-19 compounded Domestic violence so KIDSOUT Charity facilitated or provided Free Wi-Fi for Refuges, 2 Laptop PC’s and £25/£50 Food Vouchers for the 350+ Refuges they have regular contact with, of which: 42% no Wi-Fi, 78% no TV and 49% no access to PC equipment.

In 2020 over £129,000 (5,160 ‘TOY BOXES’ were donated by Rotary Clubs, with £80 of NEW Toys delivered by KidsOut for Christmas, and will be repeated in 2021.

The National Rotary KidsOut Day giving an opportunity to Children to experience something they would not normally experience: visits to Farms, stables, Theatre, Pantomime, shows, Museums, Activity Centres, Disabled Sports events and in 2019 30 000 children enjoyed.

It doesn’t have to be in June and this year there will be a £2 subsidy and Free Baseball Cap from KidsOut.  There is an alternative option of Free Cinema Tickets.

After Steve’s summary he fielded a few questions and comments about our Club’s experiences with Barry proposing a Vote of Thanks for Steve’s very informative and enthusiastic presentation, which was well supported with ‘visual applause’                                                                                          AR