ECCH April update
THE TEENAGERS at Elche Children's Care Home (ECCH) are now back to school after their Easter break and very much enjoyed the Easter eggs, chocolates, biscuits and traditional ‘monas’ (cakes) thanks to the generosity of ECCH supporters and local businesses.
Even under normal circumstances they would have to deal with the trauma of being away from their families and having to abide by the restrictions and rules of living in a care home, however, the pandemic has impacted them even more.
ECCH volunteers would usually visit the home during the holidays and arrange fun workshops with the children; at Christmas we would have delighted in visiting them on Three Kings Day and watching their excited faces as we gave out their presents. We hold an annual open day in the summer where ECCH supporters are entertained by the children and get to meet them on a social basis.
All of this has been taken away, but with your support we can still ensure that they get presents on their birthdays, have the books and equipment they need for school and vocational courses, and slowly as we ease out of lockdown, have the odd trip to the beach for an ice-cream or an outing to McDonald's.
Our charity social calendar has been quite empty to date but we are pleased to announce that fundraising events are slowly beginning to happen again. Every event we are able to hold this year is more important than ever as these are our main source of income, so if you are able to go along and support our fundraisers, who are working very hard in difficult circumstances, we would be so grateful.
The first of these is on Thursday, May 6 when Pat Milligan has organised a fashion show at Cafe Uno, Catral. The event has been organised in conjunction with Creana of Glamour Glamour Fashions. Anyone who has attended one of these shows before will know they are a fun day out and a chance to get together with friends and pick up some wonderful new outfits and amazing raffle prizes. Summer is on its way so why not treat yourself, have fun, and help support the children? They too will be needing new clothes this summer and just by buying a raffle ticket you can help make this happen.
Christmas jar appeal
Due to the success of the appeal, which was launched last year, we are continuing it again for 2021. All people have to do is make a savings jar - labels are available on ECCH Facebook page and save one euro a week until Christmas.
Let us know you are saving so we can add you to our list, either by email to info@ecch.es or on our Facebook page @ECCH.Charity. We’d love it if you could send us a photo of you and/or your jar to put on the page.
This year is going to be even more challenging than last, but we were delighted last year with the response to the appeal as the money raised ensured that the children had a wonderful Christmas, so we are hoping that you will join in our campaign to make sure that we can make Christmas magical again this year.
Charity collection tins
As you can see, we have very few sources of income at the moment but one other way you can help is through our charity tins which you will find in many bars and shops around the Costa Blanca. If you see one of our tins, please give us your change - at the moment these tins are our lifeline and every cent makes a difference.
If your local bar, restaurant or shop does not have a tin please ask them if they would be interested, or if you run a local business yourself please contact us and we will be happy to deliver a tin for you to put on your counter.
With your help we can make sure the children know that even though we cannot visit them in person, we have not forgotten them - thank you as always for your support.