Kiddies Christmas Fund – bringing seasonal cheer to those in need

For most of us, it’s been one of the most difficult of years in recent memory, but with the festive season nearing, perhaps it’s a good time to count our blessings and remember those less fortunate than ourselves.

The Buenos Aires Herald began the Kiddies Christmas Fund some years ago to bring a bit of the light of the holiday season for those organisations supporting children who, being either homeless or orphaned, lacked the family or the means to enjoy such a time in the way most of us do.

Following the publication’s demise, the Argentine-british Community Council (ABCC) has carried on with the Herald’s effort, preserving its benevolent mission, as well as expanding the type of charities to which it donates.

The Times would like to throw its support behind the annual campaign and encourage our readers to do the same.

Whilst most of the original beneficiaries no longer exist, the ABCC has earmarked the following local charities for this year’s campaign:

– The Salvation Army

– Fundación VITRA, founded by a member of the Argentine-british community Dr. Gwendolyn Shepherd, along with 11 other women, to provide relief during Argentina’s polio epidemic. The foundation now serves as an educational project for children with disabilities, providing a fully equipped learning environment, physical and psychological therapy and student housing.

– Hogar EL Alba one of the Fund’s original recipients, founded by British philanthropist William Morris. Serving the community for over 93 years, it has grown tremendously in scale since then and now has four foster homes, as well as a large educational project.

– APAER – Asociación Civil Padrinos de Alumnos y Escuelas Rurales

– Hogar Aparo Maternal Sara Herández de Cilley.

For more information on how to donate, visit the ABB’S website at https://www.abcc.org.ar/donate.