Parents Have Their Say

Claire McGrath Fundraising & Public Relations Manager said " we were very grateful when David came to our rescue. Our cook Lynn Halliday is thrilled - you can imagine how hot the kitchen can get when you are preparing meals for so many families ( approximately 80 per week ). We also hold Healthy Eating Workshops in the kitchen where parents can learn how to cook healthy meals from scratch. The cooker hood is a vital piece of equipment for such a busy kitchen".

David Pedrette of Target Catering said, " When we read about the appeal in The Citizen we knew we just had to help. The charity does amazing work and we are only too happy to help out for such a worthwhile cause".

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November 2007 - Members of Gloucester North Rotary and their wives gave up their Saturday to brighten up the garden of The Family Haven. As well as painting the bike shed and fence panels the team also removed weeds and ivy.

Claire McGrath Fundraising & Public Relations Manager said " we are really grateful to the members of Gloucester North Rotary for giving up their time to brighten up the garden for the children. They have made a huge difference to the charity over the last 2 years refurbishing the baby room in the nursery as well as the families' lounge".

Gloucester North Rotarian Ian Glendenning explained that he could not think of a better charity to support than the Family Haven. " Where many organisations provide vital emergency support, the Family Haven goes much further and helps the parents and children develop the skills, confidence and self esteem that provides them with real - world benefits long after they have moved on from the haven's supporting influence. The haven's support is life changing in the truest sense." He recalled what a pleasure it had been to work with Claire and all the staff at the Haven when raising funds during his own year as President of Gloucester North Rotary Club and how much fun he and colleagues had refurbishing some of the rooms at the Haven during the year. Several of the current bunch of " gardeners " had been involved with the previous projects and all agreed that there could be few more pleasant and worthwhile ways of spending a Saturday. The team were joined by keen gardeners Ivor Wakefield, this year's Club President, and his wife June.

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30th November 2007 - PUPILS RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN

Pupils from Barnwood Park Arts College Youth Action have been busy over the past few months raising funds for local charity The Family Haven. They recently held a Red and White Day and sold bag charms. The Bags of Charms were donated to The Family Haven by the Mall Eastgate. So far the girls have raised over £700 from various initiatives including a bring and buy sale and cake sale. A group of pupils has also been to the charity to help wrap Christmas presents for the children. Christmas parties will take place at the charity during the week before Christmas and pupils will attend to help with the clearing up and washing up.

Claire McGrath Fundraising & Public Relations Manager said " We are delighted to have support of Barnwood Park School. The girls have been amazing with their fundraising. Their practical support wrapping presents has really helped too. Christmas can be very stressful time for many families and a very busy time for us so we are grateful for any help from the local community."

Florence Farahani from Barnwood Park College said " In previous years we have supported overseas charities and now we wish to focus on small charities within our local community that would benefit from our efforts.We have chosen The Family Haven Centre in Gloucester as it really makes a difference to families' lives."

Anyone wishing to support this local charity which helps local families to a better future should contact Claire on 01452 528692.

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For further information:

Claire McGrath

The Family Haven, 31 Spa Road, Gloucester GL1 1UY

Tel: 01452 528692

Email: claire@thefamilyhaven.com

www.thefamilyhaven.com

Notes to Editors

The Haven was established in 1988 with the help of Jean Yate, the wife of the then Bishop of Gloucester
The Haven helps approximately 100 families a year to a brighter future, many of them going on to complete their education and secure employment. It costs £172,000 to provide this support to local families.
Actress Kate Winslet is patron of The Family Haven

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