High Street shop owner appeals for support for orphan lifeline

Chris (pictured), who runs several shops in Rotherham and has masterminded the regeneration of large parts of High Street, has been backing the charity Project Romanian Rescue for many years through his own charity enterprise, the Hamby Foundation.

He has now taken over the reins of PRR after its Romanian founder Daniel Mercado became too ill to run the two children’s homes for street children he established in 1997.

But Chris said soaring debts meant the homes were under threat and urged well-wishers to dig deep.

He said: “The simple fact is that the needs have never been so great, nor the debts so high. 

“PRR is in severe financial difficulty, mainly due to the recession and funds slowing down as Daniel fell ill. 

“But when people come needing food or help, or when children are found on the streets or are orphaned, they cannot simply be turned away. 

“The next few months will be freezing in Romania but it will be bleak indeed if we cannot raise enough funds to carry on, to continue to run the children’s orphanage, and buy the food they need and the wood for heating.”

Chris pointed out that donations would be topped up by Gift Aid and appealed for anyone willing to help to email him on [email protected] or visiting the Hamby Foundation charity shop at Rotherham’s outdoor market to a bag a bargain or make a donation.