‘Toy Bank’ Weekend returns to Gulliver’s Valley to help children
GULLIVER’S Valley will host its third annual Toy Bank Weekend in support of the children’s charity KidsOut – a national charity that supports disadvantaged children, primarily those living in one of more than 650 women’s refuges around the UK.
The theme park in the Rother Valley will discount the price of tickets for the weekend of April 25 and 26 for visitors who bring along a new, unused toy (one per booking) to donate when they arrive.
The toys donated over the weekend will be used in the boxes of toys the charity provides children with when they arrive in refuge.
KidsOut also provides children with another box at Christmas, ensuring that each child has presents to open on the big day.
Prices for Toy Bank Weekend will be reduced from the online advance booking price to £15 for both adults and children.
The normal free entry to Gulliver’s Valley for children under 90cms in height will apply.
Louise Sherwood, from KidsOut said, “Each year in the UK more than 28,000 children along with their mothers, flee domestic abuse to seek sanctuary in refuge.
“They usually have to leave all their possessions behind, and this is on top of leaving family, friends, schools, and pets. It can be very traumatic for them.
“The toys donated will help make up a box of ten toys that are age and gender appropriate welcome boxes and help the children transition into their new homes.
“The generosity of all those involved in the Toy Bank event in previous years has made a huge difference to our work.
“We are so very grateful to Gulliver’s for making this happen.
“Genuinely, these acts of kindness really do help change the lives of children who really need it most.”
Terence Ncube, operations director at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “As a family resort, the work that KidsOut does each year is so close to our hearts.
“We’re expecting another busy Toy Bank Weekend and can’t wait to welcome everyone to the park.”