Community rallies behind Meriel to help Indian '˜dump' children

Meriel Woodward of Gardeners Row set herself the tough target of raising £40,000 after experiencing firsthand the diabolical conditions the children live in.

In November she quit her job to do something more worthwhile and started by visiting a charity in India to help their work with children in poverty. When she was there she was overwhelmed by their plight and committed to raising £40,000 by the end of March.

This will go towards two projects – the first to move 40 families away from the city dump where they are living in complete squalor, to a location where they will have water, sanitation, fresh food and access to medical care and education for the first time in their lives; the second is for a children’s rights awareness campaign and residential centre for disadvantaged children in remote villages.

Meriel has appealed to individuals, business and organisations as well as at SS Michael and John and St Mary’s RC Church in Sabden where she is a member.

Her initiative received a blessing from Fr Kevin Murphy when she made an appeal duirng Mass and parishioners responded by agreeing to hold events including a Bollywood Night at SS Michael and John’s social centre in Lowergate on Saturday, April 2nd, a car wash, bingo evening and other events.

Meriel said: “This has been wonderfully supported by Sabden and Clitheroe communities but any more help or support would be appreciated. You can make a donation or sponsor a family at £120 or £10 a month.”

Call Meriel on 01282 772943 or see www.kisesuk.com. For Bollywood tickets call 07989 922666 or Tom Clay 07962 136749.