A SOLIHULL charity’s weekend buddy scheme for vulnerable kids has been saved by generous donations.
Solihull Life Opportunities (SoLO) was founded in 2000 and has been fighting to continue its work in the borough despite losing important funding last year.
The charity supports more than 1,300 vulnerable people – many who have severe learning and physical disabilities.
It has issued a fundraising appeal for new donors and sponsors in a bid to keep its services available for as many people as possible.
As we previously revealed, its Saturday Superfriends Project was under threat after the losing funding.
But now a £5,000 donation from Legal & General Home Finance – topped up with £1,500 raised from a charity sleepover organised by dance group JD Dancevibe – will keep the project going for at least another year.
This will enable the charity to cater to the 24 children with special needs, between the ages of seven and 13, who rely on the scheme to keep friendships and socialise.
The fortnightly service runs on Saturday afternoons.
Fundraising co-ordinator Maria Brown said: “The project is all about making friends, building confidence and independence.
“It’s about having a social life with people outside of school.
“It’s about providing opportunities for those who can’t access them any other way.
“Some of them have a tough time at school but at the project they are surrounded by people who understand them.”
Distribution director of Legal & General Harold Pritchard said: “Children, parents and volunteers tell us SoLO has a hugely positive impact on their lives. Legal & General are delighted to be able to support this fantastic organisation”.
Owner of JD Dancevibe Jade Carr said: “We are all excited to see how SoLO use the proceeds raised from the JDC sleepover – to benefit the children they work with.”
To make a donation to keep other SoLO projects going, please email [email protected] or call 0121 779 3865.
