In collaboration with Drayton Manor Theme Park and Rotary International, KidsOut’s Festive Fun Day 2019 was another huge success, enabling 2,000 children to enjoy a Christmas-themed day out at one of Britain’s best-loved attractions. Now in its fifth year, the Festive Fun Day 2019 was held on Tuesday 3rd December and invited children from refuges, special schools, and other partner charities in the surrounding area to experience a fun-filled day of Christmas magic.
Not only did the children meet Father Christmas in his sleigh and receive a gift, they had exclusive access to over twenty-five rides and attractions, spectacular decorations, festive music, and snow showers! The day out was so big that it was even reported in the local press!
Once again, KidsOut received some amazing feedback from those who attended. One refuge worker told the KidsOut team that “activities like this allow our children to feel ‘normal’ and accepted, whilst also allowing them to meet new people and experience new environments which have a positive lasting effect on them and their families. Opportunities like this are so limited to them; the children have grown in confidence, learnt to be independent and enjoyed more moments filled with joy and fun rather than meltdowns.”
Another support worker was keen to explain to the team how days out like this help to boost a child’s self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. “The snow was amazing, the wonderful surprises such as the warm beanie hat upon arrival, the lovely picnic lunch and the presents on leaving the park made each individual feel so special and loved. Thank you for all the extra touches they made the day even more special”.
One mother of a non-verbal child that KidsOut supports told the team that her son was “VERY happy! I could see this because he was very smiley and clapping a lot. He was excited on all the rides”.
Feedback from some of the children who attended the fun-packed day assures the KidsOut team that fun and happiness was had by all:
“I had the best day ever” – 7-year-old
” I’m so happy today” – 4-year-old
“I had lots of fun with my family” – 8-year-old
KidsOut would like to thank the team at Drayton Manor for their continued support in bringing fun and happiness into the lives of disadvantaged children, particularly during the often-difficult festive period, and granting KidsOut exclusive access for the day. A special thanks is also needed for the Lady Ryder of Warsaw Memorial Trust for their generous grant which helped to fund 30 of these Fun Days.
One refuge worker highlighted the value that this has for the children and families who attended: “Families loved being able to be free and independent as the park wasn’t as busy like a normal day and the atmosphere was really relaxed – it made the day even more special”.
The KidsOut team look forward to working together next year for more festive fun!
