Brother and sister forego birthday gifts for vulnerable children

Elsie and Alfred Parlor

A brother and sister decided to sacrifice their birthday presents this year in aid of children in care.

Instead of their usual birthday parties this year, Elsie Parlor, seven, and her younger brother, Alfred, five, held a joint fundraising disco in Newport Pagnell.

In place of gifts, guests were asked to put a donation for St Francis' Children's Society in a bucket.

Donations from the night raised £260 to help find adoptive parents for children in care.

Dominik Byrne, fundraising officer at St Francis' Children's Society said: "The whole team was moved when we heard about this party. Although parents often generously make donations, many of us are guilty of forgetting that children are often eager to help too.

"Elsie and Alfred are the first to have such a party – what a brilliant idea. They've inspired us to create party packs containing goodies, literature and a collection box for any other children who'd like to help."

In addition to raising funds, the party inspired conversations among the parents about children and adoption.

"Many parents came up to us, asking more about what we do and how they can help. Some worked in schools, one lady was a foster parent, another had been a cleaner in a children's home many years ago," said Byrne.

"So many people are curious about adoption, but haven't been given much information – some would like to adopt, but most simply want to help out. We're keen to speak to anybody who can volunteer, donate or, with more information, would consider becoming an adoptive parent themselves."

Elsie and Alfred gave a special thanks to the support of Newport Pagnell Baptist Church, which hosted the party in its hall.

Their mother, Debbie Parlor, said: "I'm really proud of them. Children become accustomed to presents at such an early age so I'm delighted they're learning about giving.

"The more people who know about St Francis' Children's Society, the more people will contact them as potential adoptive parents – so there'll be fewer children without loving homes."

If you would like a party pack to hold your own fundraising children's party, if you would like to know more about adopting, or if you could volunteer, please contact St Francis' Children's Society on 01908 572700 or email enquiries@sfcs.org.uk

News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.