Viva Christmas parties to reach needy children

Christian children’s charity Viva is hoping to put a smile on the faces of children from impoverished communities by holding Christmas parties for them.

Viva has traditionally held Christmas parties for some 20,000 at-risk children across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The children receive a gift and meal and the opportunity to connect with local projects that can offer them further support.

The charity said the parties could give children “the knowledge that they are loved and valued”.

“Parties are a great way to reach out into communities,” says Alfredo Mora Rojas, Regional Director of Viva Latin America. “Viva is all about helping people work together to care for children more effectively, and the Christmas Parties are such a tangible way of making that a reality.

“Children not only get an amazing day, but the projects and people who care for them are also brought into partnership over this initiative, and partnership helps organisations become stronger and grow bigger. So although the parties only last for a day, their effects are felt for years afterwards.”

Viva has put together craft and activity ideas that schools and church groups can use to build awareness of the plight of vulnerable children and support for its Christmas parties.

To help fund the parties, it is also encouraging churches to buy Viva Christmas party tickets for £5 per child.

On the Web: www.viva.christmasparties.aspx