National charity becomes Asian Business Chamber patron as £5m fundraising drive begins
A national charity which is embarking on a £5m fundraising drive to build the UK’s first holiday village for children with critical illnesses has become a patron of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).
Kids’ Village will aim to support critically ill children and their families by offering an escape from their day-to-day trauma with restful and magical stays in the Staffordshire countryside.
The project is inspired by Sam Fletcher-Goodwin from Lichfield, who at the age of nine was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Following her recovery, Sam and her family had the opportunity to experience the Give Kids The World Village resort in Florida and, since then, it has been Sam’s dream to create a similar destination for critically ill children in the UK.
The charity is now on a mission to raise £5m to build a resort in Wychnor, near Lichfield, comprising 10 four-bedroom lodges and a central facility known as ‘The Hive’.
The first phase of the project is being spearheaded by interim CEO Paul Faulkner, former chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), and chair Doug Wright, a GBCC patron.
And Kids’ Village will now look to harness the power and support of Greater Birmingham’s business community through patronage of the ABCC.
In addition, the charity has become a patron of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber and an 1813 Club member of Birmingham Chamber.
Paul Faulkner said: “Kids’ Village is a charity that will support critically ill children and families from all backgrounds.
“As such, we are delighted to have joined the ABCC as patrons, thanks to the generous sponsorship of our chairman, Doug Wright, and look forward to working with the Chamber team and committee to support our efforts to raise our profile and engage with the Asian business community.
“We are particularly keen to speak with businesses and leaders who may be considering charities to support for events or on an annual basis, and would be delighted to explore ways they could work with Kids' Village in partnership - please do reach out.”
Anjum Khan, director of the ABCC, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kids’ Village as a patron of the ABCC, at a crucial and exciting time in the charity’s journey.
“The project is ambitious and inspiring and we’re excited to help the charity raise its profile and engage with the Asian business community.
“Paul and Doug have both been huge supporters of the ABCC over the years and we look forward to supporting their efforts to turn the Kids’ Village dream into a reality.”
Find out more information about Kids’ Village.
Pictured: From left – Anjum Khan, Paul Faulkner and Kids’ Village administrator Kelly Mahey
