Reading Family Aid hosts a summer of FUN

This summer, Reading Family Aid have been delighted to host a jam-packed agenda of events across the town, giving over 200 children and their families, a thoroughly deserved fun-filled day out!













Reading Canoe Club
The Reading Canoe Club experiences provided this year’s children with a new, exciting adventure. Most children had never been in a canoe before, and whilst there were some initial nerves, by the end of the session, there were smiles and laughter…particularly from those who got a little wet! It was great to see the children confidently handling the canoes and having such a great time. Most said they would love to go again, and some even want to join the club. Huge thanks to the club team; Dan, Jill, Phoebe Patrick and Georgia, for making this such a good day.

Parthian Climbing Centre
We sent a team of budding adventurers up the wall at the Parthian Climbing Centre – many of whom had never tried this kind of activity before. The children listened carefully to the instructors, and it was great to see their concentration when climbing. The beaming smiles of satisfaction when they were back on the ground conveyed a real sense of achievement. Thank you to all the staff who supported this successful event.

Caversham Lakes 
We welcomed over 100 people to the idyllic beach waterfront location for a fun day in the sun. The children loved splashing about in the water whilst the parents and carers took the opportunity to relax and recharge, knowing that the beady-eyed lifeguards were in control. Burgers, chips and ice-creams were enjoyed by all. Two refugee families said it was the “best day”. Our thanks to Christie, Karen, Kimi and all the team for making this such a huge success.

​Play Rangers and Predator Assault Fun Day
Prospect Park saw over 100 children and their parents and carers, trying their hands at a variety of activities including Archery, Fire Building, Soft Play and Laser Combat. All the children were very keen to join in and spirits were high, even when the rain poured down, which was quickly turned into yet another fun activity toasting marshmallows under the shelter of a nearby tree. Many thanks to Richard and the team for their dedication – the children had a wonderful day.

Camp Mohawk
Last, but by no means least, we were finally able to spend a day at Camp Mohawk. The families got the chance to enjoy the heated pool, music centre and all the outdoor spaces. It was noticeable that both the children and their carers became more and more relaxed as the day went on. We have a long-established relationship with Camp Mohawk, and it was very special to be able to return. Our thanks to Katie and her brilliant team for all they do to make this such a wonderful place.

Berkshire Community Foundation
We’d like to say a special thank you to the Berkshire Community Foundation whose generous donation supported us with funding many of this year’s Summer Events.

Summer Toys
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were also able to consider other ways of putting smiles on children’s faces as we headed into the summer.  We were able to provide games, toys, and sports equipment to a number of organisations including the Weller Centre, the Cressingham Short Break Centre, and the Grassrootz youth club.  We also provided toys to individual children referred by social workers, schools, and other charities. In total we brightened up nearly 300 children’s lives with new toys this summer. 

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