Brilliant new brochures to boost community support

PRESS RELEASE                                                                             8^th March 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brilliant new brochures to boost community support

New fundraising brochures for the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre are now available in print and on-line.

These brochures are an integral part of the centre’s local awareness and fundraising initiative to gain support from corporate organisations, clubs, groups and individuals in order to reach this year’s target of £150,000.

With no state or external funding, the centre is 100% reliant on donations and the aim is to secure enough funding to refurbish, expand and open for 50 weeks of the year.

There are two versions of the brochure – one focuses on the benefits of a fundraising partnership for corporate organisations with ideas such as nominating the centre as their Charity of the Year; and the other details how individuals can help this registered charity by becoming a fundraiser or volunteer.

Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships & Fundraising explains: “We need the local community to get behind us to help raise awareness and funds so that we can continue to provide our services for free, as well as expand and refurbish. That’s why our new brochures are so important, they will help us to deliver our message to local businesses, clubs, groups and individuals and give them ideas of how they can help us. For example, local businesses can support us through payroll giving or sponsorship schemes; clubs and groups by holding fundraising events; and individuals by donations, regular giving or taking part in sponsored events.”

To request a copy of the brochure, or for further information on how you can support the centre, please contact Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships and Fund-raising, on 07711 432491, 01903 504077 or by email michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com.

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Notes for editors:    

Contact for more information about the charity:

Michael Kay - Director of Partnerships & Fundraising, 07711 432491; michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com

Gillian Luis-Ravelo - 07778 843792; gillian.cbcc@btconnect.com

About the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre:

The Children’s Centre is a registered charity which was founded by Octav and Marcela Botnar in memory of their daughter Camelia in 1979.  The centre was previously supported by the Nissan UK and the Camelia Botnar Foundation, however funding from both sources ceased in 2009.  The children’s centre receives no state or external funding and is 100% reliant on donations. The future aim is to secure enough funding to expand and refurbish the centre and to evaluate the possibility of opening for 50 weeks of the year.

The centre was purpose built for pre-school children especially for those with special needs and from disadvantaged homes. Now the facilities are fully inclusive for all children from 2 months to 5 years, and are free of charge. There are four nursery groups with a high staff ratio of expertly trained nursery nurses ensuring each child receives individual attention. Children with social needs and long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and cystic fibrosis are welcome at the centre which also has sensory rooms.

The centre has close links with the local health, educational and social services (the centre act as a contact centre for children in care) authorities and assists local Colleges with their student training programme for nursery nurses, social workers and teachers.

Marathon Mission For Team Camelia Botnar

PRESS RELEASE                                                                             12^th January 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marathon mission for Team Camelia Botnar

The Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre has runners in both the London (Sunday 22^th April) and Brighton Marathons (Sunday 15^th April), and is now calling for additional runners to become part of Team Camelia Botnar.

Currently caring for 90 children, the children's centre is now entering its 33rd year of helping families across West Sussex and cares for children from as far as afield as Horsham and Chichester. A registered charity, the centre is presently open term-time only and is free of charge for pre-school children with special needs, long term medical conditions or from disadvantaged families. The centre is now completely reliant on donations and is working hard to secure enough funding to expand, refurbish, and open 50 weeks of the year.

Team Camelia Botnar currently includes Kelly Duff, Peter Littleboy and Emma Mitchell.

Kelly, who works for the Worthing Herald, is running in the London Marathon and said: “When I found out I had a place, I asked my editorial colleagues for information on local charities and after doing some research I chose to support the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre for the wonderful work they do with special needs families”.

Peter Littleboy, who has taken part in many charity events over the past few years said of his decision to run the Brighton Marathon for the centre: “My niece attends the Camelia Botnar Centre and so I am aware of the great work that goes on and also that the need for fundraising is so important, no matter how small”.

The centre would be delighted to hear from anyone who has secured an entry in either the London or Brighton Marathons and would consider becoming part of Team Camelia Botnar.

Support can be offered in terms of promotion, awareness and assistance with raising sponsorship. Please contact Michael Kay at the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre on 07711 432 491/01903 504 077 or by e-mail michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com

TEAM CAMELIA BOTNAR – Brighton Marathon – 15^th April

TEAM CAMELIA BOTNAR – London Marathon – 22^nd April

Sponsorship forms can be downloaded at www.camelia-botnar-childrens-centre.org

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Notes for Editors:                                                          

Contact for more information about the charity:

Michael Kay - Director of Partnerships & Fundraising – 01903 504 077 - 07711 432491; michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com

Gillian Luis-Ravelo - 07778 843792; gillian.cbcc@btconnect.com

About the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre:

The Children’s Centre is a registered charity which was founded by Octav and Marcela Botnar in memory of their daughter Camelia in 1979.  The centre was previously supported by the Nissan UK and the Camelia Botnar Foundation, however funding from both sources ceased in 2009.  The children’s centre receives no state or external funding and is 100% reliant on donations. The future aim is to secure enough funding to expand and refurbish the centre and to evaluate the possibility of opening for 50 weeks of the year.

The centre was purpose built for pre-school children especially for those with special needs and from disadvantaged homes. Now the facilities are fully inclusive for all children from 2 months to 5 years, and are free of charge. There are four nursery groups with a high staff ratio of expertly trained nursery nurses ensuring each child receives individual attention. Children with social needs and long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and cystic fibrosis are welcome at the centre which also has sensory rooms.

The centre has close links with the local health, educational and social services (the centre act as a contact centre for children in care) authorities and assists local Colleges with their student training programme for nursery nurses, social workers and teachers.

The Farmhouse holds fundraiser for children's centre

The Farmhouse holds fundraiser for children’s centre

The Farmhouse Pub & Restaurant in Fulbeck Avenue, Worthing is hosting a jazz and casino evening on Saturday 24^th March in aid of the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre.

Live jazz music will be played by a local duo and the casino tables will feature roulette, black jack and poker, with prizes on offer to the winners. Canapés will be served throughout the evening and there will be a raffle in aid of the children’s centre.

Alan Linton, owner of The Farmhouse urges people to: “Come along, have a great night out and help us raise funds for the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre, which supports many local children and their families”.

Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships & Fundraising for the centre says: “We’re very grateful to Alan for choosing to support us in this way, and we hope this will encourage other local businesses to follow suit”.

Tickets for the event - which begins at 7pm - are £7 per person and are available from The Farmhouse on 01903 261997 or from the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre on 01903 504077. Dress code is smart.

The Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre, a registered charity, is fully inclusive and free of charge to all pre-school children. The purpose-built centre has many specialties that provide co-ordinated support to all families and their children, whatever their special needs.

With no state or external funding, the centre would be pleased to hear from other local business people who would be interested in helping the centre to reach this year’s fundraising target of £150,000.

Good Neighbour raises £300 celebrating her half century

PRESS RELEASE                                                                             16^th February 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good neighbour raises £300 celebrating her half century

Goring resident Zena Jones raised £300 for the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre at her recent 50^th birthday party.

Zena, who works as a medical secretary at a local doctor’s surgery said: “When I sent out the invitations to my 50^th birthday celebrations, I asked friends and family who were thinking about buying me a gift to make a donation to the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre instead”.

She explains: “I have a very special little friend, Darcie Elms, who lives next door to me and attends this wonderful place. Now that the centre is 100% reliant on donations I know that any funds raised will be of great help in caring for Darcie and the rest of the children who attend the centre.”

Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships & Fundraising for the centre said: “This is a wonderful example of how local people can help our own efforts to secure the future of the centre and provide extra funding to expand, refurbish, and open 50 weeks of the year.”

He continued: “We are very grateful to Zena for this kind and self-less gesture, and as Zena also gift-aided this donation the total amount will increase to £375!”

The Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre, a registered charity, is fully inclusive and free of charge to all pre-school children. The purpose-built centre has many specialties that provide co-ordinated support to all families and their children, whatever their special needs.

With no state or external funding, the centre would be pleased to hear from other local people – and clubs, groups, and organisations - who would be interested in helping the centre to reach this year’s fundraising target of £150,000.

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Notes for editors:    

Contact for more information about the charity:

Michael Kay - Director of Partnerships & Fundraising, 07711 432491; michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com

Gillian Luis-Ravelo - 07778 843792; gillian.cbcc@btconnect.com

About the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre:

The Children’s Centre is a registered charity which was founded by Octav and Marcela Botnar in memory of their daughter Camelia in 1979.  The centre was previously supported by the Nissan UK and the Camelia Botnar Foundation, however funding from both sources ceased in 2009.  The children’s centre receives no state or external funding and is 100% reliant on donations. The future aim is to secure enough funding to expand and refurbish the centre and to evaluate the possibility of opening for 50 weeks of the year.

The centre was purpose built for pre-school children especially for those with special needs and from disadvantaged homes. Now the facilities are fully inclusive for all children from 2 months to 5 years, and are free of charge. There are four nursery groups with a high staff ratio of expertly trained nursery nurses ensuring each child receives individual attention. Children with social needs and long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and cystic fibrosis are welcome at the centre which also has sensory rooms.

The centre has close links with the local health, educational and social services (the centre act as a contact centre for children in care) authorities and assists local Colleges with their student training programme for nursery nurses, social workers and teachers.

High Sheriff finds chikldren's centre 'overwhelming'

PRESS RELEASE                                                                             9th February 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

High Sheriff finds children’s centre visit ‘overwhelming’

David Tupper, DL, the current High Sheriff of West Sussex, recently made a special visit to the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre in Goring-by-Sea.

The High Sheriff, accompanied by his wife Hilary, was given a guided tour of the purpose-built centre that has been supporting children and families in West Sussex for the past 32 years. Fully inclusive and free of charge to all pre-school children, the centre is an invaluable resource with many specialties that provide co-ordinated support to all families and their children, whatever their special needs.

The office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political, royal appointment that lasts for one year and there are currently 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales. Their duties include attendance at royal visits within their county, support for visiting High Court Judges, active support and encouragement to the police, emergency services, probation and prison services and to other agencies involved with crime prevention, particularly among young people. High Sheriffs also play an increasingly active role in promoting the voluntary sector within their communities.

Michael Kay, the centre’s Director of Partnerships & Fundraising, showed Mr Tupper and his wife the specialist nurseries and areas which support the special needs children - including sensory rooms, adapted equipment, and toys that cater for the differing needs of each child.  The High Sheriff and his wife were also introduced to the team of nursery nurses, who explained their roles and the challenges faced by some of the children.

David Tupper said: "I found my visit to the Camelia Botnar Children's Centre overwhelming. It gave me a wonderful insight into the daily problems and challenges the staff face and made me realise the incredible amount of work that goes into the specialist care the centre provides to children and their families throughout West Sussex. I will now lend my support in spreading the word throughout the local community to encourage donations and fundraising activities for this very worthy cause, which receives no state or external funding."

Care is provided free for the families who need it and this commitment is at the heart of the children’s centre – a registered charity. The centre is now completely reliant on donations and is working hard to secure enough funding to expand, refurbish, and open 50 weeks of the year. As well as aiming to attract fundraising support from individuals and local businesses, the centre is also offering its facilities to other special needs groups and the wider community - the High Sheriff was shown the rooms and areas which are available for hire when not being used by the early years team.

Michael Kay said: “We are extremely grateful to the High Sheriff and his wife for visiting our centre and for their pledge of support in raising awareness for our cause. It gave a real boost to our hard-working nursery nurses and just as importantly gave me the opportunity to explain why the support of the local community is vital to secure the future of the centre.”

For further information on how individuals, groups and corporate organisations can support the centre, please contact Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships and Fund-raising, on 07711 432491, 01903 504077 or by emai michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com.

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Notes for Editors:                                                          

Contact for more information about the charity:

Michael Kay - Director of Partnerships & Fundraising, 07711 432491; michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com

Gillian Luis-Ravelo - 07778 843792; gillian.cbcc@btconnect.com

About the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre:

The Children’s Centre is a registered charity which was founded by Octav and Marcela Botnar in memory of their daughter Camelia in 1979.  The centre was previously supported by the Nissan UK and the Camelia Botnar Foundation, however funding from both sources ceased in 2009.  The children’s centre receives no state or external funding and is 100% reliant on donations. The future aim is to secure enough funding to expand and refurbish the centre and to evaluate the possibility of opening for 50 weeks of the year.

The centre was purpose built for pre-school children especially for those with special needs and from disadvantaged homes. Now the facilities are fully inclusive for all children from 2 months to 5 years, and are free of charge. There are four nursery groups with a high staff ratio of expertly trained nursery nurses ensuring each child receives individual attention. Children with social needs and long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and cystic fibrosis are welcome at the centre which also has sensory rooms.

The centre has close links with the local health, educational and social services (the centre act as a contact centre for children in care) authorities and assists local Colleges with their student training programme for nursery nurses, social workers and teachers.

Worthing Edwardian Club raises £200 for Childrens Centre

PRESS RELEASE                                                                                         February 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worthing Edwardian Club raises £200 for children’s centre

The Worthing and District Edwardian Club recently donated £200 to the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre.

This donation represents funds raised as a result of the club’s concert party performances and social club evenings throughout last year.

A charitable trust, the Worthing and District Edwardian Club has been raising money for local charities and worthy causes for more than thirty years, and has twice been honoured by Worthing Borough Council in recognition of its efforts. The club’s concert party, suitably attired in period-style costumes, provides shows for a variety of clubs and groups including the elderly and special needs, as well as taking paid bookings from commercial organisations.

Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships & Fundraising for the children’s centre said: “We are extremely grateful for this donation from the Worthing and District Edwardian Club. We are very keen to encourage this type of link with as many local clubs, groups and associations as we can so that we can reach our fundraising target of £150,000.”

The Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre, a registered charity, is fully inclusive and free of charge to all pre-school children. The purpose-built centre has many specialties that provide co-ordinated support to all families and their children, whatever their special needs.

Now completely reliant on donations, the centre would be pleased to hear from other local clubs, groups, associations, corporate organisations, individuals and charitable trusts who would be interested in helping the centre to reach its fundraising target.

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Notes for Editors:                                                          

Contact for more information about the charity:

Michael Kay - Director of Partnerships & Fundraising, 07711 432491; michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com

Gillian Luis-Ravelo - 07778 843792; gillian.cbcc@btconnect.com

About the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre:

The Children’s Centre is a registered charity which was founded by Octav and Marcela Botnar in memory of their daughter Camelia in 1979.  The centre was previously supported by the Nissan UK and the Camelia Botnar Foundation, however funding from both sources ceased in 2009.  The children’s centre receives no state or external funding and is 100% reliant on donations. The future aim is to secure enough funding to expand and refurbish the centre and to evaluate the possibility of opening for 50 weeks of the year.

The centre was purpose built for pre-school children especially for those with special needs and from disadvantaged homes. Now the facilities are fully inclusive for all children from 2 months to 5 years, and are free of charge. There are four nursery groups with a high staff ratio of expertly trained nursery nurses ensuring each child receives individual attention. Children with social needs and long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and cystic fibrosis are welcome at the centre which also has sensory rooms.

The centre has close links with the local health, educational and social services (the centre act as a contact centre for children in care) authorities and assists local Colleges with their student training programme for nursery nurses, social workers and teachers.

Sir Peter Bottomly visits children,s centre

PRESS RELEASE                                                                             2nd February 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sir Peter Bottomley visits children’s centre

Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley made a special visit to the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre recently.

The centre, a registered charity, is fully inclusive and free of charge to all pre-school children. Sir Peter was welcomed by Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships & Fundraising, and given a tour of the purpose built centre that has been supporting families in and around the constituency for the past 32 years.

An invaluable resource for families requiring early years  care for their children, the West Sussex centre has many specialties that provide co-ordinated support to all families and their children, whatever their special needs.

Sir Peter met some of the staff and children during his visit and was shown the specialist nurseries and areas which support the special needs children - including sensory rooms, adapted equipment, and toys that cater for the differing needs of each child.

Currently caring for 90 children during term-time only, the centre is now completely reliant on donations.  The care is provided free for the families who need it, and this commitment is at the heart of the charity.

The centre is working hard to secure enough funding to expand, refurbish, and open 50 weeks of the year. As well as aiming to attract fundraising support from individuals and local businesses, the centre is also offering its facilities for hire by other special needs groups and the wider community – Sir Peter was shown the rooms and areas which are available for hire when not being used by the early years team.

Sir Peter Bottomley said: “As an MP, my aim is to represent local interests, giving attention and help to constituents and local groups. I am particularly interested in helping those with family responsibilities and special needs and that’s why I was extremely pleased to be asked to visit the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre. This much needed resource, which has no state or external funding, needs the local community to get behind it to help raise awareness and funds”.

Michael Kay commented: “We were so pleased to welcome Sir Peter Bottomley to the centre. We hope that his support will encourage the local community to help us raise £150,000 this year so that we can continue to provide our services for free, expand and refurbish. We need individual volunteers and local businesses to support us - individuals through sponsored events, donations or regular giving; and local businesses through payroll giving, sponsorship schemes or naming us as their charity of the year.”

For further information on how you can support the centre, please contact Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships and Fund-raising, on 07711 432491, 01903 504077 or by emai michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com.

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Notes for Editors:                                                          

Contact for more information about the charity:

Michael Kay - Director of Partnerships & Fundraising, 07711 432491; michael.kay.cbcc@btconnect.com

Gillian Luis-Ravelo - 07778 843792; gillian.cbcc@btconnect.com

About the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre:

The Children’s Centre is a registered charity which was founded by Octav and Marcela Botnar in memory of their daughter Camelia in 1979.  The centre was previously supported by the Nissan UK and the Camelia Botnar Foundation, however funding from both sources ceased in 2009.  The children’s centre receives no state or external funding and is 100% reliant on donations. The future aim is to secure enough funding to expand and refurbish the centre and to evaluate the possibility of opening for 50 weeks of the year.

The centre was purpose built for pre-school children especially for those with special needs and from disadvantaged homes. Now the facilities are fully inclusive for all children from 2 months to 5 years, and are free of charge. There are four nursery groups with a high staff ratio of expertly trained nursery nurses ensuring each child receives individual attention. Children with social needs and long-term medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and cystic fibrosis are welcome at the centre which also has sensory rooms.

The centre has close links with the local health, educational and social services (the centre act as a contact centre for children in care) authorities and assists local Colleges with their student training programme for nursery nurses, social workers and teachers