Port Vale Foundation will be helping local businessman and lifelong Port Vale fan, Shaun Jenkinson, to kit out disadvantaged children in India with Port Vale kits.
Shaun who is a director at local letting agency Sherlock Homes has been travelling to Cavelossim, which is an Indian village in South Goa, for 6 years and it has been a source of inspiration for Shaun wanting to make a difference after seeing the rise of children fending for themselves on the streets in the main towns.
Shaun’s idea came during his last visit to Cavelossim, he said “When I was last out there I noticed a lot of the youngsters were wearing football shirts from all different teams and countries and I knew I had to do something with my company Sherlock Homes – We opened up a suitcase for donations and then the idea grew to me wanting to take boxes of kit out to them the next time I visit the country. That’s when I contacted the Port Vale Foundation, explained that I’m a massive Vale fan and what my idea is and they’ve been outstanding in what they’re giving me. The Charity ASRO make sure children are safe and taken off the streets, away from abuse and exploitation and having seen it first-hand I had to do my own little bit.”
Shaun will be working alongside the charity ASRO to distribute the shirts. It was founded in 2008 and it looks after street children that are HIV Positive. The orphanage also doubles up as a hospital which means children up to the age of 18 will be cared for and get the necessary treatment to fight the disease.
The children in the orphanage are often left behind when the parents die. Either the relatives do not have the resources to take care of the children and in most cases they are sadly not welcome back if they are HIV positive. One of ASROs main goals is to reach out to village schools and churches with information about HIV and try to reduce the stigma surrounding it.
Travel Agency TUI are also allowing Shaun extra baggage free of charge so he can get the kit to the children at no expense.
Tom Sherratt, Head of Community at the Port Vale Foundation said “As soon as we heard about what Shaun was planning we knew we had to help. We are going to be donating a number of Port Vale merchandise including match kits, training kits, pencil cases, stationary and we’re also going to send some footballs and other sports equipment for the children to play with. We’re looking forward to hearing all about it upon Shaun’s return”
If you would like to donate any football shirts, Shaun’s company Sherlock Homes has got a suitcase that they want to fill with kit you can find them 84-86 George Street, ST5 1DN. Donations need to be in by December 10th at the latest.
Shaun’s idea came during his last visit to Cavelossim, he said “When I was last out there I noticed a lot of the youngsters were wearing football shirts from all different teams and countries and I knew I had to do something with my company Sherlock Homes – We opened up a suitcase for donations and then the idea grew to me wanting to take boxes of kit out to them the next time I visit the country. That’s when I contacted the Port Vale Foundation, explained that I’m a massive Vale fan and what my idea is and they’ve been outstanding in what they’re giving me. The Charity ASRO make sure children are safe and taken off the streets, away from abuse and exploitation and having seen it first-hand I had to do my own little bit.”
Shaun will be working alongside the charity ASRO to distribute the shirts. It was founded in 2008 and it looks after street children that are HIV Positive. The orphanage also doubles up as a hospital which means children up to the age of 18 will be cared for and get the necessary treatment to fight the disease.
The children in the orphanage are often left behind when the parents die. Either the relatives do not have the resources to take care of the children and in most cases they are sadly not welcome back if they are HIV positive. One of ASROs main goals is to reach out to village schools and churches with information about HIV and try to reduce the stigma surrounding it.
Travel Agency TUI are also allowing Shaun extra baggage free of charge so he can get the kit to the children at no expense.
Tom Sherratt, Head of Community at the Port Vale Foundation said “As soon as we heard about what Shaun was planning we knew we had to help. We are going to be donating a number of Port Vale merchandise including match kits, training kits, pencil cases, stationary and we’re also going to send some footballs and other sports equipment for the children to play with. We’re looking forward to hearing all about it upon Shaun’s return”
If you would like to donate any football shirts, Shaun’s company Sherlock Homes has got a suitcase that they want to fill with kit you can find them 84-86 George Street, ST5 1DN. Donations need to be in by December 10th at the latest.