Please see the below from the Red Kite Family Centre:
Red Kite Family Centre (‘Red Kite’) is facing a critical funding shortfall of approximately £40k pa, exacerbated by the loss of a major corporate sponsor earlier this year. Based on current financial projections, the Centre will be forced to close at the end of July 2023 unless we receive immediate additional funding. Today, we are issuing a heartfelt call-to-arms asking for your help to secure the future of Red Kite and enable us to continue to deliver our vision of Being There for Every Family.
How can I help?
We need to move swiftly to keep Red Kite’s doors open, growing sustainable, regular revenue streams to cover day-to-day running costs as well as safeguard specialist groups and outreach activities. One of simplest way to do this is to increase the number of Red Kite Friends (individuals donating a regular monthly sum), and appeal to community-spirited local businesses to come on board as Red Kite Angels. Fact: Just 350 Red Kite Friends donating £10 per month or 35 businesses donating £100 would secure the Centre’s future!
If you would like to sign-up to be a Red Kite Friend, you can do so here. Potential Business Angels are invited to contact our Centre Manager, Marie Scott ([email protected]), or co-Chair of Trustees, Katie-Lee English ([email protected]). Our thanks in advance.
Who are we?
Red Kite Family Centre has roots in the local community stretching back over a decade. In its present form Red Kite is an independent charity established in 2017, following Oxfordshire County Council’s decision to withdraw funding for dozens of children’s centres across the county. From our sites in Thame and Chinnor, Red Kite supports local families of children aged five and under with a range of groups, courses, and one to one advice, offering an essential lifeline to families encompassing every aspect of their early years journey.
Our services are delivered by a wonderful team of five part-time staff supported by dozens of volunteers and a dedicated Board of Trustees. Every penny of our income is spent on delivering services to the community.
It costs around £100,000 per year to run the Red Kite Family Centre, and we are largely dependent on the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and council grants. Like so many small charities, the Covid pandemic took a heavy toll on our fundraising activities as we concentrated our efforts on supporting families who depend on us in challenging times.
Why does our community need us?
Red Kite is uniquely placed to provide a broad range of services, help and support to young families, especially those who are struggling or vulnerable, and together build a brighter future for the next generation of our community. The Centre also acts as a hub for NHS midwives, health visitors, and speech and language therapists (separately funded), creating an indispensable ‘one stop shop’ for many parents with pre-school children.
We urge you to join us in support of the Red Kite Family Centre and, with your help, we can continue Being There for Every Family for years to come.
The Board of Trustees
