We were thrilled to host our very first Orange Aid Family Festival on Sunday 15th September, inviting over 400 disabled children and their families to Challengers for a fun free day out.
Families gathered at our Guildford Centre to celebrate together as the sun shone down, enjoying live music, food and drink, and access to our inclusive playground and facilities.
There was something to keep everyone entertained, including face painting, drumming workshops, a wandering magician, a Build-A-Bear station, sensory trays, a raffle and tombola, games, and a popcorn and sweet treats station. The highlight of the day had to be the children and young people who took to the stage for karaoke – we loved hearing their brilliant renditions!
We had some of our fantastic Play and Youth workers on hand to help so that parents could enjoy some peace and quiet in our parent chill-out zone, as well as the the chance to speak to stallholders offering support for families.
Orange Aid is our way of giving back to families and the community. Thanks to our generous sponsors Ramsac and Bessler Hendrie, we were able to give families an opportunity to enjoy a festival environment for free and without the stress, knowing they are in a safe and welcoming environment.
We’ll be making Orange Aid an annual event and have plans to make it bigger and better for next year, giving more families the opportunity to join in the fun.
We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the event so wonderful, including:
- Brodie Mauluka – Mayor of Farnham
- Sallie Barker – Mayor of Guildford
- Howard Smith – Deputy Mayor of Guildford
- The Heroes – Post19 band
- Ray the Drumming Man
- Nick of Time
- Magic Mike children’s entertainer
- Surrey Fire and Rescue
- Rotary Club of Rushmoor
- Rotary Club of Guildford
- TC Event Catering
- READY Charity
- Family Voice Surrey