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Jeunesse Kids transforms two children’s shelters with 80,928 euros raised

May 26, 2017 | Jeunesse Kids

An incredible 80,928 euros were raised in April at the Amsterdam Regional Convention for Jeunesse Kids™, surpassing the original fundraising goal by more than 60,000 euros. These donations will benefit The Forgotten Child Foundation, an organization that aims to bring joy to the 50,000 children that live in shelters and centers in the Netherlands.

This remarkable generosity has already transformed the shelter in Den Helder, where organizers have added a “Magic Garden” with play and art areas, a “Chill Inn” computer center for teenagers, and colorful common spaces to the once bleak environment. At the revealing of the renovation, the children’s favorite TV animal characters made a special appearance. Together, they celebrated the children’s first chance to enjoy all the revitalized shelter environment has to offer.

With the additional funds, The Forgotten Child Foundation will have the opportunity to improve another shelter in the city of Maastricht. Its enclosed courtyard will be renovated into a “Healing Garden” that invites children of all ages to play, explore and learn in a safe space.

“On behalf of everyone working with Jeunesse Kids and our partnership with The Forgotten Child Foundation in the Netherlands, I am incredibly grateful to our Jeunesse Family, who supported this cause at our Regional Convention in Amsterdam,” said Chief Visionary Officer Scott Lewis.

The courtyard at the Xonar Maastricht shelter is presently surrounded by 32 apartments that are a refuge for nearly 60 women a year, along with their children. On average, approximately 80 children reside at the shelter annually. The playground equipment is sparse, with only two swings, one seesaw and a pingpong table.

Since this courtyard is the only place for some families to spend time outdoors, the new “Healing Garden” will be designed as an extension of their living spaces. It will be a comfortable and safe place for all to feel at ease. A space to have positive experiences is vital to the recovery of the shelter’s mothers and children, who are all victims of abuse, mistreatment or neglect.

Due to their turbulent lives before coming to the shelter, mothers and children often arrive in shock, and without the ability to effectively communicate with one another. The goal of the “Healing Garden” is to provide a haven where mothers and children can learn to understand each other’s needs, and connect through play and time spent together.

Jeunesse Kids is honored to contribute to The Forgotten Child Foundation and is humbled and grateful for its magnificent Distributors who continually show their dedication to bettering children’s lives. To learn about other Jeunesse Kids’ projects, please visit http://jeunessekids.org/.