A desperate plea has been issued by a local charity which offers Romanian orphans the holiday of a lifetime by bringing them to families around Ongar.

The Moreton Romanian Orphan Society has been bringing orphans from Romania since the revolution in 1989 but this year, although they are expecting around 20 new orphans, they have only found four new host families.

Anne Neville, from the charity, said: "It is hard to keep finding new host families because the children come over once with the charity and the host family invite them over time and time again. This year around 40 orphans are coming back to host families they have been with previously and we have around 20 who have never been to Britain before who we need to find families for."

Mrs Neville says the hosts only have to offer a good wholesome family home for two weeks and is sure both orphan and host will take a great deal from the experience.

She said: "These kids have nothing and they are so happy just to be here and to do things which we take for granted. We are not looking for families with a lot of money because that is not important. I would recommend it because it is just fantastic to see the kids enjoy something so much. It is the trip of a lifetime for them and they are all looking forward to it so much."

Mrs Neville, who has been to Romania twice recently, says although things are improving a lot there are still some very poor people and young children with no parents are forced to live in some of the worst conditions.

She said: "There is still a stigma attached to orphans in Romania and although our children don't come from the poorest orphanages they live in very basic conditions. Some parents just can't afford to look after their children and they end up in orphanages."

If you think you can offer a home to a Romanian orphan for two weeks from July, 25 to August 8 or are interested in finding out more, call Pauline Davis on 01279 323132.

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003

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