A fundraising drive to benefit children is being hosted by Family Centre to make up for a significant financial shortfall experienced by the charity this year.

The World Children’s Day Critical Appeal this month aims to ensure that children and families facing social and emotional challenges can continue to receive the therapeutic help they need without the burden of cost.

Sandy De Silva, Family Centre’s executive director, said that there had been a notable shift in donor giving this year, creating the shortfall in funding.

Dr De Silva said: “Family Centre is an accredited Bermuda-registered charity that has been serving Bermuda’s children and families for over 33 years.

“The charity is dedicated to improving families’ lives in Bermuda by providing innovative, free-of-charge mental health counselling services for children, teens and their families, community outreach programmes and advocacy initiatives. Family Centre is committed to ensuring access to support without barriers.”

World Children’s Day is observed on November 20 and was chosen by the charity for its critical appeal as it marks the anniversary of the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The declaration ensures that children and teens have their basic needs met so that they have the best opportunity to thrive.

Thania Redman, Family Centre’s relationship development director, said: “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our donors this year. We know every donor has a choice of whom they will support and we are thankful they have chosen us.

“Family Centre’s positive impact on children and families as an essential service provider in Bermuda depends heavily on donor funding.”

Hannah Collins, Family Centre fund development co-ordinator, added: “We are asking the community to invest in our children’s rights in Bermuda to be nurtured and cared for, and have access to opportunities for growth and development.”

The charity is also encouraging companies to host a denim day on November 24 and “turn the world blue” in support of children. Some schools are participating in a grub day and some food stores will host a “round up” day to aid in the appeal for funding.

• To donate and for more information, visithttps://tfc.bm/family-centre-appealor call 232-1116