Perth Chernobyl charity launches appeal

Dec 11 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A CHARITY with links to communities ravaged by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster have launched an appeal for volunteers so it can continue its efforts.

The Perth branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline raises funds to bring children from contaminated towns and villages on the Ukraine-Belarus border to spend four weeks with local families.

Organisers of the popular scheme welcomed the 200th “Chernobyl child” to the Fair City earlier this year.

The link-up has resulted in close ties between East European and Scottish communities.

Rob Armsworth, chair of the project’s organising committee, said: “Hosting these children is such a rewarding experience and we see the difference just four weeks can make to their health, attitude and outlook on life every year.

A fund-raising ceilidh is planned for January 16 at the Bankfoot Church Centre.

To find out more about the initiative, contact Rob on: 01250 872224. or by e-mail on: Robert.armsworth@virgin.net