88,000 CHILDREN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2093, 21 February 1920, Page 1

88,000 CHILDREN.

Between 50 and 60 years ago a young medical student took upon himself to open a small night-school in the heart of Stepney. His schoolroom was an old disused donkeyshed, his scholars the ragged riffraff of the East End, and in teaching those urchins of his their lessons he contrived unexpectedly to learn his own. Thus a small outcast lingering by the fire in a Stepney shed —a seemingly chance word —a question —the desire to verify its answer—one night’s experience—and the consequent conception of a work destined to help in half a century over 88,(100 destitute children. The Barnardo family to-day numbers 7.291 boys and .girls, and 30 others are admitted every week from (.he ranks of child-destitution and misery all over the country. The Homes art! lifling the children out of the slums and giving them a good environment so that they may take their places in the world as healthy, upright, honourable, and God-fearing citizens. The children arc the Nation's, and indeed the Empire’s, greatest asset. No destitute little one seeks in vain. Dr. Barnardo’s Homes haye no waiting list; no voles are required; (here is no red tape. 88,007 children have passed through the Ever-open Doors in the past half-century —8,470 since war broke out. What would have become of these children but for BarnardoV? In a booklet which has reached us dealing with this work, the artist has pictured the Homes as a Magician’s palace, with two big open doors. To one comes a ceaseless stream of destitute little ones; from (he oilier a stream goes out of healthy, happy lads and lasses trained for the battle of life. But the Magician needs bis.wand, and tin; wand is Funds. Will you supply the funds to enable the Homes to give .help to every destitute child who needs it .' The Homes are relying upon their Christmas Appeal to maintain' the children-during the winter. For Ids you can have the joy of feeling that you are feeding one distilute child for ten days. 'Contributions may be sent to the Honorary Director, Mr William Baker, M.A., L.E.8., Dr. Barnardo’s Homes, 18 to 26, Stepney Causeway. London, E. 1. Cheques and orders payable ’“Dr. Barnardo’s Homes Food Bill Emid,” and crossed. (Treasury notes should be registered.)