The Isle of Man Children’s Centre epic Pennies on the Prom event has raised a phenomenal ?4,500 for the Centre's Out2Play scheme.
The ?4500 raised by the event is sufficient to cover the costs of two sessional play workers for the Out2Play scheme, not only for the entire summer holiday period, but also for the October 2009 and February 2010 half term breaks as well.
Pennies on the Prom created a striking scene on Douglas Promenade when it was staged last month, as loose change was laid in an unbroken one and three quarter mile line from Summerland to the Sea Terminal.
It took volunteers three and a half hours to complete the Challenge after sterling support from schools, businesses and the general public in the preceding weeks who were invited to donate any spare change in support of the promotion.
Out2Play, a regular fixture for youngsters on the Isle of Man during school holidays, utlises 21 locations to offer free play sessions benefiting over 2000 children every year.
The two hour, twice daily sessions staffed by IOMCC play workers, are aimed at five to eleven year olds. They involve a range of new and classic games including team activities, arts and craft and water fun.
Michelle O’Malley, the IOMCC’s Fundraising Coordinator who originally came up with idea to create Pennies on the Prom, said the charity owed a debt of gratitude to the Manx public.
"The support we had from people for this promotion was absolutely phenomenal," she said. “The fact that we have raised ?4500 is a massive bonus for the Out2Play scheme.
“This will enable the IOMCC to provide sufficient funds for two sessional play workers to deliver Out2Play sessions for the whole of the summer holidays, the October half term holidays and the February half term holidays.
"This is great news for all the youngsters who attend the schemes,” added Michelle.
Pictured: Isle of Man Children’s Centre play worker, Channelle Kneale and Holiday Club Manager Annie Clarke, with youngsters from the Over 8’s Holiday Club, proudly displaying the amount of money raised.
