Christmas may be more than a month away, but a group of volunteers in Taichung has already dusted off the Santa costume, called the elves and brought out the wrapping paper as it prepares to give central Taiwan's underprivileged children a day to remember at the Kidz Christmas Celebrations 2004.
Set to take place at the National Taiwan College of Physical Education's stadium (國立臺灣體育學院) on Saturday, Dec, 11, the event is being organized by the Kidzday Committee, in association with the American Chamber of Commerce in Taichung.
Along with getting to meet Santa Claus, the orphans and physically and mentally handicapped children will be entertained with a program packed with music, dance, fun and games. Some of Taiwan's leading baseball players will also be on hand to entertain the children with a mini-baseball game.
The Kidzday Committee is well on the way the raising its target of NT$3.6 million and has secured over NT$1 million in donations and almost NT$2 million in commitments from a wide range of sources, including the UK supermarket chain Tescos, Ritchey Bicycle Components, The UK Education Advisory Service, Emerson Electrical Company and Hi-Tec Sporting Goods.
Helping to ensure that the Kidz Christmas Celebration 2004 is a success is not solely a matter of financial assistance. With an estimated 2,300 children expected to converge on the stadium organizers are currently seeking out volunteers to help both on the day and in the run up to the event.
Those wishing to volunteer and, or donate gifts or cash to the upcoming Kidz Christmas Celebration should e-mail Yan at kidzday2004@yahoo.com.tw, or log on to www.kidz-day.org for further details. Organizers would like to hear from individuals or groups interested in volunteering their services for this year's event by the first week of December.
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