Generous donation of 1,000 Easter eggs will give huge boost to underprivileged children across Portsmouth

Underprivileged children across the city will benefit from an Easter treat thanks to cash donations raised by Genius Money and its clients.

A van full of chocolatte eggs was delivered to Landport Adventure Playground, part of Portsmouth City Council’s Play Youth Community service.

Rob Neale, communities co-ordinator, manages the six adventure playgrounds in social housing areas around Portsmouth.

Rob is looking forward to welcoming bubbles of 15 children back to the playgrounds after only allowing singular households during lockdown.

He said: ‘Even Einstein realised play was a huge part of a child’s development. We facilitate child-led play, the kids choose what they want to do.

‘It’s amazing for their development, their stress relief, their relaxation. Our level of demand shows the need for it.

‘These Easter eggs are the cherry on the cake. They’ll all really appreciate that extra layer of a nice egg after what’s been a really tough year.’

The donation came after a plea from businessman Alvin Edyvane, who has supported youth causes for more than 10 years, especially young carers who are one of the groups Rob works with.

Alvin, director of Genius Money, said: ‘Easter eggs are the little basics we take for granted, it’s awful what these kids are going through.

‘For me, anything to do with children and trying to help with people's goals and future is a good thing to be involved in.’

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The 1,000 eggs were delivered to the playground by Karen Withey and Sara Potten, community champions Morrisons Horndean, which also donated eggs towards the cause.

Sara said: ‘Morrisons want to get more involved in the community. We try and get involved in as much as possible, especially local things.’

Karen added: ‘It’s a massive eye opener for things I’ve never really taken into consideration.’

Dwayne Whitehouse and Ava Lewis from Genius Money helped with the delivery to support services provided by Play Youth Community, which in a normal year sees around 110,000 children using the adventure playgrounds.

Dwayne said: ‘We’re a local company so it’s about looking out for the local community.’

Ava added: ‘The work they do here is amazing.’

Visit pycportsmouth.co.uk/play for more about the adventure playgrounds.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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