Saw this link last night and I just knew that we had to work even harder to help EACH now that their funding has been cut in half. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middletons-cancer-charity-funding-758050  One of the politicians quoted in the article assumes that Catherine's patronage will make up for this shortfall, but it won't happen without our help!  Right now the news of the cut in funding is set to overshadow her speech at the opening of The Treehouse...please don't let that be the case!  When I learned that Catherine had chosen EACH as one of her first four royal patronages I know that I was deeply touched, and I know that many of you were as well.  As I tried to think of a way that this site could help them and make the biggest possible difference, I knew the Child’s Play Appeal (an £80,000 play area will be built at the Milton facility) would be something great to be involved with.  Here are just some of the things that will be featured in that play area:

a wheelchair swing an integrated roundabout a carousel chime panels, drums and cymbals a pirate ship a bridge and treasure cave a large wooden gazebo climbing wall interactive talking tubes activity panels a large sail shade

I tried to think of some fundraising challenge for this charity that would focus on a favorite childhood toy, game, or outdoor activity…but nothing quite made sense when I tried to type it up. I cannot sit around, however, and wait for the perfect idea to formulate in my head. Here is what I am suggesting and if you have better ideas, please let me know I am always open to hearing from my readers:
Donate £1 for every small child in your life that has enjoyed time at an outdoor playground or park and brought a smile to your face.    Or you could just donate £1 in honor of a time that you just quietly sat and watched a child’s creativity at work as they manage to entertain themselves with a game they made up or an imaginary friend.  If you want to donate £3 because of the smiles that Catherine’s appearances have given you, or just to show your support for her as she begins all of her solo events…I am sure that knowing that her appearances can do a lot of good would put a huge smile on her face. If you wanted to donate £60 in honor of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, that would be fantastic I think!  What ever you can do, chip in and let's help finish the fundraising for this play area that will bring so many smiles to so many faces.