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FEP helps ensure Kids Come First
Vulnerable children and families from the Benarty area of Fife are being offered a helping hand.
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A donation of £2,000 from ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant has been made to the Kids Come First charity which operates from the Benarty Centre, offering affordable childcare.
In school term time, the charity runs a Breakfast Club and an After School Club, and during school holidays it also runs a full or half-day programme – giving the children healthy meals and snacks as well as a range of fun activities. It also transports the pupils between the centre and the schools it serves to enable more children to attend.
The contribution from FEP has partly been used by Kids Come First to buy sensory lighting, a fish tank, a sofa and soft play equipment to furnish a “chill out” area within the centre, as well as paying for a local artist, Reynel Escarpe, to decorate the premises with colourful murals.
The remainder will be used to buy outdoor play equipment in the spring so the children can enjoy fun in the centre’s outdoor area. Michelle MacGregor, manager of Kids Come First, said: “This area lacks amenities for the local children. “We provide a much-needed service to the local community, and at the moment have over 60 children on our books.
“During their time here they are allowed to express themselves through play, games and arts & crafts. They also learn about good manners and behaviour, self-awareness, and respect for others. The most important thing for everyone is having fun while being cared for and respected.
“During the holidays, when funds allow, we also take them to places they otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to enjoy.
“Many families in this area are unemployed, single mums, struggling financially and in need of somewhere safe for their children to go.
“The funding has enabled us to furnish a space where the children can go to enjoy some quiet time. Some of our children have conditions such as autism and anxiety issues and they will really benefit from this. It will also help us to buy new play equipment to enhance what we already offer.”
Martin Burrell, manager at Fife Ethylene Plant, added: “We are happy to be able to offer some support to this vital local service which helps many families in our local community.”