GANNETT FOUNDATION: A CHARITY which helps send needy children to the seaside is one of the organisations hoping for funding from the Gannett Foundation.

The parent company of the Evening Advertiser has thousands of pounds to give away to help make a difference to people's lives.

WAGS Kidz Holidays, based in Chippenham, has helped scores of Swindon youngsters since it was formed in 2000. Last year 58 children the majority of whom were from Swindon were treated to a week's holiday in Wales. It all costs a lot of money, however.

And the charity relies heavily on the goodwill and fundraising efforts of its 23 volunteers, who give up their free time to ensure the children get maximum benefits from the trips.

Lyn Chisholm, the holiday organiser, said: "A few years ago I was shocked to learn that many children aged 14 and 15 had never seen the sea.

"Sometimes families just can't afford to take a holiday. We take a lot of children from the Pinehurst, Parks and Penhill areas."

Mrs Chisholm said the trips allow children to flourish, away from set routines of home life.

"We are a charity that helps young people, giving them a chance to mix, communicate and feel good about themselves. Quite a few of the children we take away have learning or behavioural problems, but very often they will show no signs while we are away enjoying ourselves.

"We aim to give the children happy childhood memories and give them simple experiences they may not have had before, such as playing on the beach."

Mrs Chisholm added that many children come back with a completely changed outlook on life.

"It's brilliant to watch," she said. "Parents and even school heads have contacted us to ask how we managed to calm them down. When we take them away, the children know that we are there to help them and they appreciate that."

To qualify for the funding, organisations must be local, registered charities.

Applications from uniformed youth groups, animal charities, medical or research organisations and individuals cannot be considered.

Charities that have received money over the past 12 months are also exempt.

Forms are available at the Evening Advertiser reception. They can also be downloaded from our website at www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk

Completed forms should be sent to The Gannett Foundation Fund, Swindon Evening Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Old Town, SN1 3BE.

The deadline is March 19.

Kevin Shoesmith