UK Charity Commission Registration Number 1120536

Newsletter 3- July 2007

Archived: Newsletter June 2007

In July we submitted our completed application form to the Charity Commission for registration as a charity. We heard back from them quickly saying that our paperwork was in order and that we would hear from them again when a decision was made. Registration is not essential for a charity to run but it does help when applications are being made to other funding bodies as they then know that the association is bone fide.

During June we were pleased to have a visit from one of our supporters Mrs. Zara Dean who can on holiday to Luxor with her daughter. Zara is a therapist and was keen to see what treatment the children were having and what more could be done to help them. She brought with her bags of goodies for the children at the Good Samaritan Home which had been donated by her friend and by Boots the Chemist, to whom we are very grateful.

Zara with her Daughter	Many of the gifts donated by Boots the Chemist

Zara also visited the Karnak Charity Hospital where Manacare run a busy clinic. We had a meeting with the manager of the project and have pledged our support. It is not just money that is needed, although money can be used to buy what they are lacking, simple things like unwanted pushchairs are invaluable for smaller children whose families cannot afford a wheelchair. Many of the children are brought great distances by their families so that they can receive treatment and most of them have to be carried.

Many children have to be carried due to lack of pushchairs and wheelchairs

July was a month of consolidation and fund raising. Jane gave a presentation to the Rotary Club in Sale, Australia about the work of Little Stars and was well received. We are hoping that they will accept us as their overseas project for the year and that we will gain their support. Jane’s efforts have been tireless and she has also gained support from the Australian branch of the Knights Templar. Every penny that is raised will be put to good use.

Jane addressing the Rotary Club in Australia

On a theme of fund raising I would like to thank the shops and restaurants in Luxor who are displaying the bright yellow Little Stars collection boxes. The Lantern Restaurant, Pals Restaurant, Dean’s Coffee Shop and the Magic Galaxy Toy Shop all have boxes waiting for you to leave your small change in support of the children.

In mid July Connie Tindale and Brian Hardman had an appointment with the Governor of Luxor Dr. Samir Farag where we gained his support for Little Stars and discussed its future. The possibility of us one day acquiring land for a village style project was raised and he was very helpful. A further approach will be made to a wonderfully philanthropic sheikh on the west bank who is interested in donating land to the project. Dr. Farag was delighted that Lord Carnarvon was maintaining his family’s links with Luxor as Little Star’s Patron.

Our offer to help other charities with their paperwork through the experience we have gained setting up Little Stars was taken up by a group that want to start a family based trust fund to help children in the United Kingdom and we were delighted to be of assistance. The offer is still open to anyone else that might want any help.

Time flies quickly and although Little Stars is still only two months old a great deal has been achieved. It could not be achieved without your help. Please continue to support us in every way that you can.