ASPIRING young actors gathered to watch the debut screening of a video made to promote this year's Rotary shoebox appeal in Winchester.
For more than 30 years, Wessex Rotarians have been sending Christmas presents in shoeboxes for disadvantaged children in Eastern European countries.
Last year 18,000 shoeboxes collected by 50 Rotary clubs were sent to children in Moldova, Montenegro, Romania and Ukraine.
The cardboard boxes are supplied by Wessex Rotary.
This year’s appeal was launched on Monday, September 18 at Chesil Theatre with a new video featuring two child actors - Rory Venne, 10, and Lily Cooke, 11 - from the Chesil Youth Theatre, showing people how to make up the boxes and what can be put in them.
SEE ALSO: Historical city book shop opens bindery with plans for a museum
Lily, from Otterburne, said she was delighted to be asked to take part in the video - and that it's given her aspirations of moving on to the small screen.
Lily, who has been a member of the youth theatre since 2021, said: "It was nice to do, I didn't think the finished video would be so professional but it is, it's great. It was a bit overwhelming with all the cameras and lights but I really enjoyed it. The appeal is great too - it shows people that we need to care about everyone and those affected by the war."
Rory, from Teg Down, has also been a member of the youth theatre since 2021.
He said: "The appeal is great as everyone, regardless of whatever country they come from, deserves to have a nice time at Christmas."
Rotarian and shoebox appeal district organiser Geoff Philpott thanked the children for their effort.
He said: "The shoebox appeal is our most successful annual humanitarian aid project. We are proud that this scheme allows so many people in our area to celebrate Christmas by sending gifts to children in other countries of different faiths."
He said the shoeboxes have benefitted over one million children so far.
He added: "The quality of the video is great. It's a wonderful personal message that means so much to the children we help. Everyone I have spoken to said that video really hits the sport with a message that's clear to understand and follow."
The video will be shared by 50 Rotary Clubs in the south and shared with more than 400 schools and community groups.
Nine schools in Winchester are already taking part in this year's scheme - but anyone can sign up to donate. Boxes are available from local Rotary clubs and once filled will need to be returned to them by the end of October.
Along with age-appropriate toys and games the contents need to include items for education, health and hygiene purposes in order to meet International Customs requirements. They must not include food, liquids or sweets, sharp items or batteries.
To defray the cost of packaging and transport, a small donation of £2 in coins is requested.
The new video and more information can be found at wessexrotaryshoebox.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here