Libby Gordon, CEO, on her recent trip to Romania

Written by Libby Gordon, CEO of FARA Foundation:

In June, I was proud to join the team of our sister organisation, Fundątia FARA, in Romania, at their Raphael Therapy and

Recovery Day Centre, to mark a very special milestone: 35 years of dedicated work supporting children, young people and their families in Romania’s poorest communities.

Rebecca Shah with Libby and Fundatia FARA staff

The day was full of joy and heart, including a dog show (complete with tricks!), craft activities, food, an exhibition, and poems and songs shared by the children who attend the centre. A former staff member was also selling her handmade ceramic jewellery, and a charity shop was set up on-site!

For me, one of the most touching moments came from the families themselves. The specialist therapy services for children with disabilities at the Raphael Centre are provided free of charge, recognising that many families simply couldn’t otherwise afford the support

their children need. As a way of saying thank you, several parents brought plates of food to share at the celebration.

It was a real pleasure to also be joined by Rebecca Shah, Deputy British Ambassador to Romania, who joined in the celebrations, toured the facilities and saw first-hand the difference this work makes.

This life-enriching work has been funded over the past 35 years by money raised in FARA Charity Shops and through gifts from our generous supporters. None of this would be possible without you. Every donation, every purchase, and every visit to one of our shops has helped support this vital work. Days like this – full of laughter, gratitude, and community – are only possible because of you.

Thank you for being part of our community as we celebrate this incredible milestone.

With best wishes, Libby

PS: To help us continue funding our all-important work, you can donate here