"Sunshine4Kids" supports children and young people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. The project, led by Gaby Schäfer, gives young people a break from their often overwhelming everyday lives.
Many of them have had to endure severe strokes of fate at a young age: Some have lost their parents, others are so-called shadow children, meaning that their siblings suffer from a fatal illness and draw all of their parents' attention to them. Still others have no money to travel, or they have been victims of violence.
The naming ceremony was hosted by Thomas Sonnenberg (TV programme "Die Ausreißer"). The yacht, a Bavaria 42, was given the name of the "Sunshine4kids" association. It offers space for four to six children and two adults.
The purchase price of 108,000 euros was sponsored by Aktion Kindertraum. The Kroschke Foundation and Sparkasse Sprockhövel (Gaby Schäfer's home town) also provided an additional 20,000 euros for the equipment.
The initiative regularly organises two-week sailing trips for young people in the Adriatic. Until now, however, they have always had to hire charter yachts, which would have become far too expensive in the long term.
The project is supported solely by sponsors; the children do not have to contribute a cent. To keep it that way, Gaby Schäfer is constantly on the lookout for new sponsors.
When she lost her spouse a few years ago, she realised for herself how difficult such a situation can be for children. The experiences of the sailing trip change the children, allow them to regain courage and look to the future. They can talk openly about their problems with the crew members - that is the therapeutic effect of the trip.
More info at www.sunshine4kids.de
