After many weeks of hard work, Kent Kids Miles of Smiles are delighted to have opened the doors of their new ‘Dreams’ store to the public. The new Kent Kids Dreams Store opened in Whitstable on Friday 26th September 2008 and has got off to a great start.

Kent Kids Miles of Smiles is a Canterbury based charity founded in 1993 to care for sick and disabled children. The charity has grown over the years and runs a care home, Footprints, which looks after children aged between 3-17. Kent Kids Miles of Smiles have also recently opened a new care home, Redwalls, offering care to those 18 years old and over. All proceeds from the ‘Dreams’ store go directly to the charity and enable Kent Kids Miles of Smiles to carry on their invaluable work.

Rosemarie and Shirley set up and now run the shop and would like to thank all the local businesses that helped their ‘Dreams’ become possible. Special thanks is extended to Katie and Karen, former owners of Essentials Just for You Ladies Wear in Broadstairs, Alex Carter of Kings Storage, Canterbury, Alan Burnett at CH Fabrics, Canterbury and all at ADM Computing, Canterbury. In addition Rosemarie and Shirley would also like to thank their husbands, Graham and Bill, for all their hardwork during the set up phase and extend their thanks to everyone that has kindly donated to the store.

Although the shop is now open to the public, there is a lot still needed. Dreams urgently require a new window in their upstairs bridal room, and a large shed would provide the shop with invaluable storage space. In addition any storage containers will be gratefully received, as would a printer/fax/scanner for the administration office. Donations of quality goods to be sold in the shop are always required and collections can be arranged. Dreams also urgently require volunteers to help staff the shop.

For further information about Kent Kids Miles of Smiles please visit www.miles-of-smiles.org.uk. Anyone who is able to help Rosemarie and Shirley with their requirements please feel free to drop into Kent Kids Dreams at 21 Oxford Street, Whitstable or alternatively call Rosemarie to discuss on 01227 273273 or 07906 950289.