And they're off!

The little and large versions of Joe and Danny are off on their journey to Bârlad, Romania to transport and then install their fourth sensory room. This time, the sensory room will be in the Children’s’ Hospital in Bârlad which cares for children and young adults with severe sensory and communication disorders including autism, Down's Syndrome, speech and mobility difficulties. The equipment will have both short and long-term effects for the children and contribute to an improved quality of life by stimulating multi-sensory communication.
Rotarian Joseph Walker (he loves his Sunday name!) has worked with Danny Thompson since 2000 when they set up the small charity with a big heart, People-in-Need (Worldwide) or PIN. Rotherham Sitwell first supported PIN through our Framework for Giving in 2012 and this has continued into this Rotary year. Over the last eighteen months, we have introduced the charity to two other Rotary Clubs in District 1220: Sutton-in-Ashfield Club, in Danny’s home town and Wortley, where we have strong links. Both Clubs have generously provided funds to support PIN.
It was therefore a logical step to answer the call for applications for a District Foundation Grant of £1500 to match our contribution. In addition, two Romanian Rotary Clubs, Bârlad and Vaslui, had promised Joe and Danny that they would also contribute to the purchase of the sensory room equipment. After a number of communications, the funds finally came together and the equipment has been delivered and then packed in the hired van for its journey through Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary and onto the eastern part of Romania.

In addition to the equipment, Joe and Danny will also be accompanied by their mascots, Little Joe and Little Danny. As well as installing the new equipment, Joe and Danny will check on the three previous installations to see that they are working and being used and they should be.

You will be able to track the whole journey by visiting this Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/followjoeanddanny/. You will need to log in or register onto Facebook in order to access this but once you have done this you will be able to access it easily. On the page, you will see photos of the journey and – more importantly – the installation of this equipment which adds so much to the lives of children and young people who find communication a significant challenge.