Reunite International

2010

2009

Annual Balloon Launch

We held our annual Balloon Launch on Thursday 3rd December to remember those children who would not be at home at Christmas and to rejoice for those children who had returned home during the year.

This special day gave parents and families an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and share the heartache and difficulties involved. It also gives parents and the reunite team an opportunity to meet the ´voice´ at the end of the telephone.

The day started at the Belmont Hotel, De Montfort Street Leicester, where we heard from representatives from the Child Abduction Section at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit at the Ministry of Justice. The key note address was given by John Mellor, Service Manager at Cafcass, who spoke about the role of Cafcass, and the voice of the child in cases of child abduction and international relocation. Following the speeches guests and speakers participated in a lively and interesting question and answer session, during which some parents shared their own stories and experiences.

The launch of the balloons took place at the Town Hall Square, Leicester, where we released a 1,000 balloons to remember the many families touched by international parental child abduction. We were very fortunate to be joined this year by the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Roger Blakemore, who joined us last year during his time as Deputy Lord Mayor of Leicester. Once again he gave a wonderful speech, and we thank him very much for his continued support.

Following the release of the balloon´s guests returned to the Belmont Hotel for refreshments, and the chance to speak with each other and with members of staff from reunite.

The day was a great success and we would like to thank our guest speakers for giving their time so generously. We would also like to thank all of those who sponsored balloons; without your kind donations we would not be able to organise this very special day.