By Douglas Habecker Translated by Michael Ho

As they grow older, most people learn that Christmas is not just a time for receiving, but for also giving. On a very large scale, that is the idea behind the 2004 KIDZ Christmas Celebration, which aims to provide about 2,100 needy central Taiwan children with a very special day that includes food, games, Christmas presents, entertainment and other fun.

This year's Saturday, December 11 event follows the 2003 inaugural KIDZ celebration, organized by the Taichung American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) for about 1,400 local orphans and other needy children. That celebration was an outstanding success, drawing hundreds of volunteers, an outpouring of corporate and individual donations and, most importantly, big smiles from the participating children. Building on that success, the 2004 celebration will be bigger in size and broader in scope with about 2,100 needy kids, ages 6 to 15, from orphanages, foster homes and other organizations, like World Vision.

"Last year was a resounding success and I think this year will exceed that," said Taichung AmCham Chairman Jack McDowell, whose personal vision launched the first KIDZ event. "We've had about 30 people working six months on this and it will be more organized, with more children, more gifts and more sponsors than last year."

According to plans, the children and their chaperones will arrive by bus at the Taichung City Stadium venue around 11 a.m. and be seated in a special area. While the children are being entertained by clowns, acrobats and other performers, lunch will begin--prepared and served by volunteers in a major logistical operation. Around noon, Taichung Mayor Jason Hu and Santa Claus will officially open the celebration, with an afternoon of live entertainment following. This will include live musical performances on a stage by well-known Taiwanese singer Jennifer Yo (better known as "Yo Ya"), dance groups and other local and foreign bands; appearance by Sinon Bulls baseball players; arts and crafts; challenge games; and "Jumping Castle" inflatable slides and play area. Volunteers, acting as Santa's elves and venturing out from a decorated "Santa's House", will also begin distributing gifts to children, who will each receive three or four presents.

"This Christmas event will hopefully provide some happiness and joy during a period when most people are used to happiness and friends in their lives--which these kids are short of," said Todd Latta, chairman of this year's organizing committee, adding that the event had also spawned a Kidz Day committee which aims to provide on-going assistance and resources--from fresh milk and warm clothing to educational opportunities--to needy children around the year and not just at Christmas.

Latta stressed that more volunteers and contributions are welcomed and necessary to make this year's event a success. A total of 500 volunteers--who should register in advance--are being sought throughout the day to assist with cooking and serving, security, set-up and break-down, kid control, games, arts and crafts and other tasks. Organizers are also working towards their goal of raising NT$3.6 to 4 million in contributions that includes toys, food, clothing and shoes.

Those interested in playing any part in making this special Christmas event a success may contact organizers at kidzday2004@yahoo.com.tw, or log onto the official website (www.kidz-day.org), or Taichung AmCham's site: www.amchamtaichung.org

Sponsorship, Volunteer and Donation Details:
CASH DONATIONS: Contact Maris Adamoviks at maris@ritcheylogic.com.tw about local and international remittance instructions. Donations are tax deductable.

TOYS AND GIFTS:
To sponsor KIDZDAY with new toys or gifts, please phone Ann Tang or Chris at (04) 2465-1698, or email them at chris@asianation.com or ann@asianation.com. Please provide gifts no later than December 5, 2004.

FOOD DONATIONS:
Please contact Todd Latta at: tlatta@ritcheylogic.com.tw
VOLUNTEERS: Registration information is via on above websites, or by contacting coordinator Rebecca Fan at tingtingfan@yahoo.com. Please note that volunteers are needed but must register in advance. Those arriving at the venue below on December 11, 2004 without pre-registering and wearing a KIDZDAY wrist band will not be allowed entrance to the event.
*For any other questions, feel free to email tlatta@ritcheylogic.com.tw or info@amchamtaichung.org

SITE LOCATION:
KIDZDAY this year is being held at National Taiwan College of Physical Education Stadium ¥x¤¤¥«¤O¦æ¸ô271¸¹ (271, LiHsin Rd.)