A CHARITY helping children at risk around the world managed to raise almost £400,000 for a new Oxford base in just seven months.

Viva Network celebrated its 10th anniversary by moving into its new offices in Marston Street, East Oxford, following the frantic fundraising appeal this year.

In February, we reported how Viva was appealing for £234,000 for the down-payment for the new £780,000 base.

The new building will enable the charity to save £680,000 in rent over the next decade.

Founder and chief executive Patrick McDonald's six-year-old son made the first donation of £3 from his piggy bank.

Then a family friend gave £30, which was followed by an unexpected donation of £300, and the money rolled in from there.

The cash came from individual Viva supporters and organisations across the world.

The extra cash raised meant the charity could provide a bigger downpayment, which will mean smaller mortgage repayments, and provide the funds for office equipment.

During the celebration visitors were shown the work programmes, including those specifically designed to help children who have been sexually exploited and those who are at risk because they live and work on the streets.

Mr McDonald said: "We are so grateful for the faithful and generous support of our donors. This day was our way of saying thank you."

Viva Network's supporters then joined staff and local church leaders at a special service of thanksgiving and commitment followed by sparkling wine and canapes.

Many of them had travelled from places across the UK, and some from as far afield as Denmark and the USA.

Viva Network started 10 years ago, when some Oxford students believed they could change the world for children at risk.

The idea was to get Christians to work better together to help more children benefit from better care.

Now Viva operates in 45 countries, enabling more than 7,000 local projects and 80 international organisations to work to make an impact on the lives of 1.8m children around the world.

Mr McDonald said children today faced more risks than ever, including HIV, abuse and malnutrition and collaboration between organisations is the only way to make a significant and sustained difference in their lives.

He said: "We believe children deserve the best quality care possible, and Viva Network and its partners around the world are totally committed to making this a reality."

For more information about Viva Network, check out www.viva.org, or call 01865 811660.