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Railway Children partners with Hollywood film Lion

Railway Children is thrilled to be a charity partner for the Hollywood blockbuster film Lion, starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman.

Date: 16th January 2017

 

 

What’s the film Lion about?

Lion tells the true story of five-year-old Saroo Brierley, who gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from his home and family. Saroo’s story is not unique. 

The producers behind the film have launched the #LionHeart social impact campaign, in partnership with The Charity Network. The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for non-profit organisations in India helping children, like the film’s Saroo, living in poverty away from their families. Railway Children is one of three non-profit organisations to have been made a charity partner.

Dev Patel, one of the stars of the Lion said:

“Helping India’s most vulnerable children isn’t about signing a petition, making a phone call or clicking a ‘like’ button. There are organisations on the ground doing amazing work to help kids like Saroo,and the best way we can help them is by giving them the financial support they so desperately need.”

How we help street-connected children

Terina Keene, Group Chief Executive of Railway Children, said: “

There’s a seamless connection between the story of Saroo and the reality of what we do every day, making this an incredible opportunity to raise awareness and offer the audience a tangible response to these problems on a global scale. We are a grassroots organisation and are passionate about delivering positive change and this campaign will help us in our fight for vulnerable children who live alone at risk, suffering abuse and exploitation on the streets of India.”

Railway Children works with children who, like Saroo, find themselves alone and facing extreme danger on the streets in India. Last year, with the help of partners, Railway Children indirectly contacted and protected over 201,000 children at Indian railway stations.

The film was launched on 20th January 2017 in UK cinemas and is currently available to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

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