BBC Children in Need recently announced this year’s schools fundraising campaign encouraging schools across the country to challenge themselves to fundraise for the charity. As an added incentive to get involved, the charity also launched a prize draw for schools to win a visit from BBC Gladiator star, Steel, plus another surprise Gladiator guest from in and around Cardiff.
Last year, schools across the UK raised nearly £4m which helped to support 30,000 children and young people who are facing challenges in their lives. In 2023/2024 BBC Children in Need funded a total of 94 brilliant projects in Wales to the value of £5.1m, supporting over 24,000 children and young people in the area.
Headteacher, Karen Flynn, Hywel Dda Primary School in Cardiff said: “In 2023 we raised £220 for BBC Children in Need by having a sponsored home clothes day. This year we are challenging ourselves to raise even more with a SPOTacular dress-up day to raise funds to make life lighter for children.”
This year, the charity is calling out for more schools to sign up and get involved after confirming they are only able to fund 1 in 8 of the organisations who ask them for funding. Whether it’s challenging yourself to sponsor a scooter ride to school or even baking brownies for a bake sale, a little act could go a long way in closing the gap to make life lighter for children.
There are lots of ways that nurseries, preschools and schools can take part and raise funds. With just one week to go to until the competition closes on Friday 18th October, all schools have to do to be in with a chance of winning is order a free fundraising pack which includes useful resources and ideas on how to get involved. Schools can order fundraising packs at bbc.co.uk/pudsey now, with those who order on or before 18th October being entered into the ballot for the Gladiators School Visit.
Primary schools fundraising this year will also be able to join a live-streamed event on BBC Children in Need Appeal Day where they can challenge themselves, get involved and interact directly with the Gladiators, to raise money which will help to make life lighter for children.
BBC Gladiator star, Steel who will be visiting schools in the week of the BBC Children in Need Appeal said: “School fundraisers ready! I am thrilled to have teamed up with BBC Children in Need this year to get schools across the UK ready to take on fundraising challenges. This is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation to get active, improve their wellbeing while raising money for Pudsey. Everything that we raise together will help BBC Children in Need be there for children and young people when they need it most.”
