Show your spots for Pudsey
The day of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need appeal show is upon us and Pudsey HQ is buzzing. Believe it or not, this will be the 31st annual appeal show for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need. In that time, the show has raised over a staggering £550 million thanks to the amazing generosity and hard work of the British public.
Although the show has been running for over 31 years, some things do not change. ÌýOne is Sir Terry Wogan, who has been ever-present hosting the show, and has become almost as synonymous with the charity as Pudsey himself. Secondly and most importantly is the ‘need’, which is as great at it has always been. Did you know that over 4 million children in the UK live in poverty? ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need helps to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged young people right here in the UK.
The fantastic support schools and parents have given to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need over the years, has been central to our success, as schools are one of our biggest fundraising groups. Thank you all for your support. One of the many ways ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need funds young lives across the UK nations is through financing extended services attached to schools, such as breakfast and after-school clubs.Ìý
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An example of one of the many projects of this type, funded by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need, is the in Ealing. The Log Cabin adventure playground provides a safe and fun environment for children who have learning or physical disabilities, or who are disadvantaged. As well as offering Saturday and holiday services, the Log Cabin runs an after-school club, which encompasses the Cabin picking the children up from school, then setting up a range of fun activities including arts and crafts, as well as stimulating play activities to help the children develop their social, emotional and creative skills. The after-school club also serves healthy meals, which meet the specific dietary requirements of the children.
I have been lucky enough to visit the Log Cabin. Throughout my visit, I was so impressed by the effectiveness of the play workers in meeting the requirements of the wide spectrum of needs which the children had, by being able to control them, but ensuring they are having fun at the same time. What I found so magical about Log Cabin was its inclusiveness to all children, which meant children with learning and physical disabilities were playing with mainstream children. This social interaction between all children, regardless of their ability was great to see, and was a breath of fresh air – but is unfortunately something many children are unable to experience. ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need funding helps provide the after-school play facilities for the children.
All this week we are asking parents and children to 'show your spots and help raise lots' for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need, this could be a cake sale, a sponsored silence or even a fashion show, anything goes - especially if it's spotty. For more information, including our tailored fundraising pack for schools, please visit bbc.co.uk/pudsey
It may sound like an old cliché, but your money and support really does make a difference to thousands of disadvantaged young lives right here in the UK.
Thank you for your support.
Will Cook works on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need.
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