Children in Need

Ok, so I know I've never done much charity blogging, but I figure that because I have a medium to my avail that could reach a lot of people, I need to start!

In this post I want to tell you about a program called Children in Need. The BCC Children in Need Appeal helps disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. What they do, according to their website:

Our mission is to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. Our vision is a society where each and every child and young person is supported to realise their potential.

In 2006 the BBC Children in Need Appeal raised over £33 million and for every penny donated to the charity, a penny will go directly to a project helping disadvantaged children in the UK. We are able to make this promise because the charity uses its investment income to cover all operational costs. Every year, thanks to public donations and the amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and our corporate partners, we are able to provide support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under.

We provide this support in the form of grants to organisations working with children who may have experienced mental, physical or sensory disabilities; behavioural or psychological disorders; are living in poverty or situations of deprivation; or suffering through distress, abuse or neglect.

The size and scale of the BBC Children in Need Appeal means that we're able to give grants to hundreds of different organisations, some of which are very small and don't have the resources to fundraise for themselves.

The charity operates all year round, not just the months leading up to Appeal night, and our staff around the UK process thousands of applications for funding. Every year the funding requests exceed the amount of money raised so we carefully assess all applications to ensure that grants are targeted on areas of real need. Voluntary committee members, based in each region, draw on their expertise and local knowledge to advise our board of Trustees which projects should receive grants, and funds are allocated geographically to ensure that all corners of the UK get a share of the money raised.

If that's not a good charity, then I don't know anymore. After all, young people are the future. Therefore, I ask you to consider making a donation to this cause, every little bit helps.

For fore info on how to donate and Children in Need's actions and successes, see the Children in Need website.

With love,

Maartje