Thank you for raising money for BBC Children in Need

We're working with BBC Children in Need to get the money to where it's most needed

07 December 2021

Thank you for raising so much money for BBC Children in Need!

There’s still time to fundraise and send your money in via our JustGiving link, which is open until 17 December. And we’ve loved hearing all the awesome ways your units have been raising money with a Strictly Come Dancing theme – from selling cupcakes decorated with sparkles to a ‘Dazzling Divas Danceathon’ with young members and their mums, who were all wearing sparkly clothes.

1st Gladsmuir Rainbows got in the Strictly mood by putting holding an hour long danceathon and raising £200, complete with tutus, pretty dresses and glittery mouse ears.

One unit had a Strictly Come Dancing-themed party and another spent an evening learning all about street dancing as part of their fundraising.

‘1st Send Brownies had a Strictly-themed night where they wore sparkles, made up a dance and then taught it to their parents before performing for the “judges”,’ says Caroline Daboo. ‘They all got a score of then and raised money for their efforts.’

‘22nd Batley Salvation Army Guides mixed exotic mocktails, made fruit kebabs, strutted our stuff and explained our moves and costumes,’ says leader Janet Robinson. The unit raised more than £100 in total. ‘And we did the unit meeting activity What a rush and ended the evening with Cha Cha Slide and Macarena.’

It’s great that Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers across the UK have been having lots of fun while fundraising. 50% of the total funds raised will support BBC Children in Need’s projects and 25% will support Girlguiding’s national projects. The final 25% of funds raised will support local Girlguiding. So far, more than £80,000 has been raised by members, including almost £19,000 from sales of our sparkly badge and colourful scrunchies alone!

For Girlguiding, that means the money will go towards national work like creating new adventures and experiences for members, improving our volunteer training programme, and supporting or our advocacy and campaigning work on issues that affect girls and young women.

The proceeds will also get distributed to local guiding to the areas and projects that are the most in need. This could be everything from funding essential volunteer training for areas that can’t afford it or giving grants to units that are continuing to struggle with their finances because of the pandemic. We’ll be working with countries and regions throughout 2022 to make sure the money goes the areas that need it the most.

BBC Children in Need will distribute the other half of the money raised by Girlguiding members.

‘We put the money raised by you, the great British public, to work all year round in communities right across the UK,’ they say. ‘We fund local charities and projects who help remove the barriers that are facing children and young people, so that they can thrive.

‘We work closely with a whole range of organisations so we can understand where the need is greatest, ensuring the money you raise goes to supporting the young people that need us most.’