The latest fundraising campaign at Bauer’s Cash for Kids has granted over £1million to grassroots sports organisations across the UK.
The Sports Challenge invited local community sports groups to help by improving access and opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people struggling to access sporting groups.
Once they’d agreed to take on the challenge, groups were given fundraising tips and help from the Cash for Kids team and tasked with raising as much money as they possibly could over a designated period of time.
Not only did the sporting groups keep 100% of the cash they raised they also had the opportunity to win additional funding from Cash for Kids. Groups were all in with a chance of receiving an extra £5,000, £2,500 or £1,500 to add to their total if they were in the top three groups who had raised the most money in their local area.
There were also two special awards – both worth £500 each – for the best use of social media and the most creative fundraising idea.
Sports represented during the challenge ranged from dance groups to football clubs, gymnastics to baseball, hockey and diving clubs and equestrian groups to wheelchair football teams.
Speaking about the Sports Challenge, Hits Radio Breakfast host – and current Strictly contestant Fleur East said: ‘I cannot believe what an incredible amount of money has been raised for our 2022 Cash for Kids Sports Challenge! Being active has always been a huge part of my life – never more so than the last few weeks dancing on Strictly! – so I know the difference it can make to someone’s wellbeing.
“Making sport accessible to all is such an important thing to do – improving everything from a young person’s mental health to the ties, support and friendship they build with others like them in their local communities. Being able to take part in something you love should be for everyone. We’re already looking forward to seeing even more local clubs and teams taking part in Sports Challenge 2023!’
Funds raised will be used for a number of causes including subsidised membership fees for families who couldn’t afford to send their children to clubs otherwise or helping with clothing or kit for those struggling in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis. Money will also be used to improve facilities or make adaptations where necessary so that children and young people with additional needs can take part in their chosen sport.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk