£30K target for East fundraiser to mark 35 years of Childline
The NSPCC campaign hopes to raise the amount of money it costs to run Childline for a day.
The NSPCC is urging businesses in the East of England to join the 35 Club – a fundraiser to mark the 35th anniversary of Childline.
They’re aiming to raise £30,000 – the same as the cost of running Childline for a day.
People are being asked to fundraise based around the number 35 – such as baking 35 cakes – those with the most will be entered into a prize draw for a diamond necklace donated by a local jeweller.
Sarah Laffling, Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC, says the service has been even more crucial in lockdown: "Children have never needed us as much as they've needed us now.
"The pandemic has heightened loneliness and mental health worries. Lots of young people are suffering abuse and neglect in silence - and it was made even harder for them.
"Childline was their lifeline. It's so, so important."
She said it was vital we mark the 35th anniversary of Childline to celebrate how the service has helped so many people.
Sarah added: "There are many children and young people out there that need someone to listen more than anything. We are their safe space."
"I'd be absolutely delighted to say that between us - whether you are a company, an organisation or an individual - to be part of running childline for one day, I think we'd all be really proud. It would be absolutely fantastic for the East of England.
"Childline has saved many, many lives. Sometimes we get people coming back to us years after contacting childline. They might be an adult now, but they say 'Childline saved my life'.
"That's huge and it's the reason why I am passionate about the service."