We've come up with 10 fantastic fundraising ideas to help you and the children get involved with BBC Children in Need.
Each year the UK goes dotty for one very special bear, Pudsey. It's November, and that means only one thing: time for BBC's Children in Need! It's a great time to get involved with some fun, fast, fundraising projects.
Every donation makes a huge difference, so get stuck in and help the charity try to beat last year's impressive total. Children in Need helps disadvantaged children all over the UK to live a safer, healthier, happier life, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Here at goodtoknow, we've compiled a list of 10 quick and easy fundraising ideas for you and the kids, so that you can get involved with BBC Children in Need this November. From the traditional bake sale, to the more unusual treasure hunt and sponsored silence, we've done the thinking so you don't have to.
Sponsored dog walk
Got a dog that's in need of a good walk? Gather together the family, and
some friends with pets, and take them all out on a long walk. Encourage
the children to collect some sponsorship, the longer they walk the
greater the donation. They could even offer to take friends' pets out
for them. We can't guarantee the weather but we can guarantee an
enjoyable afternoon for all.
Cake sale
One of the most traditional ways of fundraising with your kids is also one of the best. The good old fashioned bake sale! Let the kids get creative in the kitchen and produce some Pudsey Bear treats to sell at school, Brownies, or to friends and family.
Follow goodtoknow's guide for hosting a brilliant bake sale.
Quiz
Have you got loads of little brain boxes at home? Why not encourage some
friendly competition and organise a quiz for family and friends? Pick a
question master, prepare some fun trivia questions, and ask every team
for a donation towards Children in Need. It'll be great fun, teach
everyone a few new things, and you'll be making a great contribution to
Pudsey Bear too.
Raffle
Ask some local businesses or mums at school to donate items as raffle
prizes. Then you and the kids can sell raffle tickets to the local
community, teachers, family and friends. Ticket proceeds go to Children
in Need. Host the draw in your home or at school (if they'll let you)
and watch everyone get excited as the winners are announced.
Sponsored cycle ride
Choose a crisp winter's day to take part in a sponsored cycle ride. Whether you're joining a local group, or embarking on a family ride all of your own, make sure the kids get some sponsorship forms and collect some money for Children in Need. If you don't fancy cycling, you could run, walk or swim instead.
See our kids' balance bike guide - as tested by you!
Karaoke
Are your kids mad about the X Factor? Organise a music night all of your
own, all you need is a karaoke machine and some eager participants. Ask
for a donation on the door and let your kids catch up with their
friends and family whilst doing what they love - singing.
Sponsored Silence
Is your child a bit of a chatterbox? Challenge them to stay silent, and sponsor them for every hour they manage. It's a good way to collect money for Children in Need and has other very obvious benefits - an afternoon of peace and quiet!
Car boot sale
Is your house packed full of unwanted clutter? Get rid of it by hosting a garage sale or taking your stuff to a local car boot sale. It's easy to organise, raises money for Children in Need, and gets rid of a few unnecessary bits and bobs. What's not to love?!
Treasure hunt
You could organise a treasure hunt in your home, garden or local park.
The entrance fee goes to Children in Need, and the edible prizes (you
could make some biscuits, cupcakes
or other sweet treats for your searchers) are awarded to whichever
lucky children find them. It gives you and the other mums a chance to
catch up, the kids love surprises, and you're making a valuable
contribution to charity.
Book sale
Gather together some of the books your children have grown out of and encourage other parents to do the same. You can host a book sale at the school, at home, or in your child's after school club. It will encourage your kids to read new things, to get excited about books, and to fundraise for Children in Need.
Here's our round-up of the best children's books.
Where to next?
- Holding a bake sale? Try Mary Berry's iced fairy cakes
- Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained? Try these craft ideas
- Organising a family day out? Check out our fun family options
