Virtual events and fundraising: how our supporters got involved and made a difference in 2020
2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. We’ve had to deal with national lockdowns, job losses, social isolation and more. And yet, you, our incredible supporters, have shown even more passion and commitment to supporting Action for Children
With face-to-face fundraising events cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus, we had to transform some of our events and fundraisers to work virtually.
And thanks to you, we have raised over £405,000 across these events. All of which will help even more vulnerable children, young people and their families.
2.6 Challenge
With the 2020 London Marathon cancelled, we asked you to create challenges of your own based around 2.6 or 26 and share your adventures on social media. You responded creatively, trying everything from cycling, walking or scooting 26 miles (the length of the marathon) to learning the numbers two and six in different languages. We also saw our donors don suits of armour and run around their gardens for 26 miles raising around £14,000 for us.
TV presenter AJ Odudu ran 2.6 miles every day for 10 days, totalling 26 miles, in support of Action for Children.
Kind Together Challenge
30 days of kindness to help the 30% of children currently living in poverty throughout the UK. This month-long virtual event guided you through kind acts for family and friends, local community, the environment and animals.
Step Out for Children
We challenged you to walk 30 life-changing miles over 30 days to change a child's life and suggested family-friendly activities to help make walks even more fun, including rainbow counting and follow the leader games.
Boycott your Bed
Over 4,200 sleepers stepped up to our Boycott your Bed challenge, swapping their comfy bedrooms for gardens, indoor tents and even fields on 21 August. And we live-streamed a special event with presenters Anthea Turner and Olivia Cox to keep you entertained (including a special performance from singer Pixie Lott)!
Boycott your Bed has currently raised over £310,000 to support vulnerable children.
Lexi sleeping in her garden for Boycott your Bed.
Festive clothing store launch
Our online clothes store relaunched with a festive feel and the support of big names, including presenter Ore Oduba (pictured), TV doctor Dr Ranj, Love Island’s Alex and Olivia Bowen and parenting blogger Mother Pukka! Our Christmas jumpers, t-shirts and tote bags make a big difference and are. perfect for festive family photographs to boot. You got involved by sharing videos and pictures of yourselves donning your new Christmas clothing.
Ore Oduba sporting a Christmassy jumper.
Christmas singles and festive playlists
Liam Gallagher, X-Factor winner Sam Bailey and Love Island’s Paige Turley recorded festive tunes for us. All proceeds from downloads go to our 2020 Secret Santa campaign, supporting vulnerable children and families.
Starry Night
Nearly 900 households across the UK (and beyond!) joined us for a virtual evening of festive fun and sparkling entertainment. Hosted by Channel 4 News anchor Jon Snow, you were treated to beautifully sung carols, Christmas stories and an exclusive comedy performance from Jess Hynes. Over £31,000 was raised to support our vital work across the UK.
Hinch Christmas Quiz
Over 17,000 households around the UK took part virtually in The Hinch Christmas Quiz, hosted by Instagram sensations Mr and Mrs Hinch. You raised an amazing £31,500 and counting to help make sure more children and young people have a hot meal, a present or a safe place to sleep.
Thousands of households got into the festive spirit with a cracking Christmas quiz hosted by Instagram sensations Mr and Mrs Hinch.
What a year it's been! From quizzes and carols to buying our Christmas jumpers and sleeping in a makeshift den, you’ve supported us in so many ways in 2020.
Our new year's resolution is to be there for vulnerable children and young people in the UK, working together to End Childhood Crisis.
And with your continued support, we can continue to be there when no one else is.
