It’s Children In Need Day!

The BBC's Children in Need appeal is today. As usual, the focus of the appeal is the Children in Need telethon, a whole evening of entertainment featuring various celebrities on BBC One, but many other events and fundraising activities take place around the country. These activities range from having Pudsey Bear – the iconic Children in Need mascot – collect money in streets, to cake stalls, to sponsored events.

How much is raised?

Since 1980, Children in Need has supported children's projects in the UK by raising over £650 million.

2011 marked the 31st anniversary of the appeal and the final total of money raised on the night was £26,332,334! This grew to an amazing £46 million in the days and months following Appeal Night as fundraisers, schools and businesses around the UK collected their money together.

Where does the money go?

Every penny from the money raised by the Children in Need campaign goes towards helping disadvantaged children and young people here in this country.

The charity’s vision is for every child in the UK to be safe, happy and secure, and allowed the chance to reach their potential. To this end, it provides grants to projects in all corners of the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged, and supports both small and large organisations which empower children and extend their life choices.

Whatever you’re doing at your school, we hope it’s a lot of fun and helps the charity smash their fabulous total from last year!