This year’s annual BBC Children in Need Appeal is taking place this Friday and like many people across Mid Sussex, I am looking forward to seeing how much money is raised for the great causes the BBC supports as well as seeing what is happening across our local community. Supporting charities is so important to me and as the former Charities Minister, I know how important the money we all raise for Children in Need is and the life changing difference it makes to children across the UK.
Many charities in Mid Sussex benefit from the great fundraising Children in Need to, one of these is Kangaroos which runs a wide range of clubs for disabled children and are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year; Jigsaw which provides support for children who have experienced bereavement; The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity which provides education and therapy to young children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities and Sussex Oakleaf Housing Association which provides support for young people experiencing complex social and emotional challenges. All of these charities do so much good work across our local area and I’m really pleased they are receiving money from Children in Need. I know many local schools will be holding non-uniform days and asking for donations other community groups will be holding bake sales, sports events or perhaps a karaoke event like the one which took place on Radio 1 over the past few days.
I can’t wait to see all the great fundraising across our beautiful towns and villages and I look forward to doing what I can to support all of those raising money.