With the help of Rotarians around Great Britain & Ireland, BBC Children in Need has announced the final total for its most recent appeal, raising a record-breaking £49.6 million. The success of the 2013 appeal means the charity has raised more than £740 million since it launched in 1980, with every single penny raised going towards projects helping disadvantaged children and young people here in the UK.
At present, the charity works with more than 2,600 projects across the UK, all of which support disadvantaged children and young people, and in 2013 BBC Children in Need helped change the lives of 450,000 disadvantaged children and young people living in the UK.
Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland President, Peter King, said: “The money raised by Rotary clubs has made a significant contribution to this record and we’re proud to work with BBC Children in Need year on year. This is a fantastic result and we are pleased this will help to do even more to ensure that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential.”
Speaking of the result, Life President of the charity Sir Terry Wogan added: “Each year we’re amazed by the generosity of the Great British public, it is just brilliant. 2013 was far from an easy year, but thanks to their on-going support we’ve been fortunate enough to have another record-breaking total. When we hosted the first televised appeal in 1980, we were delighted with the £1 million raised. I don’t think any of us could have dreamed how far it would come.”
The next BBC Children in Need Appeal will broadcast on the BBC on Friday 14th November.
