A WOKINGHAM charity is calling on local individuals, businesses and supporters across Berkshire to back its July fundraising campaign.
The Cowshed will take part in this year’s Cash for Kids Community Challenge, which is supported by Wickes and Absolute Radio.
The Cowshed supports individuals in crisis throughout Berkshire.
With other UK charities it has been selected to take part in the national challenge.
Fundraising for the challenge begins on Wednesday, July 1, with participating groups attempting to raise as much money as possible by noon on Friday, July 31.
Every finalist will receive 100% of the money they raise back as a grant, helping them to continue their work supporting children and young people facing illness, poverty, neglect or additional needs.
Funds The Cowshed raises will be used to provide school uniforms, underwear, socks and shoes for children whose families cannot afford them.
According to The Children’s Society, the average cost of a school uniform is now £422 for secondary school pupils and £287 for primary school pupils.
More than half of parents have cut back on essentials such as food or heating to afford school clothing, and some children have been sent home for not wearing the correct uniform.
Thanks to Wickes, the top fundraising group will receive a further £4,000, while groups finishing second, third, fourth or fifth will each be given £1,500.
Sally Russell, CEO and Founder of The Cowshed said: “We’re thrilled to be taking part in the Cash for Kids Community Challenge.
“The money we raise will make a real difference to children and families in Berkshire, helping children experiencing hardship start the school year with confidence, dignity and a true sense of belonging.
“We’d love our local community to get behind us by donating, sharing our fundraising page and supporting our activities throughout July.”
Supporters can donate to The Cowshed via its Cash for Kids fundraising page.
The charity will also be fundraising throughout July:
At the Dinton Pastures Summer Swish on Thursday, July 9
The Cowshed Paint and Prosecco evening on Friday, July 10
The Cowshed Little Black Dress Sale Tuesday on July 14
And at Bracknell Indoor Indie Market on Saturday, July 18
Michelle Williamson, Cash for Kids national charity manager, said: “Community groups do vital work supporting children and families in local communities across the UK.
“The Community Challenge is a brilliant way to help them raise funds for their own activities while building fundraising skills they can use again in the future.
“We’re hugely grateful to Wickes for its support, and we wish every group the very best of luck with their fundraising.”
Absolute Radio is helping to shine a light on the community organisations taking part.
The top five fundraising finalists will be invited to take part in post-challenge publicity, including interviews with Absolute Radio presenters, to highlight the impact the funding will have on their organisation and the children they support.
Cash for Kids is the official children’s charity of Absolute Radio, dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK from birth up to and including the age of 18.
The charity supports children affected by poverty, illness, neglect and additional needs, helping ensure that they can thrive.
Cash For Kids winners will be announced in September once fundraising totals have been verified.
For information, visit: cashforkidsgive.co.uk and thecowshed.org
