A virtual race night has been branded a success by organisers after it raised over £1,000 for the NSPCC on its new flagship day, Childhood Day.
The NSPCC’s Nailsworth and Horsley Fundraising Committee hosted the race night on Friday, June 11, in what was their first-ever online fundraising event.
Jane Fearnley, who helped organise the event says it was great to get into the swing of fundraising again.
“The night itself was a great success,” she said.
“We had a practice run that evening before the start and we had a few glitches but, after some re-booting, everything seemed to be in working order.
“The best thing about the event was seeing everyone enjoying themselves and getting into the spirit of the evening. There were quite a few groups of people who had got together for the evening so it was quite a social occasion.
“To have achieved, and exceeded, our target feels great. Our final total is £1040 (plus £195 Gift Aid) so I think we should all feel proud of the result.”
This year the NSPCC also launched Childhood Day, which encouraged people up and down the country to raise money for the children’s charity.
The day, which had a theme of play, was supported by TV duo Ant & Dec, presenter Emma Willis and Childline’s Dame Esther Rantzen.
The money raised through the virtual race night helps to provide vital NSPCC services, such as Childline, which is available to all children in Gloucestershire.
Recent figures show that since April last year, nationally Childline has carried out over 73,000 counselling sessions to youngsters about their mental or emotional health alone and in 2021, Childline also delivered over 16,000 counselling sessions about abuse.
After raising £1,040 the fundraising group have funded the equivalent of over 250 calls to Childline.
Community Fundraising Manager for Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire, Emma Hildesley said:
“The virtual race night was fantastic, it was wonderful to see people come together and I’m so proud of the committee for hosting their first online event.
“It is great to see that so many people, of all different ages have come together to support the NSPCC in their own way from those who attended the event to the businesses who sponsored it.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped raise money this Childhood Day, and I am already looking forward to seeing what people have in the pipeline for next year.”
If you are interested in fundraising for the NSPCC, or becoming a volunteer, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Community Fundraising Manager Emma via phone on 02921671572 or on email at Emma.Hildesley@NSPCC.org.uk.
To find out more about Childhood Day, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/childhood-day/
