it's good to give , but only if you can (Children In Need)

Member Name: freud

Product:	Children In Need
Date:	25/10/08 (185 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: every penny donated

Disadvantages: don't like tv show anymore

I'm more of a Dooyooer than a 'dogooder' but I do try & do my bit each mid November when the Children in Need Appeal is at it's climax.

It began in 1927 when the first appeal was a 5 minute radio slot which raised over £1,000 - I've just received my fundraising opack & letter inside is telling me CIN raised £37 million last year.

I started watching it 22 years ago on TV when I was heavily pregnant & uncomfortable - got hooked & stayed up until the final night's total was declared.

Then, as both daughters were growing up we all watched & then the fundraising began as they both wanted to become involved.

Nothing major - no shaving of heads, sitting in baths of ice etc - just little sales of toys & books, the odd sponsored readathon etc which I suppose every little all adds to the total.

My daughters are grown-up now & at 55 I'm too old for bungee-jumping or leaping out of planes but still try to do my bit.

I'm in a craft club with very friendly (aged 55 plus) ladies & the past few years we've done very successful tombolas & raffles at our local college.
All the prizes are brand-new & donated, the college doesn't charge for tables so every penny is donated. It's a good laugh & we all have a lot of fun - we made over £200 last year.

why do I get involved?
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- I'm not a religious person, but I do count my bleassings as my daughters have never suffered a serious illness or have an disabilities, never needed psychological help or been abused. We've never faced homelessness etc so my heart goes out to these children who need extra help & support.

- I like a good laugh - it's fun doing tombolas.

I automatically get sent a fundraising pack which contains publicity material & a brochure selling CIN teeshirts, balloons etc & news of how last year's money has been spent.

I no longer watch the TV (BBC1 8pm - wee small hours)Chilldren in Need Appeal as I find it rather irritating now. Maybe it's my age? or maybe some of the guests are really annoying & bigheaded ('ooh - look at me making £ for a good cause - buy my latest...')?

I see why the BBC keep it running every year as it adds momentum & excitement plus a certain pride in the fact that we are generally such a generous nation.

The problem is that you can become addicted - 'I'll just see what the next total is..' or 'I'll just see so & so..' next thing you know, the whole thing is over for another year.

I can get the totals from the radio or internet which makes me happy.

I do hope they make money this year - times are hard aren't they?

summary
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- a worthy cause but some TV guests can be really irritating.
- the tv show can be either addictive or a 'turn off'.
- makes me feel good to be able to contribute in some way.
- for more info see BBC's website (pudsey)

Summary: a great children's charity