People across Monmouthshire have been praised after raising thousands of pounds for BBC Children In Need. Nearly £6,000 has been raised by schools and council staff following weeks of fundraising events and activities across the county.
Schools in Monmouthshire have pulled out all the stops this year by hosting a range of charitable events from own clothes days to partaking in the ‘Act Your Age’ challenge. Teachers and pupils from the Usk Church in Wales Primary School raised £765 after taking part in sponsored activities, non-uniform day, fashion shows and even getting the chance to throw sponges at teachers. Undy Primary raised £400 by taking part in the Joe Wicks workout challenge. They also had a duck race and guessed the name of a cuddly toy. Llanfoist Fawr Primary pupils dressed up as their favourite sports men and women and helped raise £114. Sports themes were a popular choice, with Llanvihangel Crucorney Primary School, Our Lady and Saint Michael’s RC Primary and Pembroke Primary all taking on sporting challenges and raising a collective £478. Goytre Fawr Primary raised £309.50 by holding a non-uniform day.
Meanwhile, council employees and their families have collectively raised over £3600 by taking part in their own version of the BBC Countryfile Ramble. Over the last five weeks, dozens of colleagues have been getting out into the beautiful countryside for a walk and have clocked up over a whopping 2700kms. The aim of the ramble challenge has been two-fold, not only to raise money for Children In Need but also to encourage staff to take a break from their screens, get some fresh air and focus on their wellbeing.
Monmouthshire’s leisure providers, MonLife, have been getting active for their fundraising with a ‘Chase Pudsey Bear, My Wellness’ Challenge. The activity saw one of the fitness instructors transformed into Pudsey Bear, with the aim of people trying to beat Pudsey’s achievements in the gym. The team raised over £100.
Council Chairman, Sheila Woodhouse said: “Well done to everyone who has contributed to this year’s Children In Need. It’s been a fantastic effort in what’s been a difficult few months. People have continued to give and get involved which has brought us all some much needed positivity as we round up 2020. It’s been wonderful seeing how everyone has been out and about doing something good – which will have a wonderful impact on everyone’s wellbeing.”
Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and MonLife, Councillor Richard John said: “The kindness and efforts of our pupils in Monmouthshire never cease to amaze me. What an outstanding contribution and all the money raised will make a big difference to those young people who may find themselves in difficult circumstances. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues in MonLife who have continued to roll up their sleeves and think outside the box this year. Not only have you ensured people are able to continue keeping fit and active but you’ve also raised a fantastic amount of money for Children In Need. Da iawn to you all.”
The annual BBC campaign, which raises money to support children and young people, came to a close on Friday 13th of November – with the final total of donations reaching over £37 million UK-wide. The event comes during a challenging year but despite some of the barriers faced due to the firebreak lockdown and social distancing, people have still continued to dig deep and raise an overwhelming amount of money for a special cause.