Bauer’s Mission Christmas charity campaign raises over £15 million

The Bauer Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal has raised over £15 million this year for disadvantaged children across the UK.

Breakfast hosts on some of Bauer’s stations including Absolute Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Hits Radio, KISS and Magic Radio all shared the good news on air this week, thanking all those that had helped Cash for Kids reach this total.

Greatest Hits Radio’s Ken Bruce said: ‘I was lucky enough to be able to spend a day at a Mission Christmas HQ this year and saw first-hand the incredible effort that goes in to making sure the most vulnerable in our society don’t miss out on the magic of Christmas.

“So to all those who donated, raised money, volunteered or distributed gifts to families and children – thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

As ever a number of famous faces helped highlight the cause with broadcasters including Magic Radio’s Harriet Scott and Harry Judd, Ken Bruce, Absolute Radio’s Sarah Champion and Ben Burrell and Hits Radio’s Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan taking part in an all day outside broadcast from Mission Christmas HQ in Manchester.

Ant & Dec donated proceeds from a specially designed t-shirt from Newcastle based artist Mul; Terry Wogan’s daughter in law, author Kate Wogan chose to support the charity via her latest book, Uh Oh Milo! The Excited Elf. Elsewhere Cash for Kids ambassador Ferne McCann joined the brilliant Rock Choir at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink for the launch of their Christmas single in support of Mission Christmas; a cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ which also featured two very familiar faces from Magic Radio – Tom Price and Kat Shoob.

Major donations also came from The George Michael Fund thanks to some of his record royalties from the sales of ‘Last Christmas’, which this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary. This donation has been turned into £500,000 of gifts thanks to the brilliant support of Rachel Lowe Games and Puzzles.

Skipton Building Society not only directly donated £50,000 but also allowed their premises to be used as drop off points for presents. B&M Home Stores and Wickes were also among the national retailers allowing their stores to be used as gift collection points. 

The team at Cash for Kids worked throughout December ensuring that gifts reached the homes of the children who need them most. The charity works with many local grass-root organisations as well as social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

See more at cashforkids.org.uk.