NSPCC launch furry fundraiser as it appeals for Devon businesses to support its Bear Diaries
Businesses in Devon have the chance to recruit a furry helper and raise crucial funds for the NSPCC thanks to its new fundraising initiative.
The children’s charity is launching a unique fundraising opportunity in association with Build-a-Bear in which only a limited number of local businesses will be able to take part.
For a £50 donation, businesses can acquire a temporary employee in the form of a bear who can be present around the workplace between Monday 17 February and Friday 28 February.
Businesses taking part are encouraged to dress their bear in suitable workplace attire and then post pictures of their new employee on social media, using the #NSPCCBearDiaries hashtag.
The new team member could be snapped ‘bearing’ the burden of admin or ‘pawsing’ for a morning chat at the coffee machine.
Businesses will battle it out for the coveted NSPCC Bear Diaries trophy, which will be awarded to the business posting the best photo of their bear online during their placement.
Throughout the two-week period, businesses will feature on the NSPCC’s regional Facebook page as they battle it out to claim top spot.
Community Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC, Alison Armer said: “If you’re a local business and you could do with an extra team member to help around the office, construction site or factory then we have a furry helper and light-hearted fundraising initiative that could be just what you’re looking for.
“It’s worked really well in other parts of the country, such as Colchester, with the help of KAT Marketing, so we’re looking forward to seeing what mischief the bears get up to while they’re on their work placements in Devon.
“Fundraising events are crucial to the work we are able to do at the NSPCC supporting children when they need it most because the charity is 90% funded by generous donations. So, we would be extremely grateful to those who do take part.”
Fundraising enables the NSPCC to provide vital services to children and young people in Devon, such as its free Schools Service programme, 'Speak out. Stay Safe'.
The assemblies and workshops are offered to every primary school across the county and presented to pupils in a fun and engaging way with the help of mascot Buddy.
In the last academic year, over 22,500 pupils saw the programme during 122 school visits by Schools Service staff and volunteers in Torbay, Plymouth and Devon local education authority areas.
During each visit, the children are taught about physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well how to identify a trusted adult they can talk to if they do have any worries or concerns.
Pupils learn about Childline, which is free for them to contact about anything that is concerning them, at any time of the day or night, 365 days a year.
To find out more about sponsoring a bear please contact Alison Armer on 07779 341767 or alison.armer@nspcc.org.uk
