It is more of a blessing to give than to receive – Well done Pudsey!
DAVID JONES on how we never forget those in greatest need
BY the early hours of Saturday there’s no doubt that Pudsey Bear will have a smile on his face as the BBC’s ‘Children in need’ will again have raised several millions of pounds for children’s charities and other deserving projects. This annual celebration of fun and fundraising has taken a grip upon the nation and is a wonderful tribute to the generosity of so many.
By 2018 over £1 billion had been raised for Children in Need and year by year that level of generosity has continued and often increased upon. Pudsey of course is not the only TV appeal. The response to Comic Relief along with other appeals reflect the amazing generosity of the British public. Again, this weekend from big companies and sponsorship to local collections and fundraising events Pudsey seems to have friends everywhere! Weatherman Owain Wyn Evans has started the ball rolling already having raised more than £3 million through a drumming marathon, joined by celebrities such as Harry Judd and amateur drummers from 8 to 83 – what an achievement!
In previous years it was fun to see the normally sedate newscasters lose their inhibitions with soap stars getting in on the act by showing off their musical and dancing talents. Then there’s the enthusiastic studio audience and the millions watching while all the time being asked to ‘pick up the phone’ or get texting as donations climb hour by hour.
With Advent and Christmas just weeks away it’s no coincidence that Children in Need is held at this time of year. It may be that while we are being encouraged to over-indulge ourselves and give in to the massive Christmas TV advertising campaigns we never forget those in greatest need within our society and world, and that, of course, is no bad thing. Hopefully more money than ever before will be raised this year and we will be reminded again that it is more of a blessing to give than to receive and never to pass by on the other side. Well done Pudsey!