I decided to undertake the 2010 London Marathon for Barnardo's due to a couple of reasons. The first was that I had a place via the ballot and thought that as Royal Mail sponsors Barnardo's, I would like to make my own contribution to the cause. The second was that my mother continually told me that it was pointless going through all the pain without raising some money for a worthwhile charity, so with 3 weeks to go I contacted Barnardo's to join the team!
As this was my 15th marathon, I knew the pitfalls to avoid as well as the likely pain I would endure along the way, I was more concerned with the rising daily weather reports telling me that it was going to be 24 degrees the hottest day of the year! On the day of the run we were actually drenched between 0900 and 0930 which cooled me down before the race had even started. The weather was humid and slowed me down somewhat but I can't complain as the clouds above stopped the temperature getting too high and I finished in a respectable 3:48.
The highlight was the wonderful support from all the crowds throughout as well as the noisy but fantastic support from the Barnardo's support team, especially on the Embankment which gave me that little bit of motivation at 24 miles when I was flagging as well as the support of my wife and 2 daughters on Birdcage Walk! I also enjoyed passing Gordon Ramsey and Jenni Falconer at 6 miles and less so when Jenni came past me at 16 miles looking as fresh as a daisy, Gordon was no-where to be seen.
I would also like to thank the Barnardo's staff for their support and kindness at the finishing area and the recuperation area, supplying food drinks and a massage, it felt genuine and was most appreciated by all those that participated. Never again was said for the 15th time, it lasted about 2 hours!!
Monday, May 24
Friday, May 21
CRICKET-MAD youngster bowled over by newly decorated bedroom
A CRICKET-MAD youngster was bowled over by his newly decorated bedroom – thanks to dab-handed colleagues at Nottingham mail centre.
A local family was struggling as their seriously disabled daughter needed a bigger bedroom which meant her brother Hassan had to move out of his.
Our team was happy to roll up their sleeves and give Hassan’s new room a makeover. With the help of a £500 community grant from Royal Mail they bought furniture and memorabilia for the sports-mad nine-year-old.
‘Hassan was thrilled with his room, particularly the cricket bat signed by the Pakistani cricket team I managed to get for him,’ says Kevin Dickinson, a night shift manager. It’s great he’s got his own space where he can relax and just be himself.’
A local family was struggling as their seriously disabled daughter needed a bigger bedroom which meant her brother Hassan had to move out of his.
Our team was happy to roll up their sleeves and give Hassan’s new room a makeover. With the help of a £500 community grant from Royal Mail they bought furniture and memorabilia for the sports-mad nine-year-old.
‘Hassan was thrilled with his room, particularly the cricket bat signed by the Pakistani cricket team I managed to get for him,’ says Kevin Dickinson, a night shift manager. It’s great he’s got his own space where he can relax and just be himself.’
CRAIGAVON DO
There are many easy ways to raise money for charities but easy doesn’t always interest the employees at Craigavon Delivery Office. When they recently set themselves a challenge to fund-raise for Barnardo’s they wanted to ensure that it would be a real challenge.
As an office that has a long history of fund-raising they were looking to do something completely different. After much discussion someone suggested that they pull a Royal Mail lorry from Portadown along the 7 mile route to the town of Lurgan. So on the first May Bank Holiday they set off with their Barnardo’s Banner and buckets and helped relieve the passing public of over £1.000 along the route for our nominated charity.
Event organiser Eddie Drury who is a Postman at the Craigavon Office said “when we discussed this at our meeting with Barnardo’s Northern Ireland Representative Lynn McNutt she thought that it was a great idea. We’ve a few more fund raising events planned for over the summer and will be keeping with the theme of “something completely different”.
As an office that has a long history of fund-raising they were looking to do something completely different. After much discussion someone suggested that they pull a Royal Mail lorry from Portadown along the 7 mile route to the town of Lurgan. So on the first May Bank Holiday they set off with their Barnardo’s Banner and buckets and helped relieve the passing public of over £1.000 along the route for our nominated charity.
Event organiser Eddie Drury who is a Postman at the Craigavon Office said “when we discussed this at our meeting with Barnardo’s Northern Ireland Representative Lynn McNutt she thought that it was a great idea. We’ve a few more fund raising events planned for over the summer and will be keeping with the theme of “something completely different”.
OMAGH DO
Sporting their specially commissioned “Postbusters” T shirts 2 relay teams from the Omagh Delivery Office recently took part in the Belfast marathon which was held on Bank Holiday Monday to fund-raise on behalf of Barnardo’s.
Along with colleagues who came along as supporters they set off before 7am to ensure that they got to the venue in time for the start of the race. Thanks to the efforts of Acting DOM Sarah Kelly who along with colleague Kevin Bogle ensured that colleagues stuck to the strict training regime they’d been set 5 weeks previously everyone finished their legs of the race. Both teams were delighted to record fantastic times of just over 4 hours and just less than 4 hours respectively.
While the sponsorship money is still being counted they hope to raise around £700 for our nominated charity Barnardo’s.
Along with colleagues who came along as supporters they set off before 7am to ensure that they got to the venue in time for the start of the race. Thanks to the efforts of Acting DOM Sarah Kelly who along with colleague Kevin Bogle ensured that colleagues stuck to the strict training regime they’d been set 5 weeks previously everyone finished their legs of the race. Both teams were delighted to record fantastic times of just over 4 hours and just less than 4 hours respectively.
While the sponsorship money is still being counted they hope to raise around £700 for our nominated charity Barnardo’s.
Thursday, May 20
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to help for half a day at our flagship Big Toddle events nationwide through May to July.Could it be you?
The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is the biggest national fundraising event for pre-school children. It is a short sponsored walk followed by refreshments and entertainment.
Barnardo’s Big Toddle 2009 raised more than £1 million for Barnardo’s work with young children, and we hope to raise even more in 2010. Find out more at our website www.bigtoddle.co.uk. There are some great pictures of Big Toddlers.
What we need from you:
• Your time – from 9.a.m. to 1p.m.
• Your commitment – this is a voluntary role, but we need to know you will be there.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
Tasks will include stewarding the route, giving out refreshments, cheering on the Big Toddlers, helping to set up and clear up.
What you can expect from us:
• Clear directions about what is required in advance of the event.
• Our thanks for making a real difference to the more than 100,000 children and young people we work with every year.
Cairngorm Challenge
Applications for the 2010 Cairngorm Challenge are open. Taking place on 11 September 2010 in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, teams can complete one of three hike and bike routes, choosing the level of difficulty from the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
Those who sign up before 30 April benefit from a discount of 25% on the registration fee.
For more information and to sign up, see the website – www.barnardos.org.uk/CairngormChallenge
Those who sign up before 30 April benefit from a discount of 25% on the registration fee.
For more information and to sign up, see the website – www.barnardos.org.uk/CairngormChallenge
Thursday, April 29
Barnardo’s wants your pre-loved teddies
Floella Benjamin - the 1980’s children’s TV favourite - is asking children across the UK to get ready with the teddies and help to change other children’s lives.
Floella is supporting Barnardo’s new Spring campaign by asking children and parents to dig deep into their toy boxes and donate their pre-loved teddies they no longer play with. The bears will be sold at Barnardo’s 390 shops across the country in a bid to raise cash for the thousands of vulnerable children and young people the charity supports.
As well as pre-loved teddies, the charity can also breathe a new lease of life into unwanted presents that children have received and have been consigned to the back of the cupboard or bottom of the toy box.
By donating quality unwanted toys for Barnardo’s to sell, everyone can help the charity carry on its vital work across the UK at the same time as giving other children the chance to buy that special toy.
Barnardo’s shops also need donations of quality men’s and women’s clothing, books, CDs and DVDs, bric-a-brac and furniture. For details of your local store, please go to www.barnardos.org.uk
Floella is supporting Barnardo’s new Spring campaign by asking children and parents to dig deep into their toy boxes and donate their pre-loved teddies they no longer play with. The bears will be sold at Barnardo’s 390 shops across the country in a bid to raise cash for the thousands of vulnerable children and young people the charity supports.
As well as pre-loved teddies, the charity can also breathe a new lease of life into unwanted presents that children have received and have been consigned to the back of the cupboard or bottom of the toy box.
By donating quality unwanted toys for Barnardo’s to sell, everyone can help the charity carry on its vital work across the UK at the same time as giving other children the chance to buy that special toy.
Barnardo’s shops also need donations of quality men’s and women’s clothing, books, CDs and DVDs, bric-a-brac and furniture. For details of your local store, please go to www.barnardos.org.uk
North West Midlands Mail Centre
They are running a Bag it up appeal until the end of March.
So far nearly 40 bags collected here at the NWMMC with support from Birmingham, Tamworth, Atherstone, Matlock & Northampton. If each bag is worth approx £10 each that’s £400 in goods donated (if not more).
Bag it up is a scheme where people donate unwanted household goods/clothes/dvd's/books..
These are then distributed to Barnardo's stores for onward sale.
Sid Sandhu Late Shift 'The Scheme has been really well received by the staff here at the North West Midlands Mail Centre who think it is a great way to get rid of unwanted items cluttering up your house whilst being able to help Barnardo's at the same time - a real win win situation'
So far nearly 40 bags collected here at the NWMMC with support from Birmingham, Tamworth, Atherstone, Matlock & Northampton. If each bag is worth approx £10 each that’s £400 in goods donated (if not more).
Bag it up is a scheme where people donate unwanted household goods/clothes/dvd's/books..
These are then distributed to Barnardo's stores for onward sale.
Sid Sandhu Late Shift 'The Scheme has been really well received by the staff here at the North West Midlands Mail Centre who think it is a great way to get rid of unwanted items cluttering up your house whilst being able to help Barnardo's at the same time - a real win win situation'
Resourcing Team, Exeter Mail Centre
Janet Myers decided to run a cake stall for Barnardos in the Mail Centre at Exeter. She persuaded the Manager of Quadrant to give over a few tables in the staff restaurant on Friday 12th March.
She then started a campaign to enlist 'volunteers' to donate home baked cakes.
Help was received from Peter Holland, Business Customer Advisor and Nikki Smith, IR/ER Advisor, both based at Exeter.
Peter designed and printed posters advertising the event and Nikki helped with the organisation and provided some lovely home made cakes.
When the event started at 08.30am, the table was groaning with the amount of home baked goodies, shortbread, apple cake, a huge chocolate sponge, banana cake, muffins, cookies etc., but by 5pm it was completely sold out, only a few crumbs remained.
The total amount raised was £176.22 and RM will match that.The staff were very impressed "this is great, can we do it every Friday"
"This looks so lovely, I am going to ignore my diet" but the clincher was from my son, Alex. "Which cake did you make Mum; I will buy it all so no-one has to suffer!" Janet Myers
She then started a campaign to enlist 'volunteers' to donate home baked cakes.
Help was received from Peter Holland, Business Customer Advisor and Nikki Smith, IR/ER Advisor, both based at Exeter.
Peter designed and printed posters advertising the event and Nikki helped with the organisation and provided some lovely home made cakes.
When the event started at 08.30am, the table was groaning with the amount of home baked goodies, shortbread, apple cake, a huge chocolate sponge, banana cake, muffins, cookies etc., but by 5pm it was completely sold out, only a few crumbs remained.
The total amount raised was £176.22 and RM will match that.The staff were very impressed "this is great, can we do it every Friday"
"This looks so lovely, I am going to ignore my diet" but the clincher was from my son, Alex. "Which cake did you make Mum; I will buy it all so no-one has to suffer!" Janet Myers
Star People Resourcing Team, North East England
The team had such a great day at the Barnardo's shop in Driffield. They planned to revamp 3 rooms, the staff toilet, staff rest room and staff office and all tasks were fully completed on the day and looked great when they had finished.
The shop manager, Tracey Harrison, was delighted with their work and some of the volunteers, who give their time so freely to the charity, were visibly moved and emotional when they saw what had been done for them.
‘It is the shop's 25th anniversary this year and to be able to show some recognition to the unsung heroes who have kept it going this long was a pleasure’ .Lesley Beverley
The shop manager, Tracey Harrison, was delighted with their work and some of the volunteers, who give their time so freely to the charity, were visibly moved and emotional when they saw what had been done for them.
‘It is the shop's 25th anniversary this year and to be able to show some recognition to the unsung heroes who have kept it going this long was a pleasure’ .Lesley Beverley
Believe in Children month
Coming soon – Believe in Children month is now in September. There will be packs send to each site on how you can get involved and show that you site really ‘Believes in Children’
So start thinking how your site can get involved – turn yourself or your site green to show your support, organise a raffle or even a green food day!
So start thinking how your site can get involved – turn yourself or your site green to show your support, organise a raffle or even a green food day!
Barnardo’s at The Virgin London Marathon 2010
Taking place on Sunday 25th April, Barnardo’s will have a team of nearly 200 runners tackling the course to raise money for their vital work with disadvantaged children across the U.K www.barnardos.org.uk. To encourage and support the runners it is essential that they have a large team of volunteers based along the course cheering them on! The atmosphere on the day is electric – this really is a fantastic experience to be part of!
Volunteers will be positioned at one of our cheering stations to support our dedicated runners as they take on the gruelling 26.2 mile route around London. You will be required at a time slot between 9am -4pm on the day, even if you can only do a couple of hours we would be very grateful.
You will receive full details before the event, refreshments will be provided on the day and reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed if required (when travelling close to London).
Volunteers will be positioned at one of our cheering stations to support our dedicated runners as they take on the gruelling 26.2 mile route around London. You will be required at a time slot between 9am -4pm on the day, even if you can only do a couple of hours we would be very grateful.
You will receive full details before the event, refreshments will be provided on the day and reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed if required (when travelling close to London).
How about a decorating challenge for one of Barnardo’s Care Leavers flats in London?
There is a challenge for up to 10 people to help in several Care Leavers flats. The team challenges range from gardening challenges to painting and decorating assistance.
Could you roll your sleeves up and help us with a gardening challenge in Oxfordshire?
The Resource centre in Oxfordshire would love to set up a few vegetable patches in their garden. Could you help lay the beds and by planting some plants in preparation for the Summer?
There is also Fostering service in Scotland that would like to clear up in their garden area.
Could you help us with some painting and decorating in Derbyshire?
Barnardo’s Family Support service in Derbyshire would really appreciate your help with painting some rooms at the centre. Or could you help us with some DIY work?
Could you help us organise a ‘Thank You’ party for Barnardo’s volunteers in Birmingham?
Our challenge to you would be to organise an event to thank the volunteers, most have young children using the services at the Barnardo’s family project in South West Birmingham.
Cairngorm Challenge
Applications for the 2010 Cairngorm Challenge are now open. Taking place on 11 September 2010 in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, teams can complete one of three hike and bike routes, choosing the level of difficulty from the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Those who sign up before 30 April benefit from a discount of 25% on the registration fee. For more information and to sign up, see the website – www.barnardos.org.uk/CairngormChallenge
Thursday, February 25
Royal Mail Letters – North East Region
As an area they decided to have a ‘Mince Pie Monday’ before Christmas. You can see below some fine efforts for the cause, there were 786 mince pies sold, 24 sausage rolls, 6 big sponge cakes, and lots of sponsorship for a combined total of £523.05.
The top performer individual fund raiser was Karen Dando, her mum made all the pies and she spent the whole day dressed as a Christmas cracker!
Most units averaged between 1/2 a pie to 1 pie per person, except Horncastle and Retford. Gary at Horncastle managed to sell 3.6 pies per member of staff ( thanks to Gary's mum ) that may have had something to do with the amount of pies he asked his mum to bake , I understand there was a bit of buy 1 get 3 free ! going on.
Top pie seller without doubt was Donna and the team at Retford. The staff there managed to sell / eat a whopping 4.9 pies per person.
The most cash was raised at Lincoln where a whopping £314 pounds was raised, very good use of costumes and sponsorship by Karen. I also think Karen's mum deserves some recognition for agreeing to make so many pies for such a large office!
Staff at Lincoln and Retford raised £1.20 per person but the most per person came from Horncastle where they raised a fabulous £1.50 per member of staff.
Alford - 12 Pies sold - £6 excellent start to the campaign
Retford - 279 pies - £ 70 - Very creative effort use of blow up snowman and used a retired chef to bake the pies! A brilliant campaign by all of the team good work.
Louth - 24 Mince Pies - £43.05 - Also creative , sold 24 sausage rolls and 6 big sponge cakes ( stewards enquiry has been lodged with regard to local challenge , there is a view from the judges that use on non standard Christmas food is an unfair advantage !!) I understand that some of the customers at Louth also got involved and baked a few cakes. So many cakes to eat, brilliant effort from Sarah and the team!!
Lincoln - 210 Mince pies - £314 - Really good idea of dressing up and raising sponsorship monies to dress up as a Christmas Cracker, can anyone top that! That's just a great marketing trick. well done to the team, I understand that next year they want the DOM to dress up as a pudding!
Market Rasen - 42 mince pies - £ 23 donated, super effort.
Mablethorpe - 21 pies sold - £21 donated, good work from the East coast team
Horncastle - 108 mince pies - £27 - Excellent piece of determined selling from Gary, sales picked up when buy 1 get 3 free was introduced.
DSM - Challenge - 90 mince pies donated - £30 - 151 miles travelled to every office on the day. Some nice snow on the way round which made the day just that little but more festive.
The top performer individual fund raiser was Karen Dando, her mum made all the pies and she spent the whole day dressed as a Christmas cracker!
Most units averaged between 1/2 a pie to 1 pie per person, except Horncastle and Retford. Gary at Horncastle managed to sell 3.6 pies per member of staff ( thanks to Gary's mum ) that may have had something to do with the amount of pies he asked his mum to bake , I understand there was a bit of buy 1 get 3 free ! going on.
Top pie seller without doubt was Donna and the team at Retford. The staff there managed to sell / eat a whopping 4.9 pies per person.
The most cash was raised at Lincoln where a whopping £314 pounds was raised, very good use of costumes and sponsorship by Karen. I also think Karen's mum deserves some recognition for agreeing to make so many pies for such a large office!
Staff at Lincoln and Retford raised £1.20 per person but the most per person came from Horncastle where they raised a fabulous £1.50 per member of staff.
Alford - 12 Pies sold - £6 excellent start to the campaign
Retford - 279 pies - £ 70 - Very creative effort use of blow up snowman and used a retired chef to bake the pies! A brilliant campaign by all of the team good work.
Louth - 24 Mince Pies - £43.05 - Also creative , sold 24 sausage rolls and 6 big sponge cakes ( stewards enquiry has been lodged with regard to local challenge , there is a view from the judges that use on non standard Christmas food is an unfair advantage !!) I understand that some of the customers at Louth also got involved and baked a few cakes. So many cakes to eat, brilliant effort from Sarah and the team!!
Lincoln - 210 Mince pies - £314 - Really good idea of dressing up and raising sponsorship monies to dress up as a Christmas Cracker, can anyone top that! That's just a great marketing trick. well done to the team, I understand that next year they want the DOM to dress up as a pudding!
Market Rasen - 42 mince pies - £ 23 donated, super effort.
Mablethorpe - 21 pies sold - £21 donated, good work from the East coast team
Horncastle - 108 mince pies - £27 - Excellent piece of determined selling from Gary, sales picked up when buy 1 get 3 free was introduced.
DSM - Challenge - 90 mince pies donated - £30 - 151 miles travelled to every office on the day. Some nice snow on the way round which made the day just that little but more festive.
Royal Mail Letters – Resourcing team
The team of 55 people under took 6 challenges in one day. The Defuze centre in Coventry supports families who have suffered from Domestic Abuse – below are some comments from the Mums, Children and support workers -
I wish to convey special thanks to you and your team on behalf of the parent’s and their children, my staff and myself for a fantastic experience and wonderful opportunities for our families and our organisation.
The fact that the Challenge took place at all was amazing given the various hurdles we met along the way, particularly the dreadful weather/travel conditions and illness. These were met with such resilience, enthusiasm and resolve from everyone concerned.
As you can well imagine we have already received considerable feedback by telephone from the families and the volunteers. Everyone is talking with such passion about the experiences with your individual teams, here are some of the comments I have received over today’’. Susan Parkes, Barnardo’s Children’s Service Manager
Mums:
It was so beautiful to have all of those people in my home to help me. They were very, very nice people. My children were so excited when they got home, they loved their wardrobes.
At first I was a bit overwhelmed to have so many people in my home but they were so nice to me. Nothing was too much trouble. They were so easy to talk to and they worked really hard. I’m going to write a letter to thank them. It’s like 60 minute makeover on the telly.
They were all really nice people, everyone got on with each other and were very positive. Nothing was too much trouble. There was a lovely atmosphere in my home yesterday. The kids loved it when they got home. We think our dining room is really posh. I can’t believe how much they did in a day and what a good job they made of it. Can I send a thank you card to them? I want to write to the Coventry Telegraph and tell them how great Royal Mail is.
The Children were over the moon when they came home. My son went to bed at 7.30pm and didn’t come downstairs all night... he never does that! I couldn’t sleep last night I was so excited. I have moved so many times and always had to do this myself it was so supportive to have this help and I feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s amazing how different the house feels now it has been freshened up. They even fixed a door for me which wasn’t on the list. It’s really cheered me and my children up.
Children:
I have to put my clothes in now Mum, I love my room.
I’m going to sleep with my hippo…. And she did
I love this room Mum, my curtains are ace (Liverpool FC)
The three boys ran all over the house and then helped mum put the personal belongings back together. They said they loved the painting and the dining room.
I do love my room Mum.
What an improvement, I love the pink. My curtains are really silky and the room is so much brighter
Staff and co-residents of Cornerstone Centre
What a difference!
It’s so modern and fresh now
Children are going to feel more comfortable in here.
I think children are more likely to talk and be more open if they are comfortable. It feels kind of safe.
We need to change the name of the room, it doesn’t go anymore; let’s have a competition for children to name it.
We could never have achieved anything like this ourselves.
They worked really hard and they were good fun.
I hope that you got a feel for the difference this will make the families who have all suffered in various ways. Thank you for making it so much easier for them to have visitors in their home through the respect, generosity and kindness your teams afforded them. At Defuze our families had a great day, as did our staff and volunteers. Many thanks for your continued support to Barnardo’s we think you are all fabulous’’.
If you would like to get involved in a project like this and really make a difference to a child’s life – give Sue Cullen a ring on 07725 704750
I wish to convey special thanks to you and your team on behalf of the parent’s and their children, my staff and myself for a fantastic experience and wonderful opportunities for our families and our organisation.
The fact that the Challenge took place at all was amazing given the various hurdles we met along the way, particularly the dreadful weather/travel conditions and illness. These were met with such resilience, enthusiasm and resolve from everyone concerned.
As you can well imagine we have already received considerable feedback by telephone from the families and the volunteers. Everyone is talking with such passion about the experiences with your individual teams, here are some of the comments I have received over today’’. Susan Parkes, Barnardo’s Children’s Service Manager
Mums:
It was so beautiful to have all of those people in my home to help me. They were very, very nice people. My children were so excited when they got home, they loved their wardrobes.
At first I was a bit overwhelmed to have so many people in my home but they were so nice to me. Nothing was too much trouble. They were so easy to talk to and they worked really hard. I’m going to write a letter to thank them. It’s like 60 minute makeover on the telly.
They were all really nice people, everyone got on with each other and were very positive. Nothing was too much trouble. There was a lovely atmosphere in my home yesterday. The kids loved it when they got home. We think our dining room is really posh. I can’t believe how much they did in a day and what a good job they made of it. Can I send a thank you card to them? I want to write to the Coventry Telegraph and tell them how great Royal Mail is.
The Children were over the moon when they came home. My son went to bed at 7.30pm and didn’t come downstairs all night... he never does that! I couldn’t sleep last night I was so excited. I have moved so many times and always had to do this myself it was so supportive to have this help and I feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s amazing how different the house feels now it has been freshened up. They even fixed a door for me which wasn’t on the list. It’s really cheered me and my children up.
Children:
I have to put my clothes in now Mum, I love my room.
I’m going to sleep with my hippo…. And she did
I love this room Mum, my curtains are ace (Liverpool FC)
The three boys ran all over the house and then helped mum put the personal belongings back together. They said they loved the painting and the dining room.
I do love my room Mum.
What an improvement, I love the pink. My curtains are really silky and the room is so much brighter
Staff and co-residents of Cornerstone Centre
What a difference!
It’s so modern and fresh now
Children are going to feel more comfortable in here.
I think children are more likely to talk and be more open if they are comfortable. It feels kind of safe.
We need to change the name of the room, it doesn’t go anymore; let’s have a competition for children to name it.
We could never have achieved anything like this ourselves.
They worked really hard and they were good fun.
I hope that you got a feel for the difference this will make the families who have all suffered in various ways. Thank you for making it so much easier for them to have visitors in their home through the respect, generosity and kindness your teams afforded them. At Defuze our families had a great day, as did our staff and volunteers. Many thanks for your continued support to Barnardo’s we think you are all fabulous’’.
If you would like to get involved in a project like this and really make a difference to a child’s life – give Sue Cullen a ring on 07725 704750
The team organised their second Bling and Buy sale that went really well, people donated absolutely loads of fabulous bling and they made £287.64, after RM has matched it, a total of £487.64.
They also a Valentines cake sale, with a prize for the best home made cake and within an hour had fed everybody in the office with a slice of cake at a £1 a slice, and made £155, again to be matched so £310 in total.
It went so well they are thinking of having a 'themed' cake sale every couple of months or so.
They also a Valentines cake sale, with a prize for the best home made cake and within an hour had fed everybody in the office with a slice of cake at a £1 a slice, and made £155, again to be matched so £310 in total.
It went so well they are thinking of having a 'themed' cake sale every couple of months or so.
Star People - Post Office Supply Chain
In conjunction with Barnardos and Coton House Management centre who kindly allowed use of the venue on a Saturday, a group of Managers from Post Office Supply Chain consisting of Supply Chain Unit Managers, Operational Managers, and Fleet Managers organised a Thank You Party at Coton House Rugby on Saturday 23 January 210, for 50 Foster Carers and 16 children.
The funds used to make this a special day were kindly donated from Supply Chain Units across the country.
The event was at the request of the East Midlands Placement Service to provide a “Thank You Celebration” party for Foster carers in the Midlands during Foster Carers week. The following letter of thanks from Barnardos sums up what a wonderful day it was for all concerned;
“On behalf of us all at East Midlands Family Placement Service, I am writing to thank you and your staff for organising the Foster Carer Celebration Event on Saturday.
We all agree it was fantastic, the Royal Mail staff were excellent and made a really good day for all of us.
They were brilliant with the children and carers alike and everyone had a brilliant time and really enjoyed themselves. The carers enjoyed the quiz and bingo, which gave them an opportunity to chat and have fun, whilst the children were looked after by your team, some in the quiet craft area, some playing pool and others having fun on the Wii.
Drinks were available at any time along with numerous boxes of chocolates that were circulating. All our carers and children agree the event was one of the best, most professional events we have hosted.
We would like to thank you for your hospitality and for your generosity. The raffle prizes were very much appreciated as were the other prizes you provided. Everything went smoothly and was well organised.
We and the carers felt very pampered and relaxed. A special thank you also for the photos, this was the icing on the cake. Once again, please accept our sincere thanks to you and your team’’.
Gillian Joyce, National Fleet manager in Post Office Supply chain said” The whole experience was very rewarding, and once again would not have been possible without the fund-raising efforts of our teams across the country. And in addition to this a further £83.20 was raised on the day from guests and helpers in aid of the Haiti Appeal’’.
Fundraising for Barnardos
Kick start 2010 with the Barnardo’s Big 5km - there’s still time to register for the Leeds event on the 14th March.
Runners and non-runners alike are invited to take part in the Barnardo’s Big 5km to be held in South Leeds Stadium on the 14th March.
For the first time, Barnardo’s is organising a 1km run for children under 10 to take place before the main event.
There will also be a range of activities for the whole family afterwards, so it will be a real family event!
Registration for the event is £10 for the 5km race and entrants are encouraged to raise £100.
Whilst for the mini 1km race, the entry fee is just £5 and children are asked to try and raise £20. To register and find out more visit www.big5km.co.uk
Volunteering Opportunities
Helping in practical ways, such as taking children on outings, supporting our local projects, cheering, marshalling, being that ‘extra pair of hands’ at our events or taking on a gardening or decorating challenge.
Could you roll up your sleeves and help with a DIY? Or help us organise a party for thank our carers?
Here are just a few areas where you can help out:
Wales
Help create a sensory garden at Barnardo’s Rural Family Service in Llangefni.
London/Essex
Volunteers required for two day trips planned for Indigo Young Carers service.
6th April - Barnardo’s are hoping to take 14 young people to visit Mountfitchet Castle. There will be 7 Barnardo's staff also attending.
15th April - Lamsboune end is another day trip that Barnardo’s would like to take 8 of their young people out to. There would be 5 Barnardo's staff as well to support the group.
South West - Two painting and decorating challenges around stores in Somerset and Dorset
If you think you can help out with any of these opportunities, please contact Sue Cullen.
Could you roll up your sleeves and help with a DIY? Or help us organise a party for thank our carers?
Here are just a few areas where you can help out:
Wales
Help create a sensory garden at Barnardo’s Rural Family Service in Llangefni.
London/Essex
Volunteers required for two day trips planned for Indigo Young Carers service.
6th April - Barnardo’s are hoping to take 14 young people to visit Mountfitchet Castle. There will be 7 Barnardo's staff also attending.
15th April - Lamsboune end is another day trip that Barnardo’s would like to take 8 of their young people out to. There would be 5 Barnardo's staff as well to support the group.
South West - Two painting and decorating challenges around stores in Somerset and Dorset
If you think you can help out with any of these opportunities, please contact Sue Cullen.
February update
If you’re looking for something to do with your spare time, make note of some of the exciting opportunities we currently have available.
Did you know?
*Child poverty action group **National Statistics online
This month Barnardo’s launched an emergency appeal, like most other charities Barnardo’s has been affected by the recession, which has impacted all areas of fundraising.
It has also particularly affected the gifts in wills field, as house and share prices drop so have the value of these gifts. Although Barnardo’s supporters have remained generous and most are still rallying around supporting the charity with what they can the total deficit will be approx *£1.2 million.
Julie’s Story
Barnardo’s helps families who are in the trap of the poverty cycle. Cornerstone a project in West Yorkshire is an example of a project that helps families like Julie’s.
Julie is the mother of three children, aged ten, three and two. She went on maternity leave just as the economy took a downturn. Shortly afterwards her company made a swathe of redundancies and she was unable to return to work.
Then her partner walked out. One moment Julie was able to provide for her children, the next, she was struggling to cover expenses like utility bills, clothes and food. She was on the brink - the expense of, say, a broken fridge could have tipped her over the edge and forced her to take out and extortionate loan from a disreputable moneylender.
But after hearing about Cornerstone through friends, Julie and her family have been going there for all kinds of support. In structured sessions at the Parent and Toddler Group, her two youngest children play with toys and enjoy storybooks -
Julie received tips from the project and the other families about surviving on a tight budget, and sometimes she is given second hand clothes the children. Thanks to Pauline’s encouragement, she has even enrolled in college and passed her first year exams with flying colours.
Julie’s courage is remarkable, but her experiences are far from unique. With unemployment rising and increased financial pressures, more families like Julie’s will be coming to Barnardo’s and the shortfall in income will make it harder to help them. If you would like to help further visit www.barnardos.org.uk for more information.
Did you know?
- 25% of children in the UK eat their only hot meal at school*
- 31% of children in Inner London live in poverty*
- 33% of British families are surviving on just £10 each day**
*Child poverty action group **National Statistics online
This month Barnardo’s launched an emergency appeal, like most other charities Barnardo’s has been affected by the recession, which has impacted all areas of fundraising.
It has also particularly affected the gifts in wills field, as house and share prices drop so have the value of these gifts. Although Barnardo’s supporters have remained generous and most are still rallying around supporting the charity with what they can the total deficit will be approx *£1.2 million.
Julie’s Story
Barnardo’s helps families who are in the trap of the poverty cycle. Cornerstone a project in West Yorkshire is an example of a project that helps families like Julie’s.
Julie is the mother of three children, aged ten, three and two. She went on maternity leave just as the economy took a downturn. Shortly afterwards her company made a swathe of redundancies and she was unable to return to work.
Then her partner walked out. One moment Julie was able to provide for her children, the next, she was struggling to cover expenses like utility bills, clothes and food. She was on the brink - the expense of, say, a broken fridge could have tipped her over the edge and forced her to take out and extortionate loan from a disreputable moneylender.
But after hearing about Cornerstone through friends, Julie and her family have been going there for all kinds of support. In structured sessions at the Parent and Toddler Group, her two youngest children play with toys and enjoy storybooks -
Julie received tips from the project and the other families about surviving on a tight budget, and sometimes she is given second hand clothes the children. Thanks to Pauline’s encouragement, she has even enrolled in college and passed her first year exams with flying colours.
Julie’s courage is remarkable, but her experiences are far from unique. With unemployment rising and increased financial pressures, more families like Julie’s will be coming to Barnardo’s and the shortfall in income will make it harder to help them. If you would like to help further visit www.barnardos.org.uk for more information.
Tuesday, February 23
Post Office – Swindon Stock Centre
Swindon Stock Centre have set up a new CSR group and with their first event has raised £600 for Barnardo's by organising a 'bring and buy' cake sale.
They also raised £817.00 for Children in Need by organizing a disco, fancy dress, quiz, bring & buy, raffle (including winning a Warehouse Manager for the day), car washing etc and sponsored head shave.
They also raised £817.00 for Children in Need by organizing a disco, fancy dress, quiz, bring & buy, raffle (including winning a Warehouse Manager for the day), car washing etc and sponsored head shave.
Parcelforce score a strike with Spectrum
A small team from Parcelforce volunteered on a day trip to the local bowling alley with children from Barnardo’s Spectrum project.
The day was a resounding success for the children and volunteers and friendships have been formed. Spectrum, based in Hounslow offers practical and emotional support to children with disabilities, with the view to enable them to live as full a life as possible.
The day was a resounding success for the children and volunteers and friendships have been formed. Spectrum, based in Hounslow offers practical and emotional support to children with disabilities, with the view to enable them to live as full a life as possible.
Royal Mail Letters Steering Group and Thames Valley Region
On 19th November the Letters Steering Group for Barnardo's and a large group of Thames Valley regional colleagues attended Barnardos Summerfield Resource Centre to undertake a volunteering project.
The Summerfield Resource centre provides long-term residential care to disabled children and young people between the ages of seven and eighteen.
The team were set the task of decorating 3 large rooms in the centre but with a strict timescale; volunteers had to be in, all cleared up and out again whilst the children were at school - this gave the team less than 6 hours to complete the challenge!
Volunteers were briefed in the centre car park with the help of some hot bacon butties and once the children were all taken to school the volunteers got sight of the task ahead of them.
Splitting into 3 teams they got to work straight away clearing rooms of furniture, repairing and repainting walls. Bylunchtime such great progress had been made that the Team Leader Rob Jenson, Regional Operations Director for Thames Valley, decided that a further area in the centre could be tackled so a 4th team was created and set to work.
By 2.00pm all 4 rooms were completed and by 2.30pm the furniture was back in place, the floors were hoovered and the children would never have known anyone had been there except for the smell of fresh paint!
Prizes were awarded to volunteers including one for safest worker and one for most snazzy dresser on the day!
The Summerfield Resource centre provides long-term residential care to disabled children and young people between the ages of seven and eighteen.
The team were set the task of decorating 3 large rooms in the centre but with a strict timescale; volunteers had to be in, all cleared up and out again whilst the children were at school - this gave the team less than 6 hours to complete the challenge!
Volunteers were briefed in the centre car park with the help of some hot bacon butties and once the children were all taken to school the volunteers got sight of the task ahead of them.
Splitting into 3 teams they got to work straight away clearing rooms of furniture, repairing and repainting walls. Bylunchtime such great progress had been made that the Team Leader Rob Jenson, Regional Operations Director for Thames Valley, decided that a further area in the centre could be tackled so a 4th team was created and set to work.
By 2.00pm all 4 rooms were completed and by 2.30pm the furniture was back in place, the floors were hoovered and the children would never have known anyone had been there except for the smell of fresh paint!
Prizes were awarded to volunteers including one for safest worker and one for most snazzy dresser on the day!
Portsmouth Cash in Transit
It all started in April 09, when as a depot they decided what they where going to do for Barnardo's this year. Some silly person, suggested the Great South Run.
Five people decided to give this ago. This meant they had to start training, something some of the staff had not done for years.
The depot really took to this, and many of the staff turned up to support them through the run.
The Five runners who took part Stephen Parker, Colin Murby Rob Dart, Colin Lansdowne and Paul Davis managed to raise £1193.50, we all did this as individuals so with the matching up to£200 we managed to raise a total of £2145.50.
‘This will was all for a great need in the children's charity Barnardo's. I already have more volunteers for next year!’
Steve Parker, CIT Shift Manager.
Bag It Up for Barnardo’s!
Barnardo’s is encouraging you to take part in a mass ‘clear out your clutter’ campaign to rid wardrobes of unwanted, unworn and unloved items to raise vital funds for vulnerable children.
You can give away those unwanted festive gifts, or items of jewellery? What about that delectable handbag that no longer gets used and how about some of those weather beaten books that you no longer want to read? Help us by showing your support and bagging it up for Barnardo’s.
You would be surprised to find that if you give your unwanted gifts to Barnardo’s stores, they could use these donations to turn around the lives of children and young people. Just one bag of donated goods can raise from between £10 and £20, depending on the quality of the donations.
UK Tax Payers can also sign up to ‘Gift Aid It’, adding 28% to the value of your donation.
You can give away those unwanted festive gifts, or items of jewellery? What about that delectable handbag that no longer gets used and how about some of those weather beaten books that you no longer want to read? Help us by showing your support and bagging it up for Barnardo’s.
You would be surprised to find that if you give your unwanted gifts to Barnardo’s stores, they could use these donations to turn around the lives of children and young people. Just one bag of donated goods can raise from between £10 and £20, depending on the quality of the donations.
UK Tax Payers can also sign up to ‘Gift Aid It’, adding 28% to the value of your donation.
Barnardo’s is calling for more fosterers and adopters
Barnardo’s had a fostering and adoption week – 18-22 January 2010 is promoting the urgent need for family placements and adoptive parents.
There are 10,000 children in the UK in need of foster family and 2,500 children in need of a permanent loving home.
As a pioneer of modern day fostering and adoption, Barnardo’s first placed children in family settings more than one hundred years ago. In the past century, Barnardo’s has developed a diverse range of fostering and adoption services to meet the needs of children who are waiting for families today including:
- Short break foster carers who provide support for families with disabled children by sharing in their care.
- Foster carers who take children into their families for periods of a few weeks up to several years.
- Specialist foster care services who work with unaccompanied minors such as asylum seeking children.
- Adopters who make a lifetime commitment to children needing a permanent family and who become their legal parents.
For further information on becoming a fosterer or adoptive parent, visit: http://www.barnardos.org.uk/fosteringandadoption
Wednesday, January 13
Children's Party at NDC
The Children's Party at NDC was organised by Kim Kandola and Dawn Denton on Saturday 28 November 2009. The party was opened to all employees children between the ages of 3-10.
We have a raffle and raise money for Barnardo's. Marcia from the Fostering Service in Coventry attended the event, but I was also hoping that she would be able to bring some Barnardo's children along to the party. Unfortunately this was not possible but we will certainly bear this in mind for another year.
For this years party we booked an external production company called 'Chaplins' to perform 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'. The show lasted 75 minutes, which was followed by the children enjoying party food. After this, Dave Bebbington, Hub Manager gave a vote of thanks to everyone for attending the party, he also thanked Chaplins and proceeded to thank Marcia for being there from Barnardo's. Then Dave proceeded to draw the raffle, which raised £203.00 for Barnardo's, plus £95.00 which was donated for Barnardo's at the Dawali celebrations.
At the end of the afternoon we asked Chaplins to call each child on to stage and give them a present and an advent calendar.
Feedback at the end of the afternoon was that the party was a complete success with both parents and children enjoying the event.
See all the photos from the Childrens Party
Midlands Resourcing Team
They were picked up from Tamworth in a coach, which they loved, they all seemed really excited and the atmosphere was fantastic. They had a great time at the Sealife Centre, they then had an hour to play in the children's activity area, where they could really let their hair down and have lots of fun.
On the coach back everyone was given a Royal Mail goody bag which contained red bugs, pens, calculators, post it notes, pencil cases and chocolate money and these were very well received by everyone.
Northern Ireland Resourcing Team
Joanne Fowles, John Irvine and Alice Johnston from the Northern Ireland Resourcing Team in HR Services carried out a sponsored walk along the North Down coastal path, starting at Holywood and finished at Bangor. It was a great day and the 10 mile walk was completed in less that 3 hours.
Between the team a fantastic £1,070 was raised for Barnardo's.
Barnardo’s has been working in Northern Ireland for over 108 years. Today, in over 45 services rooted in communities across the length and breadth of Northern Ireland, they reach out to 11,000 children, young people and their families every year. The money will go directly to Barnardo's within Northern Ireland to allow them to continue their excellent work.
The team are also working with Barnardo's to provide job opportunities with Royal Mail and have secured positions over the Christmas period and with the National Returns Centre in Belfast in January.
Please see photograph below showing the team with the Barnardo's cheque.
Between the team a fantastic £1,070 was raised for Barnardo's.
Barnardo’s has been working in Northern Ireland for over 108 years. Today, in over 45 services rooted in communities across the length and breadth of Northern Ireland, they reach out to 11,000 children, young people and their families every year. The money will go directly to Barnardo's within Northern Ireland to allow them to continue their excellent work.
The team are also working with Barnardo's to provide job opportunities with Royal Mail and have secured positions over the Christmas period and with the National Returns Centre in Belfast in January.
Please see photograph below showing the team with the Barnardo's cheque.
Sunday, January 3
Kick start 2010 with the Barnardo’s Big 5km Run
Runners and non-runners alike are invited to take part in the Barnardo’s Big 5km, supported by Royal Mail Group.
The 2010 events held in Victoria Park, London on the 28th February 2010 and South Leeds Stadium on the 14th March, are an opportunity to dust off your training shoes and step into springtime with your friends and family in tow.
The 5km event is not just for the well-versed athlete or professional fundraiser. Barnardo’s wants you to get your friends and family members; walkers, joggers and couch potatoes involved. You will not only be raising your heart rate, but you will also be raising valuable funds to help turn around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the UK.
For the first time, Barnardo’s is organising a 1km run for children under 10 to take place before the main event. There will also be a range of activities for the whole family afterwards.
Registration for the event is £10 for the 5km race and entrants are encouraged to raise £100. Whilst for the mini 1km race, the entry fee is just £5 and children are asked to try and raise £20. To register and find out more visit www.big5km.co.uk
Daniel and Sarah’s Story:
Sarah registered herself and Daniel to run Barnardo’s Big 5km in 2009. Two years before, Daniel’s father Peter - who had been raised in a Barnardo’s home - had passed away. For them running the Barnardo’s Big 5km was a way to commemorate Peter and to celebrate the organisation that gave him a great start in life.
Your £100 could help Barnardo’s provide children like Daniel with five afternoons at one of our child bereavement family centres, where they will receive a wide range of therapy, training, and can relax and have fun with other children whose lives are adversely affected by bereavement, trauma and grief.
All funds raised from the Barnardo’s Big 5km will go towards the children’s charity’s vital work turning around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK.
The 2010 events held in Victoria Park, London on the 28th February 2010 and South Leeds Stadium on the 14th March, are an opportunity to dust off your training shoes and step into springtime with your friends and family in tow.
The 5km event is not just for the well-versed athlete or professional fundraiser. Barnardo’s wants you to get your friends and family members; walkers, joggers and couch potatoes involved. You will not only be raising your heart rate, but you will also be raising valuable funds to help turn around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the UK.
For the first time, Barnardo’s is organising a 1km run for children under 10 to take place before the main event. There will also be a range of activities for the whole family afterwards.
Registration for the event is £10 for the 5km race and entrants are encouraged to raise £100. Whilst for the mini 1km race, the entry fee is just £5 and children are asked to try and raise £20. To register and find out more visit www.big5km.co.uk
Daniel and Sarah’s Story:
Sarah registered herself and Daniel to run Barnardo’s Big 5km in 2009. Two years before, Daniel’s father Peter - who had been raised in a Barnardo’s home - had passed away. For them running the Barnardo’s Big 5km was a way to commemorate Peter and to celebrate the organisation that gave him a great start in life.
Your £100 could help Barnardo’s provide children like Daniel with five afternoons at one of our child bereavement family centres, where they will receive a wide range of therapy, training, and can relax and have fun with other children whose lives are adversely affected by bereavement, trauma and grief.
All funds raised from the Barnardo’s Big 5km will go towards the children’s charity’s vital work turning around the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK.
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