In its fourth and most successful year, the Summer Give has raised an incredible £1,002,451 for charities supporting disadvantaged children in London. During an energetic week of fundraising in the capital, donations made on theBigGive.org.uk to participating charities were doubled. The campaign, run in partnership with The Childhood Trust, supported 47 local children’s charities this year, a higher number than ever before.

Half of the total was raised by generous public donations which were then doubled by The Childhood Trust and each charity’s major supporters. The funds raised will support over 15,000 children and young people in London over the school holidays this summer.

The importance of this successful campaign was underlined by a recent report published by The Childhood Trust, which found that disadvantaged children in London are at a high risk of violence, sexual exploitation and hunger during the summer holidays. Based on surveys with 22 charities supporting 12,337 young people, the report found that 54% of children have witnessed violence and a further 48% have seen drug misuse. Charitable programmes funded through the Summer Give provide essential services to help children return to school happy and ready to learn, with memories of a summer of fun and friendship.

Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of The Childhood Trust, commented: “No child in the capital should have to spend the summer frightened, hungry or alone. Too many working families can’t afford a holiday, childcare or even enough to eat so the £1m+ we’ve raised provides a lifeline for children and young people who need support. We want to thank everyone who donated and especially all our charity partners for the incredible services they provide to vulnerable children.”

For charities interested in joining us this year, applications for our 2019 Summer Give are now open – apply through your Big Give charity account area.