North East charity, Cash for Kids, is getting ready to tackle the issue of Holiday Hunger across the North East this summer.
For some local children their school dinner is the only meal of the day. During the holidays struggling families simply can’t afford enough food, so they’re often eating unhealthy options or even nothing at all.
Money raised this Cash for Kids Day on Thursday, 1st May will help with fun activities and that important meal during the holidays.
Who are Cash for Kids?
Cash for Kids is the charity of Bauer Media, dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the North East, from the moment they’re born up to and including the age of 18.
Their mission is to be there when they need them the most, helping combat poverty, illness and neglect, making living with additional needs that little bit easier, or simply offering a helping hand. They believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and be their true selves. Cash for Kids work with grassroots organisations that aim to make a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.
What is Cash for Kids Day?
Cash for Kids Day is an annual fundraiser and a celebration of the charity, which this year takes place on Thursday, 1st May. Funds raised will be granted to local projects providing food and activities for children during the long six-week summer holiday. According to government figures, there are around 90 days of school holiday each year where children could go hungry and almost 40% of working households have been classed as food insecure.1 in 4 families with children struggle to afford food and 1 in 10 15-year-olds have missed meals because of poverty. These are the children Cash for Kids Day are aiming to help.
How can you get support Cash for Kids Day?
The charity is encouraging local businesses, schools and individuals to do what they can to raise money. One fundraising challenge, which is being spearheaded by the team at Hits Radio, is to help cover 68 million steps as they aim to walk around the world, but they can’t do it alone! Cash for Kids is asking schools, groups and individuals to join in with the challenge, get sponsored and help reach this ambitious goal.
Raising just £52 could provide a place at a five-day sports club with breakfast and lunch, with a £5,200 donation funding places at a five day sports club with breakfast and lunch for 100 children.
What other fundraising appeals do Cash for Kids run?
Cash for Kids fundraise all year round. Their biggest appeal is Mission Christmas, which aims to ensure that every child receives a gift from Santa on Christmas Day. Last year in the North East, gifts were distributed to over 42,000 children living in poverty via their beneficiaries. Mission Christmas will return from 17th November 2025 and there are lots of ways to help, from fundraising to collecting gift donations.
The team also run their well-established Sports Challenge in the Autumn, supporting local clubs and groups to get more disadvantaged children into sport. In 2024, over £280,000 was granted out in the area via the Sports Challenge.
Other fundraisers include the popular Charva Choons Live event with radio presenters Steve & Karen and Laffs4Kids at the Utilita Arena, organised by comedian Jason Cook.
How do I find out more about Cash for Kids?
If you’re interested in finding out more about the work of Cash for Kids in the local community and how you can support them, you can visit their website cashforkids.org.uk or email northeast@cashforkids.org.uk