Christmas Jumper Day 2024 - when is it and how can I take part in charity fundraiser?
It's that time of the year again - Christmas Jumper Day 2024 is officially upon us. But what, exactly, does it mean and how can you take part?
The annual event is organised by leading kids' charity Save The Children, and sees people donning their favourite "silly" Christmas sweater - usually to work or to school, but some people take part at home. You're also asked to donate £2 on the day.
You don’t even have to buy a new one, in fact Save The Children would rather you don't. They suggest that you "just grab any old thing from the back of the cupboard and cover it with stickers, tinsel, glitter, baubles or whatever you fancy," or alternatively buy a second hand, pre-loved Christmas jumper from one of its charity shops.
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It's important to note that you don't have to take part on December 12, Save The Children say you can celebrate it any day you want.
When was the first Christmas Jumper Day and why do we celebrate it?
The first Christmas Jumper Day took place on Friday, December 14, 2012. The slogan that year was "make the world better with a sweater".
Since then, the annual event has raised over £30 million for the children's charity, which has gone to support their essential work.
What does Save The Children do?
Save The Children work in over 100 countries to help children stay safe, healthy, and learning.
It provides healthcare to kids based on their specific needs, such as vaccinating children in remote regions, providing antibiotics, and setting up learning centres.
They also respond to emergencies, delivering live-saving food, shelter and medicine to children in disaster areas, as well as campaigning for children's right to learn and training midwives to ensure safe birth.
Save The Children also fight child poverty. When the pandemic hit, the organisation persuaded the UK government to support struggling families with an extra £20 a week.
You can find out more about everything they do here.
Do I need a Christmas Jumper Day fundraising pack?
Schools who have signed up will receive a fundraising pack in the post, with posters, a certificate and a pay-in slip.
However, individuals don't need one to participate, in fact the charity say: "To be as sustainable as possible, we won't be sending any other paper fundraising packs out this year. But everyone who signs up will receive a link to our downloadable online fundraising resources."
Save The Children also say it understands that people may not always able to donate money. But the charity suggests doing various other fun activities to either raise funds or simply get involved and spread the joy.
This includes running a 10k, going for a bike ride or any other exercise in your jumper and getting sponsored for it.
You can also make a commitment to wear your jumper for 11 consecutive days, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, and get sponsored for it, which sounds like great fun to us.
However you're celebrating Christmas Jumper Day 2024, we hope you have a great time.
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