We are delighted to announce that we have extended our charity partnership with Save the Children until the end of our financial year 2013/2014.
We are very pleased to be continuing our excellent work with Save the Children, helping to give the most disadvantaged children in the UK a better chance in life.
Since the partnership launched in April 2011, the amazing generosity and commitment of staff and customers helped us to raise over £4.5 million for Save the Children’s work in the first 2 years.
This incredible amount will support children in communities across the UK and Save the Children’s emergency appeals for the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami and the food crises in East and West Africa.
Making a difference in our communities
For some children in communities across the UK, their circumstances mean that they’re up against too many barriers to do well at school.
One in every three children in the UK leaves primary school having already fallen behind their peers. Failing at school means a lifelong struggle rather than a life of possibilities. For some children living in the UK, they are also in desperate need of support at home.
In addition to continuing to support the Families and Schools Together (FAST) programme in 2013, Morrisons will also be raising vital funds for Save the Children’s Eat, Sleep, Learn, Play! (ESLP!) programme which will help even more of the most disadvantaged children in our communities.
By the end of 2013, Morrisons amazing support will have funded 119 new Families and Schools Together (FAST) programmes across all six Morrisons regions. FAST is helping to give the most disadvantaged children in the UK the chance to shine by bringing families, schools and communities together to support children at the start of their education.
In 2013, we will also be raising vital funds for Save the Children’s Eat, Sleep, Learn, Play! programme which will help even more of the most disadvantaged children in our communities.
Eat, Sleep, Learn, Play! helps families in the UK living in severe material deprivation to get the basic essentials they need for their children – a cooker to provide warm meals, a bed for a peaceful night’s sleep and books and toys to help children to learn and develop.
How does FAST work?
FAST improves children’s success at school through specially designed weekly activities and by giving families books and toys so children can continue to learn and develop at home.
FAST runs activities that give parents the skills and confidence to become more involved in their child’s learning and to bond as a family.
By bringing communities together FAST makes sure parents who are isolated and lonely build a network of support so they’re more able to support their children.
By supporting Save the Children’s FAST programme Morrisons is helping to give all children in the UK a better chance in life.
How does Eat, Sleep, Learn, Play! work?
Every child needs the basics to live, learn, and play. ESLP! provides a key intervention at a critical time in a child’s development when the effects of material deprivation are most severe, making a big difference to their future. ESLP! aims to ensure the financial impact of having a young child doesn’t mean the family has to go without basic necessities.
Save the Children provide items which will have the biggest impact on the wellbeing of children under five years old. Working in disadvantaged communities in the UK, the charity brief local professionals, such as Health Visitors or Family Support Workers, to be ESLP! referral partners. The referral partners work with the families in need by assessing their eligibility and supporting them with their application.
How to get involved
We've set an ambitious target to raise an additional £2 million for Save the Children by February 2014. Support us today and improve the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children and families throughout the UK.
There are a number of ways that you can get involved. From planned Raise a Smile activities for all our colleagues to take part in, to individual events and challenges - there's something for everyone.
Raising money for Save the Children is a fantastic way to have fun with your colleagues, friends and family. Look out for more information throughout the year for opportunities to get involved.
If you are holding a fundraising event, would like to get involved or for more information on our partnership, call the Save the Children hotline on 020 3215 3110 or email morrisons@savethechildren.org.uk
To find out more about Save the Children and how you can help to give children in the UK a better chance in life please go to www.savethechildren.org.uk
