Cash for Kids appeal bids to help South Yorkshire's vulnerable children through life after lockdown

The charity will continue to help the most vulnerable in South Yorkshire’s communities after setting up an emergency appeal in just five days in March 2020 in response to the worldwide pandemic.

It received support from Ant and Dec and went on to provide over £80,000 worth of food and basic essentials for children who were shielding or unable to attend school in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire during the first lockdown.

The charity, which also provided presents for over 19,000 children in December, has seen an unprecedented demand for mental health support as children across the region have struggled with restrictions.

The funds raised will help these causes along with support for families living in poverty dealing with redundancies and reduced incomes from furlough leaving many unable to provide basic essentials for their children.

The two-week campaign will feature on radio stations Hallam FM and Greatest Hits Radio launching on May 3, with fundraising happening throughout the month.

Hallam FM host John Harrison star of Big John at Breakfast is inviting radio listeners to join in an online Bingo night with an array of prizes and Simon Mayo is hosting a request show on Greatest Hits Radio to help raise funds.

14-year-old Alice Middleton is also raising funds for the cause by shaving off her hair. Local businesses fundraising including estate agent Reeds Rains, iDeal Flooring and IMH Recruitment.

Westfield Health, XPO Logistics, Anderson & Co Financial Services and Sheffield Mutual have also helped the campaign with donations and creative agency OOHYes are helping to spread the word thanks to a donated advertising campaign on the huge digital billboard on Sheffield Parkway.

John Harrison, who has hosted Big John at Breakfast for 21 years on Hallam FM, said: “After such a tough year for so many people we must help those that can’t yet see the light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot wait to host a night of online bingo to have loads of fun and give away prizes to help raise loads of money for Cash for Kids.”

Cash for Kids Charity Manager Allan Ogle, who is heading up the campaign, added: “Foodbanks are distributing at record levels and our community needs your help now more than ever. I’m so grateful to those who have pledged donations and fundraising support so far this really showcases the community spirit we have across the Sheffield City Region.

“Despite these tough times every penny raised will be spent on those who need it most and we’d love to have your support to help as many children as possible improve their mental health and not have poverty as a barrier to their chances of fulfilling their potential.”