At yesterday morning’s meeting, we were delighted to welcome Lisa, the Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex manager for Cash for Kids, who shared the incredible work her team does to support local children in need and how small businesses like ours can get involved.
Who Are Cash for Kids?
Cash for Kids is the official charity of Bauer Media, with dedicated local teams across the UK working to give disadvantaged children and young people the chance to thrive. Locally, they support children affected by poverty, those escaping abuse, children living with life-threatening illness and young people struggling with mental health issues. The charity was historically associated with Wave 105 radio, and while that station has now closed, Lisa’s team is working hard to keep the cause visible across the South Coast.
Raised Locally, Spent Locally
Although Cash for Kids is part of a national charity network, every penny raised in Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex stays in the local community. A great deal of the team’s work also goes towards supporting other local charities and community groups, extending their reach even further.
A Growing Need
Last Christmas, the team supported 14,500 local children through their Christmas gift appeal and planning for this year’s appeal is already well underway. With demand continuing to rise, local support has never been more important.
How NCF Members Can Help
1. Follow, Like and Share
While Cash for Kids is seeking corporate sponsors for larger partnerships, one of the simplest ways any of us can help is by following the South Coast Cash for Kids social media pages and sharing their posts (links at the bottom of this article). Word of mouth from trusted local businesses makes a real difference in spreading awareness.
2. Donate a Christmas Gift
With the Christmas appeal already in planning, new, unwrapped gifts and toys for children of all ages are always welcome. Donations can be dropped off at Howdens Insurance in Eastleigh or any B&M Stores nationwide, both of which partner with the charity as collection points.
3. Lend a Hand as a Volunteer
Lisa relies on volunteer teams throughout the year to help sort gifts and support promotional events. If your business could offer a few hours of team time, or just your own time as an individual, it would be gratefully received.
4. Got Storage Space?
The charity currently stores gifts and equipment at FatFace in Havant but will need a new storage space from 2027. If any of our members have suitable space to offer or know somewhere who might, please get in touch with Lisa.
Get Involved: Networking and Fundraising Dates
Lisa also runs her own monthly business networking events in support of the charity. The most recent took place up the Spinnaker Tower (which was lit in pink for the occasion!). The next two dates confirmed as:
● Tuesday 12th August – Voco Fareham, from 8.30am – 10am
● Wednesday 16th September – Village Hotel, Chandler’s Ford, from 4.30pm – 6.30pm
To book on for either of these, please email Lisa.
Keep an eye out too for the charity’s Lego walk fundraiser taking place on Friday 24th September – a fun, family-friendly way to raise money for local children. For more details on this event or anything they do, please email southcoast@cashforkids.org.uk or details on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Get in Touch
To find out more about Cash for Kids, or to offer gifts, volunteer time or storage space, visit cashforkids.org.uk. A huge thank you to Lisa for joining us yesterday and for all the work her team does for children across our region.