Children in Need 2016 beckoned. A night full of comedy, laughter and somewhat bizarre sketches along with heartwarming stories about how the most vulnerable children have received help through funding is but hours away. I, like many, have already donated my contribution to this worthy cause through a non-uniform day, which quickly and easily generates a large sum of money. Presumably, consumption of sweet, baked food will have increased due to many cake sales, while the number of people talking will have decreased, perhaps due to sponsored silences. While all these events are fun, what does money raised actually go towards? And in an age of austerity and severe budgeting, how can we make sure this worthy, necessary event continues over the years?
The money raised each year is...well, the statistics speak for themselves. Since its founding in 1980, over £800 million has been raised for disadvantaged children. In 2015 alone, £55 million was donated from all corners of the country to help over 480,000 vulnerable people. Around 2,400 projects are currently being supported, specifically helping those who are living in poverty or situations of deprivation, suffering from Illness, distress, abuse or neglect, any kind of disability or behavioural or psychological difficulties. The clips that show how investment has specifically helped a local project/group are both rewarding and satisfying. It pleases me that presenters on the BBC's telethon aren't paid, but rather taking part in the evening out of their own kindness. The salaries of BBC presenters in general are unbelievably high, and while most are excellent, I'm sure a slight decrease in their annual pay to help the most disadvantaged wouldn't matter too much. My real pet hate regarding pay is footballers. And, for the record, I'm all for high pay, as long as it's not at the expense of those at the bottom suffering. As a person, I try to be charitable. This Christmas, I intend to buy all my Christmas cards from a charity shop. My family always tries to buy 'The Big Issue' from a trader, of which there are many around my area. However, I do not believe in giving money to people begging, whom are clearly in an awful, deeply frightening situation. This is not because I don't want to help them, but, on the majority of occasions, I feel giving money will hinder, rather than help, their road back to secure housing. Statistics show that, in comparison to the general population, a far higher proportion of homeless take illegal drugs and are alcoholics. What would be far more helpful than money is giving the homeless incentives to attend homeless charities that give opportunities and chances to get people back into housing. This is one of many examples where charities are forces of good. So it is with a sense of pleasure that I will, albeit with a stiff neck, enjoy the BBC coverage of amazing, wacky, crazy but above all life changing sketches that really do help so many.
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Author:Noah enjoys writing a blog and drinking tea Archives
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