Breakfast hosts on leading stations including Magic Radio, KISS, Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio have all announced today that the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal has raised over £14million (£14,175,220) which will mean more than 286,000 (286,073) disadvantaged children will wake up to a visit from Santa this Christmas.

The largest Christmas toy appeal in the UK, Mission Christmas is an annual campaign run by Bauer Media’s charity Cash for Kids, which aims to give Santa a helping hand in getting presents to those in our community who may otherwise go without.

Backed by presenters including Strictly’s Fleur East, Magic Radio Breakfast hosts Ronan Keating and Harriet Scott, KISS Breakfast presenters Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely and Absolute Radio’s Dave Berry, the charity had record levels of requests for help this year as a result of the cost-of-living crisis which has pushed more and more families into financial crisis in 2022.

Now, more children across the UK will be able to wake up to presents on Christmas morning, thanks to kind donations from listeners and locals.

Ronan Keating said: “For many families 2022 has been a continuous and devastating financial struggle, with many facing the prospect of not being able to give their children a present this Christmas. We’re so happy that thanks to the incredible generosity of our listeners, we’re able to deliver joy to more than 286,000 children across the country. We couldn’t have done it without you, thank you!”

As well as support from sponsors including B&M Home Stores and Wickes – both retailers allowed their stores to be used a gift drop-off points – this year also saw generous donations from both Leeds United and the Liverpool Football Club Foundation. The LFC Foundation donated £20,000 to this year’s Mission Christmas as part of a larger annual Cash for Kids donation, whilst Leeds United gave a generous £30,000 to help vulnerable children across the UK following a hugely successful Open Day.

The team at  Cash for Kids worked tirelessly throughout December ensuring that gifts reached the homes of the children who need them most. The charity works with many local grass-root organisations as well as social workers, head teachers and the emergency services who nominate families in crisis to be supported by the appeal.

Sadly, things look set to get worse in 2023 for already struggling families with predicted fuel rises in April, but you can continue to help make a difference to lives of disadvantaged children in your area by making a donation to Cash for Kids. To make a contribution or see how you can get involved in future campaigns, please visit cashforkids.org.uk.

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About Cash for Kids:  

Cash for Kids is the cause related marketing arm for the Bauer Media’s network of local radio stations. Cash for Kids raised over £21.4 million in 2021, supporting more than 522,627 sick and underprivileged children in local communities across the UK.

Bauer Media’s Cash for Kids registered charity 1122062 (England, Wales & NI), SC041421 (East Scotland) and SC003334 (West Scotland).

About Bauer Media UK:

Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.