Islamic Relief’s Charity Week kicks off today, with thousands of people across the world joining together to raise money for vulnerable children.
From an initial idea in 2000, Charity Week has grown to become one of the world’s largest volunteer-led and organised campaigns. More than 8,000 participants take part in challenges and host events each year to fund projects benefitting children in need across several countries.
Charity Week raised £1.8 million last year – a record for the campaign to date.
What’s happening this year?
This year, Islamic Relief is challenging people to walk, jog or run 10,000 steps every day for 7 days as part of our 10K step challenge. Your steps can make a difference to the lives of millions of children, just take up the challenge, log your steps and invite your friends and family to donate.
Last year, participants stepped over 19 million steps for Charity Week.
Supporters can also participate in challenges on set days to help you bag more steps. You can join groups climbing Snowdon, crossing 10 of London’s bridges in a 10-mile walk, and summiting Ben A’an, as well as other trials in picturesque parts of the UK.
But challenges aren’t the only way to get involved. From putting on a bake sale or hosting a games night, to holding a FIFA tournament and staging an auction, there a loads of ways to raise money for children in need of support this Charity Week.
How will my money help children?
We believe that every child deserves the best start in life, but for 1 in 5 children worldwide, extreme poverty means even basic necessities are out of reach.
Poverty can impact a child’s access to education and healthcare and put them more at risk of exploitation.
The funds raised through Charity Week will go towards helping to support vulnerable children around the world. This year, donations will be directed towards projects focusing on emergencies, education and hunger and malnutrition.
What makes Charity Week different from our other appeals is that you can help decide which specific projects are prioritised through our survey.
Some of the projects this year include treatment for malnourished children in Afghanistan, providing education to Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, and supporting those affected by devastating flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Anyone can take part in Charity Week, whether you’re an individual, or want to get your schools, workplace or family involved. Visit the Charity Week website to find out more and join Islamic Relief in helping children living poverty.