CASH FOR KIDS (CFK) is Bauer Radio’s network of local charities, which operate across 22 areas around the UK. The southern region, which the GFT supports, covers Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. Bauer radio stations covering this area have included Wave 105, Fire, Magic & Absolute but as of 2024 have merged into Greatest Hits Radio. The mission of each region of the charity is to respond to the needs of children in their local communities and they aspire to enable all children to live life to the full and achieve their individual potential.

MISSION CHRISTMAS is one of the annual appeals CFK run nationwide. The southern region organises one of the largest and most successful, collecting, sorting and delivering over 60,000 donated gifts to 20-25,000 children and young adults living in poverty and hardship. Without these donations these youngsters would end up with no presents to open on Christmas day.

The GFT have been supporting Mission Christmas since 2015. In addition to donating 10,000’s of thousands of pounds worth of presents to the Appeal each year (see below), we are also very proud of being Cash For Kids representatives for Dorset, collecting and delivering the presents that are donated and then redistributed through the county.

WANT TO HELP?

There are several ways a new toy or gift can be donated to the appeal.

1 – YOU CAN DONATE A NEW, UNWRAPPED PRESENT

Prior to the Appeal launch each year in November, a list of donation points, including supermarkets and high street stores, across the area will be announced where gifts can be left which will then be collected by CFK.

2 – YOU CAN DONATE CASH DIRECTLY TO CFK

This will enable CFK to buy presents for age groups that they may not have enough presents for at any one time.

3 – YOU CAN DONATE CASH TO THE GFT MISSION CHRISTMAS FUND

The USP of the GFT is that our aim is for every £10 donated we will purchase £50 worth of gifts, although in the past we have always exceeded that target. Each year we have increased the number of gifts we provide by striking deals with major retailers for discounts as well as taking advantage of special offers and clearance sales. We also work with clearance warehouses looking to buy quality, new merchandise at a fraction of the usual retail price.  Another benefit is having been involved with the Appeal for so many years, we know the age ranges and types of gifts which we are typically short of. We aim to make sure that young adults receive presents as well as younger children.