Fork out for Jessie May! Bristol children's charity launches 'foodie' fundraising campaign

Bristol-based children’s charity Jessie May has launched a new ‘foodie fundraising’ campaign to inspire supporters to get creative in the kitchen while helping raise money.

Jessie May’s brand new fundraiser, ‘The Big Eat’, asks individuals, schools, groups and businesses to ‘eat big!’ and rally donations for the children’s hospice at home charity.

Those taking part are encouraged to cook, eat, diet or compete in aid of Jessie May, whose nurses provide vital respite care to local terminally ill children.

Julian Withers, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Jessie May, said: “We’re so excited to announce the launch of The Big Eat! This is an all-inclusive campaign which we hope will bring together supporters and their friends, families and colleagues – while of course encouraging people to ‘fork out’ and donate to a worthy cause.

“From office ‘Bake Offs’ to street parties, there are plenty of ways everyone can get involved – just take a look at our Big Eat Fundraising Pack for inspiration. Anyone taking part can share their photos and efforts online using #JessieMaysBigEat and we will gladly share them too!

“And there’s never been a better time to get involved – Jessie May is taking part in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge which means during one week only in November, every penny donated to our charity will be doubled!

“We invite everyone to get their teeth stuck into The Big Eat and get messy for Jessie - in the kitchen!”

The charity is taking part in The Big Give Christmas Challenge from November 27th to December 4th to help raise enough money to welcome 11 life limited children to their caseload. Jessie May is currently supporting over 180 families across its service area; some of which are receiving vital respite care, emotional support, and others bereavement support.

Julian added: “The Big Give is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to make their donations go twice as far – literally!

“While The Big Eat is a separate fundraiser which will continue to run long after The Big Give week comes to an end, we hope as many people as possible can submit their donations during this special week so we can reach our £23,100 target.

“There are families caring for a terminally ill child in our operating area currently not receiving our respite and bereavement care. Raising these vital funds would mean 11 of these children, and their families, can be supported by Jessie May nurses.”

To find out more about The Big Eat, and download Jessie May’s Big Eat Fundraising Pack, visit www.jessiemay.org.uk/the-big-eat

To find out more about Jessie May and The Big Give, visit www.jessiemay.org.uk/the-big-give