The RNLI is one of eight charities to feature in an innovative digital race that encourages people to donate more to good causes this Christmas and Steve Griffin, Deputy Launch Authority at Rye Harbour lifeboat encourages the public to get behind the RNLI’s turkey.
PayPal has joined forces with Aardman and Channel 4 for a unique Christmas campaign that will boost donations to eight of the UK’s most loved charities – including the RNLI.
Turkey Dash will see an elite field of CGI turkeys – one representing each charity – undergo vigorous training powered by online donations from the charities’ supporters, ending in a prime-time race to be broadcast during Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast on Channel 4 on Friday December 15, with TV presenter Steve Jones as commentator.
Turkey Dash started on Tuesday November 28 to mark Giving Tuesday – a global event that has been dubbed the antidote to Black Friday, and encourages people to do a good deed for charity. The campaign has run nationwide across broadcast, online and social media for two weeks, during which the British public have been asked to get behind a good cause by making a donation online to one of the eight turkeys. Each donation in turn helps the chosen turkey in its training regime before the big race.
After running a poll on social media to choose the turkey-cum-athlete’s name, the RNLI’s supporters chose to call the feathery festive runner Captain McStuffing. Complete with the RNLI’s trademark yellow wellies, Captain McStuffing was designed at Aardman’s studio in Bristol along with the other seven turkeys.
Steve Griffin says: “We’re delighted to be involved in Turkey Dash this Christmas. It’s a really fun way to raise money and as a charity, we rely entirely on the support of the public to save lives. Hopefully Captain McStuffing’s yellow wellies will help it cross the finish line first for the RNLI on Friday December 15! But the only way that will happen is if lots of people donate online at www.turkeydash.co.uk/rnli. So please support us and help our feathered friend win this race.”
All donations will be processed through PayPal Giving Fund UK, a registered not-for-profit organisation that uses technology to help charities find new supporters and raise funds in a safe and secure way. PayPal Giving Fund UK does not charge charities any fees for enrolling or receiving donations, ensuring they receive all funds including Gift Aid.
The eight charities participating in the Turkey Dash are:
• Blue Cross, www.bluecross.org.uk – helping thousands of sick, injured, homeless and abandoned pets and their owners every month. Pets change lives. We change theirs.
• CLIC Sargent, www.clicsargent.org.uk – the UK’s leading cancer support charity for children, young people and their families.
• LGBT Foundation, www.lgbt.foundation – delivering life changing services and securing a safe, equal and healthy future for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
• Mental Health Foundation, www.mentalhealth.org.uk – dedicated to finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems.
• The Royal British Legion, www.britishlegion.org.uk – providing lifelong support for our Armed Forces community, including Serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
• Royal National Lifeboat Institution, www.rnli.org – the charity that saves lives at sea, with volunteer lifeboat crews providing a 24-hour rescue service at 238 lifeboat stations and lifeguards on more than 240 beaches.
• Save the Children, www.christmasjumperday.org – making the world better with a sweater by doing whatever it takes to save children and transform futures.
• Sue Ryder, www.sueryder.org – providing hospice and neurological care for people facing a frightening, life-changing diagnosis.
For more information on Turkey Dash visit: www.turkeydash.co.uk
RNLI
RNLI