Vodafone has announced it is supporting the Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live Concert which will be broadcast live on #GivingTuesday 2020 (Tuesday 1st December 2020, 6.30-7.30pm) and hosted by the charity’s President Natasha Kaplinsky. The event will include special performances from singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum and poet Hussain Manawer. Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live will raise vital funds to support children and young people across the UK.
Vodafone has also reopened The Great British Tech Appeal and is calling on the UK public and businesses to donate unwanted smartphones and tablets over the festive period and beyond. Vodafone will cover postage and repackaging, add six months free unlimited data connectivity and – via Barnardo’s – redistribute devices to disadvantaged children and families. This follows a successful summer appeal that helped almost 2,500 people across the UK.
With Christmas celebrations looking very different this year, Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live is a virtual event, free for anyone to attend, and will include a prize draw (with prizes including a Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, a Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester Hotel and two tickets to an Olly Murs concert plus a ‘meet and greet’ with the star). The charity returns to St John’s Smith Square in London where it held its first Christmas concert of recent times ten years ago. To register for virtual seats, please visit: https://kidsmas-live.eventbrite.co.uk
Jamie Cullum, singer-songwriter and supporter of young people’s causes, will perform his latest track ‘How do you fly’. Poet Hussain Manawer has penned ‘Christmas Tree’ – an exclusive new poem reflecting the challenges of 2020 whilst offering hope and inspiration to young people across the UK at what can be a difficult time of the year.
In addition to Jamie and Hussain, the hour-long event will feature performances from choirs including the St Margaret’s School Choir from Aberdeen, Scotland, the Brent Music Service Choir from London, England, and the Merthyr Barnardo’s Young Carers’ Choir from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
Jamie Cullum said: “Whilst this year has been particularly tough for everyone, I’m really thankful to be able to spread some festive cheer at Kidsmas Live whilst also helping to raise vital funds for Barnardo’s. The concert is a wonderful opportunity to get involved from home with a great charity and do a little bit to help others, either by donating to Barnardo’s or sending old devices to Vodafone.”
Hussain Manawer said: “Christmas is such an important time of year, and whilst this year it is likely to be a little different, we still need to maintain a sense of positivity and festive spirit.
That is why I am really pleased to be involved in Kidsmas Live, because helping connect with those feelings is especially important for young people in need.
Like the whole of the UK, Barnado’s has had a tough year, and missed out on lots of its vital fund-raising. Kidsmas Live is a great opportunity for everyone to think about all those who may not be fortunate enough to experience the true sense of Christmas – and help by donating if they can. Either donating money to Barnardo’s or old devices to Vodafone.”
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “This has been an extremely challenging year for everyone, and especially for the children and young people Barnardo’s supports. Sadly this winter, more families are at risk of poverty, while the pandemic is wreaking havoc on children’s mental health. Too many children across the UK risk missing out on the joy of the festive season.”
“I’m hugely grateful to our friends and partners supporting this year’s Kidsmas Live, hosted by our fantastic President Natasha Kaplinsky. On behalf of all the children and young people we support, I’d like to thank our talented performers Jamie Cullum and Hussain Manawer and our generous partner Vodafone for making this possible. With their help, and yours, we can help raise vital funds to keep supporting vulnerable children through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.”
Helen Lamprell, General Counsel and External Affairs Director at Vodafone UK said: “We are delighted to be powering this year’s Barnardo’s Kidsmas Concert and helping to raise funds to support children and young people. Our focus throughout this crisis has been keeping the UK connected and we know this is especially important during the festive season. We hope families across the nation will tune in to enjoy a fun-filled evening of celebration.”
Barnardo’s is Vodafone’s charity partner for its Christmas campaign which includes ‘Light Up’ – a re-imagined 5G light display where children can see their Christmas card designs up in lights and that also makes bespoke e-cards for friends and family. Launching in December, for each card submitted, Vodafone will donate £1 to Barnardo’s which will be match funded by Vodafone UK Foundation.