The fourth annual Text Santa appeal has been the most successful ever, increasing the total raised by a massive 20% on the 2013 campaign.
Boosted by George Clooney’s role in a specially-written sketch of Downton Abbey and Phillip Schofield’s record-breaking 24 hours round-the-clock presenting, Text Santa 2014 has raised over £6.2 million.
And the fundraising isn’t over yet. People are able to donate until the 31 January either online or by visiting a branch of Santander.
This year’s fundraising means that each of the six chosen UK-based charities will receive a cheque for more than £1,000,000 from ITV’s Text Santa. The six charities supported by Text Santa 2014 are Teenage Cancer Trust, Guide Dogs, WellChild, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Alzheimer’s Society and Together for Short Lives. The first instalment has already been paid to the charities, with the rest due by April. Already, viewers’ donations are changing people’s lives.
Since its launch in 2011, Text Santa has now raised more than £21 million, with 100% of all donations going directly to UK charities and all operational costs of the appeal covered directly by ITV.
Reaction from Presenters of Text Santa:
Phillip Schofield: “What a result! I enjoyed every moment of the 24 hour Text Santa challenge this year and it’s great to see it paying off, helping to achieve the highest total ever at over £6.2m.”
Christine Bleakley: “I’m thrilled to have been involved with Text Santa and for this fantastic total to have been raised, it will mean so much to the UK charities and the people they support.”
Alesha Dixon: “I was really honoured and excited to work on Text Santa. This is an awesome total to have raised for the charities who will do great work with the money.”
Paddy McGuinness: “The Great British public have once again shown what makes them so great. I always look forward to getting involved with Text Santa and long may it continue!”