Ten charities are collaborating to raise £500,000 between them through a virtual evening of celebrity entertainment, performances and prize draws.
Volunteering Matters initially came up with the idea of The Massive Get Together. The other charities got involved because they were attracted by the idea of a less competitive approach to fundraising that involves sharing resources to book celebrities and promote the event.
The event will take place at 8pm on 17 September, and proceeds from ticket sales will be shared between Marie Curie, the Children’s Trust, FareShare, St John Ambulance, Royal Voluntary Service, Love Your Neighbour, Crisis, the Conservation Volunteers, Thames Hospice and Volunteering Matters.
So far over £10,000 has been raised from 260 supporters.
Organisers have been supported by YOURgb EVENTS, which was paid a one-off reduced fee and is not taking a percentage of ticket sales.
A spokesperson added: “Volunteering Matters has secured backers to underwrite most of the event budget to ensure there is very little risk to charitable funds and to maximise the fundraising returns for the charities.”
Celebrity line up
Gaby Roslin and Amanda Byram will host the event which also promises to include singer Chesney Hawkes, comedian Nina Conti, singer Nadine Coyle, musician Myleene Klass and singer songwriters Sophie Ellis-Bextor, JC Stewart, Donel, and Callum Beattie.
All celebrities have donated their time.
Paul Reddish, chief executive of Volunteering Matters and founder of the Massive Get Together, said: “This year the nations’ charities have been critical to so many. They’ve been at the heart of much of the Covid-19 response – from delivering food to supporting those most isolated in every community throughout the UK.
“Their staff and volunteers continue to provide these vital services, such as end-of-life care and key support for the vulnerable, despite of the ongoing conditions created by this pandemic.”
Many charities have struggled to replace income that would have been generated by fundraising events that were cancelled due to lockdown and social distancing requirements, and experts estimate that the sector as a whole faces a £12bn funding gap.
Reddish added: “We thought if leading members of the charity sector could come together and join forces, then collectively we could unite and help each other respond on mass to the impact of Covid-19. That’s the thinking behind the Massive Get Together – when charities unite, to entertain us all.”
Tickets are £10 and can be bought via the The Massive Get Together's Crowdfunder page.
Related articles
