2012: what a year!

Written by Edmund Jackson, Save the Children Prize Draw coordinator.

It’s been a landmark one for the Save the Children Prize Draw, as it grew from its sole association with tennis to a plethora of audiences nationwide.

The hard work of all our fabulous volunteers and the kindness of the public who want to see a future where no child is born to die has meant we raised a tremendous £15,105!

Our lucky winner of the fabulous holiday to Hong Kong, courtesy of Cathay Pacific and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, was a one Diana Dent. We received a lovely letter from Diana upon hearing she’d won, here’s a small quote from her:

“It sounds so fantastic. My husband and I are thrilled to have won this prize simply by entering a raffle. Next year is special for us as my husband will be 50 and we will celebrate our silver wedding anniversary, so now we can really celebrate in style!”

It’s truly lovely to hear it shall be a real celebration, our congratulations to you Diana!

Wonderful Wimbledon

As ever, the fortnight fundraising at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships was an integral part of the Prize Draw.

Over 300 fantastic volunteers from our corporate partners (Goldman Sachs, Lloyds, and Accenture) flocked to aid the sale of tickets over the fortnight. Bright eyed and bushy tailed they set out at 7.30 every morning to woo the crowds, and even though the weather tried to thwart their attempts they battled on bravely through the elements.

There was also great support from a number of incredibly willing, experienced and knowledgeable volunteers from Save the Children branches in the Greater London area (Wimbledon, Walton & Wey, Esher, Sutton, Oxted, Chelsea & West branches and the Tennis Team) – their commitment this year was once again superb, teaching me a lot along the way!

It was my first experience of fundraising at Wimbledon, and I was amazed by the public response, it warmed me to see how accepting the public were to talk and engage with volunteers.

A nationwide success

Outside of the Wimbledon Championships, Prize Draw tickets have whizzed around the country being sold by dedicated branch members and shops at all manner of events, from county fairs to supermarkets.

I’d like to say an enormous THANK YOU to all those involved for your hard work and support.

On a personal note, my experience with the Prize Draw this year has been fantastic. What has struck me is how happy, friendly and dedicated everyone involved with Save the Children is.

Such an outlook is infectious, to new volunteers and to the general public alike. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a communal sense of compassion, care and kindness.

The winners of the Prize Draw were:

1. Diana Dent from Hereford who won a trip for two to Hong Kong.

2. Graham Yardley from Bedford who won a 46-inch Sony TV.

3. Diana Swann from Portsmouth who won a Sarah Berman handbag.

Here’s to an even more successful 2013!!!