# ITV’s Born to Shine raises £2.1 million for Save the Children

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/11/21/itv039s-born-shine-raises-21m-save-children/
- Published: 2011-11-21T14:53:17+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

ITV’s Born to Shine series has raised over £2.1 million for Save the Children. The
six-week series, hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky, was inspired by Save the Children’s
No Child Born to Die campaign and involved talented children mentoring celebrities
in new skills.

The grand final in August saw comedian Jason Manford crowned the winner for his 
operatic performance alongside his child mentor, 14 year old George Clark from Truro,
Cornwall. He beat actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, actor/director Nick Moran, rugby player
Gareth Thomas and Emmerdale stars Tony Audenshaw and Lesley Dunlop to the title.

The total funds raised include aid donated by the government as part of its new 
[UK Aid Match Scheme](http://www.dfid.gov.uk/ukaidmatch) which was launched shortly
before the show aired. The scheme involves the Government matching funds donated
by the public to charity appeals for projects in developing countries and gives 
the British public a say in how part of the aid budget is spent. This resulted in
over £500,000 in government aid which will support Save the Children’s health and
hunger work in Niger and Liberia.

## Advertisement

Donations for Save the Children during Born to Shine were given by SMS, online and
by phone.

The show also secured corporate supporters. Morrisons were the exclusive retail 
partner for sales of Save the Children’s Born to Shine Glow Bands. Over 2,000 staff
from Lloyds Banking Group volunteered to staff the phones taking donations for their
Charity of the Year. Bus and rail operator FirstGroup donated advertising space 
worth £150,000 on its buses nationwide.

www.savethechildren.org.uk

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