Text Santa asks public to “do your bit in a Christmas knit”
Howard Lake | 15 October 2015 | News
ITV’s Text Santa appeal returns on Friday 18 December, and this year’s campaign invites everyone to put on their favourite Christmas knitwear for Text Santa Christmas Jumper Day.
This year the campaign is supporting three charities, Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish® UK and Save the Children.
Fundraising kits can be downloaded now with details of how to involve schools, workplaces, nurseries, universities, colleges and groups of friends.
The campaign includes events ranging from London’s largest Santa run to Christmas quizzes at pubs.
The official fundraising starts on 1 December (which just happens to be Giving Tuesday, the global campaign to support charities and good causes), and culminates in the big Christmas Jumper Day on 18 December with a three-hour TV spectacular on ITV.
Philip Schofield in a Text Santa Christmas jumper
Last year Text Santa featured a host of celebrities, including actor George Clooney contributing to Downton Abbey; host Phillip Schofield climbing the Shard; a rap battle between hosts Alesha Dixon and Paddy McGuinness; and live music throughout the evening, as well as special sketches from ITV shows such as Birds of A Feather and Coronation Street.
Peter Fincham, ITV’s Director of Television said:
“Text Santa is ITV’s annual flagship fundraiser and this year we are asking everyone to join us in showing their support, both in the lead up and on the big day itself, by taking part in fundraising, and wearing a Christmas jumper on the 18th.
“With our partners this year in Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish, and Save The Children, we are looking forward to making December 18th a big one for ITV – encouraging our viewers to get involved with Christmas Jumper Day, and that evening, broadcasting live with Text Santa for our biggest and best entertainment spectacular yet.”
Fifth year for Text Santa
This is the fifth year for Text Santa. So far it has raised over £21 million for UK charities. It first took place in 2011.
Corporate partners for Text Santa 2015 include include Papa John’s, Vodafone, Twentieth Century Fox and department store Liberty.
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About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.