STAFF at npower’s call centre in Worcester have been busy preparing for BBC Children in Need, which will be returning to our screens on Friday, following a special guest appearance from Pudsey Bear.
The much-loved bear has been busy visiting npower offices across the UK and also popped into the Hull and Sunderland offices to show support and encourage donations. The call centre employees at all three sites have been busy fund-raising by selling Children in Need merchandise and raffle tickets to raise even more money for the charity ahead of the show.
Around 75 npower employees in Worcester have volunteered their time to man dedicated phone lines, taking donations throughout the entire live BBC broadcast from 7pm on Friday night until the early hours on Saturday morning.
This is the fourth year running the team at Worcester have been selected as the BBC Children in Need’s official call centre, having taken thousands of calls in 2018 and contributing to the overall total raised of £58 million last year.
After last year’s success, npower is keen to keep the momentum running with support from Worcester’s Deputy Mayor and her husband who will be making a special guest appearance on Friday night.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jo Hodges said: “I am delighted to be joining the fundraising activities for this year’s Children in Need at npower’s call centre in Worcester. Good luck to all the volunteers who will be giving up their Friday evening to take donation calls for this wonderful charity.”
Lian Hitchen, event organiser and Service Manager based at npower’s Oak House office, said: “We have supported Children in Need as an official call centre on appeal night in Worcester for the last three years and every year it is magical! It’s such a fantastic evening and we have many returning volunteers keen to be involved, with some even working a normal 9-5 day before hitting the phone lines.
“Our team were also thrilled to have Pudsey visit ahead of the big night, this definitely got everyone into the fundraising spirit and we’re confident we’ll raise even more this year.
“We’re expecting a very busy evening and our volunteers will be ready and waiting to take donation calls. With our plans for a Peaky Blinders themed fancy dress and special guests in tow, it’s certainly going to be a night to remember.”
This year’s Appeal Night Show promises to be bigger and better than ever and every penny raised or donated through call centres like npower’s will go towards helping children in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood, and the chance to reach their full potential,
For more information visit www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk
