UK charity War Child has today launched the second phase of its Emergency Coronavirus Crowdfunder and we are proud to announce that the theatre industry is joining them.
The charity raises money to protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children caught up in conflict. From supporting educational access for Syrian children to reintegrating child soldiers in the Central African Republic and promoting justice for young people in detention in Afghanistan, the charity aims to reach children as early as possible during conflicts and to remain as a support system throughout their recovery,
Now in its third week, the six-week campaign has so far raised over £185,000 of its £300,000 target, which will help War Child reach children impacted by conflict and Coronavirus. It could help support 4,000 families living in cramped conditions and provide lifesaving hygiene kits.
Since its launch on 21 July, the initiative has attracted 3,869 funders. Stars including Frances McDormand, Muse, Jodie Whittaker and many others have joined the likes of Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Stone and War Child Global Ambassadors Carey Mulligan, Marcus Mumford and Vanessa Kirby, to help raise vital finds for children whose lives have been torn apart by war.
The creative community have come together to support War Child by offering a special range of exclusive items, experiences and designs available to buy now, through auctions and prize draws priced at just £5. They include: The crown worn by Frances McDormand in the eagerly anticipated production of MacBeth, multiple prizes from British immersive theatre performance You Me Bum Bum Train including a two-hour Behind the Scenes lecture with the founders and dinner with You Me Bum Bum Train, an hour-long stunt session on the Mission Impossible set with Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell and their stunt team, lunch on set with Stephen Merchant, a personalised video from Jodie Whitaker, and a Stranger Things bomber jacket signed by award-winning actor Finn Wolfhard who plays Mike Wheeler in the show.
You can keep up to date with available prizes here and by following @WarChildUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Morgan Lloyd and Kate Bond, founders of immersive theatre group You Me Bum Bum Train.
Kate Bond and Morgan Lloyd, the founders behind You Me Bum Bum Train, who are donating multiple prizes said: “Meeting children whose lives have been devasted by conflict was a very humbling experience and we were so grateful to have that opportunity. And it was so inspirational to see what War Child are doing on the ground. One thing was very clear – these children need and deserve our support, even more so in the unrelenting wake of Coronavirus. We couldn’t be happier to be involved in the War Child Coronavirus Crowdfunder and hope as many people as possible join us in supporting this vital cause.”
Rob Williams, Chief Executive Officer at War Child UK, added: “Since the War Child Coronavirus Crowdfunder launched in July, we’ve been blown away with the support this life-saving initiative has received. To our contributors across the creative industry, our funders who have snapped up the prizes, and the media who have helped us drum up awareness – a huge thank you. We have hit halfway point now and are humbled once again by even more amazing contributions from our supporters. We have some incredible new prizes on offer so please do what you can to help us reach as many children as possible and provide the support they so urgently need. We have three weeks to go and we are determined to reach our goal!”
Whether you’d like to buy a prize or to make a donation to this very deserving cause, click here for all the details.