DEVON parents are invited to lend their support to a fundraising event which is all about children helping children. Barnardo?s South West is preparing for this year?s Barnardo?s Big Toddle, its annual half-mile sponsored walk for under fives. Last year around 3,700 Devon children took part, making it the most active county in the entire region ? with more than 2,000 taking part in a mass event at Paignton Zoo in June. Regionally, more than 11,200 children took part ? an increase of almost a third on the year before. Together, they raised around £70,000 towards a national total of more than £1million to support the charity?s early years work. Julie Patterson, regional co-ordinator, said: ?We are thrilled that so many playgroups, nurseries and families chose to support us last year. Donations are still coming in every week. ?This year, we would like to encourage even more people to join us in providing a better future for local children.? Free event packs will soon be available ? full of hats, badges, certificates and posters ? and organisers even get to keep 25 per cent of the total for their own fundraising. Supporters will help to ensure that even the most disadvantaged children have the chance to play, giving them the chance of a better childhood and a brighter future as adults. Just £5 in sponsorship provides children?s books that are essential for their early learning and enjoyment, whereas £130 in sponsorship would provide a minibus to take a group of disabled children on a day trip. For further information on the Barnardo?s Big Toddle, call 0117 937 5510 or visit http://www.bigtoddle.co.uk">www.bigtoddle.co.uk Last year, Barnardo?s South West helped more than 10,000 children and young people at risk of poverty, abuse and discrimination. Locally, it runs fundraising shops in Barnstaple, Bideford and Newton Abbot.
