Rupert Bear helps raise money for charity

Rupert Bear will be teaming up with Barclays to help raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign this summer. The money raised will go towards helping the 60,000 families who live with muscle disease in the UK.

Whether you are an adult re-living your youth or hunting for a small gift for a special child or friend, why not pop into your local Barclays Bank from 1 July –  4 August 2008 to buy a limited edition Rupert Bear key ring?

Speaking about the partnership, Sally Cornish, Director of Fundraising at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign said:

“The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and this type of fundraising is a great way for everyone to get involved, have some fun and raise much-needed funds for people with muscle disease.

“As this partnership is only on for a limited period we hope that customers and staff will help us by going to their local Barclays branch to buy a Rupert Bear key ring.”

Gemma Kaye, Community Operations Support Manager from Barclays, said:

“At Barclays, we take our responsibilities seriously. We’re really proud of our leading community investment programme which added up to £52.4 million in 2007.

“The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is an excellent cause and we hope that the Rupert Bear key rings will be a great success.”

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only national charity focusing on all muscle diseases. It invests £3 million a year in care support services, research, muscle centres, networks, information and resources. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for nearly 50 years and provides practical, medical and emotional support to people affected.

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

More than 60,000 people in the UK have muscular dystrophy or a related condition. A further 300,000 people are affected indirectly as family, friends or carers.

Muscle diseases weaken and/or waste muscles. The conditions can be inherited or acquired and can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. There are currently no cures.

Barclays

Barclays Community investment programme in 2007

Over 43,000 Barclays people were involved in fundraising or volunteering in their communities.

The company supported over 7,000 charities around the world.

Over the last 5 years Barclays people have raised over £60 million for their favourite charities with the company’s help and matched fundraising.