Paddington asks schools to take part in his birthday fundraising challenge

Paddington Bear is encouraging primary schools, nurseries and children’s groups across the UK to register to take part in his annual Bring Your Bear event to raise vital funds for his favourite children’s charity, Action Medical Research.

The Bring Your Bear concept is very simple and it’s easy to take part on any convenient day in June, Paddington’s birthday month. Each child gets to bring their teddy bear or a favourite soft toy into school for the day in return for a £1 donation.

The money raised will go towards the charity’s Touching Tiny Lives appeal, which is helping doctors to find better ways to protect mums-to-be from the risk of pregnancy complications, reduce the incidence of premature birth and improve treatment for babies that need special care.

Many schools and groups organise a whole day of fun activities, such as reading Paddington stories and holding a teddy bears’ picnic – where, of course, the children eat Paddington’s favourite marmalade sandwiches!

Every school or group that registers will receive a fantastic free fundraising kit, filled with ideas for activities, educational materials and worksheets, plus plenty of Paddington Bear stickers – a real favourite with the children.

Those that pledge to raise £150 or more will also receive a free Paddington Bear soft toy. And those that raise £250 or more will receive a personally engraved Paddington Bear plaque to display in recognition of their achievement. What’s more, the top ten fundraisers of all will also get a personal visit from Paddington Bear himself to say ‘thank you’.

To register and receive your free fundraising kit visit www.action.org.uk/byb