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GeneralGeneral

  • What is Sport Relief?

    As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. All the money raised by the public helps people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the UK and across the world's poorest countries.

  • What date is Sport Relief?

    The Sport Relief Weekend is taking place from Friday 19th March to Sunday 21st March 2010. It’ll be three whole days of energy, entertainment and events for everyone to enjoy. From the Friday of fundraising fun and a night of cracking TV on BBC One, right through to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday, it promises to be a brilliant weekend. And the best bit is, all the cash raised by the public will help to transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people across the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

  • What can I do for Sport Relief?

    There are lots of ways you can get involved with Sport Relief 2010. All we ask is that you rise to the challenge – get active, raise cash and change lives. The best way to take part, and rise to the challenge, is by entering the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 21st March. You can choose the distance that’s a challenge for you – 1, 3 or 6 Miles. If that’s just not your thing then the Sport Relief Weekend kicks off with a big day of fundraising on Friday 19th March.

    So, whether you’re at work, in school, at home or at the Mile, you can have a ball when you rise to the challenge with your colleagues, family and friends. Whatever you do, do something – because all the money you raise is spent by Comic Relief to transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people across the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

Sainsbury’s Sport Relief MileSainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile

  • Where is my nearest Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile event taking place?
    There are hundreds of Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile events happening across the UK so there's bound to be one near you. Find out where your nearest Mile is taking place.
  • When is the last date I can enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile?
    The last day that you can enter a local Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile online is 11pm on 'Thursday 18th' March. The last day that you can enter a Flagship Mile online is 11pm on Friday 20th March. Some of our events can be entered on the day however our events are always very popular and we have a maximum capacity at each venue so we cannot guarantee space. Places are assigned on a first come first served basis so we really recommend that you enter the event as soon as you can before we sell out. From Saturday 19th March, when online registration is closed, we will have the information on our website for where on the day entries are available.
  • We would like to enter a Mile event as a group. Can we do this or does everyone have to register as an individual?
    It is possible to enter multiple people at the same time, simply click on ‘enter others’ when prompted during the entry process. If you are filling out an entry form, please add the additional people in your group in the spaces provided.
  • When I enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile what will I get?
    If you enter on or before Sunday 14th March you will receive a Sport Relief Miler Pack, which will confirm your Miler number and allocated start time, in time for your Mile on Sunday 21st. If you enter after Sunday 14th March you will receive an e-mail confirmation from us telling you where your Mile is and what time the wave you entered starts. When you arrive at the event you should go to the Registration Point where you will be able to pick up your runner-number to wear for your mile. The Registration Point will be clearly marked at the venue but if you are having trouble finding it there will be an Information Point too.
  • What should I wear for the Mile?
    We recommend you wear a good pair of trainers and comfortable clothing, but we'd be delighted to see you in fancy dress! Check out our fundraising ideas for the Mile, and don't forget to be creative - you never know, you may even get on the telly!
  • Will you be timing participants/holding time trials?
    No, we won’t be doing any formal timing. But there will be clocks at the start and finish of some of our larger events, so you can time yourself if you want to.
  • Can I walk/jog rather than run or is it a race?
    Yes, of course you can walk or jog. Some people will want to go fast but there will be lots of people jogging and walking. Remember it’s supposed to be fun so we aren’t expecting you to race against the other participants – unless you want to!
  • My wave time is much later than the event’s start time, what time do I have to be there?
    Our event start time is usually the time when the event is open for anyone to arrive; some of the events will have entertainment from that time. Generally though you need to arrive at least 30 minutes before your wave starts in order to ensure you get warmed up and to the start area in plenty of time.
  • What do I need to bring on the day?
    You’ll need to bring your miler number so that you can enter into your Mile. You’ll also need to bring some safety pins to attach your miler number to your clothing. Your miler number will be in your Sport Relief Welcome Pack which you should have received within ten working days of your entry.
  • Will there be anywhere to leave my bags whilst I do the Mile?
    Unfortunately we can’t provide anywhere secure for bags. We recommend you come without any heavy bags or do your Mile with a small rucksack or money pouch.
  • I have a disability, can I still take part?
    We have made every effort to ensure that as many of our courses and venues as possible are suitable for people with disabilities. There are some exceptions to this, however. More information is available on the web page specific to the Mile you would like to enter. Find your nearest Mile.
  • Can I skate/cycle/rollerblade the Mile?
    Unfortunately we can’t allow this. We have to consider the safety of all our other Milers - some of whom are small children.
  • Is there a minimum age for someone doing the Mile?

    No, we don’t have any age restrictions, but children and young people under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian to attend, and must supply a responsible adult’s emergency contact details.

    It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to decide whether a child or young person under 18 is capable of doing a Mile, and the level of supervision necessary, however we ask that children under 16 are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times, as there may be a large number of participants and it could be difficult to find each other if you are separated.

    If you are bringing very young children or prams, we ask you to move towards the back of the queue of participants and let faster Milers go off first.

    For more information on children and young people involved in Sport Relief, please see The Serious Bit.

  • Can my dog do the Mile?
    Please check the individual Mile page for the event that you would like to attend for more information about whether or not dogs are allowed. If you attend a Mile event with your dog, please be responsible and clear up after it.
  • Can I enter on the day?
    The events are very popular and we do sell out quite quickly. We recommend you enter as soon as possible. Find your nearest Mile event.
  • How do I know whether to do 1, 3 or 6 Miles?
    This year, to help you really rise to the challenge, there are three distances up for grabs – all you need to do is decide which one best suits you, your friends or your family. Find out more.
  • How will I be able to track if I’m doing 3 or 6 miles?
    With people running different distances it’s important that you arrive at your meeting point 30 minutes before your wave starts, so you are clear about how your route works. Most routes are circular, so you will be able to count how many times you go round in order to work out how far you have run.
  • Does my entry fee count as a donation?
    To make the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile affordable for everyone, your entry fees only cover the cost of staging the Mile events, and don't include a donation to Sport Relief. That's why we really need everyone taking part to raise as much cash as possible by getting sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues – to help transform lives here in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.
  • How much does it cost to enter to do 1, 3 or 6 miles?

    Adults: £5; Children: £2; Family Ticket (two adults two children): £12. These prices are the same regardless of the distance you choose to run.

    The entry fee goes towards helping us to cover costs of putting on events across the UK. That’s why we ask you to get sponsored and raise money – to help transform lives here in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries. Find out how to get sponsored and raise money.

  • Are the BBC showing the events and how do I get on TV?

    The BBC will be filming at 16 of our Flagship events, ready to be broadcast during the Mile Show - on BBC One, Sunday, 21st March.

    The best way to get on TV is to do your Mile in a different way or dress up to stand out in the crowd, but unfortunately we can never guarantee that the BBC will show you.

  • Will I be running exactly 1, 3, or 6 miles?
    Due to the diverse nature of the hundreds of venues across the UK we can’t guarantee that all Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile courses are the exact length. Whilst some may be slightly under and some may be slightly over, they are all as near to the exact distance as possible.

FundraisingFundraising

Schools and Early YearsSchools and Early Years

  • How can my school get involved in Sport Relief?

    Students and staff can get involved in Sport Relief in loads of different ways. Our fundraising ideas and resources provide your school with a wide variety of sporty challenges, from a Sport Relief Mile in your school to a “students versus teachers” football match. Our curriculum-linked teaching resources can show your students about the serious challenges facing children in the UK and around the world, and also how their fundraising can make a difference. Check out our Schools page for more information.

  • When can we do our Sport Relief event?

    The Sport Relief Weekend kicks off on Friday 19th March 2010. However, you can organise your school event any time – just be sure to use the schools’ giro slip in your Schools’ Kit to pay in your fundraising money as soon as possible after the event. If you have misplaced your schools’ giro slip just let us know by emailing schools@sportrelief.com and we will post you a replacement. Or you can pay your money in online - find out how.

  • Can my Early Years group get involved?

    Absolutely! Sport Relief has its very own tailored activities and resources for you and your little ones. You’ll be able to learn and fundraise, and have lots of fun along the way. We’ve teamed up with our friend Sportacus from LazyTown to get your little ones excited about Sport Relief. Find out more. You can also order your Early Years Kit at the exclusive Teachers Shop - full of activities, fundraising ideas, stickers and more.

  • What resources are available for my school or Early Years group?

    You can order your free Schools / Early Years Kit at our exclusive Teachers' Shop. There are three available - Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School. Content will include:

    • Story posters
    • Event posters
    • A guide to how to do Sport Relief in your school  (different for Early Years, Primary School and Secondary School)
    • DVD (Primary School and Secondary School only)
    • A Giro slip to use when you pay your money in
    • A Sport Relief Sock order form
    • Stickers
    • Balloons

    Kits will be delivered from January onwards.

    There are also fantastic fundraising and teaching ideas available to download. These include lesson plans, assembly ideas, event posters, a template press release, a sport themed quiz and lots more!

  • How do I use the Interactive Story Maps in my classroom?
    To open the Interactive Story Map:
    1. Click on the link to download the zip file to your desktop.
    2. Double-click to open zip file and then copy the contents to a folder on your hard drive. Note: If you can’t open the zip files, try using StuffIt Expander for Mac or WinZip for PC.
    3. Inside the iwb_rohit or iwb_lakesha folders you will see a file named iwb_rohit or iwb_lakesha. Double click on the one you want to start.
  • Can I have more event posters/DVDs for my school?

    You can download extra event posters or if you have a Schools’ Kit you could photocopy them. You can also download all our films.

    You’ll find lots of other resources you can use with your school too - such as PowerPoint presentations, interactive whiteboard activities and PDFs that you can print out.

  • I didn’t receive a Schools or Early Years Kit, what do I do?

    If you have ordered a Schools’ Kit and it hasn’t arrived by the end of January then please let us know by emailing us at schools@sportrelief.com, so that we can check that we have the right contact information for you. If you have ordered from mid January, it can take up to 10 working days for your kit to reach you from the day you order it.

  • We are an international / army school, can we take part?

    Definitely! We’re always keen to get masses of support from our friends overseas. Check out our website for ideas and resources to get you started.

    If you’re a BFPO School, you can also order one of our fantastic Schools Kits, or even get Sport Relief Socks for your school from our Sock Deposit Scheme.

  • Do I need to register my school event?

    There is no official registration process. You can organise Sport Relief in your school using our teaching and fundraising resources. However, we always love to hear what schools are up to, so let us know by emailing schools@sportrelief.com.

  • What is the Sport Relief Sock Deposit Scheme?

    To make fundraising for Sport Relief super simple in your school, we’ve created the Sock Deposit Scheme. The scheme allows you to buy Sport Relief Socks to sell at your School by paying a small deposit upfront, followed by the outstanding balance when you’ve sold them all. You can find out everything you need to know about how to order yours, or email us on depositscheme@sportrelief.com.

  • Is there anything kids can do for Sport Relief outside of school?

    Yes! There’s a fun website especially for children packed with interactive games and activities around Sport Relief. They can also rise to the challenge and help get Milo the Sock ready to run the Sainsburys Sport Relief Mile and learn how the money they raise will make a difference to children living tough lives in the UK and countries across the world. Join in the fun now!

  • Can a film crew come to our event?

    Thank you so much for getting involved in Sport Relief. I’m afraid we cannot organise for a film crew to come to your event. However you may like to use our template press release – you can fill out the details of your event and send it to your local newspapers, television or radio stations and see if they would like to report on what you are doing.

    You can also show your own films on VoiceBox, the exclusive schools’ uploader.

    We love to hear what you are doing for Sport Relief in school so please let us know – you can email us at schools@sportrelief.com.

  • Can someone from Sport Relief or a celebrity come and visit or speak at our school?

    Thank you so much for your invitation. We are lucky enough to have an extremely hardworking staff team here at Sport Relief, who are incredibly busy making sure our campaigns are a success. As much as we would love to be able to attend every school event, it is just not possible as we don't have the resources.

    The celebrities that we work with give us their time and support for free, and when you add up the TV appearances, media interviews and personal appearances, that’s often a lot of time. We simply can't make any more demands of them.

    If you would like someone special to visit your school, why not try contacting local key figures, like your Mayor, who might be glad to support a local event.

  • As a school, how do we pay in our money?

    Fill in the giro slip in the Schools’ Kit and take it along when you pay in your money by cash or cheque at any bank. If you want to post a cheque, please make it payable to ‘Sport Relief 2010 (Schools)’ and send it with your giro to Sport Relief 2010 (Schools), Ernst & Young, PO Box 51543, London SE1 2UG. Or you can pay your money in online.

    Using the schools’ giro to pay your money in or paying in through our Schools or Early Years online donation page will ensure that you are automatically sent a Thank You certificate so don’t forget your giro!

  • Will we receive a 'Thank You' certificate for fundraising?

    Paying your money in using the giro in your Schools’ Kit or paying your money in online will ensure that you are automatically sent a thank you certificate (which acts as a receipt). We promise we will send your certificate as soon as we can but please bear with us as there are so many fantastic people for us to thank! We really couldn’t do it without you!

  • What do we do if we have lost our school’s giro slip?

    No problem at all! Just drop us an email at schools@sportrelief.com with your name, the name of your school and your school address, and we will be happy to send you a replacement giro slip. Or you can pay your money in online.

    Remember, using the schools’ giro to pay your money in or paying in through our Schools or Early Years online donation page will ensure that you are automatically sent a 'Thank You' certificate so don’t forget your giro!

Hula Hoop HoopathonHula Hoop Hoopathon

  • What is the Hula Hoop Hoopathon?
    Hula Hoops Hoopathon is the world record attempt being organised by United Biscuits (UK) LTD for the most number of people hula hooping at same time. The Hoopathon will take place at the sixteen flagship Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile cities. All Hula Hoops Hoopathons will start at midday sharp, and all participants will need to hula with their hoops around their waists for 2 minutes without dropping the hoop.
  • How does participation in the Hoopathon make a contribution to Sport Relief?
    Participants are encouraged to gain sponsorship just like with the Mile. Entry fees for the Hula Hoops Hoopathon are the same as for the Mile and go towards staging the events across the country.
  • Do you need to register to take part?
    Yes. There won't be anywhere to sign up and pay the entry fee on the day so please sign up at www.hulahoops.com in advance.
  • Can anyone enter?
    Yes, you’ll need to sign up quickly though before we fill up! However if you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to consent that you can sign up, and they will need to be with you on the day, to sign the World Record Log Book.
  • Do I need to pay to take part in both the Hula Hoops Hoopathon and Sainsbury’s Event Mile?
    The entry fee payable secures you a place in the Hula Hoops Hoopathon and the Event Mile in the same city. The entry fee automatically signs you up for both the Hula Hoops Hoopathon and the Sainsbury’s Event Mile, but if you just want to join us for the hooping that’s fine by us, we’ll see you at 11am!
  • When will the Hula Hoops Hoopathon’s be taking place?
    Hoopathons will take place at the sixteen flagship Mile cities at 12:00 on Sunday 21st March. If taking part you will need to arrive by 11am to sign the official World Record Log Book, collect your free hoop and T-shirt and take part in a warm up.
  • Can my children take part?
    Yes, yes, yes! As long as you can hula hoop (and are big enough to use our hoops) you can take part. However anyone under the age of 18 will need to have their parent or guardian with them on the day in order to sign the official World Record Attempt Log Book.
  • I have a disability, can I still take part?
    Of course you can! The Hula Hoops Hoopathon is about everyone taking part and having fun. Our staff on the day will be able to show you how you can take part and count towards the world record attempt. Please bear in mind that the Hoopathons at the following locations are taking place on grass: Birmingham, Bristol, Gateshead, Manchester, Nottingham and Southampton; at Manchester there will also be a trackway.
  • What happens if it rains?
    You might get wet! Be prepared for our classically unpredictable British Weather the record attempt will go ahead rain or shine and we need you!

Social Networking and WebsiteSocial Networking and Website

TV / CelebritiesTV / Celebrities

  • Can you get a TV crew to cover my event?

    The BBC has full editorial control over the TV show so we can’t make any promises. They are already hard at work putting together TV content for the Sport Relief Weekend: Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2010. If you think you have a story that’s worth telling, you can email fundraising@sportrelief.com. You can also tell the world what you're doing to fundraise for Sport Relief by setting up your own online fundraising page.

  • Can you get a celebrity to attend my event?

    We are incredibly lucky to get so much public support that we are overwhelmed with such requests and can’t possibly fulfil them all.

    Our celebrities are really busy helping us to promote Sport Relief: from taking part in sporting events to filming and rehearsing for the TV show. Why don't you think about getting in touch with local celebrities or public figures, such as your mayor or MP, who might be able to come along? Contact your local council or media to find out how you might get in touch with these people.

  • Is it possible for me to come and present a cheque on TV?

    Thank you so much for the money you have raised for Sport Relief.

    The BBC has full editorial control over the content of the TV show. There are only usually 4 or 5 cheque presentations during the TV show over the whole night as most of the time is taken up by entertainment and information about where the money you raise goes.

    We have already allocated these slots to our corporate partners who sponsor the campaign. We really appreciate the money you raise and the efforts you have made in supporting us - we couldn't do it without you and you continually inspire us. Thank you.

  • Can I get tickets for the show?
    The BBC is responsible for allocating tickets to the TV show. They do get a large number of requests, so good luck! For details on how to apply, contact BBC Studio Audiences at www.bbc.co.uk/tickets.
  • When is the Sport Relief 2010 show on?
    The main TV show will be on Friday 19th March from 7pm on BBC One. The whole of the BBC will be behind Sport Relief 2010 – delivering brilliant entertainment across TV, radio and online in the run up to, and including, The Sport Relief Weekend which is happening Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2010.

ShopShop

  • How much do the Sport Relief products cost and what sizes do they come in?

    Sport Relief Socks: The Sport Relief Socks are made with certified Fairtrade cotton and come in 4 different sizes:

    Kids  9-12 and 12.5–3.5
    Adults  4-7 and 6–12

    They cost £2 a pair with at least £1 going to Sport Relief.
    Sock fabric consists of 83% cotton, 16% polyamide and 1% elastane.

    Sport Relief Wristband: The Sport Relief Wristband is made with certified Fairtrade cotton and costs £1 with at least 50p going to Sport Relief. This is made from 92% cotton, 5% nylon and 3% elastane.

    Sport Relief Water Bottle: The Sport Relief Water Bottle costs £1 with at least 50p going to Sport Relief.

    Sport Relief Mobile/MP3 sock: The Sport Relief Mobile/MP3 sock is made with 50.50% Acrylic, 39.50% Polypropylene and 10% elastane and costs £2 with at least £1 going to Sport Relief.

    Sport Relief Bouncy Balls: The Sport Relief Bouncy Balls cost £1 each with at least 50p going to Sport Relief. There are 3 to collect.

  • Where is Sport Relief 2010 merchandise sold?

    The Socks are available in all Sainsbury’s stores and on their website at www.sainsburys.co.uk. In addition, they can be bought through the Sport Relief online shop and there is also a limited number of Sport Relief socks available at Bannatyne’s Health Clubs.

    The Wristband, Water Bottle, MP3 Sock, and Bouncy Balls are being sold in all Sainsbury’s stores and online at www.sainsburys.co.uk and through the Sport Relief online shop.

    The t-shirts are available in both Sainsbury’s and TK Maxx stores. In addition they can be brought through the Sport Relief online shop and www.sainsburys.co.uk and www.tkmaxx.co.uk

    To find your nearest store visit the Sport Relief online shop .

  • Why can I only buy Sport Relief merchandise at Sainsbury's and online?

    As our Official Retailer, Sainsbury's kindly cover the cost of producing, distributing and retailing the Socks and other Sport Relief merchandise. The merchandise would not be possible without a major retail partner. Without this support Comic Relief could not cover the cost of making the Socks and would put the charity at great financial risk, which we cannot afford to do. We realise that not every town has a Sainsbury's store; so in addition it is possible to purchase merchandise at the Sport Relief online shop and there is also a limited number of Sport Relief socks available at Bannatyne’s Health Clubs.

    Sainsbury’s and TK Maxx have also shared the costs of producing, distributing and retailing the t-shirt. Without this support Comic Relief could not cover the cost of making the T-Shirts and would put the charity at great financial risk, which we cannot afford to do. We realise that not every town has a Sainsbury’s or TK Maxx, so in addition it is possible to purchase the T-Shirts at the Sport Relief online shop.

    To find your nearest store visit the Sport Relief online shop .

  • Will Sport Relief merchandise be available online all year round?
    No. Sport Relief merchandise will be only available for a limited period, from mid-January until the end of the Sport Relief campaign.
  • My Sport Relief 2010 item is damaged. What should I do?
    We're sorry that your merchandise is damaged. If the item was bought online, please return the item using the returns label provided on delivery. If the item was purchased in a store, please return it to the place you bought it from.
  • My T-shirt/Socks do not fit. What should I do?
    The 2010 Socks and T-shirts have been designed in different sizes and ranges specifically, with the intention of fitting the vast majority of wearers. However, it is difficult to ensure that everyone will find a perfect fit. We hope this has not spoiled your enjoyment of Sport Relief.
  • Why does the online shop not deliver overseas?
    We’re sorry we cannot deliver overseas. Unfortunately the high cost of delivery beyond the UK currently means we are unable to do this. Please note that we also cannot deliver to PO Boxes.
  • When is the last day for online orders?
    To ensure you receive your order by Friday 19th March, it must be placed online by Sunday 14th March. The online shop will close soon after the Sport Relief Weekend.

DonationsDonations

  • How much of the money I raise or donate will go to those who need it?

    In order to run itself in a professional and effective way Comic Relief incurs necessary significant costs. Raising funds, making grants and organisational overheads cost real money.

    Despite these costs, Comic Relief is still able to promise that for every pound the charity gets directly from the public a pound goes to helping transform the lives of people living with poverty and social injustice. If Sport Relief raises £20 million, Comic Relief will spend at least £20 million doing just that.

    It can make this promise because its operating budget is covered in cash or in kind from all types of supporters like corporate sponsors and donors, suppliers, generous individuals and government (including Gift Aid) as well as from investment income and interest.

  • How can I pay in fundraising money or make a donation?

    Online
    Just go to your Sport Relief Giving Page, or pay in here.

    At any bank
    Using the giro slip at the bottom of your sponsorship form, found in your fundraising kit. Sport Relief 2010 giro slips will also be available behind the counter at most bank branches from March 15th 2010.

    By post
    Send a cheque or postal order, made payable to Sport Relief 2010 along with your giro slip, to Ernst & Young, PO Box 51543, London SE1 2UG.

    On the phone
    Keep the cash you’ve collected and use your debit / credit card – just call 03457 910 910.*

    From March 15th 2010 you can also pay in:

    • at any Post Office – pay your money into freepay account 6777
    • at any building society - pay into the ‘Sport Relief 2010’ account

    * Standard geographic charges apply and calls may be included in your call package. Calls from mobiles may be higher.

  • I have a bag full of small change. What shall I do with it?

    Thank you for thinking of donating any small change that you have. The best thing to do with it is to count it and bag it and then take it to any high street bank, Post Office or Building Society and ask to pay your money into the Sport Relief 2010 account.

  • I've collected some foreign currency. What shall I do with it?

    Banks and Building Societies will only accept sterling. If you have a bank account you could pay the money into your account and then write a cheque to Sport Relief 2010, or convert the money at a foreign exchange teller and then donate the money to Sport Relief.

  • I know that my employer operates a matched giving scheme, what can I do to get them to match my donation?

    Ask your employer for a matched giving form. Send this to Sport Relief 2010, Ernst and Young, PO Box 51543, London SE1 2UG with your cheque, or if you have paid your money into a bank, with the giro stub/receipt from the bank. This will provide us with confirmation that your donation has been received.

  • Can I set up a standing order for Sport Relief?

    Thank you so much for considering donating to Sport Relief on a regular basis. It’s possible to make regular donations to Sport Relief by emailing fundraising@comicrelief.com and requesting a ‘Regular Giving form’. Alternatively you can request a form by writing to us at Comic Relief, Marketing Team, 5th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP. Remember to let us know your address. Thank you!

  • Can I use payroll giving to make regular donation to Sport Relief/Comic Relief from my pay?

    Yes – if your employer operates a payroll giving scheme then you can set up a regular deduction from your pay to come directly to Comic Relief. Please ask your employer for more information.

Gift AidGift Aid

  • What is Gift Aid and how can it mean more money for Comic Relief?

    If you pay UK tax and let us know, the Government will give Comic Relief at least 25% on top of your donation. It won’t cost you a penny - all you need to do is tick the Gift Aid box on your Sport Relief 2010 giro slip, or tell us you want to ‘Gift Aid it’ when you donate online or over the phone. To say yes to Gift Aid, you will need to have paid UK tax in the current tax year that’s at least equal to the 25% we will claim. We also need your full name and home address.

    In addition, following the 2008 Budget, the Government will pay a Transitional Relief of 3 pence on every pound for every Gift Aid donation made from 6th April 2008 until 5th April 2011. This means that we can claim in total an extra 28% on top of your donation if you Gift Aid it.

  • Gift Aid - How does it work?

    Gift Aid is surprisingly easy. It can apply to personal donations of any amount, large or small, by cash, cheque, postal order, debit or credit card, or even a foreign currency (including the Euro). If you are a UK taxpayer, all you have to do is give Comic Relief a simple Gift Aid declaration. It does not, however, apply to CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) cards, as the tax has already been reclaimed in this case.

  • What’s a Gift Aid declaration?
    If you make a personal donation to us during Sport Relief, you will be asked to declare whether you would like us to claim Gift Aid. This will be either by ticking the appropriate box on the Sport Relief giro slip (when paying in your money at a Bank or sent to Ernst & Young), ticking the Gift Aid box on the donation page online, asking your sponsors to tick the Gift Aid box on your sponsorship form, or by saying ‘yes' to the Gift Aid question whilst donating via the phone. You will also be asked to give us your full name and home address – without this we can’t claim Gift Aid. If you donate by telephone and speak to one of our operators, we will write to you or email you to confirm this declaration. We are legally obliged to do so in support of our claim.
  • How can I be sure my donation qualifies for Gift Aid?
    By ticking the Gift Aid box, you are declaring that you are a UK taxpayer (for the current tax year beginning 6th April 2009) and you have paid (or are going to pay) the Government more tax throughout that year than we are claiming back. If you have donated £10, for example, and have indicated that you would like us to claim the tax back, we can claim £2.50 from the Inland Revenue. You must, therefore, be sure that you have paid (or will pay) more than £2.50 in income or Capital Gains tax to the government for that tax year. This is because the government cannot give the money back to us if you haven't already paid any!
  • Where can I get further information on Gift Aid?

    Visit the Inland Revenue website (www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities) or www.tax-effective-giving.org.uk. Alternatively, contact your local Tax Office.

  • How does my donation qualify for Gift Aid?
    You must:
    • Have paid at least as much tax as we will reclaim (which is 25p for every £1 you donate) in the tax year in which you made your donation. The tax year runs from 6th April in one year to 5th April in the next.
    • Have made a declaration to us that you want your donation to be Gift Aided and have provided us with your full name and home address.
  • Have I paid sufficient tax?
    When you give money to us under the Gift Aid scheme, we will reclaim back the basic rate tax on that money (25%). You must therefore have paid an amount of tax in the current tax year at least equal to the tax we will reclaim. That tax can be income tax or capital gains tax at any rate. If, for example, you have donated £10, we can claim an extra £2.50 from the Inland Revenue. You would therefore have needed to pay more than £2.50 in tax over the year. If you have donated £20, you'd need to have paid more than £5.00 in tax, £100, more than £25 etc. Even if you only pay tax at the 10% starting rate, that tax can cover the tax we reclaim on the donation.
  • How much will it be worth?

    You can calculate the amount of tax we would roughly claim back by using the following equation:

    0.25 x £Your donation
    (E.G.1) 0.25 x £10.00 = £2.50
    ( E.G.2) 0.25 x £20.00 = £5.00

  • What if I am a higher rate taxpayer?
    The charity reclaims the tax on your donation only at the basic rate, even if you are a higher rate taxpayer. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you can claim the difference between the higher rate of tax of 40% and the basic rate of tax of 20% on your Self Assessment return.
  • Can I count tax paid on my dividend income?
    Yes. Tax credits on dividend income can be used to cover tax reclaimed by the charity.
  • What about tax deducted from my savings?
    If tax is deducted from bank or building society interest you receive, you can use that to cover the tax on the donation, provided you have not reclaimed it. If you have reclaimed that tax, then you must not use it to cover the tax on your donation.
  • Why do I need to give a declaration?
    The declaration is our authority to reclaim tax from the Inland Revenue on your donation. By giving the declaration you are confirming that you understand this.
  • Can I withdraw a declaration?
    If, for any reason, you decide that your donation should not be Gift Aided, you have 30 days from the date of the written record to tell us to withdraw it.
  • Can Comic Relief claim Gift Aid on collections at fundraising events?

    If you have simply collected money from other people and they have not made a declaration to the charity that they are taxpayers, the payment is not Gift Aid-able. However, if you have been sponsored for an event, and each sponsor has signed a Gift Aid declaration (the tick box on the sponsor form) and given us their name and full address, then we can reclaim the tax on the amounts covered by their declarations.

    Just send in your sponsorship form with your web payment reference or bank receipt to:

    Sport Relief 2010
    Ernst & Young
    PO Box 51543
    London
    SE1 2UG

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