Barclays get behind Comic Relief and BBC Children in Needs The Big Night In fundraising appeal

20th April 2020

To help the most vulnerable across the UK who have been severely affected by the current coronavirus crisis, Barclays has pledged its support to Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need as part of the ‘The Big Night In’ appeal.

The bank will be matching donations from customers up to £1million, as well as matching colleague personal donations and fundraising efforts, and has made its own donation of £1million. By matching the total money raised, donations will go twice as far to help people and local communities who need support the most.

‘The Big Night In’ appeal will see the BBC’s biggest charitable partners, Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need, join forces for the very first time with a live star-studded show to help raise funds and celebrate acts of kindness on Thursday 23rd April, BBC One, 7-10pm.

The show aims to unite the nation with an evening of incredible entertainment and stories of those going the extra mile to support their communities in these troubled times.

The money raised by Barclays and ‘The Big Night In’ appeal will be split equally between Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need to support local charities and projects in the UK, so they can continue to provide vital emergency support to those affected by the current crisis. This includes making sure people are safe from harm, mentally healthy and with access to food, warmth and shelter; as well as helping people stay connected, active and positive through these extraordinary times.

Jes Staley, Group CEO of Barclays said: “We’re proud to be working with ‘The Big Night In’ appeal to help people in our communities who need us more than ever at this challenging time. It’s vital to support charities and the crucial work they do to ensure people get the help they need.

“We’ve heard fantastic stories of our colleagues going above and beyond to support our isolated customers, and we’re delighted to be matching customer donations up to £1million. Barclays will also make a donation of £1million to this fantastic cause.

“We want to tell as many customers as possible about ‘The Big Night In’ and encourage those that can to donate through our bespoke donation link at https://donation.bignightin.tv/?cartId=barclays-cv19(opens in new window).”

Ruth Davison, Chief Executive of Comic Relief, said: “Barclays support of ‘The Big Night In’ appeal is simply incredible, their generosity has blown us away.”

“In these unprecedented, challenging times, it is more important than ever to come together to help the most vulnerable people in our society. Barclays donation will help us provide vital support to people all across the country worst affected by Covid-19 and ensure they are safe, warm and fed throughout the pandemic.”

Tune into ‘The Big Night In’ on Thursday 23rd April, BBC One, 7-10pm. For more information and to make a donation please visit https://donation.bignightin.tv/?cartId=barclays-cv19 (opens in new window)

ENDS

Notes to editors All donations will be split between two charities. 50% of donations will be paid to Comic Relief which is the trading name of Charity Projects (registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 326568 and in Scotland, charity number SC039730) and 50% of donations will be paid to BBC Children in Need (registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 802052 and in Scotland, charity number SC039557). The Big Night In Appeal is a joint initiative between Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need.