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The Big Give Christmas Challenge raises £9million

The Big Give 2010 Christmas Challenge doubled over 15,000 donations and raised an incredible £9.4million.

This is the third Christmas Challenge run on theBigGive.org.uk. Despite the tough economic times, it has smashed all previous donation records.

Carl Grainger, Head of Finance for the arts charity Artes Mundi, commented, “It is encouraging, in these days of financial cutbacks and uncertainties, that so many individuals are prepared to give their hard-earned money.”

Donations from the public were doubled by a number of generous sponsors, including Arts & Business, Reed Specialist Recruitment, Garfield Weston Foundation, Candis Magazine and Ethiopiaid.

The Challenge supported 323 charities spanning all sectors, from children and health to environment and arts. Participating charities range from international aid agencies, such as Oxfam, to small, local hospices.

The 2010 Challenge was launched at the Fortnum & Mason Charity Christmas Party. The night raised a total of £80,000, with each guest deciding which charity benefited from their ticket. Ruby Wax, one of 1,000 guests and celebrities, said “it’s fantastic that you can decide which charity to give to, and can follow your heart.”

Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Challenge and helped raise this incredible amount.