;

Fundraise and help protect the planet

Between 12-20 March 2005,thousands of Scouts from all five sections and WWF supporters will be challenged to take part in an exciting new joint initiative called The Gimmie 5 Challenge. It's a fundraising event that will raise lots of money for not only the Scout Group Support Fund (Needy Groups) and WWF (the global environment network) but also for all Scout Groups that take part.

The idea is to have some fun and fundraise at the same time. The difference is that Scout Leaders and Members can create their own challenge. We've got lots of ideas you can use, or you can make up your own. It could be anything from being Ray Mears for the day, organising an Australian style neighbours BBQ night or surviving without your favourite thing for a week.

To make sure your Scout Group takes part in this brand new and fun event, get your Scout Leader to register for a FREE Section Leader Challenge Pack. They are able to do this by logging onto www.gimmie5.org.uk or phoning the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 quoting G5C002001.

A day of football themed entertainment, promises to be an event to remember for young people of all ages in Scouting. Taking place on 22 May at the home of Queens Park Rangers, the fun will include mascot, celebrity and professional matches, live music and special guest stars. And that's not all! The Chief Scout, Peter Duncan, will be captaining a team against a side put together by ex- Liverpool player Craig Johnston. Both are recruiting their dream team and are determined to win The Big Kickabout Shield!

All money raised will be equally split between the Scouts and CLIC - Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood. Log on to www.scouts.org.uk/bigkickabout to find out how to book tickets.

A completely interactive sporting environment, The Sport Show, will be created at Earls Court in London from 24-27 June. Whether you're into football or fencing, golf or gymnastics, karate or climbing, The Sport Show has it all.

Want to help promote the show and raise funds? For every ticket to The Sport Show you sell, 10% of the ticket's value will go to your Scout Group and 10% to The Scout Association (Charity no. 306101).

Not only that, but for every book of ten tickets you sell, your Scout Group will get a free ticket for the show. There will be a prize for the Group that sells the most tickets overall. Every ticket buyer will also be automatically entered into The Sport Show prize draw.

To order your ticket books call the Sport Show Hotline now on 01895 433 575, or send an e-mail to louise@thesportshow.com.

Resources available

The Giving Campaign was created to help charities and donors make the most of new tax-effective ways of giving introduced by the Chancellor in recent years, and to encourage a stronger culture of giving in the UK. They are supported by, and work closely with, UK charities and many other bodies, including the government.

The Giving Campaign has recently produced a new guide to tax-effective giving 'Making giving go further', which includes information on Gift Aid, Giving by businesses and Payroll giving. Copies are available on request and free of charge from info@givingcampaign.org.uk.

Additional resources are available on their website:

http://www.givingcampaign.org.uk/.