Giant Sleepover to support Unicef

Thursday 26th April 2012

Thousands of children are being encouraged to dig out their sleeping bags to help families in some of the poorest countries in the world.

The Giant Sleepover has teamed up with Unicef to hold the world's largest sleepover event, which aims to support the charity's work with vulnerable children.

The event, supported by groups including the Parent Teacher Association, Girlguiding UK, and St John Ambulance, encourages children to sleep out in school halls, tents and near ruins at Alton Towers.

Groups have to make a donation to take part in the event and any money raised will help Unicef to provide families with an insecticide-treated mosquito net, costing £4.

Sandie Dinning, one of the founders of the Giant Sleepover, said: "Our ambition is to harness the power of mass participation to bring young people together for a memorable event, where they can have fun, raise funds and make a difference. We hope this year's event will be the biggest and best yet."

A Unicef spokesman said: "Unicef are delighted to be working in partnership with The Giant Sleepover, as the sun never sets on our life saving work. The Giant Sleepover is the perfect platform for us to engage in unifying children around the world to raise vital funds to help the most vulnerable children thrive and survive."

Groups who sign up for the sleepover will enjoy cookery, sports, crafts, story-telling, midnight feasts and treasure hunts. Each group will also receive a mosquito net and Unicef story and activity to help them understand how their sleepover is helping children across the world.

Participation costs £20 per group or £2 per child. To register visit http://www.giantsleepover.com.

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