Morrisons, Santander and Vodafone pledge to Text Santa on ITV

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Morrisons, Santander and Vodafone pledge to Text Santa on ITV

Three of the High Streets biggest names are today announced as appeal partners for ITVs annual charity fundraiser, Text Santa.

Morrisons, Santander and Vodafone will support the campaign and help raise money at stores and outlets across the country.

Text Santa, now in its third year, will broadcast on Friday, 20th December 2013, with exclusive live performances by some of the biggest names on television.

Text Santa raises money and awareness for six UK based charities in the run-up to the big night. This years chosen charities are Age UK, Barnardo's, BeatBullying, British Heart Foundation, CLIC Sargent and Help the Hospices.

Peter Fincham, ITV Director of Television said: "We are proud that Text Santa raises awareness of charities that make a difference in local communities, not to mention millions of pounds to help fund their important work. Its fantastic news that Morrisons, Santander and Vodafone will support the initiative to help us raise money and awareness for this years six very deserving charities."

Viewers will be able to donate money throughout the campaign via text using JustTextGiving by Vodafone, and online at itv.com/textsanta plus over the counter at Santander branches. They will also be able to buy exclusive Text Santa merchandise at their local Morrisons.

All funds raised for Text Santa 2013 will be distributed equally between the six charities. The appeal has raised nearly £10 million for charities since it started in 2011.

Notes to Editors:

Overview of 2013 charities:

Age UK

Age UK has been selected again, having been one of the 2012 beneficiaries of Text Santa. Age UK helps millions of people every year. No one should have to spend later life cold, lonely or in poverty so Age UK provides vital information, advice and practical services to end needless suffering for older people.

Barnardo's

Barnardo's staff and volunteers work in the heart of local communities across the UK, providing vital care for disadvantaged children living in deprived circumstances. Barnardo's helps families who live below the poverty line, providing specialist care and support, including the emergency provision of basic necessities such as clothing, food and furniture; maybe a winter coat, a hot meal and a warm bed. In the current economic climate, there is an increasing demand for these services and the funds raised by Text Santa will support the most vulnerable children affected by poverty in the UK this Christmas, turning their lives around and helping them face the future with hope and confidence.

BeatBullying

BeatBullying is a bullying prevention charity, campaigning to make bullying unacceptable and providing support for children and young people affected by bullying.

They empower young people to mentor each other, in their communities and online and give them the support of specialist adult advisers and counsellors. They also provide support for parents and professionals working with young people, helping them to develop strategies to prevent bullying.

British Heart Foundation

Coronary heart disease is the UK's single biggest killer. For over 50 years they've pioneered research that's transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Their work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure.

They fund BHF nurses who offer invaluable medical and emotional support to heart patients and their families, enabling many to manage their condition at home, improve their confidence and maintain their independence.

CLIC Sargent

Every day, 10 children and young people in the UK hear the shocking news they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years.

CLIC Sargent is the UK's leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. They provide clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. They are there from diagnosis onwards and aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.

Help the Hospices

Help the Hospices champions and supports the work of over 200 hospices across the UK. Hospices provide vital care for people with terminal and serious illnesses and their families, helping them to live well for the time they have left together.

Text Santa Background

Text Santa is an important part of ITVs Corporate Responsibility programme, using its reach to millions of people to help inspire, engage and empower viewers to make a difference. The organisation does not make any profit from the appeal and is proud that, with investment from ITV and support from Text Santas partners and supporters, 100% of donations made by viewers go directly to the charities Text Santa supports.

ITVs corporate responsibility campaigns use the combined influence of our programmes, online platforms and celebrity talent, to highlight causes and make a difference.

Collectively our campaigns in 2012 resulted in over £10.5 million being raised for various charities such as Unicef (Soccer Aid), Malaria No More (I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!) and many others locally, all thanks to the engagement and generosity of ITV viewers.

The highlight for ITV is Text Santa, raising over £5.5 million for six UK charities last year, including Age UK, Anthony Nolan, Carers UK, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Together for Short Lives and Whizz-Kidz.

The chosen charities, whose work

LINK:	http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/morrisons-santander-and-...
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