BBC Children in Need contactless push targets Tube passengers

BBC Children in Need has launched a contactless fundraising push in London ahead of this week’s live telethon fundraiser. At 15 of the capital’s busiest London Underground stations the public will be invited to make a contactless payment of £5 to the children’s charity fundraising hub by high-fiving the campaign’s mascot, Pudsey Bear. Financial tech firm Zettle by PayPal has been drafted in to manage this contactless donation push. “Charities can no longer rely on cash donations as people just aren’t carrying as much loose change any more,” said Claire Hoyle, Commercial Director at BBC Children in Need. “We hope with the help of Zettle by PayPal, we’ll be able to maximise the donations we receive for this year’s Appeal to fund even more projects for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK who really do need our help.”

Graham Norton and Tess Daly among telethon stars

The fundraising push is taking place this week in the run up to the BBC Children in Need telethon event tomorrow (16 November). This features celebrities including Tess Daly, Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc, Ade Adepitan, Rochelle and Marvin Humes. Edward Hallett, Managing Director at Zettle by PayPal, added: “More than 70% of Zettle by PayPal payments are contactless in the UK, so it’s imperative charities have access to tools that enable them to accept donations in this way too. “We want to ensure that BBC Children in Need doesn’t miss a single contribution as commuters tap-as-they-go.”