This week sees the return of Children in Need and the infamous Pudsey the Bear all in aid of raising money for charity.
First launched in 1980, the campaign has sought to make a difference to the lives of children across the UK.
Almost 40 years later, Children in Need has raised an incredible £950 million.
This year's initiative, called Do Your Thing, encourages people across the country to challenge themselves with races, dance-offs and other fun competitions.
You may have noticed your school or workplace already hosting an event in support of Children in Need, but in case you need some inspiration, here are some great fundraising ideas as well as everything you need to know about donating:
What is Children in Need?
Children in Need is the BBC's official charity, and each year the broadcaster holds a telethon which is the culmination of weeks of fundraising.
This year presenters such as Tess Daly, Graham Norton and Ade Adepitan will appear alongside Rob Beckett, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle and Marvin Humes.
The shows last for hours and feature special versions of some of the BBC's flagship programmes, including Strictly Come Dancing and EastEnders.
There will also be reminders of the good work the charity does for disadvantaged children and regular updates as to the amount of money raised.
The money raised goes to a variety of charities across the UK, including hospices, support groups for disabled and disadvantaged children, children's homes and family projects.
When is Children in Need?
Children in Need airs on Friday, November 16 from 7:30pm on BBC One and Two.
How to donate to Children in Need
You can donate on the charity's official website via debit or credit card or Paypal.
Alternatively, you can text:
- DONATE to 70405 to donate £5
- DONATE to 70410 to donate £10
- DONATE to 70420 to donate £20
- DONATE to 70430 to donate £30
You can text to donate until the campaign close date of 31 December 2018.
This year's Do Your Thing campaign, featuring celebrities such as Tess Daly, encourages everyone to do whatever they can to raise money for the charity.
Additional details about how to donate will be made available throughout Friday night's programme.
Fundraising ideas
Aside from tuning into the telethon and donating, you can show your support for Children In Need by organising a charity event, listening to the official single, or by wearing some of the charity’s Pudsey Bear merchandise.
Each year an artist releases a single to help in the fundraising drive, with this year's song performed by Jamie Cullum and called 'Love is in the Picture'.
The charity's official website also has a number of different fundraising ideas and resources which you can download.
Here are some to get you started:
- Bake sale
- Dinner Party
- Pamper night
- Talent show
- Quiz night
- Fancy dress (if your school/workplace will let you!)
- Join Children in Need's Annual Duck Sweepstake
- Join Pudsey's Big BBC Quiz
Where to buy Pudsey Bear ears
These adorable Pudsey Bear ears can be brought for £4 from the official Pudsey Bear shop, Asda, Boots, Post Office, Greggs and Pizza Hut.
How much money has Children In Need raised?
The telethon has raised more than £972 million since the first appeal in 1980.
Last year's event raised a staggering £60.7 million - the highest ever total raised by the telethon.
