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Whether it’s the challenge of a lifetime or a fun activity in your break-time, you can make a difference.

Imagine what life would be like if you struggled to understand the words on a page, to fill in a form or to make yourself understood in an interview. You can help us to make a difference to the millions of children, young people and adults in the UK for whom this is a daily reality.

We have a calendar of fundraising events and challenges, as well as ideas for events you can arrange yourself at any time. Please email lorna.taylor@literacytrust.org.uk if you'd like to get involved or if there's anything else you'd like to do to fundraise for us.

17 March 2012 
Leap for Literacy

Have you been looking for the right excuse to jump out of plane? Or maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie, looking for your next fix? Well, look no further! Sign up by 13 January 2012 to secure your place.

20th May 2012
BUPA Great Manchester Run (10km)

The National Literacy Trust has 5 places for the Great Manchester Run - to find out how to book yours and take part in this great event and raise money to improve literacy skills in the UK at the same time, please email lorna.taylor@literacytrust.org.uk

4-8 July 2012
Iceland Trek

Beautiful scenery, not far to travel. Find out more

15-19 August 2012
London to Paris Cycle (lots of other dates also available)

Cycle through beautiful English villages into stunning rural France. Find out more or book.

1-10 November 2012
Peru Trek

A once-in-a-lifetime experience of diverse scenery and traditional Andean villages, before finishing in Machu Picchu. Find out more or email lorna.taylor@literacytrust.org.uk.

Skydive for the National Literacy Trust

Don't worry if you can't make the date listed in our events calendar above - you have the choice of over 20 different airfields across the UK and can select any date that’s convenient for you.

For more information on arranging a skydive, please call Lorna on 020 7820 6251 or email lorna.taylor@literacytrust.org.uk

Treks and challenges

Whether it’s cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats or trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro there are a range of inspiring challenges to suit your interests.

For more information and advice go to Discover Adventure or call Lorna on 020 7820 6251. All our challenges are run by Discover Adventure, leaders in their field since 1994. 

The whole trek was a fantastic experience, but one of the highlights was our real sense of achievement reaching the top of each climb on foot.

Hold a Book Swap Party

Get some yourself some great new reads and raise money for charity at the same time! You can hold a book swap party at home, at work, or maybe even at your local library.

Find out more about hosting a book swap party

Literature Pub Quiz

How about hosting a literature-themed pub quiz, where all the questions are based around books (though don't worry, you don't have to have read all the books!). A great way to have fun and raise some vital funds for the National Literacy Trust at the same time - and the best bit is that we've already done the hard work and written the quiz. All you need to do is email lorna.taylor@literacytrust.org.uk for your copy, find somewhere to host the quiz and tell everyone about it!

Speed Book Club

A book club hosted speed-dating style! Organise an evening of “book dates” where everyone gets to socialise with other enthusiastic readers, hear about the different books and authors their fellow book-lovers enjoy and get ideas for their next exciting read. For details on how to run this easy, fun event please email lorna.taylor@literacytrust.org.uk

More fun fundraising activities

There are lots of ways that you can raise money for us. Whatever you do, please make sure you download our Gift Aid form so we can get the most out of the money you raise. There’s also a handy fact sheet so you can explain to your family and friends just how their donation will make a difference.

Through competitions, storytelling and sponsored activities Ponteland Community High School managed to raise £206 for us and increase the profile of reading in the school.

We’ve put together some ideas below. Please do email us to let us know what you’re up to, or if you have some fundraising ideas of your own. Download our sponsorship form for use with any sponsored event.

• Hold a cake sale at school or work: ask colleagues or friends to all bake a cake, then invite everyone to come and buy them during lunch and coffee breaks
• Get sponsored to do something a bit different… If you don’t fancy the usual run or walk – do something else. How about a sponsored silence or read?
• Hold a fancy dress day or dress down day, and ask everyone who takes part to make a donation to the National Literacy Trust – we suggest £2 per person
• Have a swear box at home or in the office: every time someone swears they have to donate a set amount, £1 per swear word should be enough of a deterrent!
• Save all your coppers up in a jar and then donate the amount you save to the National Literacy Trust – it’s amazing how quickly they mount up!
• Ensure your unwanted gifts go to someone who wants them and hold a raffle or tombola after Christmas, donating the proceeds to us
• Organise a wine tasting among friends and ask for everyone to make a donation to the National Literacy Trust.