Milton Keynes, UK, 2 March 2009 - BI, the Communication and Motivation Company, was recognised for its efforts to improve the lives of children last week when it was presented with Save the Children's award for creativity and innovation. The award was presented to BI for its Chinese Whisper World Record Event which raised in excess of £50,000 for Save the Children.
The Save the Children Award is the highest honour with which staff, supporters and volunteers are recognised. BI was amongst twenty or so organisations and individuals who received the honour of being recognised for having "inspired real and lasting change for children. The award ceremony took place last Wednesday at South Africa House, London, where Richard Bandell was presented with the award by HRH The Princess Royal.
Richard Bandell, managing director at BI, said: "We are all very proud of what we achieved last year; everyone at BI made a huge effort to make the event successful, and raised a significant amount of money to improve the lives of children across the world. The £50,000 we raised for Save the Children has, quite literally, saved the lives of thousands of children and we are honoured to be recognised by them in this way."
The Chinese Whisper Event took place in July last year at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. It involved more than 1,300 children, aged 7-11, who, alongside BI's employees, achieved the magnificent feat of breaking the World Record for the largest ever Chinese Whisper. The event raised £100,000 in total, which was split equally between two charities, Save the Children and TreeHouse, the national charity for autism education.
Sally Brighton, Community Giving Director, Save the Children, adds: "The Chinese Whisper event was a special occasion for all who attended. Not only did the participating children from across the UK become Guinness World Record breakers, they also helped raise £50,000 for Save the Children's life saving work. Over nine million children under the age of five die every year, mostly from diseases we can prevent or treat. By organising this event, BI has taken tangible action to stop this injustice. It was fitting to recognise the energy, commitment and creativity of BI Staff by awarding The Save the Children Award for Creativity and Innovation."
About Save the Children
Registered Charity No: 213890
We're the world's independent children's charity. We're outraged that millions of children are still denied proper healthcare, food, education and protection. We're working flat out to get every child their rights and we're determined to make further, faster changes. How many? How fast? It's up to you. For further information about our work please visit www.savethechildren.org.uk