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FAQs

Sport Relief 2008

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What is Sport Relief?

Sport Relief is a fundraising event that takes place every two years. It aims to harness the power and passion of sport to change lives for the better.

Comic Relief spends the money raised through Sport Relief to help vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the UK and in the world's poorest countries.

For Sport Relief 2008 we’re asking everyone to challenge themselves, their family, their friends and their colleagues to do something sporty and raise cash at the same time.

The ultimate challenge is doing the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile, where hundreds of thousands of people across the country will take to the streets and go the distance.  The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile now covers 1, 3 or 6 miles so you can get involved at any level! 

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When is Sport Relief 2008?

Sport Relief is happening on the weekend of Friday 14th – Sunday 16th March 2008.

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What can I do for Sport Relief 2008?

We’re asking you to set a challenge for your friends, family, workmates, schoolmates - or even yourself. 

You can throw down the gauntlet on the 5-a-side pitch with your mates, in a sports quiz at the office, or by holding a sports day at school.  Click here for more fundraising ideas.

But the ultimate way to get involved is by joining hundreds of thousands of people at Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile events taking place across the whole nation.

To find out more, visit www.sportrelief.com.  To get you started, you can also order a Sport Relief Mile kit online or over the phone at 0845 605 8000 (calls cost no more than 4p per minute from BT landlines.  Other operators and mobile rates may vary). 

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Mile questions

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Where is my nearest Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile event taking place?

There are hundreds of Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile events happening across the UK so there's bound to be one near you. Click here to find out where your nearest Mile is taking place. You can also call the information line on 0871 200 1515 (calls cost 10p per minute from BT landlines. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary).

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How do I enter the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile?

You can enter via this website – Click here to find out where your nearest Mile is taking place.

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We would like to enter a Mile event as a group. Can we do this or does everyone have to register as an individual?

It is possible to enter the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile as a group, in three different ways:

1. If you know all the people in your group and are willing to pay for them, please enter the Mile registration process online, and at the point where you choose your challenge and start time for your event location you will see there is a button at the bottom of the screen that says "Register Others". When you click this button you will be able add the other members of your group and allocate their choice of challenge and start time.

2. If you would like your group members to pay their own entry fee, you should enter yourself and then set up a "team" using your online fundraising page and, using the email addresses of your friends or the members of your group, you can invite other people to join. This is done via the "Team Options" button on the team page, accessed from your own personal page.

3. Once you have set up a team, friends can search for you and request to join the team by selecting the "Join Team" button. The team leader will then accept or deny the request.

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When I enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile what will I get?

If you enter before Tuesday 11th March you will receive a Sport Relief Welcome Pack which will include; a sponsorship form, giro slip, directions to the event, your personal runner number and your 'Make your Mile make a Difference' booklet which includes plenty of advice and tips on how to raise lots of cash through sponsorship.

If you enter on or after Monday 10th March you will receive an e-mail confirmation from us telling you where you Mile is and what time the wave you entered starts. When you arrive at the event you will be given your runner-number to wear.

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I am not able to fundraise over the Sport Relief Weekend, is it ok for me to raise money on another day?

Yes, you can certainly fundraise at any time. We have loads of fundraising ideas on our website to help you organise an exciting activity – click here and be inspired.

Whatever you do, make sure you raise cash while you do it and help someone to turn their life around.

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I am not able to do a Mile event on the Sunday, can I organise my own?

If you are really not able to attend a Mile event on the Sunday then you can arrange your own event with friends, family and/or colleagues. Start by setting up your own personal online fundraising page so you can get sponsored for your efforts! Please get in touch with our fundraising team at fundraising@comicrelief.com

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What should I wear for the Mile?

We recommend you wear a good pair of trainers and comfortable clothing but we'd be delighted to see you in fancy dress! Click here to check out our fundraising ideas for the Mile. Don't forget to be creative as you never know, you may even get on the telly!

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Will you be timing participants/holding time trials?

No, we won’t be doing any formal timing but there will be clocks at the start and finish of some of our larger events so you can time yourself if you want to.

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Can I walk/jog rather than run or is it a race?

Yes, of course you can walk or jog. Some people will want to go fast but there will be lots of people jogging and walking. Remember it’s supposed to be fun so we aren’t expecting you to race against the other participants – unless you want to!

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My wave time is much later than the event’s start time, what time do I have to be there?

Our event start time is usually the time when the event is open for anyone to arrive; some of the events will have entertainments from that time. Generally though you need to arrive at least 30 minutes before your wave starts in order to ensure you get warmed up and to the start area in plenty of time. If you are attending the London Mile event please arrive at least 45 minutes before your wave starts as we expect this event to be particularly busy.

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What do I need to bring on the day?

You’ll need to bring your runner number so that you can enter into your Mile. You’ll also need to bring some safety pins to attach your runner number to your clothing. Your runner number will be in your Sport Relief Welcome Pack which you will get around 10 working days after you register.

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Will there be anywhere to leave my bags whilst I do the Mile?

Unfortunately we can’t provide anywhere secure for bags. We recommend you come without any heavy bags or do your Mile with a small rucksack or money pouch.

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I have a disability, can I still take part?

We have made every effort to ensure that as many of our courses and venues as possible are suitable for people with disabilities. There are some exceptions to this, however. More information is available on the web page specific to the Mile you would like to enter. Click here to find your nearest Mile.

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Can I skate/cycle/rollerblade the Mile?

Unfortunately we can’t allow this. We have to consider the safety of all our other Milers - some of whom are small children.

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Is there a minimum age for someone doing the Mile?

No, we don’t have any age restrictions but we do ask people to be sensible. If you are bringing very young children or prams we ask you to move towards the back of the queue of participants and let faster Milers go off first.

We do ask that anyone under 16 seeks permission from their parent or guardian and have them know where they are.

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to decide whether a child under 16 is capable of doing a Mile, and the level of supervision necessary. We would recommend that a responsible adult accompanies a child at all times, as there will be a large number of participants and it could be difficult to find each other if you are separated.

In all cases, children must have permission from a parent or guardian to attend and an adult’s emergency contact details must be supplied.

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Can my dog do the Mile?

Please check the individual Mile page for the event that you would like to attend for more information about whether or not dogs are allowed.

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When is the last date I can enter the Mile?

Events are always very popular and we have a maximum capacity at each venue. Places are booked on a first come first served basis so we really recommend that you enter as soon as you can before we sell out. Click here to find your nearest Mile event.

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Can I enter on the day?

The events are very popular and we do sell out quite quickly. We recommend you enter as soon as possible. Click here to find your nearest Mile event.

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I've entered the Mile, but I haven't received anything yet. When will I get my pack/information?

Thank you for entering. The packs will be with you before Sport Relief. If you haven’t received one within this time frame please get in touch with us at info@sportrelief.com.

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How do I know whether to run for 1, 3 or 6 Miles?

This year, to help you really rise to the challenge, there are three distances up for grabs – all you need to do is decide which one best suits you, your friends or your family. Find out more here.

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How will I be able to track if I’m doing 3 or 6 miles?

With people running different distances it’s important that you arrive at your meeting point 30 minutes before your wave starts (45 minutes if you are attending the London event) so you are clear about how your route works. Most routes are circular, so you will be able to count how many times you go round in order to work out how far you have run.

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Does my entry fee count as a donation?

No, the entire entry fee goes towards helping us to cover the cost of putting on events across the UK. That’s why we ask you to get sponsored and raise money – to help transform lives here in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

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How much does it cost to enter to run 1, 3 or 6 miles?

Adults: £5; Children: £2; Family Ticket (two adults two children): £12. These prices are the same regardless of the distance you choose to run.

The entry fee goes towards helping us to cover costs of putting on events across the UK. That’s why we ask you to get sponsored and raise money – to help transform lives here in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries. Click here for more information about the Mile.

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Are the BBC showing the events and how do I get on TV?

The BBC will be broadcasting live from 6 of our larger events and broadcasting pre-recorded footage from 16 of them during the afternoon on Sunday the 16th of March.

The best way to get on TV is to do your Mile in a different way or dress up to stand out in the crowd, but unfortunately we can never guarantee that the BBC will show you.

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Are all Mile courses exactly one mile in length?

Due to the diverse nature of the 200+ venues across the UK we can’t guarantee that all Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile courses are exactly one mile in length. Whilst some may be slightly under a mile and some may be slightly over, they are all as near to a mile as possible.

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Fundraising questions

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What online resources are there to help me fundraise?

You can set up your own personal or team online fundraising page, where you can collect online sponsorship for the Mile or any other fundraising activity. There are also loads of other useful fundraising tools online, like a downloadable press release, sponsorship form, fundraising ideas, posters etc, as well as a fundraisers' forum to share ideas with other fundraisers. For all our useful fundraising tools click here.

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When do I start fundraising?

You can begin fundraising straight away. Start by having a look at our fundraising ideas, then set up your own personal online fundraising page and get sponsored for your efforts!

The whole nation will be getting involved in loads of fundraising sporting activities, with the actual Sport Relief Weekend happening on Friday 14th – Sunday 16th March 2008.

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Where does the money go?

Money raised will be spent by Comic Relief to transform lives here in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

Visit Cash in Action to see the wonderful ways in which money is being spent.

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Can I have more sponsorship forms / event posters?

Sponsorship forms and posters can be downloaded here or even photocopied from your fundraising kit.

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Where can I order a Sweepstake Poster?

The sweepstake poster is available to download here, or you can order a poster pack (containing 2 sweepstake posters) online or by calling 08457 224 524 (calls cost no more than 4p per minute from BT landlines. Other operator and mobile rates may vary).

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Do you produce fundraising material in other languages?

We do have some bilingual materials in English and Welsh. To find out more about this, contact us on 020 7820 5555. Comic Relief would love to be able to produce more fundraising materials in other languages, however, it is not possible for us to do this because we have to keep our costs to a minimum. See the Comic Relief Promise for more information.

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Can you donate prizes for a raffle I'm organising?

We'd love to help out but we get so many requests for this and we simply don't have the resources! Try contacting local businesses, who may be able to help you. Good luck!

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Are there any legal dos and don'ts I should consider?

Thank you for fundraising for Sport Relief! We really appreciate your support, but please remember that you are responsible for your fundraising, so please make sure it's safe and legally sound. Have a look at The Serious Bit to ensure everything is above board.

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Can I use a Sport Relief 2008 logo for my fundraising event?

Yes, you can download our 'In Support of Sport Relief' logo here. It can be added to tickets, flyers or certificates of achievement. Please make sure you follow our guidelines to inform you on where and how you can use it.

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How do I get my event in the press?

Download and customise your own press release here and contact your local press directly asking them to cover your event. Tell the world what you're doing to fundraise for Sport Relief by setting up an online fundraising page. The press and other fundraisers will then be able to search these pages for interesting stories.

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Can a Comic Relief staff member come to our event?

Thank you so much for your invitation. We are lucky enough to have a dedicated, extremely hardworking staff team here at Comic Relief. We do our best to make sure our campaigns are a success and as much as we would love to be able to attend every event that people organise for us, it is not possible as we just do not have the resources available. We REALLY REALLY appreciate being invited and we know that it is people like you that make the campaign work by putting in so much effort - we couldn't do it without you and you continually inspire us. Thank you, good luck and keep in touch by emailing us at fundraising@sportrelief.com - it would be great to hear about your fundraising success!

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How do I make sure I'm eligible to receive a fundraising reward?

To be eligible to receive a fundraising reward you must pay in your money before June 30th 2008 via your online fundraising page. You’ll receive an email by 31st July 2008 telling you how to claim your reward. Check out our terms and conditions for full details.

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What fundraising rewards are up for grabs?

If you raise £100 through your online fundraising page you’ll get a great entertainment DVD for the whole family to enjoy.

If you raise £500 through your online fundraising page you'll be entitled to a pair of amazing MBT’s – footwear that improves your fitness and posture while you walk! Alternatively, children raising £500 or more will get a fantastic mini-trampoline from Davies Sports.

If you raise £1000 through your online fundraising page you’ll not only get MBTs (or mini-trampoline for children), you’ll also get to enter a competition to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see how Sport Relief money changes lives in one of the world’s poorest countries. Check out our terms and conditions for full details.

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Merchandise questions

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How much do the Sport Relief products cost and what sizes do they come in?

Sport Relief Socks
The Sport Relief Socks are made with certified Fairtrade cotton and come in 4 different sizes:

Kids – 9-12 and 12.5 – 3.5
Adults – 4 -7 and 6 – 12

They cost £2 a pair with at least £1 going to Sport Relief.

Sock fabric consists of: 85% cotton, 14% polyamide and 1% elastane.

Sport Relief DVD
Tim Lovejoy presents Football Managers Uncut. An exclusive guide to the game's greatest gaffers. The DVD costs £4.99 with at least £2 going to Sport Relief.

Sport Relief Wristband
The Sport Relief Wristband costs £1 with at least 50p going to Sport Relief. This is made from 90% cotton and 10% elastane.

Sport Relief Water Bottle
The Sport Relief Water Bottle costs £1 with at least 50p going to Sport Relief. The Water Bottle is made with 100% recyclable products.

Sport Relief T-shirts
The Sport Relief T-shirts are made from 100% certified Fairtrade cotton and are available in 4 different styles (girls’, boys’, men’s and women’s). There are limited numbers, so be quick!

Girls’ and boys’ T-shirts cost £4 with at least £1.50 to Sport Relief. Men’s and women’s cost £6 with at least £2 going to Sport Relief.

Sizes are:

Girls’/Boys’ - 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12

Ladies’ – 8-10, 12-14, 16-18, 20-22

Mens’ – S, M, L, XL, XXL

The Sport Relief Mini Football & Mini Rugby ball
The Sport Relief Mini Football and Mini Rugby ball cost £4 with at least £2 going to Sport Relief.

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Where and when is Sport Relief 2008 merchandise sold?

The Socks are available in all Sainsbury’s stores and on their website at www.sainsburys.co.uk. In addition, they are available in all Bannatyne’s Health Clubs (adult sizes only), at www.sockshop.co.uk and through the Sport Relief online shop.

The Sport Relief DVD is available from Sainsbury's, HMV, Woolworths, Amazon.co.uk and through the Sport Relief online shop.

The Wristband and Water Bottle are being sold in all Sainsbury’s stores and online at www.sainsburys.co.uk and through the Sport Relief online shop.

T-shirts, Mini Rugby Balls, and Mini Footballs are available from larger Sainsbury’s stores and also online at www.sainsburys.co.uk and through the Sport Relief online shop.

To find your nearest store or health club visit the Sport Relief online shop.

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Why do we have to pay for the Socks?

The Sport Relief socks are one of the primary sources of fundraising for Sport Relief 2008. We have asked our good friends at Sainsbury's and Bannatyne's Health Clubs to sell them for us and for each pair of Socks that you buy, at least £1 goes to helping to transform lives here in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries. Neither Sainsbury's nor Bannatyne's Health Clubs make any profit whatsoever from the sale of these items.

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Why aren’t Bannatyne’s Health Clubs stocking the rest of the Sport Relief merchandise?

Logistically it is not possible for Bannatyne’s Health Clubs to stock the whole range of merchandise but they are stocking the key item – the Socks! (Please note that only adult-sized Socks are available at Bannatyne’s.)

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Why can I only buy Sport Relief merchandise at Sainsbury's/Bannatyne’s Health Clubs/online? Why can't I sell the Socks in my shop?

As our Official Retailer, Sainsbury's kindly cover the cost of producing, distributing and retailing the Socks and other Sport Relief merchandise. The merchandise would not be possible without a major retail partner.

Without this support Comic Relief could not cover the cost of making the Socks and would put the charity at great financial risk, which we cannot afford to do. We realise that not every town has a Sainsbury's store; therefore Comic Relief has made special arrangements with Sainsbury's to allow Bannatyne’s Health Clubs to stock the Socks.

In addition it is possible to purchase merchandise at the Sport Relief online shop.

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Will Comic Relief merchandise be available online all year round?

No. Sport Relief merchandise will be only available for a limited period, from January 15th to March 21st 2008.

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Why does the online shop not deliver overseas?

Thank you for your enquiry about Sport Relief 2008 merchandise availability overseas. The high cost of delivery beyond the UK currently makes such a service uneconomic. However, if you do live outside the UK, you can still place an order for delivery within the UK. Just enter the UK address in the correct page at the checkout. Please note that we cannot deliver to PO Boxes.

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My Sport Relief 2008 item is damaged. What should I do?

We're sorry that your merchandise is damaged. If the item was bought online, please return the item using the returns label provided on delivery. If the item was purchased in a store or Health Club, please return it to the place you bought it from.

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My T-shirt/ Socks do not fit

We're sorry that your T-shirt/Socks do not fit. The 2008 Socks and T-shirts have been designed in different sizes and ranges specifically, with the intention of fitting the vast majority of wearers. However, it is difficult to ensure that everyone will find a perfect fit. We hope this has not spoiled your enjoyment of Sport Relief.

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What are the washing instructions for the Socks?

The manufacturers have provided the following recommendations:

  • Machine wash at 40°
  • Do not iron
  • Wash deep colours together
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What are the washing instructions for the T-shirt?

The manufacturers have provided the following recommendations:

  • Machine wash at 40°
  • Do not iron on print
  • Wash deep colours together
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I’m having washing problems with the Socks/T-shirt/Wristband

Each garment comes with washing instructions either inside the garment on a care label or on the packaging. If you follow these there should not be a problem.

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Why does only a proportion of the sale of the merchandise go to Sport Relief?

Unfortunately there are always costs associated with any product. We work hard to keep these costs to a minimum and to ensure as much money as possible comes to Sport Relief.

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I think £2 for a pair of Socks is too expensive.

We're sorry that you feel £2 is too much to pay for a pair of Socks. The Socks are made with certified Fairtrade cotton, meaning the small-scale cotton farmers in developing countries are guaranteed a fair and stable price for what they produce. In addition, at least £1 of the price goes to help projects supported by Comic Relief.

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Why isn't all the merchandise Fairtrade?

Where possible we try to ensure that all our merchandise is Fairtrade. For Sport Relief 2008, the socks and t-shirts carry the FAIRTRADE mark. We work closely with the manufacturers to ensure that the production and manufacture of all our merchandise adheres to local and international ethical guidelines.

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When is the last day for online orders?

To ensure you receive your order by Friday 14th March, it must be placed online by Friday 7th March. The online shop closes on Friday 21st March.

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What is the P, P&P charge added to my basket on the online shop?

The P, P&P charge covers the processing, postage and packaging costs of your order.

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Financial questions

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How can I pay in fundraising money or make a donation?
  • Online - keep the cash you’ve collected and use your debit / credit card to make a donation here
  • On the phone - keep the cash you’ve collected and use your debit / credit card – just call 08457 910 910 *
  • At any bank - using the giroslip at the bottom of your sponsorship form, found in your fundraising kit. Sport Relief 2008 giroslips will also be available behind the counter at most bank branches from March 10th 2008.
  • By cheque/postal order - make payable to ‘Sport Relief 2008', and send to: Sport Relief 2008, Ernst & Young, PO Box 51543, London SE1 2UG

From March 10th 2008 you can also pay in:

  • At any Post Office – pay your money into freepay account 6777
  • At any building society - pay into the ‘Sport Relief 2008’ account

* Calls cost no more than 4p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobiles may vary.

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Will I receive a 'Thank You' receipt for fundraising?

We'd love to personally thank you for your wonderful support, but to keep our costs as low as possible we only send Thank you certificates if they’re requested.

If you'd like a Thank You certificate, please fill in your address and tick the 'Thank You Certificate' box on the back of your giroslip. You can either send it with your cheque to Sport Relief 2008, Ernst & Young, PO Box 51543, London, SE1 2UG or, if you’re paying in your fundraising money over the counter at a bank, Post Office, building society, or online, send your receipt to the same address (indicating you’d like a certificate) and we promise we will send your certificate as soon as we can, but please bear with us as there are so many of you lovely people for us to thank!

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I have a bag full of small change. What shall I do with it?

Thank you for thinking of donating any small change that you have. The best thing to do with it is to count it and bag it and then take it to any high street bank, Post Office or Building Society and ask to pay your money into the Sport Relief 2008 account.

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I've collected some foreign currency. What shall I do with it?

Banks and Building Societies will only accept sterling. If you have a bank account you could pay the money into your account and then write a cheque to Sport Relief 2008, or convert the money at a foreign exchange teller and then donate the money to Sport Relief.

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Matched Giving – I know that my employer operates a matched giving scheme, what can I do to get them to match my donation?

Ask your employer for a matched giving form. Send this to Sport Relief 2008, Ernst and Young, PO Box 51543, London SE1 2UG with your cheque, or if you have paid your money into a bank, with the giro stub/receipt from the bank. This will provide us with confirmation that your donation has been received.

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Can I set up a standing order for Sport Relief 2008/Comic Relief?

Thank you so much for considering donating to Comic Relief on a regular basis. It’s possible to make regular donations to Comic Relief by emailing fundraising@comicrelief.com and requesting a ‘Regular Giving form’. Alternatively you can request a form by writing to us at Comic Relief, National Fundraising Team, 5th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP. Remember to let us know your address. Thank you!

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Can I use payroll giving to make regular donation to Sport Relief/Comic Relief from my pay?

Yes – if your employer operates a payroll giving scheme then you can set up a regular deduction from your pay to come directly to Comic Relief. Please ask your employer.

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TV / Celebrities

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Can you get a TV crew to cover my event?

The BBC has full editorial control over the TV show so we can’t make any promises. They are already hard at work putting together TV content for the Sport Relief weekend: Friday 14th – Sunday 16th March 2008. If you think you have a story that’s worth telling, you can email fundraising@sportrelief.com. You can also tell the world what you're doing to fundraise for Sport Relief by setting up your own online fundraising page.

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Can you get a celebrity to attend my event?

We are incredibly lucky to get so much public support that we are overwhelmed with such requests and can’t possibly fulfil them all.

Our celebrities are so busy helping us to promote Sport Relief: from taking part in sporting events to filming and rehearsing for the TV show. Why don't you think about getting in touch with local celebrities or public figures, such as your mayor or MP, who might be able to come along? Contact your local council or media to find out how you might get in touch with these people.

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Is it possible for me to come and present a cheque on TV?

Thank you so much for the money you have raised for Sport Relief.

The BBC has full editorial control over the content of the TV show. There are only usually 4 or 5 cheque presentations during the TV show over the whole night as most of the time is taken up by entertainment and information about where the money you raise goes.

We have already allocated these slots to our corporate partners who sponsor the campaign (please have a look at the Comic Relief Promise to find out more). We really appreciate the money you raise and the efforts you have made in supporting us - we couldn't do it without you and you continually inspire us. Thank you.

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Can I get tickets for the show?

The BBC is responsible for allocating tickets to the TV show. They do get a large number of requests, so good luck! For details on how to apply, contact BBC Studio Audiences at www.bbc.co.uk/whatson/tickets/.

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When is the Sport Relief 2008 show on?

The main TV show will be on Friday 14th March from 7pm on BBC One. The whole of the BBC will be behind Sport Relief 2008 – delivering brilliant entertainment across TV, radio and online in the run up to, and including, The Sport Relief Weekend which is happening Friday 14th – Sunday 16th March 2008.

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Comic Relief Promise?

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What is the Comic Relief Promise?

In order to run itself in a professional and effective way Comic Relief incurs necessary significant costs. Raising funds, making grants and organisational overheads cost real money.

Despite these costs, Comic Relief is still able to promise that for every pound the charity gets directly from the public a pound goes to helping transform the lives of people living with poverty and social injustice. If Sport Relief raises £20 million, Comic Relief will spend at least £20 million doing just that.

It can make this promise because its operating budget is covered in cash or in kind from all types of supporters like corporate sponsors and donors, suppliers, generous individuals and government (including Gift Aid) as well as from investment income and interest.

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Schools

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Are there fundraising tools available to run an event at my school for Sport Relief?

Yes! We've put together loads of downloadable resources including stacks of fundraising and teaching ideas, posters, a template press release, a letter home to parents, sponsorship form and loads more. One of the easiest ways to fundraise is to sell Sport Relief Socks at your school, using our deposit scheme. You pay a small deposit first, then the rest after you have sold them at school. Download an order form.

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What resources are available for schools?

As well as our fantastic teaching and fundraising resources online, Schools’ Kits arrive automatically in schools by the end of January 2008 and include a DVD, story posters, event posters, a Sock Deposit Scheme form, giroslip and a ‘how to’ guide (with fundraising ideas). If you have not received a Schools’ Kit by January 28th then you can order one here.

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Can I have a Schools Kit? / I didn't receive my Schools Kit

If you are a school and didn’t get your Schools’ Kit by the end of January, we will happily send you one, order one here. Remember, nearly everything you receive in the kit, as well as lots of additional resources, is also available to download online.

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I don't have a DVD player for the schools' DVD

Never fear! The kit contains loads of other useful stuff such as posters and fundraising tips. You can stream all of the films on our website and there are loads of other resources you can use with your class, such as PowerPoint presentations and PDFs that you can print out. You can even make extra copies, or copy the DVD onto VHS.

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Can I have more event posters for my school?

You can download extra posters or if you have a Schools’ Kit you can photocopy them; you can also order poster packs here.

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Do I need to register my school event?

There is no official registration process. You can organise Sport Relief in your school using our teaching and fundraising resources. We would love to hear what your school is up to, so please email schools@sportrelief.com.

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How can my school get involved in Sport Relief?

Students and staff can get involved in Sport Relief in loads of ways. By using our fundraising ideas and resources, your school could do a huge variety of sporty challenges; from a Sport Relief Mile in your school to a students versus teachers football match. Using our teaching resources, your students can also learn about the serious challenges facing children in the UK and around the world, and how their fundraising can make a difference.

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Can nurseries take part?

Yes! For Sport Relief 2008, we’ve teamed up with Sportacus from LazyTown to get your little ones excited about Sport Relief. We have lots of activities for under 7’s. You can order resources for nurseries here.

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When can we do our school Sport Relief event?

Sport Relief kicks off on Friday 14th March 2008. However, you can organise your school event anytime - just be sure to use the giroslip in your Schools’ Kit to pay in your fundraising money as soon as possible after the event.

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How do I collect the money from the students?

Do this in the most convenient way for you. We would recommend getting your students to get sponsored, or organising a 'pay to participate' activity. You can collect the money in a number of ways; you could have a collection bucket at reception or ask the class rep to collect it in during registration (always make sure an adult supervises the collection and the money is kept safe until it is paid in). There are sponsorship forms available to download here. (See ways to pay your money in below).

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As a school, how do we pay in our money?

Fill in the giroslip in the Schools’ Kit and take it along when you pay in your money by cash or cheque at any bank. If you want to post a cheque, please make it payable to 'Sport Relief 2008 (Schools)' and send it with your giro to Sport Relief 2008 (Schools), Ernst and Young, PO Box 51543, London, SE1 2UG. Using the schools’ giro to pay your money in will ensure you are automatically sent a Thank You certificate, so don't forget your giro!

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As a school, will we receive a 'Thank You' certificate for fundraising?

Paying your money in using the giro slip in your Schools’ Kit will ensure that you are automatically sent a thank you certificate (which acts as a receipt). We promise we will send your certificate as soon as we can, but please bear with us as there are so many of you lovely people for us to thank!

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What do we do if we have lost our schools giro slip?

Do not fret! We are here to help; if you have lost your schools’ giro slip, drop us an e-mail to schools@sportrelief.com, with your name, the name of your school and your school address and we’ll make sure you get sent a replacement giro slip. Remember, using the schools’ giro to pay your money in will ensure you are automatically sent a thank you certificate, so don't forget your giro!

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How can I get Sport Relief Socks for my school?

You can do this using our Sock Deposit Scheme

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Sock Deposit Scheme

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What sizes are the Socks?

The Socks come in 4 different sizes: Kids sizes 9-12 and 12.5-3.5 and Adult sizes 4-7 and 6-12.

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How much do the Socks cost?

Each box contains 12 pairs of Socks and costs £24, but you only need to pay a deposit of £8 upfront. Sell the Socks for £2 a pair and pay the remaining balance of £16 per box after your fundraising. There is also a charge for postage and packaging, all the details of which are on the order form.

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How much of that money goes to Sport Relief?

Sport Relief receives at least £1 from every pair of Socks on the Sock Deposit Scheme.

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When do I have to pay the balance?

As soon as you can after Sport Relief. Please be sure to send the balance to the Sport Relief Schools Stuff, PO Box 56, Jarrow, NE32 3WW, so that we know we’re all square.

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Why do we have to pay for the Socks?

The Socks are one of Sport Relief’s primary sources of fundraising, and as much as we would like to give the Socks to everyone for nothing we have to prioritise raising money.

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What do we do with any unsold Socks?

Socks ordered on the Sock Deposit Scheme are non-returnable. We cannot afford the financial risk of selling on a sale-or-return basis and would still expect the remaining £1.40 per pair of Socks for all Socks ordered. Please be sure to only order as many Socks as your school children will buy. Any leftovers are the school’s to do with as it pleases.

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When will my Sport Relief Socks order arrive?

Socks ordered before 1st February 2008 should be delivered by 15th February 2008. After this date you should allow 10 working days for orders to arrive. The Sock Deposit Scheme closes on Friday 7th March 2008, because we would not be able to guarantee delivery of your Socks by 14th March. Order forms received after this date will not be processed and your cheque will not be cashed. Please make sure that you order your Socks early to guarantee we have enough stock in your requested sizes.

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Are the Socks Fairtrade?

Sport Relief Socks are made with certified Fairtrade cotton. We work closely with the manufacturers to ensure that the production and the manufacture of our merchandise adhere to local and international ethical guidelines.

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Why can't I buy other Sport Relief merchandise on a deposit scheme?

Comic Relief cannot afford the financial implications of organising and maintaining schemes for items other than the Socks, the huge popularity of which makes the costs involved viable.

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Who do I contact with queries about the scheme?

You can contact us at depositscheme@sportrelief.com or telephone 020 7820 5555.

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Christopher 94

Time catches up with everyone in the end. I was in the army during the war and I've always been an active and energetic person...

...but now my eyesight is failing and I can't get around so easily. Your money pays for exercise classes that help me keep fit and retain my independence.