FAQs
Our GOSH Charity Play Date team are always happy to help. For any queries about the event or your fundraising, that aren't answered below, get in touch with us at playdate@gosh.org or give us a call on 020 3841 3270.
About GOSH Charity Play Date
What is GOSH Charity Play Date?
GOSH Charity Play Date challenges you to host a Play Date and raise money for seriously ill children treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Simply invite your child's friends, and your own, to join the fun, with each guest making a donation to come along. Money raised will support the hospital Play team, which is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSH Charity).
How big does it need to be?
It’s completely up to you! Whether you're a parent hosting a small Play Date on behalf of your child, or an after-school club wanting to do something on a bigger scale, every GOSH Charity Play Date will help raise money to support seriously ill children treated at GOSH.
Who should I invite?
No-one is too young or old to attend a GOSH Charity Play Date. You could invite your child's friends as well as your own, or do something with your family - or a mix of both. Play Dates aren't just for the kids, so get the grown-ups involved too. Activity ideas for everyone to enjoy are available on our Fundraising Toolkit, and a Play Date pack will be sent to each host.
What should I do on the day?
Children are the masters of play, so you could just let the fun unfold while you and the grown-ups have a catch up. But for anyone needing inspiration, check out the activity ideas on our Fundraising Toolkit.
Does it need to be at my home?
No! You can choose the best place for your play date. For some people, this might be their home. Others may prefer to hold it at their local park or community centre. It's completely up to you!
We’re a Nursery/School/other educational setting. Can we get involved?
Definitely! We’d love you to. There’s an option on the form to select if you’re from an educational setting. We can also send more stickers out to you so there’s enough to go around. Check out our Host's Guide for ideas for nursery, clubs or school fundraising ideas.
Fundraising at your GOSH Charity Play Date
How do I fundraise at my Play Date?
When you sign up to host a GOSH Charity Play Date, an online fundraising page will be created. You will also be sent a Play Date pack complete with a collection box and QR code stickers that guests can scan on the day to make their donation on your fundraising page. You could ask guests to give a one-off donation to attend the event.
But if you're thinking your GOSH Charity Play Date might be bigger, you could ask people to make a small donation per activity. Money can be collected online or offline.
What am I raising money for?
Your Play Date will fund the Play team at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
The Play team, fully funded by GOSH Charity, is made up of Play specialists and Play workers who help children make sense of their treatment and recovery through techniques such as role play, drawing and practicing procedures on toys. This is a vital part of a patient's care at GOSH and helps children to feel in control, calm and informed about what's happening during their treatment and recovery.
And, most importantly, play allows them to be children during what can be a difficult and worrying time.
Will all the fundraising go towards the Play team?
Any donation(s) received in relation to the GOSH Charity Play Date event(s) will be used to fund thePlay Services at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. Our target for this appeal is to raise £101,250. In the event that additional donations are received over and above our target and/or the needs of the hospital or patients change, we reserve the right to redirect funds for use against the hospital’s most urgent needs.
I've collected cash at my Play Date. How shall I pay it in?
There's a few ways you can do this! The quickest way is to pay the donation directly to your Play Date fundraising page. If you didn't setup a fundraising page, you can donate it straight to our JustGiving Play Date Campaign page here, or use our online form here.
If you'd prefer to pay in by cheque, please complete this form and send it to the addressed detailed on it.
Or, you can pay in over the phone by giving us a call on 020 3841 3841.
What are the QR codes for in my pack?
Guests can scan these on the day and it will take them straight through to your GOSH Charity Play Date fundraising page. They can then make their donation using the online form.
I’m having problems with my GOSH Charity Play Date fundraising page.
If you’re having technical problems, please reach out to JustGiving’s help team at help@justigivng.com.