Children
Greggs Breakfast Clubs
We started the Greggs Breakfast Clubs programme in 2000. Basically, we wanted to give
primary school children in disadvantaged areas a free, nutritious breakfast – a fun,
healthy start to the day.
They're free for both the school and the pupils who go to them. But they're not just
nice to do. Our fresh bread and funding for cereals, spreads, fruit, yoghurt and milk
has improved attendances and children's performance. And since they're run jointly
between families and the schools, they've strengthened relationships throughout local
communities too.
Their success has led to more than 125 Greggs Breakfast Clubs opening over the last
decade, which together feed 6,000 hungry children. And, by working with other companies,
we hope to open more over the coming years.
Children in Need
In 2009, our fantastic staff and customers raised over £739,000 for BBC Children in Need.
The charity's aim is to 'positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young
people in the UK'.
It's a cause we care passionately about – and why we run our Breakfast Clubs. But we knew we
could raise even more money for them in 2010. Especially as we were an official partner this
year, selling Pudsey products and merchandise in all our shops and joining in the fun by
dressing up and organising lots of local fundraising events in the run up to November’s big
Children in Need TV event. This year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our staff and
customers alike, we were able to raise over £905,000!
Children's Cancer Run
The run began in 1982 when Chris Peacock, a young boy from the North East, was diagnosed with
cancer of the kidney and given a 30% chance of survival. His school headmaster, Colin Gregg,
wanted to do something positive – so he set up a fundraising run. The first one had around
200 participants. But it now attracts over 10,000 participants every year.
We're proud to sponsor the event and cover most of the expenses. Volunteers from our bakeries
work extremely hard to provide free lunches for all participants so that all the money raised
goes to Children's Cancer Research. Originally, Newcastle was the only city to host the run,
but this year, similar runs took place in Manchester and Leeds.
The five-mile cross country run is open to people of all ages, if you'd like to get involved,
and all the money goes towards Children's Cancer Research. As well as a fantastic day out for all
of the family with lots of entertainment, runners get a medal for their efforts as they cross the
finish line, as well as a Greggs picnic!