Children in jungle safari outfits on designed jungle background.

The Big Toddle 2024

Event type Children and family, Walking

The Big Toddle 2024

Sign-ups for The Big Toddle 2024 have now closed!


Thanks so much to all our pawsome Toddlers who took part in The Big Toddle 2024! We’d love for you to join us on another elephant-astic safari adventure next year!


Save the date for The Big Toddle 2025: 9–15 June 2025

Event date:
10 June to 16 June 2024
Location:
All around the UK
View on Google Maps
Entry fee:
It's free!
Minimum sponsorship:
There is no minimum sponsorship

What is The Big Toddle?

The Big Toddle is a short, sponsored walk for children under five, although all ages and abilities can take part. 

You can organise a Big Toddle as a group from a nursery, school or playgroup, or do a turtle-y amazing Home Safari with family or friends. We think around half a mile is perfect for little paws. 

Let's toddle together on this paw-some journey to create safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful childhoods for little lions across the UK. Jump into the jungle and get started today!

    Designed image of two children dressed up as forest creatures, with imposed text on a sign reading "Barnardo's. The Big Toddle. Ready, steady, toddle!"
    The Big Toddle event has become a highlight for us. The joy on the children’s faces and the involvement from our parents during the event is truly priceless – it's a testament to the magic of giving back.

    Kelly Dunn

    Area manager, Bright Little Stars Nursery

    Organising your Big Toddle

    We’ve got loads of resources and advice available to you while you finish preparing for your Big Toddle! 

    Whether you chose a Toddle together or a Home Safari, when you signed up, you’ll have been emailed our Big Toddle activity guides. Every toddler will also receive a certificate and shiny medal for taking part. 

    Finalise planning

    From costumes and face painting to fundraising ideas, read our top tips for your Big Toddle to get ready for your event.

    Fundraise

    Create your JustGiving page to help you and your Toddle Team raise as much as possible for other children and young people across the UK.

    Host your Big Toddle 

    Host your Big Toddle, have fun dressing up in all things safari and raise funds to create safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful childhoods for little lions across the UK! 

    Every step you take and every penny you raise will help change childhoods and changes lives 

    • £10 could pay for toys and games for a child’s play therapy sessions   

    • £25 could cover school essentials or activities to promote mental and physical wellbeing   

    • £240 could help feed a family for a month and make sure their children have breakfast before they go to school 

    • £800 could provide specialist support for a family struggling to make ends meet to access longer term financial advice

    Fundraising resources

    The Big Toddle 2024 fundraising guide graphic

    Big Toddle Fundraising Guide

    This pack contains everything you need to organise your sponsored walk as well as fantastic tips to help you raise lots of money.

    The Big Toddle 2024 sponsorship form graphic

    Big Toddle sponsorship form 

    If you prefer to collect pledges on paper rather than setting up a Just Giving page (opens in a new window), use this form.

    The Big Toddle 2024 animal masks graphic

    Big Toddle animal mask activity sheets

    Make a fun mask to wear on the day of your Big Toddle. There are lots of different animals to choose from!

    We’ve got loads of resources for your Big Toddle. Below are some of the key ones, but you can view all resources here

    More information

    How can I sign up for the Big Toddle 2024

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    Sign-ups have closed for the Big Toddle 2024. You can still get involved by supporting with Big Toddle fundraisers and cheering on any little lions you know taking part. 

    How much does it cost to sign up?

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    It's free! We want as many people as possible to take part, so we don't have a sign-up cost. 

    What support do I get form Barnardo's for organising my Big Toddle?

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    We have lots of resources to help you organise your Big Toddle as well as guidance on how to host a safe event.
    The Big Toddle Team are on hand to help if your questions aren't answered. You can get in touch with us by emailing [email protected].

    When will I receive my fundraising pack and medals?

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    You will receive your medals and stickers the week before the Big Toddle week, along with your fundraising pack if you requested a printed version.

    If you signed up in June, we will do our best to get your medals and stickers to you as soon as we can.

    In the meantime, you can take a look at all of our fundraising resources over on our Big Toddle Fundraising resources page here.

    How do I set up a JustGiving page?

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    The easiest way to set up your JustGiving page is via our Big Toddle JustGiving campaign page which you can view here.

    How do I pay money in? 

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    If you have raised money on your JustGiving page, or if you have paid in via our JustGiving page, all funds will be sent directly to us by JustGiving. 
       
    To pay via BACS, please use these details:
    Name: Big Toddle
    Account number: 60479500
    Sort Code: 20-57-30. 
     
    Or, to pay via our website, please click here to go to our donate page
       
    To pay by card over the phone, please call 0800 008 7005 and have your Barnardo’s reference number (starting ORN or SRN) handy. 
       
    Send your cheque(s), made payable to Barnardo’s to:
    Barnardo’s Big Toddle,
    Tanners Lane, Barkingside,
    Ilford,
    Essex IG6 1QG.
    Please do not send cash through the post. 
       
    You can find your reference number on Big Toddle correspondences such as letters or email.

    When do I pay money in by?

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    Please send in your fundraising to us by Sunday 14th July 2024. 

    Is there a minimum amount we need to raise?

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    There's no minimum amount you need to raise, all we ask is you raise as much as you can and have fun while you do it.​​

    Do I have to hold my Big Toddle during Big Toddle week? 

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    The best time to take part is during The Big Toddle week (10th - 16th June 2024) so please join us then if you can, but we appreciate this might not be possible for everyone. You can host your Big Toddle at a time that suits you, so when you register make sure you tell us what date you plan to host your event as we'll do what we can to make sure you get your medals in time. 

    When do registrations close?

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    Registrations for The Big Toddle 2024 officially close on the 3rd of June.  

    You will need to register by the 13th of May if you would like to receive a printed Fundraising and Activity pack.

    How can I order more medals?

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    Email us at [email protected] with your name (or your organisations name if you're taking part in a Toddle Together) and let us know how many more medals you need in addition to the ones you stated on your registration form and the delivery address.  

    Please note, it can take up to a week for additional medals to be delivered, we'll try our best to get them to you as soon as possible though.  

    How do I know whether to register for a Home Safari or Toddle Together?

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    If you’re a teacher, nursery, playgroup or childminder who wants to get your little ones involved please register as a Toddle Together. 

    If you're a parent, grandparent or carer, please register as a Home Safari. 

    Got another question? Get in touch

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    If you have any other questions about The Big Toddle you can get in touch with us by emailing The Big Toddle Team at [email protected]

    You can also get in touch with our Supporter Care Team for support by emailing [email protected] or over the phone by calling 0800 008 7005. 

    Toddlers in safari costumes smiling, on a designed jungle background.

    Five top tips for your Big Toddle

    Now you are signed up, get ready for your Big Toddle by reading our top tips below.

    Boy with disability on playground smiling

    The impact of your fundraising

    We know how important it is to be open about how we spend the money you raise. That’s why we share information about the different ways we use your donations and how they help to change lives.

    Two young children from Hong Kong smiling playing

    Hear from the people we’ve supported

    Everyone deserves to feel like they belong, to feel valued, supported and full of hope. And that’s how we aim to make everyone who comes through our door feel. Your amazing fundraising helps us continue this work.