Kids Matter to row in the Great River Race for a second year!

Kids Matter is excited to announce that we will be participating in the Great River Race for the second year running, and we have a full team of enthusiastic rowers ready to raise funds to support our vision to see every child in need raised in a strong family.

The Great River Race on London’s Thames has been a beloved tradition since 1988, beginning with just 61 boats manned by a mix of young scouts and seasoned rowing veterans. Today, this vibey event draws competitors of all levels—from dedicated athletes aiming to beat their records to those revelling in laughter, fancy dress, and the joy of supporting their favourite charities.

Spanning 21.6 miles from Millwall to Richmond, the race is particularly significant for us. Richmond is where Kids Matter was founded, and Millwall is home to our longest-standing partnership.

With over 300 crews and more than 2,500 competitors from across the globe, the Great River Race is a vibrant international event. We invite you to join in the fun! Here’s how you can get involved:

• Cheer us on the day: Pop down to the river to cheer us (and the other boats) along! It’s a great spectacle.
• Sponsor your friends and family: Click on our JustGiving page to support Kids Matter’s vision by making a donation to your favourite rower.
• Share our social media posts: Spread the word on social media and among friends to support our fundraising efforts.

Our fundraising target is £12,940, a figure that reflects our mission’s seriousness. The cost of reaching each child is £647, and this total will allow us to support 20 children. This small amount can make a significant difference in a child’s life, especially when compared to the cost of late intervention.

We are asking each rower to commit to raising funds for at least one child, either through personal donations or by fundraising within their networks. Your support not only helps them but will make a real and lasting difference to children and families impacted by poverty.

To find out more about Kids Matter and our parenting programmes, visit Kidsmatter.org.uk and if you’d like to sponsor our team, click here.