Christian communities and individuals, schools and celebrities will be raising funds for SOS Children's Villages as part of World Orphan Week.

Held from 2 to 8 October, the World Orphan Week aims to raise both funds for and awareness of the charity's work with some of the world's most vulnerable children.

SOS Children, the world's largest orphan charity, is recommending anything from cake sales to sponsored swims to win a day off work competitions, encouraging the public to join in making a difference to a child's life.

Celebrities including round-the-world yachtswoman Tracy Edwards MBE, the Operababes and Lysette Anthony will be helping launch the campaign through balloon races at a number of schools in Cambridge, Leeds, London, Manchester and Newcastle.

G4, George Alagiah and Karen Millen are also firm supporters of the campaign.

In 2005, World Orphan Week raised over £200,000. This year, the charity is hoping more individuals, schools, community groups and workplaces will join in and help beat this fundraising target and provide support.

For more details on the World Orphan Week campaign, visit www.worldorphanweek.com.