BEM: Business East Midlands

STEERING GROUP STORMS AHEAD WITH FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Posted on 13. Jul, 2010 by editor in Business News

At the start of 2010 people from business, community, education and society worlds came together across the region to help raise funds for the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal.

Known as the East Midlands Child’s Voice Appeal Steering Group, their collective aim is to help raise £3.3 million to develop ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline – as presently not all contacts made by young people or adults worried about children can be answered.

The ChildLine base is in Nottingham and serves the East Midlands, which is why local entrepreneur Andrew Springhall and the East Midlands Child’s Voice Appeal President, Jenny Farr, MBE, DL, are bringing together boards of well-networked individuals to fundraise in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire.

Things have gotten off to a great start. Former Bank of England East Midlands Agent Chris Brown (pictured) is now in place as chair of the East Midlands Steering Group, bringing with him his business expertise and extensive networks to the team.

“Nottingham has its own established board already, with Derby and Leicester close to announcing their own full fundraising boards,” explains Chris.

“However, we still need well-networked individuals to help us establish boards in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, to generate the type of fundraising activity that we require to meet our fundraising goal.

“The Nottingham board has held quiz nights, formed links with venues like the Nottingham Playhouse to fundraise at specific events, held sponsored car washes for businesses and tapped into networking events like the recent Ascot Ladies Day and major sporting events such as the Nottingham Tennis Masters.

“Add to this CBI evenings, numerous plays and several corporates having already adopted the Child’s Voice Appeal as their nominated charity, and it’s easy to see how we can replicate Nottingham’s efforts across the region.

“It is a tragedy that some children and young people trying to contact the ChildLine base in Nottingham don’t get through due to lack of resources. The Child’s Voice Appeal aims to expand the helpline so that children in the East Midlands get the help and advice they need. Last year the base counselled over 9,000 children but we won’t be happy until all calls are answered.”

For further information on becoming a member of the Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire or Derbyshire boards or to get involved with the appeal in Rutland, please contact Andrew Springhall on 0844 533 5330 or email nspcc@blusource.co.uk

For information on how to make a donation or contribute to the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, people can visit www.nspcc.org.uk or contact the Midlands Local Fundraising Office on 0207 650 3474.