fundraising ideas for my daughters starband helmet

[o8sp]

my 5 month old daughter has severe plagiocephaly which is unlikely to correct itself to a degree where her hair would disguise her misshapen head and her misaligned ears. a starband helmet which would help costs �1850 which i can't afford. i want to do some fundraising and would like some ideas please. i know people get numerous requests for charitable donations these days and so would like ideas where they feel they are getting something back in return maybe?

thanks,

sonia

[Danni79]

How about a traditional old raffle? I have done a few for various charities and shops etc are always very helpful in donating items plus you can get your friends to join in and sell the tickets x good luck x

[morg_monster]

You could try talking to your local paper. Making a fuss about why the NHS won't pay for it will always attract attention and may attract donations too. A similar case is here...

http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=39 &ArticleID=1246994

This could be done in conjunction with the raffle idea - the paper could give a number to call if people wanted to buy tickets and shops and businesses might be more likely to give prizes if they might get a mention in the paper. If you do go round to local shops trying to get prizes take your daughter with you, adding a human face will make people feel more in touch with your situation.

Please note if you do a raffle, there are some rules, I found some of them here. Basically 'small' or 'private' raffles are not regulated and don't need to be registered. (A small raffle is one which takes place entirely within an event such as a fete or fair. A private raffle is one taking place only among people who are all members of one society, who reside in the same premises, or who work in the same premises.) So if you know someone willing to conduct a raffle at their office that would be fine. Any bigger raffles - eg one open to the general public - need registering with the Gaming commision and are subject to a lot of other rules. You also might need to register as a charity!

Depending on your actual income and status, the social fund may be able to help with this expense. (hope the link works). it also gives information on interest free loans available. You could also go to the Citizens Advice Bureau to see if they have any information about local charitable trusts which might be willing to make a donation towards the cost.

[morg_monster]

Sorry, my links didn't all work. The link for the raffles was

http://www.wyrebc.gov.uk/Council_Services/Licensing_Serv ices/Charitable_Collection_Permits/Lotteries_(Raffles)_P ermits/

The link for the social fund was
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/n6w/index/life/benefits/he lp_for_people_on_a_low_income_-_the_social_fund.htm

[randomsasha]

There was a similar case where I live and the mother got in touch with our local newpaper and it made the front page. In the end the NHS paid towards it and the rest was through things like car boot sales, raffles, etc. The mother made sure these were all in her interview so more people knew about it.

[Lonnie]

My daughter is Autistic, and some years ago, in order to take her on a course, we decided to collect Alluminium cans, we advertised for them in the local papers, put posters up in shop windows, sports centres etc, and what happened was, apart from people bringing sacks of them to the house, two people sent cheques, events were organised in her name, (not by me), like Quiz evenings, the charity 'Kids in Need', did a sponsered walk. All just for asking for Ally Cans. Just a thought, but maybe you try something like that. But I wish you the best of luck anyway.

[HAYLEYSMAD]

hiya sonia, what about a sports day, charity football match, car boot sale with some friends, your local paper or supermarket hope that helps a bit, oh and search that net for some free idea brochures h x ;)

[puzzled54]

Quiz sheets are very popular - some people are very competative (see the quizzes and puzzles section!), but a lot of people will buy a quiz sheet if its for a good cause.

[dancealot13]

Contact a local high school,and a theater group, or dance school to put on a short show. The school would let you use the theater for an afternoon, and the dance school would love to perform because it's good practice for the recitals coming up and it's free advertisement for them, as well as looking good for the high school. The dance company I teach for just put together a fundraiser in one day! Our's only lasted 1 1/2 hours. We raised $2000. (USA, New York) Good luck!