***** Santas Strike Force 2015!!! ***** BEASTY BONUS MODE!! (Details in OP)

GLaDOS

I can't see how anyone could possibly have a problem with that

Graham

+1 from me.

I suspect the treasured photographs two of our friends have are a result of one of the 500 boxes mentioned.

KERSPLAT!

Yep, definite +1

hdowney

100% yes from me

JakeBell

DeVore wrote: »

Actually.... I have been thinking about this. The reason I didn't make the account completely public is because I felt people might freak at the horrendously inefficient state of most charities in Ireland but maybe its good that you know. Let me explain...

I wasn't expecting to post on this thread again until my next donation but I really don't see how any of that matters. I don't think anybody would really care if there is a balance left at the end of the year. The reason just doesn't add up imo.


End of Year - 2014

Balance as of 1/1/14: €15,054
Donations in 2014: €16,023

Spend:
Charity A: €890 (3 Playstations + extra controllers)
Charity B: €3,000 (monetary donation)
Charity C: €1,200 (clothing - 18 uniforms)
Charity €7,000 (mini-bus)
Charity E: €500 (25 specialised eye tests for children)
Charity F: €895 (40" tv)
Charity G: €1,200 (medical equipment - wheelchair accessories)
Charity H: €300 (food & drinks - Christmas party)
Charity I: €1,800 (monetary donation - 65 food parcels)
Total 2014 Donations: €16,785

End of Year Balance: €14,292


Surely even something as simple and basic as that would not only help with accountability but also make for fantastic and rewarding reading for all those who have donated.
Each donation could even be linked to a very simple blog post on the website. eg:


Charity E
RexMaher from Boards.ie posted on the SSF thread in January last to nominate Charity E as a worthy source for some funding. TrishX, Bob2 and Exxxeell replied and agreed, all having some experience with the charity.
I contacted them in February and got chatting to a lovely woman called Mary. Mary runs the charity with her friend and they raise money for families who can't afford proper eye care for their children. They were absolutely delighted to get the call.
They shortly reported back that each eye test costs €20 and they expect to require 50 in the next 12 months.
Myself, X and X discussed and agreed that we'd be happy to cover half of these expected eye tests and we would be in contact again next year. The charity were absolutely delighted and sent this kind letter:



Dear SSF,

etc etc etc etc etc
" " " " " " " " " " " " " "
" " " " " " " " " " " " " "
Thanks so much to everybody who donated to SSF.

Fondest Regards,

Mary C - Charity E

<photo of happy kids>




Forgetting accountability (I'm done on that and still not doubting anybody)- I think there could be a fair bit of improvement in clarity on where and what the money is for - just some very basic reading for those considering donating and those who have already donated. I'm not saying you don't do it, I know a lot gets posted in here. But try and find it!
That shabby example I posted took 5-10 minutes. I'd love to hear how making something like this or something similar wouldn't be a good idea.


(And glad to see my previous bump brought a donation or two! As I say I will be donating again too).

KERSPLAT!

Hi JakeBell, you've raised some important points and as DeVore has said he's happy to answer any questions, there is a forum dedicated to SSF here http://touch.boards.ie/forum/419 which may be better suited to your queries so that we can keep this thread for fundraising purposes.

January

Féileacáin gets a huge +1 from me also.

DeVore, did you ever contact the heart centre in Crumlin?

JakeBell

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

Hi JakeBell, you've raised some important points and as DeVore has said he's happy to answer any questions, there is a forum dedicated to SSF here http://touch.boards.ie/forum/419 which may be better suited to your queries so that we can keep this thread for fundraising purposes.

Ah, hadn't realised that. Happy for you to move my posts into a thread of their own there if you wish.

DeVore

Nah its fine here as its most this forum that donates the cash and I'm sure the thread will go back asleep shortly. Jake, what you posted is pretty much exactly what I send to the mailing list every year. I s'pose there really isn't any reason not to post it here so let me think that one through but it might be for the best alright.

January, I didn't see a suggestion or them... or did I miss something? Hook me up a link or something and let me review it. REmember by our rules is should be a residential, kid focused charity (hospital wards count) and the items need to be quality of life improving, not medical.

Lady is a tramp

NILMDTS might be one to consider as well as Feilichean ... they do photoshoots of stillborn babies with the parents etc. Perhaps the money could be used for camera equipment etc?

Story Bud?

Lady is a tramp wrote: »

NILMDTS might be one to consider as well as Feilichean ... they do photoshoots of stillborn babies with the parents etc. Perhaps the money could be used for camera equipment etc?

They work directly with Feilacain

http://www.feileacain.ie/now-i-lay-me-down-to-sleep-photographers/

Wonderful group of people.

January

DeVore wrote: »

Nah its fine here as its most this forum that donates the cash and I'm sure the thread will go back asleep shortly. Jake, what you posted is pretty much exactly what I send to the mailing list every year. I s'pose there really isn't any reason not to post it here so let me think that one through but it might be for the best alright.

January, I didn't see a suggestion or them... or did I miss something? Hook me up a link or something and let me review it. REmember by our rules is should be a residential, kid focused charity (hospital wards count) and the items need to be quality of life improving, not medical.

I suggested them a good while ago yeah. It's a hospital ward in Crumlin, focussed on children with heart conditions. The play therapists name is Olivia and I know she will jump at the chance of some equipment (nothing medical needed that was all provided by another charity) for the play room or iPad's/DVD players/Consoles for the ward.

NyOmnishambles

In case anyone who follows this thread missed this posted in its own thread it is worth a look

And a bit of a reminder that we can start saving to donate for this year

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057658823

SeaFields

Maybe I missed an announcement somewhere but is SSF happening this year?

The flying mouse

SeaFields wrote: »

Maybe I missed an announcement somewhere but is SSF happening this year?

I was just going to post that myself

DeVore

Yep. I'm trying to keep it to December... but yeah, next day or two (when I get a run at it!).