Heartfelt plea to save Spina Bifida charity
Coronavirushasdevastatingeffectonfundraisingefforts
A charity that proved to be a lifeline for an East Kilbride family and their baby daughter is making a plea for vital funds to keep it going.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) is calling on talented Lanarkshire locals to help save the organisation with a virtual fundraising event.
Mum Leanne Belch told the News earlier this month how the charity stepped in after her baby Amber, now 10 months old, was born with the condition – also known as water on the brain.
The condition was picked up five months into Leanne’s pregnancy .
Amber’s big sister, Laila, recently raised hundreds of pounds for SBH Scotland by posting hand drawn ‘Rainbows of Hope’ posters across East Kilbride.
The seven-year-old who battles a rare form of juvenile arthritis spent three hours pounding the pavements with her family after they heard that the charity was in trouble.
SBH Scotland, which provides a range of services to children and young people affected by complex conditions of spina bifida and hydrocephalus, is expected to lose up to £400,000 in fundraising this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The charity relies almost entirely on donations and must raise £1million annually to continue supporting its 3500 members, including over 500 in Lanarkshire.
To help raise vital funds, SBH Scotland will host its first virtual talent show ‘Sunday Night Social – Live’ on Sunday, June 7 and is now looking for the people to take part.
Those aged 16 and above are being encouraged to send in videos of themselves performing their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, acrobatics, comedy or more.
Finalists will have their performance showcased live on the night, with viewers voting for their favourite entry via a text message that will donate £1 to the charity.
The event will be hosted by renowned entertainer and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Edward Reid via video link and London west end star, John McLarnon, will also be on hand to entertain on the evening.
Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland said: “The cancellation of fundraising events across the country has had a devastating impact on the third sector.
“At SBH Scotland we receive little statutory support and the challenge ahead of us is incredibly difficult.
“Life in lockdown can be unsettling for everyone, especially for those who require extra support in their day-to-day lives.
“Our Sunday Night Social is about getting together – albeit virtually – and having a good time, whilst also helping our staff and volunteers continue to provide support to those who need it most.
“This event is the first in what we hope can be a series of monthly get-togethers.
“We’ve taken the excitement, entertainment and production values of our large scale events and taken them online for the ultimate Sunday night in.
“So, please join us by sending in videos of your talents, no matter how silly or funny they are.”
The event will be held from 8-10pm, the same day the charity’s 14th annual Ladies Lunch was due to take place in Glasgow.
Those who wish to enter should film their performance using a camera or smartphone, and email a link to download their film to talent@sbhscotland.org.uk before May 29.
Entrants must be over 16. Tickets to watch the event start at £5, with raffle tickets available to purchase on the evening.
More info can be found at www. sbhscotland.org.uk/social
At SBH Scotland we receive little statutory support and the challenge ahead is incredibly difficult...