LIBRA to roll out fresh fund raising approach

As part of the initiative, trustees have appointed a PR consultant to look at ways of generating support for the appeal. The funds will go towards an ‘Acorns to Oaks’ project, launched by KCH to raise money for its haematological stem cell laboratory.

Positive Reaction PR Limited is now working with the trustees to develop a strategy that will engage the public. Both parties plan to raise awareness on the charity through various communications channels, with an emphasis on ‘Acorns to Oaks’ throughout 2009. LIBRA is organised and supported by Lions Clubs in the South East of England, as well as Multiple District Clubs and Positive Reaction aims to build on this and gain the charity a number of new supporters. The consultancy will look to gain new members from Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent.

Trustee Colin Durham commented: “We are working especially hard to raise funds at the moment as it isn’t so easy for people to donate. The team are investigating ways to reach out to people and are also thinking up exciting fundraising ideas. Small donations all add up and despite the economic climate, we are aiming to raise around £100,000 this year. We have already raised over half of the target agreed for the ‘Acorns to Oaks’ project and won’t stop there. King’s College Hospital is recognised globally and the unit that we support serves a large population at high risk of suffering haematological diseases. The £249,000 will go towards equipping the cell therapy department, providing cutting edge technology. This will enable professors to perfect an individual’s stem cells. We have been working with King’s since 1978 and with increased public support this relationship will continue to grow.".