What is If I have to…all about?

May 12, 2010 at 11:00 am Leave a comment

You may have heard of If I have to… but not really fully understood what it is all about so let’s change this.

What is If I have to…?

If I have to is the name given to a group of volunteers whose intention it is to set up, arrange, host and complete activities in the interest of raising money for charitable causes.

Why was it set up?

If I have to was set up to raise money to purchase vital equipment for Chris and Jill Love’s son Greg after he was involved in an accident that left him requiring the specialist care of professionals like those found at the Children’s Trust and Victoria School.

These charitable organisations dedicate themselves to assisting in and improving the lives of children with disability, but often the expensive nature of specialist equipment means there has to be sacrifices.

One such piece of equipment was the eye gaze, a specialist computer with eye tracking capabilities that allows individuals like Greg who can not communicate through speech or writing to do so via eye communication.

Who are the founding members of If I have to…?

Founding members include Chris and Jill Love (Greg’s Love’s parents), Richard Love (Uncle), Jonathan Love (Cousin) and Jonathan Senior (family friend).

When was If I have to set up?

If I have to was set up back in early 2009.

Is it specific charities that are supported?

If I have to does not support one specific charity, but dedicates funds to the charitable organisation which cares currently for Greg. Since formation all funds raised have gone to Livability and Victoria Education College.

The If I have to team are currently working with and supporting VEC’s own campaign, the Sparkle Appeal.

How much has been raised and what has been done with this?

The first campaigns were set up to raise £13,000 to purchase the Eye Gaze equipment for Greg and other pupils at VEC. This target was smashed within 12 months, raising a staggering £17,200.

These funds have to date purchased the Eye Gaze, paid for a trip for Greg and 2 carers on a sailing trip and left a small surplus which is still to be used.

What events have been completed?

There have been many events all of which have raised varying amounts of money….

20 and 30 mile cycle ride
Josh Shaving his head of hair off
Stage Shows from Big Little Theatre School and Southern Electric Broadway Amateur Drama Group
Sponsored seafront runs
Sponsored Walks
Sponsored sales
Raffles and much more

HERE

What events are to come?

For a full listing of pending events CLICK HERE