The Highbridge-based National Blind Children’s Society has warned that the jobs of 35 of its telemarketing staff could be in jeopardy after it announced a review of its fundraising activities.
In an effort to continue lowering its admin costs and boost income, the charity has entered what it calls “a 30-day consultation period regarding the possible ceasing of our lottery fundraising.”
The charity has held its own lottery – similar to a raffle – for several years but income from it has recently declined.
In a statement to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Carolyn Fullard, Chief Executive of the charity (pictured) said: “Since the tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, like most other charities, income from the lottery has declined dramatically. The income received between Christmas 2004 and the actual draw in mid January in that year was £2,665 compared to £25,746 in the previous year.”
“The charity has over the past few years introduced other methods of fundraising to ensure the income streams remain cost effective and administration ratios low. Over £100,000 is now being raised from grant-making trusts a year and the National Events programme has shown significant improvement.”
“The charity has plans to increase further its highly successful ‘Milly’ telephone fundraising campaign, which raises over £500,000 from companies and institutions, along with its recycling campaigns, especially of mobile phones.”
Despite a promotional push for the charity’s lottery in recent months, income has not risen. “Despite a record number of lottery books being sent out, the actual income from the Christmas 2005 draw was no improvement from the current low levels. By the time these results were known the Spring 2006 draw was up and running, giving no opportunities for changes. It was therefore agreed that maximum effort would be expended on the Summer 2006 Draw and the ticket price was raised from 50p to £1.”
“Unfortunately, results to date have shown that the overall number of tickets sent out have fallen by 28% which, despite the increase in price, means that the annual Lottery is not producing sufficient return to justify its continuing existence.”
She warned that jobs could therefore be on the line. “The charity has therefore had no option but to enter a 30 day consultation period with the members of its telemarketing staff. Unless ways can be found in this time to greatly increase lottery income, there will be no option but to cease this fundraising stream with a possible loss of approximately 35 part time and full time staff.”
The charity, founded by a local Burnham-On-Sea resident, is not alone in experiencing such changes in the pattern of giving, with other national charities reporting similar results.
