Charity groups aims to help if they can
WHILE mammoth charities have big backing, smaller charities often struggle – but now a Quedgeley councillor has stepped in to help.
Parish councillor Steve Smith teamed up with ex-military and emergency service pals in a pub where they decided to set up a new organisation to help fundraise for good causes.
Six months later the team from Help If We Can has already helped Help for Heroes to the tune of £1,500 and is embarking on ambitious fundraising plans for next year.
Mr Smith, chairman of the organisation, said: "We want to help the small groups that perhaps operate with just a volunteer from the front room of the house rather than the huge charity with palatial buildings and many staff to look after before funds get to the pointed end."
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A dozen committee members are made up of a former barrister, ex-emergency services crew and former health officials, among others.
Dame Janet Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, has become the patron of the group.
Successful
Mr Smith added: "It all started six months ago when a bunch of us were in the pub and we decided we want to do something to help others.
"It has been very successful to date and we are now going full steam ahead with plans for the next year."
A show is planned for next April similar to the one held this year by the organisation.
They hope volunteers, musicians and singers will all get in on the act. In July 2014 they are planning their biggest event yet. A two-day extravaganza will launch on July 27 and 28 in Quedgeley.
The area will play host to the Best of British Pageant, boasting an arena and static exhibitions and displays over the course of the weekend.
Organisations such as the military and emergency services are being invited to join in with the festivities.
It will be a poignant year for military personnel as the county commemorates 100 years since the start of the First World War.
Money is going to be raised for the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK's centre of remembrance in Staffordshire.
Anyone willing to help should call Steve Smith on 01452 725343 or e-mail bulldog.smith@btinternet.com
â A quiz is being held at the Barn Owl in Kingsway tomorrow at 7.15pm in aid of Help If We Can. For details call 01452 725343.
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