Campaign to save local community groups

THE future of a number of local community and
voluntary groups is in doubt after a recent survey revealed that up to 30 per
cent are facing closure or are unsure about their survival.

Now a national campaign has been launched to help
build support for the groups.

The Better Together campaign provides community and
voluntary groups, clubs and associations with and opportunity to showcase their
work and attract new supporters, volunteers and donors by posting short video
clips on the campaign website (www.bettertogether.ie).

Participating causes will also be competing for a
combined prize fund of

?¬20,000.

Voting

The public can support their local charities, clubs
and associations by locating them on an interactive map, voting for their
favourite videos or donating online.

The 30 causes that attract the most votes will be
shortlisted for three cash prizes of

?¬3,000, and the cause that attracts the
largest number of donors will win

?¬10,000 cash.

The campaign also celebrates the unsung heroes in
communities through Ireland’s Charity Hero Award. Nominations are now being
sought for people who have made an extraordinary contribution to good causes in
a voluntary capacity. Visit www.bettertogether.ie for details.

The Better Together campaign was developed by The
Wheel, the national representative body for community and voluntary groups, in
response to a dramatic fall in income among non-profit groups.

A survey conducted by the organisation in May revealed
that 60.7 per cent have experienced a drop in income of up to 20 per cent since
November 2010.

Reflection

Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, who
launched the campaign, said it was a true reflection of what is happening at a
grassroots level in communities.

“Up and down the country, people are selflessly
helping others and are playing their part in making Ireland a more fair,
inclusive and better place to live in,

? stated Minister Burton.

Deirdre Garvey, chief executive of The Wheel, said:
charities, community and voluntary groups are facing their toughest challenge
yet having taken a double hit in the past number of years.

“Not only is the demand for their services increasing,
but their income levels are dropping,

? stated Ms Garvey.

Amazing

“The Better Together campaign aims to turn the tide on
this and strengthen the local groups by showing the public the amazing work
happening in their communities and what they can do to help.

?

The campaign will culminate with the Better Together
Awards on December 1 when the winners will be announced and Ireland’s Charity
Hero for 2011 will be named.