New beginning for Dame’s charity

The decision by the Board of Trustees to create a new identity was made earlier this year with the aim of clarifying the charity’s status.

Chair of trustees Steve Flory, said: “For too many years there has been a misconception that Dame Vera has set aside a trust fund to finance the School for Parents service for children under five with cerebral palsy.

“In truth the charity has struggled financially and often turns away applications from other not-for-profit organisations for funding.”

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity based at Five Oaks near Billingshurst is also launching a new website and logo and is taking the opportunity to appeal for new trustees to join the board.

Established in 2001 the charity has supported hundreds of families with children with cerebral palsy and has always offered their service completely free of charge and receives no statutory funding.

It is highly recognised nationally and internationally as being a service of exceptional quality but the sustainability of the charity is a concern to the board of trustees and its chief executive Steve Lane who said: “The charity sector is taking a bashing in the media with various stories of mismanagement and this is affecting us financially and impacting on our reputation at a time when we so desperately need the support of the local community.

“With the big charities getting bigger and able to spend millions of pounds on marketing and branding we have managed to create a new identity at virtually no cost. I hope the changes we are making will present a clearer message to the public and provide the charity with much needed funds.”

TRUSTEES WANTED

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity is looking for three new trustees, so if you would like to get involved with this inspirational local Charity and make a real difference, please contact Steve Lane on 01403 780444 for further details.

DAME VERA LYNN

Dame Vera Lynn celebrates her 99th Birthday in March and is delighted with the changes being made to her Charity “I set up my charity to provide a service to those less fortunate than myself. If you can help in any way then I would be so grateful for your support”.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you would like to support Dame Vera’s Charity either by getting involved in a fundraising event or simply making a donation and ensure more families will benefit from this wonderful service please do so by contact the Charity on 01403 780444.

The new website address is www.dvlcc.org.uk its current address is www.dvltrust.org.uk

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