Fund Raising At The Farm

Helen Crowther is the Senior Trust Fundraiser at the Children's Farm Adventure Trust (CAFT). CAFT is based in a beautiful 17th century farmhouse, in the heart of Cheshire countryside and provides free adventure breaks and activities to children who are disadvantaged by illness, disability and poverty, from all over the Northwest. There are 16 members of staff at the farm both full and part-time who are supported by a team of 50 volunteers. Tiffany Henry talked to Helen about her role and life at CAFT.

"I have been at the Farm for seven years now which is the longest I have been in any job, I love it here and can't imagine working anywhere else, which I suppose speaks volumes about the Farm and what it does, I honestly do get a lot out of this role - the best job satisfaction. The fundraising offices are based within the Farm itself, not as is often the case in a separate office remote from the cause, so as a team we get to see and spend time with the children everyday."

"My days are varied as there are several elements to my job. Part of my role involves applying to Charitable Trusts for funding either by writing letters or completing application forms, my target this year is £200K. As a team we need to raise £750,000 a year to keep the farm running and receive no government funding. I need to send out a lot of request for funds, so have to have a thick skin and not be afraid to ask "if you don't ask you don't get" would seem to be the motto for fundraisers. It's hard when people say no but when they say yes that's a great feeling!"

"I am also responsible for Press Relations and PR, so there is usually a part of my day spent dealing with press queries, or pro actively promoting CAFT, for example each month I go onto BBC Radio Manchester's Coffee Morning with Helen Stott to talk about current events and activities. I've recently started Twittering and have 700 followers at the moment. It is good to keep thinking of new ways to build the profile and help with fundraising."

"During the year we hold lots of fundraising events and the some of my time is spent helping with these. If we are holding an event I will usually start my day in the office dealing with fundraising and PR then move on to help with the organisation. Most recently we held our Annual Golf Day at Mere and there is always plenty that needs doing. The president of CAFT, Sir Bobby Charlton was there and it's my responsibility to manage the press and photographers, making sure they're happy whilst at the same time looking after Sir Bobby. I then return to the office during the afternoon to deal with anything that's come in during the day. As most of our events go on into the evening, in the case of the Golf day this was a formal dinner, I return to help once more, there can be some long days but they're worth it.

"I have a job that's full of variety and meeting all the children who come to stay at the Farm keeps me focused and motivated. I love seeing them arrive on Monday morning, getting to know them during their stay and then seeing them leave on Friday transformed into smiling, relaxed and more confident children."

For more information about CAFT and what it does, or to make a donation go to: www.caft.co.uk or call (01565) 830053.