IT charity campaign looks to break $1m barrier
IT charity campaign looks to break $1m barrier
This year's IT Fund for Kids 'Putting IT Back' campaign is underway, with organisers hoping to raise in excess of $300,000 which will see it break the $1 million mark of funds raised since its conception in 2000.
IT employees and the general IT community will be asked to contribute one day's pay (or a nominated amount) to the campaign, with their organisation then having the opportunity to match the amount raised by their staff.
The proceeds from this year's campaign will be used for programmes designed specifically by the Starlight Children's Foundation and Giant Steps to improve the quality of life of Australian children. To date, the Fund has helped 218 children. The Starlight Children's Foundation will be using money raised to make the wishes of seriously ill children come true, while Giant Steps will be implementing a Life Skills program for children aged from 5-18 years with autism.
Despite the generosity of past years and the steady number of supporting vendors, this year, the 'IT Fund for Kids' is hoping to raise the bar on donations, as tough times in the IT community have seen fund figures drop. It takes $4,000 dollars per child to grant a wish through the Starlight Children's Foundation or to support a child with Autism through Giant Steps.
One participant looking forward to contributing this year is Microsoft Australia's Managing Director Steve Vamos, who believes the spirit of donating as an industry is an added bonus of giving something back to children in need.
"It's easy for the corporate community to get wrapped up in targets and figures related to its own interests. The opportunity that the 'IT Fund for Kids' provides for us to work together toward a common target is fabulous. That's why I strongly urge companies to participate in the 2003 campaign.
"The experience of taking part is even more rewarding when you consider that this figure makes a huge difference to the quality of life and realisation of dreams of the special children supported by the IT fund. The Starlight Children's Foundation and Giant Steps are still in desperate need of support to continue their marvellous work so I urge people to join up now and start making a difference."
To find out how to participate, please contact Claire Crawford at The Starlight Children's Foundation on (02) 8425 5929 or email ccrawford@starlight.org.au
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