Fundraising and merchandise

Surrey Sands are a local group within the nationwide Sands registered charity, working to the objects set out in the Sands constitution (PDF 78KB)

Surrey Sands are totally self funding, receiving no form of statutory funding and no direct funding from national. All of our income is derived from donations made directly to us at Surrey Sands.

The management committee and befrienders all offer their services on a voluntary basis.

The sole purpose of the group is to provide support services at a local level. This we achieve through our newsletter, support group meetings, web site, memorial events and 1-1 befriending. Naturally, all this comes at a cost. We don't aim to make a profit; all income is used for the benefit of our members. The majority of our income is generated from our service beneficiaries, their families and friends. We are, of course, immensely grateful for this. So how can you help support Surrey Sands so that we can continue to support you and others in the unenviable position we all have in common?

To make it easier for fundraisers we have now divided our work into five key funds for fundraising purposes:

• General Support Fund – this will cover our basic operational costs of newsletter, helpline, web site, postage, stationary, printing, leaflets, meeting costs, Befriender Training, Befriender and Committee expenses.
• Hospital Support Fund – any items we provide to the hospitals to help support parents at their time of loss and improve the environment they are in. The development or refurbishment of Sands rooms within hospitals and the cost of their upkeep.
• Precious Memories Fund – the provision of small individual items for parents to keep which will help create lasting memories of their babies. Items will vary from time to time and according to funding. For example inkless print kits, teddies, tiny silver angels on ribbons and pretty boxes for hair and hospital bands.
• Training Fund – to cover the cost of providing training days at the hospitals based on the Sands Guidelines for Professionals book, for all health professionals likely to come into contact with parents at any point.
• Special Fund(s) – from time to time we will have specific projects that will require funding.
• Projects currently requiring Fundraisers
  - St Helier Hospital bereavement suite (enhanced delivery suite)
  - Kingston Hospital bereavement suite (enhanced delivery suite)
  - Epsom Babies Memorial Garden
• Epsom Babies Memorial Garden Project - in partnership with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to create a babies memorial garden within Epsom Cemetery. We want to create a tranquil space for bereaved families to sit and reflect on babies lost during pregnancy, at birth or within the first few weeks of life. The design will incorporate a central sculpture, seating, planting and some creative paving! The land will be donated by the Council, Surrey Sands will fund the construction of the garden.
  
  

Should there be any shortfall in the General Support Fund then monies will be re-allocated from elsewhere according to the priority at the time.

Before you start fundraising we ask that you contact the Chairman to go through the requirements of using Just Giving for the benefit of Surrey Sands. Without doing so, your funds will automatically go to National Sands. Where possible we will allocate your donation to the fund of your choice and this will be discussed with you at the outset.

Our current fundraisers

Surrey Sands - raising funds for the Epsom Babies Memorial Garden
http://www.justgiving.com/Epsom-Babies-Memorial

Surrey Sands - raising funds for the Forget-me-not project at Royal Surrey County Hospital http://www.justgiving.com/surreySands-royal-surrey 

Megan Bowler - raising funds in memory of her Brother James to provide support for siblings.
http://www.justgiving.com/james10

Matt Jones - raising funds in memory of Daisy Wilson for a Sands room at Kingston Hospital
http://www.justgiving.com/mattjones11

Sarah and Alex Wilson - raising funds in memory of Daisy to create a bereavement suite at Kingston Hospital
http://www.justgiving.com/daisyfair

Balls of Steel Bike Team - raising funds for Surrey, Bedfordshire and National Sands
http://www.justgiving.com/bos2010

Richard Redford and Team - running in memory of Tilly Rose
http://www.justgiving.com/tillyrose

Wendy Cook - raising funds in memory of Emily for the Forget-me-not project at Royal Surrey County Hospital.
http://www.justgiving.com/surreySands-forgetmenot

Steffen Krause - raising money towards the Forget-me-not project in memory of Alexander
http://www.justgiving.com/Alexander-Jan

Kerrie Murray - raising funds in memory of Isabella for the Precious Memories Project
http://www.justgiving.com/kerrie-murray

James and Vikki Avery - raising funds in memory of Ben for the Forget-me-not Project
http://www.justgiving.com/benjaminavery

Julia Griggs Non Member generously raising funds for Surrey Sands
http://www.justgiving.com/Julia-Griggs18

Karin Probert - raising money in memory of Asher
http://www.justgiving.com/Asherthomas

Summerfield Family - raising money in memory of Madeline for her 18th Birthday
http://www.justgiving.com/Madeline-Summerfield

Alex Stewart - doing the London to Brighton Bike Ride in memory of Lucy
http://www.justgiving.com/alexanddanielle

General donations - you can do this simply online into our Just Giving Account. Please visit http://www.justgiving.com/surreySands

Recycling - old mobile phones, used printer cartridges and foreign coins. These are very valuable to us. Please hand them either to your Befriender, support group host or contact the helpline

Ad-hoc donations - those who attend any of our events will now be familiar with the donations bucket! Please give generously it helps cover the costs of providing such events, for which we rarely charge.

In Memoriam - Funeral Donations - assuming you are reading this before the funeral of your precious baby, please consider nominating donations to Surrey Sands in lieu of flowers. In the long run you too will benefit from the support we provide.

In Memoriam Sponsored Events - This is one of the most meaningful ways you can help us, so that we can continue to help you. It is entirely your own choice how you chose to raise funds in memory of your beloved child. Some previous ideas have been sponsored diet / walk / runs, tea parties, raffles, competitions, sale of hand made items……the list is endless. What is most important is that it is something you are doing in memory of your child, and in the process you are raising the profile of our charity. The amount you raise is not as important as the priceless reward you feel for taking part. To order personalised official sponsorship forms please email your requirements to surrey.Sands@btinternet.com. One simple way to collect sponsorship money online is through your own Just Giving page. Please contact Lorna for guidance prior to setting this up.

By making your donation directly to Surrey Sands you will be supporting other bereaved parents in your local area - some of whom you will meet at groups and events.

Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope so that a receipt can be forwarded.

Legacy Giving - Our own departure is not something any of us like to think about. What is important is that we make our wishes clear in advance of the event. The simplest way is to write a will. If it is your wish to support Surrey Sands you may chose to make a donation from your estate, alternatively you may choose to request donations to Surrey Sands in lieu of flowers.

Remember - we need your support to enable us to offer you our support - thank you.