The charity works to give opportunities to a wide range of people, from those coming out of prison to people with autism and those who have lost confidence. Its popular shop in St Sampson’s helps to fund training that increases their chances of employment or ability to re-enter the workforce and make a positive contribution to island life.
The ‘GO100’ campaign – which is backed by the Guernsey Press – challenges 100 local businesses to raise £1,000 each through a range of creative fundraising activities, rather than direct donations, to reach a total of £100,000.
‘It was my daughter’s idea,’ said GO director Malcom Hart.
‘It effectively costs us £1,000 a day to provide training, so this would allow us to do another 100 days of training.’
The campaign launched in April, and has secured 22 backers so far, including Guernsey Post, Alliance and Norman Piette.
It aims to complete by March.
‘Corporate budgets for supporting the third sector are looking pretty thin,’ said GO chairman Paul Meader.
‘This idea isn’t about companies writing us a cheque. It’s encouraging each business do some team-building fundraisers and actually get involved and learn about the cause.
‘People have really got behind it, the feedback has been great. They’re having fun with it.’
The Guernsey Press is providing regular coverage of the events organised by the businesses taking part.
So far, fundraising events have included cake sales, sponsored swims and even leg waxing. But GO have suggested some ideas for inspiration on their website, such as staff sports day, office olympics and dress up or down day.
Efforts will be recognised later this year at an awards evening at Government House hosted by Lt-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell, patron of GO.
He paid a visit to the GO shop this week to stock up on jigsaw puzzles and promote the campaign.
‘GO is hugely important to me,’ he said.
‘And it should be hugely important in the community.
‘It helps the disadvantaged to give them skills, confidence and that belief in themselves – not just to do work but to reinforce their sense of self worth.
‘GO100 will add to the opportunities that the charity has to offer people who need that helping hand. It’s going really well, but it could go better. It’s a very good thing and the companies that are involved are finding that they are better off as a result.
‘It’s encouraging fun and curiosity. I’m hoping more companies will become aware of this initiative and join in.’
Prizes will be given to the top fundraiser, best small business and most creative idea, and there will be a special trailblazer award for the business that reaches the £1,000 mark first.
For more details on GO100 visit www.gocharity.gg/go100.
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