Survivors Fund (SURF) does not have an annual fundraising dinner or event, and as such is dependent on the generosity of supporters through the duration of the year.

With the help of two of our patrons – Lindsey Hilsum and Felicity Finch – we have circulated a call to give to all our supporters. As we have transitioned all of our communications online – through  this blog as well as a monthly e-newsletter – this is our one mailshot of the year. You can download a copy of the appeals here:

We now wait, and hope, for a positive response!

Already this year, we have generated more from online donations, than we have secured over the previous two years – £15,000. Due to this shift in the mode of giving, we have undertaken research to establish the most cost-effective means of processing online donations – which is why we have signed up this month with Virgin Money Giving. As a not-for-profit operation, we are charged only 2% commission, and no monthly fee, ensuring that more of your money goes to the cause that it is intended.

In this difficult financial climate, not everyone can support us financially. However, you can still support us in person. On Tuesday 1st December, Lindsey Hilsum will be speaking with two young survivors from Rwanda on the Media and the Genocide at 5pm in the New Theatre at the London School of Economics. If you are able to make it, then please do pop in to the Old Building to see your exhibition – Heroes of our Time – which runs till December 18th.

Thank you.

Click here to view the embedded video.

SURF’s project was presented by long-time supporter Felicity Finch (more familiar to many as Ruth Archer from The Archers) who had just six minutes to persuade the audience to pledge funding for the new community centre constructed by SURF in Ntarama. The centre is to be managed by AVEGA, and will give survivors the opportunity to learn new skills and to develop income-generating activities. 

It was a great night, with four other charities presenting, including Daniel Craig presenting a project for SAFE (Sponsored Arts for Education). We are thankful to the generosity of the TFN members that our project raised over £10,000 which will not only fund the salary of the centre manager for the next year, but will also enable us to help furnish the centre as well.

The fundraising continues in June as one of our longest institutional supporters The London Oratory School hosts a night with the Charleston Chasers on Friday 12th June 2009 in aid of the Don Bosco Institute in Rwanda. For more information, and to purchase tickets, see here. Then on 14th June is SURF’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal, further information on which wil be posted soon.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Another, long-term supporter of SURF has been the actress and presenter Felicity Finch. Felicity is most well-known for her role as Ruth in The Archers. However she regularly presents reports on Woman’s Hour – including several stories on the work of SURF and our partners – such as the one here. Felicity will be presenting a project of SURF at the forthcoming The Funding Network on June 2nd. For more information on this event (which will feature a presentation from James Bond star, Daniel Craig) then please sign up to our mailing list – to which further information will be posted – or click here.