Getting the PR Machine Rolling (Start -14)

Getting the PR Machine Rolling

Doing PR is not my strong point - there always seems so much to say and I try so hard to get it all in.  We have some exhibitions to attend and they all want to have something for their catalogue and PR.  Its time consuming - but has to be done!

Chasing Potential Sponsors

Finding further sponsors for the WAVE Exped is still a priority and I've tried to persuade several that aid to our team (Green MotorSport) will bring them a free sponsorship opportunity, on Highland Charge.

I hope none of them will be reading this - but it is painful, near torture!  You phone them, spend sponsorship papers, follow-up by e-mail and phone again.   Its amazing how elusive people can be when they have budget to share - or withhold!  Of course bidders for sponsorship always think they have a good case - an irresistible offering - me included!

I had one, actually yesterday where I couldn't get the lady to discriminate between the WAVE objectives (Ecology, innovation, sustinabiity) and the fact that raising funds for charity was simply an 'ulterior' motive.  Surprising as it may seem supporting a charity (even as worthy as Help for Heroes) does not always get positive results from large businesses.

If you think raising funds for mangled soldiers/soldiers/airmen would get ready cooperation - NOT so!  My success at getting approval to collect money at local supermarkets and at major shopping centres between here and Newcastle is zero.   I am really disappointed that shopping centres feel they need to restrict the ability of the public to display a social conscience!  Here are some unattributed comments:

•  We only allow charitable collection on Fridays and Saturdays and we are fully booked until September;
• You will need £5million worth of Public Liability Insurance (which will cost £100s);
• You can't come inside and outside it's council;
• Each charity only once per year and for Help for Heroes has been done - ask again in 2015;
• The only charitable collection we allow is Poppy day;
• Sorry only local charities!

I'm saddened to think how the wounded must feel - did they have a choice to lose their limbs - on a Friday - on Poppy Day - outside and not inside - or local and not far from home!

I think it reflects badly on UK society and even worse on business who provide service directly to the public and who employ 'jobs worths' to stop the public form facing up to the fact that many-many-many young men and women have sacrificed their lives, their health and their future in the service of others - we really should car more!