WHAT WE DO:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Bravehearts Childrens Trust was conceived to satisfy the dreams and aspirations of children living in Scotland. Our aim is to benefit children who are terminally ill or chronically sick and to meet the special needs arising from illness, disability, conditions or poverty. We do this by granting the child a wish.

Unlike many other charities, Bravehearts does not restrict itself to one particular illness or condition. We will where possible, help any child for whom an application is received. We try to, and hopefully sometimes succeed, in bringing a little joy into the lives of these brave children. Many of whom have undergone the most gruelling of treatments and/or therapies.

FUND-RAISING
In common with any other charitable organisation we require funds to enable us to carry out our work and to achieve our aims of helping terminally ill, sick and disadvantaged children living in Scotland. Again like most other charities we do this in a variety of ways. The largest single source of continuing income, derives from our dedicated teams of badge sellers who seek a donation in return for one of our unique badges. You will find these teams working in all weathers, all year round, in supermarkets, stores and shopping malls throughout Scotland.

We also derive funds unsolicited, from many members of the general public who undertake to raise funds for us by various means. These people can be relatives of children we have helped or just neighbours who have read a story about us in the local press. On the other hand they can be just one of those wonderful ordinary caring people who want to help those less fortunate than themselves and do so through our organisation .

Other sources of income are Corporate Donations, (these are donations which we occasionally receive from companies, and other much larger Charitable Trusts) and donation boxes which we place in shops, clubs, pubs etc.

HOW IT WORKS
Anyone can apply to Bravehearts on behalf of a child. An application form is sent out to those who have requested it. The form asks for the usual details, address, telephone number etc. The child’s age, the illness or condition he or she suffers from, the hospital and/or Doctor concerned with treatment. We also ask for the ages of any siblings as this could be important if a holiday is involved. The child or its representative is asked to designate three wishes only one of which may be granted.

The Board of Trustees meet on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss and make the important decisions required for the efficient running of the charity. One of the main items on the agenda is the wish applications. The Trustees have to decide from the applications received which ones from which areas will be successful. Our policy of spending funds in the areas in which they were raised has proved to be popular with local communities and is one which the Trustees adhere to carefully when making their decision. Also borne in mind is our priority of helping children with terminal illnesses. Obviously the Trustees would like to grant every wish asked for, unfortunately this is not possible as the funds available at any given time dictate the number of wishes granted.