This work's never over...

"Phew...."

We've all had these moments when we thought that we couldn't possibly go on anymore. It seems like the more work we put in, the more work seems to show up. It often leads to the question of when this work will be over.

If you're doing a great job, committed to your values and ideals; then there's one thing that is constant regardless of the language. When you want something done, ask a busy person. Why does a busy person keep getting more work when others who seem to have excess time never seem to be able to fill up their day?

Within a charity, there's always something to be done. Here are a couple areas:

• Research and development 
• Fund-raising
• Administration 
• Planning
• Networking
• Program development and management
• Lobbying  
• Training 
• Recruitment and selection 
• the list can go on. 

Though people have a need to belong to something / grouping; it must be serving a cause that they are interested in. They must feel that their work is valued. The leadership of these organizations must have great people skills. 

The ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of everyone while helping them in a nurturing way to enhance their strengths while addressing their weaknesses requires skill with people. We hope that within the Cffb, we are able to work with others in a manner that unifies each other through common goals, objectives, standards, and ideals. 

Is this easy? No; and can require as many approaches are they are diversities in the attitudes of individuals. One must learn to be diplomatic yet blunt and direct, being able to adapt to situations as required to ensure that the agreed values are maintained and issues are topic, not personalities. 

Everyone has a point of view and must be given ear in light of its merit. Quick evaluation and requisite action is necessary towards the building of an organization; whether it be a not-for-profit or one who has their focus on the profit as their motive. When building organizations, there's one thing for certain. This work is never over.

Ps. Did you know you can donate to our cause here? We are geared to help those children who have Cystic Fibrosis. You can also come to our gala dinner next month. 

Why we commit to Excellence

When fund-raising, one is only taken seriously if they appear to be professional. This means the organization must have the following:

• The organisation has its policies, procedures and standards well documented
• They practice what is documented
• There is clarity and accountability
• Everyone functions well within their assigned area of responsibility
• There are budgets, reports, and cost controls 
• Programs are clear and decisions are minuted 
• All audits and reviews are current and documented 
• Volunteers and members receive various types of training

Are we doing all these things? Though it's not easy, we can say that we're making a very valiant effort of ensuring we put every meaningful measure in place. We want to ensure that before questions are asked that the answers have been addressed.

We are a Barbados based registry charity. 

Last year we begun the first of an annual series of Aware to Care walks. We were blessed to have the 100 Voice Choir Project, which is another annual event support us significantly with our fund-raising efforts. 

This year we are focusing on the Gala Fund-raising Dinner - Wine, Diamonds, & Jazz. Where tickets are available here online at Tixpro and at the Wine World locations locally. We need to raise significant funds for our families who are affected by CF. [See our flier here] 

Cystic Fibrosis costs families approximately USD$12000.00 per month / per individual who has CF in medication, plus international doctor visits; as we have no one trained in the area on island, plus airfare, accommodations, and living expenses while there. 

Additionally, the expenses of running the foundation necessitates us having to acquire - an operating base, computers and office equipment [they don't have to be new, just functional] 

It is important that we take this cause seriously as lives depend on it. Those who have CF are literally facing life / death situations every day when they cannot access the required care. Please Help Us! 

To reach us, you can use our website which has full contact details. Thank you in advance for your support. 

We are the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados, and we are committed to excellence! 

So much to do, so few resources

Have you ever watched the various shows on television where contestants are asked what would they do to make a difference and they say, become a volunteer for one effort or another? How come they are rarely seen by the actual organizations? If you've ever been a part of any activity requiring charity effort, you'll notice that the bulk of the work is done by just a few people. 

When we asked why this is so, here are a few responses which came out:

• We didn't hear anything further from the organization after we signed up
• We didn't know who to make contact with to know what's next
• No one asked for help, so we didn't know what was required
• and the list goes on.

When we developed The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados [The Cffb], we decided that we wanted to be different, offering training, developing sub-groups to handle various aspects based on the skill set of the individuals who volunteered. We made it easy for volunteers to access information in their own time by having shared files, email, online groups and even online meetings. 

We are thankful to find out that though others may complain that their volunteers don't read, we have found some volunteers who seem to understand what volunteering is about. They are willing to be:

• methodical
• accountable
• responsible 
• they deliver 

They recognize that through their volunteering effort they can expose themselves to the following:

• networking relationships
• job opportunities 
• work experience
• enhancement of skills - administration, fund-raising, logistics, planning (events and activities) 
• social skills - inclusive of public speaking and protocol

Where do we go from here?

We are setting standards to the be premier charity when it comes to being organized and well coordinated. This is by no means an easy task but it is necessary. We want to be the benchmark of quality for charitable organizations not only in Barbados but the rest of the Caribbean region. Our processes will be well documented, so that succession planning is easy and the continuity of the organization to our cause is safeguarded. 

In short, we are The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados. We help those families affected by CF to cope with the challenges of finding information, sources medical care, and financing. We are committed to functioning with excellence. 

Why are we fundraising again?

One thing about charities, we always seem to be asking for money? It would appear that people and organizations are always getting correspondence and media activities about some event or activity taking place geared towards raising funds.

What makes the appeal of one more interesting than that of another?

Sometimes it even seems that there's duplication of effort within the arena of fundraising. With more than one organization serving the same cause. Can it be streamlined? This is an age old question for which they are as many answers as they are as many people wishing to embark on the development of a charity.

While we can't speak with authority on the others, we can tell you about ours. We are the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados [TheCffb] and we're geared to help those families afflicted by Cystic Fibrosis [CF].

Information about CF can be found here and there.

This month, we're on the eve of our major fundraising gala event entitled "Wine, Diamonds & Jazz". Where proceeds go towards helping those families affected by CF to have funds to obtain the medical care they need which is not available on island.

Even in these trying economic times, we have to keep appeals going as this illness is relentless and the expenses are staggering.

Everyone in Barbados has to travel to a metropolitan country to get medical attention. Airfare and accommodations add to the already high costs of the medical care. Won't you help us or direct us to someone who can?

We are raising funds to help these families, as our local wages / salaries and insurances can't cope. Thanks in advance for your support.

Welcome to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados

Hello and welcome to the Cffb blog where we'll be sharing information about what's happening in Barbados with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados.

Today, we'll kick into high gear as we promote our upcoming activities for the remainder of the year that many people are asking about and are quite excited they are taking place.

Two of our major activities for this year will be:

1. Our Aware to Care 5K Walk and Fundraiser 
2. Our Aware to Care Gala Fundraiser Dinner 

On the Internet you may find information about us at our website. We're also on Facebook and Twitter. Keep up to date with what we're doing. We'll welcome your help.