Smokeless Coal is absolutely right. While we can use our enthusiasm to raise some money to get things going and do the job ourselves if necessary, IMHO it would be far better to get some serious momentum going via the national media and formal commercial channels. If we could get the right sponsors, the guys and gals at the hospital could end up with a nice shiny brand-new building. Sponsoring a charity is, I think, 100% deductible from a tax perspective (I'm sure we have experts on this matter on the BBS), so I think we should take a good look at this angle.

I therefore suggest we form two different BBS groups:

The first group would go in and assess what the best way ahead is if a) no-one wants to help us, and we have to do everything ourselves b) some people want to help, but funds are limited and c) what could be done if funds were unlimited. Then, if necessary, get stuck in and improve the place as best they can in the short-term.

The second group should be composed of those who have relevant commercial skills - by this I mean those with expertise or contacts in such areas as media, PR, accounting, planning, architectural, etc. They would try to drum up newspaper/radio/TV coverage, and then use this to encourage one or more large companies to donate some funds.

Since the second group wouldn't necessarily need to be able to get to the hospital, they could be based anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection or a 'phone.

If there is any support for this two-pronged approach, I am willing to do whatever I can to assist. Since I'm currently working seven days a week and live so far away, please count me in the second group!