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BECOME A MEMBER
To be eligible for membership of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) you must be a person with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus, a supporter, a family member or a volunteer who supports the work of SBHI. You must subscribe to the rules and byelaws (contact 01 457 2329 for a copy of rules & byelaws) and agree to be listed on the SBHI database.
There is a nominal cost for membership subscription which is paid directly to your branch on a yearly basis. Subscription is due on the 1st of January each year for existing members. In the case of a new member, the annual subscription is due immediately on becoming a member. If you do not have a branch in your direct area, you are welcome to contact the branch nearest to you for membership details. (see About US for contact details). Membership is not restricted by county or postcode.
Once you have decided to become a member contact the branch secretary of the branch you wish to join who will forward you on a membership form. Once your subscription and membership has been received by the branch secretary, they will forward your details on to the National Resource Centre who will enter your details on the database and follow-up on any other requests ie. if you have requested to be contacted by a Family Support Worker.
As a subscribed Member of SBHI you will be entitled to attend and vote at any General Meeting of the Company or Branch whether this be an Annual General Meeting or An Extraordinary General Meeting.
JOIN THE COMMITTEE
Each Branch holds an Annual General Meeting during the months of January, February, or March for the purpose of electing the following Branch Executive Committee members.
If the Branch deems it necessary they can elect further Committee Members if it is seen to contribute to the successful running of the Branch.
SHINE (Spina bifida, Hydrocephalus Ireland Nurturing Empowerment), formerly known as Summer Project
Every year we run SHINE, a residential Summer Independence Training Project which caters for teenagers and young adults from across Ireland with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. SHINE takes place over five separate weeks in different venues and each week is tailored to meet the needs of specific age groups. In the region of 100 participants attend SHINE every year, along with a dedicated team in excess of 80 volunteers and 65 staff.
Primary Aim
The primary aim of SHINE is to encourage participants to develop their independence and social skills in a fun and safe environment. SHINE also offers valuable respite for the participants, their parents/and or carers.
How can you help?
In order to provide this invaluable service, we have many volunteer opportunities available. Volunteer applications for SHINE are accepted from January of each year with the closing date in March. SHINE takes place during the summer months each year, with separate weeks in July and August. See Calendar of Events for specific dates.
Care and Activity Volunteer - you are responsible for encouraging and supporting participants to take part in fun activities, you work alongside nursing staff and occupational therapists in promoting independence skills and carrying out personal care duties, while making the week a fun one for all. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Volunteer Liaison Officer - you are responsible for liaising between the participants and the SHINE team. This role is exclusively for independent members of SBHI who have Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus who can be seen as a role model to participants. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Volunteer Activity Leader - you are responsible for planning and facilitating a session, activity or workshop in your field of expertise. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Other - if you feel you have any other skills to offer SHINE, please fill in the application form with further details.
How do you apply?
Volunteer testimonials
Andrea Fox, Liaison Officer Volunteer, 2009
I took on the role of Liaison Officer which looking back on it was very interesting. The week started off nicely, all participants were introduced to each of their buddies. When everyone was settled in we had our first lunch in the school together. It was a great way to get to know everyone. Each day was filled with fun packed things to do. I really enjoyed mucking in and helping with the games, cookery, outings etc. The week flew by and as each day came to an end I would look back on how much everyone had achieved, both myself and others around me. For me, it was a great experience as I had to use my own independence and knowledge. Having Hydrocephalus and knowing that things were a challenge to me every day was a whole new experience and I learnt how to strengthen my own challenges while also helping others. To sum up the whole experience I would certainly say SHINE was truly amazing, I laughed so much and had the most fun I have ever had in my life. I started to do things that I would avoid doing before.
Aifric Heney, Care and Activity Volunteer, 2009
"SHINE '09 was one of the highlights of the year for me. I had such a great time and met really lovely people. From the start of the week there was such a fantastic atmosphere, everyone was so friendly and gave so much of themselves to make the week as enjoyable and downright fun an experience as possible. There were five volunteers on my week that had volunteered the week before and had asked to come back, which is the best advertisement for the camp you can get! When the week was over, I really missed all the people and the craic so I jumped at the chance to volunteer for the sports day. For anyone thinking of volunteering for SHINE - go for it! It's an experience you'll cherish".
Cronan Corbett, Care and Activity Volunteer, 2009
When I decided to use part of my nine month sabbatical to do voluntary work (instead of all the jobs that my wife wanted tackled), I expected that it would bring a wide range of new experiences, that I would be challenged physically and emotionally and that I would discover aspects of life outside my “comfort zone”. I did not expect that I would be humbled by the reality of life of people and inspired by some of the people who give of themselves to help others.
Most of the volunteers I worked with were less than half my age, students and young people who may be studying in the care professions, who have experienced some form of disability in their families or friends’ families, but many people who volunteer just because they know that it is the right thing to do and, importantly, because they enjoy doing so. They were an inspiring bunch of young people and, clichéd as it may sound, do give you hope for the future of our society.
Many people volunteer with many disparate organisations, I can now understand some of the reasons why people are motivated to do so. I found it a deeply rewarding experience and I cannot express just how much I would recommend it to everyone to give one a better understanding on what living with a disability means, to change ones perspective on what we think is important to us and to potentially refocus the direction of our society for the future.
Ariela Kraska, Care and Activity Volunteer 2008, Switzerland
I found out about the SHINE surfing the internet and coming across SBHI’s website. I liked the idea of the Summer Project and volunteering in Ireland and immediately contacted the Association to ask if it was possible to volunteer. It was - and so, early in August, after a strict screening process including lots of forms and interviews, I started my first experience as a volunteer.
We met on Friday morning in Scoil Mochua, Clondalkin with other national and international volunteers and got information about the week ahead. We were divided into groups and were responsible for specific participants. The volunteers shared a dorm while the participants were next door in another dorm. This was great because we were close to the participants if they needed help in the mornings and before bed.
We usually spent each day day together, unless the participants had a special session, for example with the OT's. We went on a lot of excursions to the shopping centre, to an adventure centre in Blessington Lake, to the Horse Show, to the cinema and Bowling Alley. Or we stayed in Scoil Mochua, playing games and sport. Whatever we did, we had a lot of fun together! The week passed by very quickly and it was hard to say goodbye the following Thursday, because friends were made between participants and also between volunteers.
The most beautiful thing to see was, that the participants enjoyed the week and to see how some of them made huge progress in their independence. I would recommend volunteering on this Project to everybody, it's a great thing to do and I'm already thinking about what kind of volunteering I will do next year.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland is a volunteer organisation: founded by volunteers and continually fuelled by the initiative and dedication of hundreds of volunteers across the country. The people who volunteer for the Association are an exciting, dynamic and diverse group who share a willingness to contribute their time and talent to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland. The manner in which they contribute and the time that they have available differs from person to person. The thousands of people, who are members of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, know they are making a difference. You can too. Get involved by becoming a volunteer or a member.
Upcoming Events
This section should have a facility to have graphics (photos or posters) for up-coming events
Corporate Donations
Under the 2001 Finance Act, a Corporate tax relief scheme is in place for companies that make donations to eligible charities. A company donation greater than €250, with no upper limit, to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland can qualify for tax relief at the current rate of corporation tax. The company will claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense.
Nature of Relief
The qualifying donation will be treated as a deductible trading expense or as an expense of management deductible in computing the total profits of the company. Tax relief will be granted at the company's marginal rate of tax.
Example: Company X donates €5,000 to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland. Assuming a corporation tax rate of 32%, relief to the company is €1,600 i.e. €5,000 @32%. While the charity has the benefit of €5,000 the cost to the company of making the donation is only €3,400 (5,000 - 1,600). The normal obligations regarding the keeping of records apply. For more information please view: www.revenue.ie/pdf/chy2.doc
Donating Online
You can make a difference now by donating in any of the following ways:
Leaving a Will / Legacy
Making a will is an important event in your life and you have to ensure you do it properly. When you make your will, you should consult your solicitor and talk through what you would like in your will. It is a good idea to list the questions you want answered as well as your instructions regarding your money and possessions. You should also decide on how you want your estates divided, as well as your choice of executors. Remember you can change your will at any time. There are many reasons why you may decide to do this (births, death, separation). The cost of making a will is around €60. Your legacy to people with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus will continue to live after many of us are long gone.
Tips and Advice on Fundraising
The task of raising a large sum of money may sound very daunting; however SBHI will always be on hand to offer guidance and assistance in any way that we can. The following points aim to give tips and advice on effective fundraising techniques which you may find useful. SBHI will assist in any way that we can, especially by helping you to promote your fundraising events through the local media. For further information, please contact 01 457 2329 or info@sbhi.ie
SBHI will send you out any fundraising aids that you may require such as collection buckets and bibs, etc.
A fundraising agent will be available to assist with large fundraising events. For more information on these services, please contact the above number.
Sponsorship
Friends and family may be one way to raise money. Your place of work is another potential avenue to check out. Also, the local Pub, Club, Supermarket, Newsagent, Chemist. In fact, anyone you know. However for larger donations you could ask local businesses for sponsorship. SBHI will supply a 'Letter of Authorisation' and sponsorship cards to prove your fundraising is authentic. Placing sponsorship cards in your local shops and pubs may also prove beneficial.
Coffee Morning
Contact your local restaurant, pub or community centre to see if they will host a coffee morning free of charge. They might also donate the tea, coffee and cakes. Place posters or notices in your local shops and inform your family and friends. Then on the morning, charge a small entry fee and place collection buckets at the till points.
Talent Contest
This will require a lot of advertising and you may like to contact our Fundraising Agent for advice or support on the evening. If you have a good relationship with your local pub, this will help you enormously, as the pub may not charge for room hire and will possibly supply the music / band for the evening. You could try to get the small prizes for the winner(s) donated from local shops. A key point to remember that the most successful fundraising events happen when people are having fun! To maximise your fundraising efforts, place collection buckets around the pub too. For added effect, this night could be combined with the Trad Trip and head shaving.
Head Shave / Leg Wax
Encourage friends that are game for a laugh to help out with this. Lots of people will pay to see their friend shave off their beard, hair or get their legs waxed. Ask the person involved to get sponsored too. Word of mouth is a powerful communications tool. If your friend volunteers to get their head shaved, remember that they will ask their friends and family for donations as well as your donations from your friends and family. The number of people that will be interested will soon increase as word of mouth spreads. Your local pub will be a good location for events like this, as landlords rarely pass up on the opportunity for a packed pub on a week night! Advertise in the usual way, posters / notices in your local area and don't forget your local media. SBHI will assist in any way that we can.
Trad Trip
If you know any local musicians, this is a very successful and entertaining evening. The Trad trip involves musicians being escorted in a tractor through the town(s) and then the final stop will be in your local pub. Collections can be made in the various towns along the way.
Collections
Local supermarkets, church gates and shopping centres are prime locations for collections. SBHI will supply the collection buckets and bright bibs for added effect. Enlist the help of your family and friends. Please note that these collections require permits so please contact SBHI if you require further assistance
Jumble Sale
A great way to get rid of that junk, whilst at the same time raising funds. This works particularly well if you hold them at local schools, church halls or community centres. They could even be combined with a fun day or cake sale.
Table Quiz
Set a date in your local pub or GAA club and encourage your friends and family to buy a table - one team per table (four people) and try to get the prizes donated. Use your local media and local businesses / shops to advertise the event. To help you think of questions use the Internet, encyclopaedias, newspapers and magazines. Try to keep the questions entertaining and fun. Use music as well as questions and divide the questions into topics to keep the night interesting.
Torc Pins / Wristbands
SBHI has Torc Pins, Pens and orange Wristbands selling for €2 each. SBHI can supply you with these so that you can sell them to your friends and family or at any event that you may wish to organise. These items sell very well outside supermarkets and shopping centres. You will not require permits to sell these on the street, however you should always ask for permission from the Store Manager. SBHI can supply you with a 'Letter of Authorisation'.
Raffles
These can be organised through your local school, church or social meeting. Try to obtain donated gifts from local businesses and shops. Raffles work very well on fun days and jumble sales.
Football match
Five a side or 11 a side football matches are very effective and fun if you can find the people to play. Your local school or football club may donate the pitch time for free and advertise the charity football match for you. Each team player will have to pay a nominal fee and they can also obtain sponsorship. Try to get the trophies / prizes donated for the winning team. You could also incorporate a BBQ and a raffle for added affect. Ask your local butcher and supermarket to donate the food.
Slimmers
If you, or someone you know is trying to lose weight, an effective incentive is to get sponsored for the amount of weight lost, for instance, a pound / euro for a pound (1lb) lost.
Fun day
In conjunction with your local school or club you could organise a fun day with a raffle, cake sale, sponsored sporting events, jumble sale, etc.
Bowling Night
Your local bowling alley should be able to accommodate you for a bowling night and might even give you concessions.
Bag Packing in the local Supermarket
Contact your local Supermarket to see if they will allow you to pack the customers bags. Bring along your friends and family and have a collection bucket at each Checkout Counter. Just see the money add up.
Race Night
A Race Night is great entertainment. There are various companies who will arrange the Video Tapes of the Races and set up the Tote for your 'punters'. A Raffle on the night can also raise additional funds.
Golf Classic
Check with your local Golf Club and see if the Members will play a 4-ball Charity Day, or run your own Golf Charity Classic.
Tax Relief on Donations to SBHI
Tax relief on donations to SBHI means that we can now make your generosity go further to help those whose lives are affected with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Donations of €250, and over, allow us to benefit from Tax Relief that increases the value of your donation, at no extra cost to you. The Tax Relief applies in any one tax year, so your donation may be made in instalments. The donor must complete a www.revenue.ie/pdf/chy2.doc Form telling SBHI what their RSI number is and what tax rate applies to them. Please call SBHI on 01 4572329 to receive your tax relief form for completion.
Alternatively, self-employed individuals and companies who donate to SBHI can also avail of tax relief on their donation. Please call SBHI on 01 4572329 to receive your tax relief form for completion. A receipt from SBHI may be used to support a tax claim.
List of other Fundraising Activities
| Aerobathon | American Tea Party | Art Exhibition |
| Auction | Badminton | Bag Packing - Supermarket |
| Ballad Night | Barbeque with cover charge | Bed Push |
| Bike Push | Bingo | Boat Race |
| Bob-a-job | Book Sale | Bowling Event |
| Bridge Night | Cabaret Night | Car Boot Sale |
| Card Games | Clay Pigeon Shoot | Club Fundraising Drive |
| Coffee Mornings | Collections-Shopping Centres/Street/Public House/Church Gate/Sports Events | Concert |
| Corporate Donations through business contacts/Company sponsorship | Country & Western Night | Darts Event |
| Dinner/Dinner Dance | Disco/Dance | Duck races |
| Fashion Show | Fishing Competition | Flag Days |
| Flower Show | Football Event | Fortune Telling |
| Golf Classic - through business contacts | Golf Outing | Grand Draw - sell tickets |
| Guess how many | Guest Tea Night | Gun Pulls |
| Handball Event | Head Shave/Beard Shave/Leg Wax | Holiday Raffle |
| Horse Race | House to house sponsors in their area | In house/Staff deduction scheme |
| Wheelbarrow Push | Jiving Competition | Jumble Sale |
| Ladies Luncheons | Letters to companies for sponsorship | Line Dancing |
| Newspaper Raffle | Non-Uniform Days in schools | Obstacle Race |
| On the spot - Cycle/Walk/Run | Parachute Jump | Pitch & Putt |
| Holiday Raffle | Horse Race | House to house sponsors in their area |
| In house/Staff deduction scheme | Jiving Competition | Jumble Sale |
| Ladies Luncheons | Letters to companies for sponsorship | Line Dancing |
| Newspaper Raffle | Non-Uniform Days in schools | Obstacle Race |
| On the spot - Cycle/Walk/Run | Parachute Jump | Pitch & Putt |
| Poker Classic | Pony Shows | Quilt Raffle - guess number of squares |
| Race Night/Meeting | Raffles | Rock and Roll Night |
| Route Marches | Skipathon | Snooker |
| Social Night | Sponsored Walks/Cycles/Runs | Sponsorship cards - distribute to individuals - person who raises the most money wins a prize e.g. weekend away |
| Squash Marathon | Staff Pledge Schemes | Swimming Event |
| Table Quiz | Table Tennis | Talent Competition |
| Teddy Bear Picnic | Teddy Bear Raffles | Tennis Event (Corporate) |
| Tombola | Treasure Hunt | Tupperware Party |
| Volleyball Marathon |
Tax Efficient Giving:
Anyone making a donation to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) who is a taxpayer and who donated €250 or more in a year will be able to either:
i) allow the charity to reclaim that tax
or
ii) if you are self employed or a corporate donor - you will be able to claim back the tax yourself.
From 6th April 2001 tax relief was made available on donation of €250 or more in any one-tax year to eligible charities from both individual and corporate donors. Tax relief is applied to these donations at the donor's marginal rate of tax.
A.) In the case of PAYE taxpayers, the tax relief is applied at the marginal rate and is paid directly by the Revenue Commissioners to the Eligible Charity or Approved Body on receipt of the relevant " appropriate certificate" (an official form that is supplied by the charity, completed by the donor and returned to the charity receiving the donation).
EXAMPLE PAYE Donor (Higher Rate)
Joe is a PAYE taxpayer who donated €254 to SBHI. His marginal rate of tax is 42%. As Joe has already paid tax, his donation is made from his net income. Joe completes the "appropriate certificate" supplied to him by SBHI giving details of his donation and PPS number and returns it to us. SBHI when uses the form to claim back the tax which Tom has already paid on the €254 from the Revenue. Therefore €254 is 58% of what Joe earned. €254 x 100/58 = €437 (Gross earnings). €437 - €254 = €183 (already paid in tax to the revenue) €183 is what IASBAH can reclaim back from the revenue. The value of Joe's donation then increase to €437.00 ( €254 + €183)
B.) Individual taxpayers on self-assessment benefit directly from relief at the marginal rate by claiming the donation as a tax-deductible expense.
EXAMPLE: Anne is self-employed and makes her returns on a self assessment basis. Her marginal rate of tax is 42%. Anne donates €254 to SBHI. Anne receives a receipt from the charity and when she completes her tax return she deducts the donation of €254 from her taxable income thus reducing her tax bill by €106.
C.) Corporate donors simply claim a deduction for the donation as if it were a trading expense.
POINTS TO NOTE:
To qualify for the tax relief a donation must satisfy a number of conditions:
An Eligible Charity is defined by the legislation as any charity within the State, which is authorised in writing by the Revenue Commissioners for the purpose of this scheme. In order to qualify for eligible charity state, the charitable organisation;
For further information or to download relevant forms please visit www.revenue.ie
Payroll Giving
Payroll Giving, also known as Give As You Earn (GAYE), is a term used to describe the charitable donations deducted from an employee's salary. An employee authorises his/her employer to deduct regular charitable donations to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland from his/her pay.
Your employer pays over all the money they deduct from all employees involved, to SBHI on a weekly / monthly / quarterly basis. By donating each week / month through our payroll giving scheme you will make a thoughtful and lasting investment in SBHI which shows your dedication towards improving our children's health. By making a regular donation to SBHI you can help us plan with confidence. A small sum for instance as little as €5.00 a month really does make a difference to the way that the charity can consistently support the vital work of SBHI. Giving directly from your payroll is one of the most convenient ways that you can help our members. The knowledge that we have consistent income allows us to plan for the acquisition of equipment or the funding of research projects, as well as reducing administration costs.
For further information contact SBHI on 01 457 2329.
People like you really can make a difference...
Why is donating through Give As You Earn (GAYE) so beneficial?
GAYE creates a regular flow of funds for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland. SBHI also benefits since the donation will be treated as having been received by the eligible charity or approved body 'net' of income tax.
Examples: (PAYE- Only Individual)
Individual on the standard rate of tax i.e. 20% Individual donates €500 Value of donation to the eligible charity/approved body = €625 (i.e. €500 x 100/80) Tax associated with the donation (€625 - €500) = €125 Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland will therefore be able to claim a repayment of €125 from Revenue at the end of the tax year. (b) Individual on the higher rate of tax i.e. 42% Individual donates €500 Value of donation to the eligible charity/approved body = €862 (i.e. €500x 100/58 ) Tax associated with the donation (€862 - €500) = €362 Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland will therefore be able to claim a repayment of €362 from Revenue at the end of the tax year. (Note: Where sufficient tax has not been paid to cover the donation made, the refund of tax will be limited to the amount of tax actually paid by the donor). The individual PAYE - Only donor must complete an "Appropriate Certificate" a CHY 2 Cert and forward it to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland to allow us to claim the grossed up amount of tax associated with the donation. For more information please view: www.revenue.ie/pdf/chy2.doc
Planned Giving
Planned giving is the term used for donating regular amounts of money to a nominated charity of your choice. Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland particularly welcomes donations of this kind because they can lead to a predictable stream of income. This income can greatly assist us with financial planning. The minimum donation in any year that must be made to any one eligible charity or approved body is €250.
SHINE (Spina bifida, Hydrocephalus Ireland Nurturing Empowerment), formerly known as Summer Project
Every year we run SHINE, a residential Summer Independence Training Project which caters for teenagers and young adults from across Ireland with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. SHINE takes place over five separate weeks in different venues and each week is tailored to meet the needs of specific age groups. In the region of 100 participants attend SHINE every year, along with a dedicated team in excess of 80 volunteers and 65 staff.
Primary Aim
The primary aim of SHINE is to encourage participants to develop their independence and social skills in a fun and safe environment. SHINE also offers valuable respite for the participants, their parents/and or carers.
How can you help?
In order to provide this invaluable service, we have many volunteer opportunities available. Volunteer applications for SHINE are accepted from January of each year with the closing date in March. SHINE takes place during the summer months each year, with separate weeks in July and August. See Calendar of Events for specific dates
Nursing Staff - Nurses work from the Saturday to the following Friday. Day shift is from 8 am to 8 pm and night shift is from 8 pm to 8 am. Nurses may need to meet prior to SHINE to plan adequately for their week and involvement. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Occupational Therapist - your main function is to enable participants to participate in everyday life using meaningful and purposeful occupations. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Chef - you are responsible for preparing and serving meals (lunch and dinner) to the SHINE team (approx 50 people) in accordance with SBHI Kitchen Guidelines, maintaining health and safety standards at all times. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Kitchen Assistant - to assist the chef in preparing and serving meals (lunch and dinner) to the SHINE team (approx 50 people) in accordance with SBHI Kitchen Guidelines, maintaining health and safety standards at all times. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Household Staff - to ensure all rooms and areas are kept clean and tidy in accordance with health and safety standards. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
Bus Driver - you are responsible for driving participants, staff and volunteers of SHINE to different activities and venues. Click here for role description. Click here for application form.
How do you apply?