Sir, - I have observed with interests the ongoing advertising campaign to promote support for the Childen's Hour appeal organised by the Irish Youth Federation. Obviously, to raise funds for disadvantaged children is a very laudable cause and one which should be supported. My own company has been bombarded with literature and phone calls to encourage staff to become involved.
I am certainly surprised at the scale of the campaign in terms of TV advertising news media advertising and promotional literature - all very expensive to produce, as I am so aware from my own experience in business.
I note that the promotional literature refers to the fact that "every penny raised" will go directly to disadvantaged children. By the way of clarification and transparency I would like to request answers to the following questions:
Who is running the appeal?
What organisation is providing the manpower resources to run the campaign?
What are the administrative and staff costs for the project?
How much is the advertising/promotional campaign costing?
What is the advertising spend?
Are these and other costs being sponsored by any company or companies?
Is it the intention to provide a full financial statement in time?
I would welcome answers to these questions from the organisation involved as I feel it is very important the public is totally reassured to the "bona fides" of such a cause. Clear answers will influence my own decision to participate or otherwise. - Yours, etc.,
Richard Martin, Carnlea, Carnes, Bellewstown, Co Meath.