Children’s cancer research charity, Kidscan, is launching its Fundraising Board with the appointment of Louis-James Davis, entrepreneur and CEO of cybersecurity firm, VST Enterprises, who will also become one of Kidscan’s new Ambassadors.
Louis-James will join the new Fundraising Board of the charity, joining other leading entrepreneurs and business professionals, developing fundraising initiatives and also helping to develop acceptance of cashless donations. He will take an active role in Kidscan charity events and fund-raising initiatives, helping raise Kidscan’s public profile and reach.The appointment comes as charities and fundraisers are faced with many diverse challenges, such as maintaining and growing donations, along with their supporter base. At a time when declining use of cash is changing the way the sector raises funds and interacts with supporters, charities must embrace new and innovative technology to continue to raise vital funds. A recent national study found 40% of adults who regularly donate money to charity collectors say they are giving £14 less each than they did last year, as they are carrying less cash in their pockets.
Kidscan invited Louis-James Davis to join its Fundraising Board following his work with the Institute of Fundraising, as well as for the pioneering work his company is developing on new ways to engage with donors through its VCode® technology.
VST Enterprises’ technology for charities, VDonate®, enables quick, easy, secure donations that are convenient for a growing proportion of the public who no longer carry cash. These donations are made possible via a secure, scannable code, which takes users through to a range of donation options and charity information, and provides donors with notifications on how the money is being spent, along with any new initiatives in the future.
Martin Keelagher, Chair of Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research, comments: “After knowing Louis-James for several years, we welcome him to the newly formed Fundraising Board and as an ambassador for the charity, bringing his unique experience and expertise in cashless donations and business development to the Board. Louis-James’ enthusiasm and passion for the research which we support through Kidscan, will also be vital in helping us raise our profile on a national and international stage, so we can continue to fund ground-breaking research, which has the potential to benefit children across the globe suffering from cancer.”
Speaking about his appointment to the Kidscan Fundraising Board and appointment as ambassador, Louis-James commented: “As a father, and knowing friends who have suffered from cancer, it is hugely important to me personally to help in the fight against a truly awful illness.
“Kidscan is an amazing charity that has huge potential to make a vast impact on the lives of children suffering with cancer across globe. The charity receives no statutory funding, relying entirely on the generous contributions of voluntary fundraisers, so I’m particularly happy to bring our technology and my expertise to Kidscan to help it meet the modern fundraising challenges of an increasingly cashless society. I’m also pleased to be in a position to financially support Kidscan and believe that the business community should use their resources to support charities such as Kidscan wherever possible.”
Founded in 2002, Kidscan is dedicated to funding research into new and improved treatments for children with cancer. 1 in 500 children in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer before they are 14 years old, but through ground-breaking research, Kidscan strives to give every child with cancer the treatment they need to not only survive, but thrive.
