Leading local charity Action Cancer launched a unique project to generate much-needed funds for its services across Northern Ireland. The Millennium 2000 Club has opened for business, giving 2000 members the chance to win £2,000 each and every month.

The club has been developed to mark the Millennium year and hopes to raise £200,000 for Action Cancer services. This is extremely important to the charity as it receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of the public of Northern Ireland.

The main method of recruiting donors to the club is by telephone, whereby members are asked to donate £5 per month and funds are collected by paperless direct debit. This method of raising funds saves the charity money on administration and postage.

Action Cancer Chief Executive, Robin McRoberts said "At first glance it may appear strange to ask donors to give bank details over the phone, but we understand that one of the provinces main utilities companies sets up direct debit this way. A selection of UK charities raise funds this way too. Action Cancer is one of the first Northern Ireland charities to explore this method of raising funds. Donor's details are secure and are not revealed to third parties at any stage. It is rather similar to making a credit card transaction when you buy goods or services over the phone.

At any time members of the club can contact their bank and cancel their donation under the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme. However some people have elected to join the club by post and we are equally pleased that they should choose this method."

People contacted about the club are entitled to call Action Cancer and canvassers are briefed to give this number out at all times when asked. In addition, when a new member joins the club they receive a confirmation letter very shortly afterwards. Once the donation is set up, members have the chance to join the list of lucky winners to date.

Over 1,400 people around Northern Ireland have joined the Action Cancer Millennium Club many of whom have elected to give their bank details over the phone. The funds raised by the Action Cancer Millennium 2000 Club will help the charity operate early detection services, support people living with cancer and fund research at Northern Ireland Universities. In short the Action Cancer Millennium Club will help save lives and support people touched by cancer across the province.

Any readers who require information can contact us on 028 9080 3344.