Helping To Find Madeleine (HTFM)

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Helping To Find Madeleine (HTFM) start?
HTFM was started by one person, who after recognizing that many people felt the same about this little girl’s abduction, placed a number of ads asking for other like-minded individuals to make contact. Being aware that many people were doing 'something' to try and help, it was considered that a more organised and coordinated approach to informing the world of Madeleine’s abduction would provide faster and better coverage. Very quickly, 1 member became 10, and 10 became 100+. Within only a few weeks, a public Web site was created and an exclusive forum developed, specifically for use by HTFM members. As a result, the group became much more organised, and was divided into teams. At this point, we were in contact with the 'Find Madeleine' campaign manager, but had no formal connection to the main campaign or the McCann family. Our affiliation to the Find Madeleine campaign only came about in October 2007, after our contact with the campaign became more regular due to our increased efforts in achieving our goal.

What does HTFM do?
Our mission is to support the Find Madeleine Campaign, in any way that are within the realm of our capability. It has been shown that the chances of recovering an abducted child are increased when the child’s face and circumstances of the disappearance are widely known and publicly seen for an extended and indefinite period. One in six missing children are rescued after being seen by a member of the public, who recognises the child from a poster. (ICMEC) Forwarding Madeleine’s poster onto contacts throughout the world is the mainstay of our campaign. Our aim is to ensure that as many people as possible, are aware of who Madeleine is, what she looks like, and what has happened to her.

Why are you doing this?
Without evidence to the contrary, we continue to believe that Madeleine is alive and recoverable. As she is only 4 years old, this is the only option open to civilised, compassionate & intelligent individuals. In response to those who comment that there is a 1% probability that Madeleine is alive, we will continue to give 100% effort on the basis of that 1%. Until we are made aware of evidence proving otherwise, our stance is Madeleine IS alive, and we will not stop assisting the search.

Is HTFM part of the main Find Madeleine campaign?
No, HTFM is a separate body, governed by its own members. We work independently of the main Find Madeleine campaign, and not FOR them. Our decisions are our own, and are made by the HTFM members. We have stated from the beginning that our goal is to assist and work alongside the main campaign. Since becoming affiliated with 'Find Madeleine', we consult them on major decisions affecting our work at HTFM. We have a 'do no harm' ethic, so therefore consider their advice and guidance where this is appropriate.

How is HTFM managed and how do you recruit members?
Soon after HTFM commenced, it became clear that some members made outstanding contributions to the day to day management of what was now a large group of people. Some of these individuals became the HTFM Administration and Management team. Others took responsibility for leading sub-divisions of HTFM. No one person assumes overall responsibility for HTFM; rather, each member of the management team assumes responsibility for an aspect of the day to day running of the group. In the beginning, we actively recruited new members by a variety of means, i.e.- word of mouth, placing ads on forums and Web sites, newspaper free ads, etc. However, since becoming affiliated with the Find Madeleine campaign, we have experienced a consistent flow of emails from people asking to join HTFM.

Are you paid for your services/efforts?
Categorically, NO. Every single member is a volunteer. We have never requested payment of any type for our efforts and we NEVER WILL. We have NEVER been offered any type of payment, and neither would we accept any payment were it to be offered.

Further media and related enquiries can be forwarded to: comms@helpingtofindmadeleine.org