Team efforts can prove to be a far more fun and rewarding experience in so many areas and charity fundraising is no exception! Most of us want to do our bit to help but sometimes it can feel daunting to take on the responsibility ourselves.
That’s why it can be a great idea to get your whole workplace behind things and do something together. Not only will you achieve something important, you’ll also enjoy yourselves along the way. We spoke to Susie Barron, the East of Scotland regional fundraising manager for Save The Children, to find out more.
How important are the efforts of workplace teams in funding charities?
Hugely! Workplaces are where we find readymade groups of people who can come together and do something great for charity. They often have the facilities to support ideas too. Some businesses offer matched funding, where a company will match every penny raised – why not ask at your own workplace? It’s a great way for a company to support its staff. It shows that they are right behind their efforts and it not only doubles the funds that goes to charities but also inspires staff to raise even more.
What’s the most innovative idea that you’ve heard of a workplace using to raise money?
Recently, we had a team decide to cover the 5,462 miles to Brazil during the World Cup. There were around 250 people at this particular workplace so they had to cover about 22 miles each on average. Some walked, ran, skipped, cycled, and went to the gym, anything to clock up the miles. I think the fact they would watch footballers putting in the effort for their team inspired them to keep going and so far they have raised over £35k!
Can you give some simple suggestions on how other workplaces can start fundraising?
Lunchtime 5-a-side footy, Buzzword Bingo or fines work well and are really easy to set up. We also have our Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day or ‘make the world better with a sweater’ – you just need to pay a donation and wear your Christmas jumper to work. This year it’s on the 12th of December. Generally, anything that inspires a bit of friendly competition or gets back at the boss proves popular!
We hope that some of Susie’s suggestions have given you food for thought. Who knows, you may even enjoy the process of workplace fundraising so much that you decide to make a move into the charity jobs sector itself… Charity hitch photo by NKD202 & Christmas jumper photo by theuglysweatershop. Both used under Wikimedia creative commons licence agreement.
