Charity most certainly does begin at home at Chez Wright this week.
Not because we are putting ourselves first, but rather because my 8-year-old has organised her very own fundraiser (at our house!) for this Saturday.
It’s the same 8-year-old who is currently off school sick, hence there was no kicking off Christmas post Monday as promised – it’ll be next Monday now!
(We have everything crossed today is the day she recovers! In time for her event!)
As someone who has worked with charities for over a decade, I’ve actively encouraged her pro-activity and compassion.
“Our inner work is like building up a bank account, but one that we can’t draw from at will. The disposition of the funds is determined by a subtle energy field, which awaits a trigger to release this power back into our own lives”
David R. Hawkins – Power Vs Force – The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior.
So please, without further ado let me hand you over to CRUK who supplied the following information:
Charity starts at home – How you can make a difference
We all like to do our bit for charity, whether it’s with a monthly standing order to the organisation of your choice or a spending your weekends volunteering in the local charity shop. It’s a tired old adage, but truth is that every little helps. Lots of us often think about what we could be doing to help those less fortunate and to aid worthy causes, but it can be difficult to know where to start if you’re looking for something in between giving a little money now and then and giving up big chunks of your free time. For that reason, we’ve put together this handy introduction, pointing out ways you can do your bit without great expense to yourself and without even having to step out of your front door.
Bake Sales
Well this is a rather obvious one but nonetheless very effective even if you aren’t the best cook in the world – cakes are cheap and relatively easy to make, and who doesn’t love them? Send out a quick invite to your friends, family and neighbours and invite them to bring some treats of their own to sell. Make sure everyone is clear on who you’re raising money for and you’ll likely be surprised by their generosity.
Aerobics-athon
This is one for the slightly more dedicated of fundraisers. Invite a group of your friends to take part doing your sessions in shifts perhaps over a 24 hour period and invite friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to sponsor you. It’s an energetic but extremely rewarding and fun way of raising money. If you have a large area in your house, all the better as you can get more people in. Try using social media to coordinate with others keen to do the same. Set up a website to encourage people to donate as well as using Skype to provide video footage of the events as they take place. Not only should you raise a respectable amount of money for the charity but you will also become much fitter!
Swear Jars
Having a swear jar is probably my personal favourite since I am confident that there will be a couple of full jars by the end of just one week. This is very easy to set up with the simple rules being that any profanity has to be paid for by putting a coin in the jar. Of course the more people in the household the better since this gives more scope for cashing in on the swearing. This method has the added benefit of fine tuning your vocabulary so that you might no longer turn the air blue, all while raising a little cash for your favourite cause.
Garage Sales
This is the perfect opportunity to raise some money by opening up your garage to the public while de-cluttering your home at the same time. We’ve all got a tonne of stuff at home that we’ve been meaning to get rid of for years, so it’s a good opportunity to make some space and share the wealth. Again, you can publicise your event online on your Facebook page and via Twitter (starting your own hashtag can be a great way to raise awareness). You can even get rid of your surplus Air Miles by auctioning them off to the highest bidder if you’re really looking to get rid of your unwanted stuff.
So there you have just a handful of ways you can get started fundraising with a minimum of hassle. If you’re looking for more tips or if you’re interested in more ways you can give your time to help make cancer a thing of the past, visit Cancer Research UK.
We set aside a monthly amount and then give from there. It’s nice because we never have to say no when someone asks for assistance in their fundraising efforts. Also, it’s fun to write a big (for us) check to a cause we really like.
Swear jar: I think that’s our next step. Little ears…
P.S. Those cupcakes look divine. Big one is really into Mickey Mouse shaped items for crafts and when I make pancakes. Great idea with the mini Oreos as ears!
The principle of putting aside to donate is fantastic – I’m not quite there yet in terms of a set amount and regularly. However, inspired by Katy NCA and her ‘Coingirl’ antics, I started depositing all small change finds in a designated piggy bank, which we annually donate to Children in Need. We’re taking peanuts in comparison to your check!
Next time I meet H I’ll be sure to bring along a Mickey cake-pop. Another great treat!
We set aside a monthly amount and then give from there. It’s nice because we never have to say no when someone asks for assistance in their fundraising efforts. Also, it’s fun to write a big (for us) check to a cause we really like.
Swear jar: I think that’s our next step. Little ears…
P.S. Those cupcakes look divine. Big one is really into Mickey Mouse shaped items for crafts and when I make pancakes. Great idea with the mini Oreos as ears!
The principle of putting aside to donate is fantastic – I’m not quite there yet in terms of a set amount and regularly. However, inspired by Katy NCA and her ‘Coingirl’ antics, I started depositing all small change finds in a designated piggy bank, which we annually donate to Children in Need. We’re taking peanuts in comparison to your check!
Next time I meet H I’ll be sure to bring along a Mickey cake-pop. Another great treat!
So good to see when kids pick up on the parents’ attitude towards life, giving and charity! Congratulations to your littel girl, all the best for the fundraising and hope she’ll be well be then. x
So good to see when kids pick up on the parents’ attitude towards life, giving and charity! Congratulations to your littel girl, all the best for the fundraising and hope she’ll be well be then. x
or rather, not-so-little girl
Thanks Laura!
“To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself once in a while.” ― Josh Billings
or rather, not-so-little girl
Thanks Laura!
“To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself once in a while.” ― Josh Billings
“Every little bit helps” That’s what we all need to remember because it is so easy to get caught up in doing the right or big enough thing. Good luck to your daughter this weekend.
Thank you. Small deeds can make a big difference. Doing something is better than not doing it at all!
“Every little bit helps” That’s what we all need to remember because it is so easy to get caught up in doing the right or big enough thing. Good luck to your daughter this weekend.
Thank you. Small deeds can make a big difference. Doing something is better than not doing it at all!
That’s awesome Jo! How wonderful that Leah has the motivation and compassion to serve others in that way. Love it! All the best for the weekend and I hope she is back to her normal healthy self 🙂
In terms of our charity donations, we have set ones that go out every month, we donate food items to our church foodbank every week and several times a year the community big band that my husband set up puts on a concert with all funds (other than expenses) going to a chosen charity. It’s my favourite as someone from the charity comes along to talk to the audience at half time and people get to find out about charities they would otherwise not know about.
Clare – you Guys are certainly doing your bit! 🙂
That’s awesome Jo! How wonderful that Leah has the motivation and compassion to serve others in that way. Love it! All the best for the weekend and I hope she is back to her normal healthy self 🙂
In terms of our charity donations, we have set ones that go out every month, we donate food items to our church foodbank every week and several times a year the community big band that my husband set up puts on a concert with all funds (other than expenses) going to a chosen charity. It’s my favourite as someone from the charity comes along to talk to the audience at half time and people get to find out about charities they would otherwise not know about.
Clare – you Guys are certainly doing your bit! 🙂
Good for your daughter for taking the initiative in raising funds for charity. And good for you; you have clearly been a good influence! I hope there is lots of money raised and your daughter feels better by the big day.
Thanks Jo – shes much better and very excited. I am very proud of her. I have high hopes she’ll be the second female UK prime minister one day! 😉
Good for your daughter for taking the initiative in raising funds for charity. And good for you; you have clearly been a good influence! I hope there is lots of money raised and your daughter feels better by the big day.
Thanks Jo – shes much better and very excited. I am very proud of her. I have high hopes she’ll be the second female UK prime minister one day! 😉