Summer is a season full of sunshine, energy, and community spirit – making it the perfect time to come together for good causes. For people facing homelessness, summer can be just as challenging as winter. High temperatures, lack of shade, and limited access to water or safe spaces put people at real risk. By fundraising this summer, you’re not only helping raise awareness but also providing life-saving support.
Here are five creative ideas to get you started.
1. Host a Summer Picnic
What better way to embrace summer than a picnic in the park? To turn a simple gathering into a fundraiser, invite friends, family, or colleagues to bring food, blankets, and games, and ask for a small donation to attend. You could add in fun activities such as a tug-of-war contest, a “best picnic dish” competition, or a raffle with donated prizes. A charity picnic is low-cost to organise, family-friendly, and creates a real sense of community while supporting those in need.
2. Take on a Sponsored Summer Challenge
The longer days and warmer weather are ideal for getting active. Whether it’s a 10K run, a cycling challenge, or a pledge to walk 100 miles over the summer, sponsored challenges are a brilliant way to stay fit and fundraise at the same time. Supporters could join together as a team or take on personal goals, sharing their progress on social media to encourage donations. Even small goals, like a pledge to walk to work for a month instead of driving, can make a big impact when friends and family get behind the cause.
3. Cool-Down With A Lemonade Stand
We have all been enjoying a hotter than usual summer this year and everyone’s looking for a way to cool down. Schools, youth groups, or families can set up lemonade stands, with proceeds going directly to the charity. These simple events are easy for children and young people to get involved in, making them a great way to teach the next generation about kindness and community. Add a donation jar and a few posters explaining the charity’s mission, and suddenly lemonade is helping change lives.
4. Outdoor Movie Night Under the Stars
Long summer evenings are perfect for gathering together to watch a favourite film outdoors. With just a projector, a screen (or a white sheet), and some snacks, you can host a movie night in your garden, at a community centre, or even in a local park with permission. Ask guests to donate the price of a cinema ticket in exchange for an evening of fun. You can provide blankets, drinks and popcorn to complete the experience.
5. Sun, Sand, and Sponsorship: Beach or Park Clean-Up
Why not combine fundraising with caring for the environment? A sponsored litter-pick or beach clean-up is a powerful way to give back twice – to the planet and to people experiencing homelessness. Participants can collect sponsorships for each bag of rubbish they fill. Not only does this raise much-needed funds, it also helps create safer, cleaner spaces for everyone to enjoy. Families, schools, and community groups all love getting involved in this type of hands-on event.
Every Penny Makes a Difference
No matter which idea inspires you, remember that every donation to CENS helps us provide essentials such as food, shelter, and support services for people experiencing homelessness. Summer is a time when many of us make happy memories outdoors – together, we can make sure it’s also a season of hope for those who need it most.
So gather your friends, bring out the sunshine, and let’s make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons.
