Summer has most definitely started. Schools are out, airports are full, beaches are busy, and those long. hot days are stretching out in front of us. How to entertain the children? Don’t panic! We have come up with seven great fundraising ideas which will keep your young ones entertained, teach them how to set up an event and raise money for a good cause.
1. Discover their green fingers
Gardening is a full-time job at this time of the year and many people don’t have the time or energy to keep on top of it. Your neighbours and friends would probably love a bit of extra help – whether it’s mowing the lawn, doing a spot of weeding, power hosing a patio, or just having a big clearout, it’s a great way to raise a bit of cash for charity. They can even get a group of friends together and tackle it as a team.
2. Lend a helping hand
Walking the dog, popping to the local shop, dropping a parcel to the post office, running an errand – whatever it may be, sometimes an extra pair of hands, and legs, is needed, to get everything done. Your children could put together a job sheet with related charges and hand it out to the neighbours. Not only will they raise money, but the feeling they will get from helping someone out, will put a spring in their step.
3. Cut it out
How about getting sponsorship to go without something for a set period? It could be chocolate or sweets, or maybe the TV, phone or video games. Whatever it is, they may benefit from having a break and find something else they enjoy instead.
4. Get active
What better way to spend these sunny days, than getting outside in the fresh air? It’s great for the mental health as well as the physical health and getting into the keep-fit habit early on, means they are more likely to stick with it. Either individually or with a group of friends, it is easier than ever to set up a sponsored activity. A bike ride, walk, run or swim could all work well as fitness fundraisers.
5. Go crazy
Why not let them express their wild side by getting sponsored to do something fun? Try out a new hairstyle or dye their hair. Maybe sit in a bath of baked beans, wear fancy dress for a week or walk backwards for a day. Let them get creative and see what they come up with!
6. Have a clear-out
It’s not often you can organise a table-top sale without the help of a gazebo or an umbrella. So make the most of the dry weather and get your children to clear out all those old books, toys and clothes, set up a stall and recycle their belongings. You’ll create space in your home and make good use of all that clutter, as it finds a new home and raises funds.
7. Let them eat cake
Well, maybe not eat it – but bake it. Build on their entrepreneurial skills and help them set up a kerbside shop. Cakes are always a popular option, but sweets are also a good one, as well as savoury bakes and soft drinks like homemade lemonade. They will have fun preparing all the produce, setting up shop, working out the the pricing, making the signage, and organising the float.
So, next time your children tell you they are bored, why not suggest a fundraiser? Charities are in desperate need of funding over the Summer, and here at CENS, we love it when children get involved with raising money for the shelter. We have met some amazing young fundraisers over the years, and it is a joy when they come and present us with their hard-earned money in-person. Teaching children from an early age about giving to charity will strengthen their personal values, teach them about generosity and selflessness and give them a major mood-boost. Happy summer everyone! Check out our Fundraising tips here https://staging.cens4homeless.org.uk/get-involved/#fundraising-sect
