Category Archives: Seasonal Events

Fundraising #1. Aerobics-athon

organise a once off timed event or a regular weekly aerobics class, with the goal of improving yours and others’ flexibility, muscular strength, cardio-vascular fitness, and of course raising funds. You’ll need to think about a suitable instructor, gym mats or flooring, music and space. Gather friends, get fit and raise £’s by asking for a donation or sponsorship.


#2. Art and / or photographic exhibition

are you a budding artist or belong to an art club? Or maybe you see yourself as more of an appreciator of art, but with the ability to organise creative-types? Consider staging an exhibition, that either celebrates local talent or highlights a certain theme. Given enough notice artists, designers or photographers may wish to create new pieces. Be creative about how you raise funds, for example, ask artists to donate works to sell or ask the public for a donation to enter.


#3. Auction

some say that if you haven’t used something in the last six months you probably don’t need it. Well, six months may not take into account the impact of seasons on what we use or wear, but if you haven’t seen or picked something up in over a year it is definitely time to let it go. Imagine what treasures lie dormant in your attic, cupboards or under the bed, then multiple that by the number of colleagues or friends you have, and you have a potential charity auction on your hands. Add some higher value items, like donations from local companies, sports clubs, or expertise like advice or training and you have an auction the whole community won’t want to miss out on.


#4. Bag packing

if you know your fruit and veg from your dairy or your breads from your bottles, consider asking your local supermarkets if they will allow you and a team of volunteers to pack bags. Speak to the store manager, explain the vision and values behind the school, and ask if they’d be willing to support your fundraising efforts – either in this way or maybe they will even have other ideas on how to raise £1000. Ask family and friends to sponsor you per bag, or ask the manager if they would be comfortable in you asking for donations from customers – remembering that every little helps!


#5. Barbeque or Braai

spot a break in the weather and organise a bbq, barbie, or if you’re proudly South African, a braai – which are enjoyed all year round!  In addition to steak and boerewors (sausage), homemade patties (burgers) and pork bangers (sausages), South African side dishes include biltong, butternut, chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish), cheesy garlic bread, braaied potatoes, creamy potato gratin, mieliepap (maize porridge) and sweetcorn. Remember dietary requirements such as gluten free, halal and vegan if you plan to invite the community. Be bold, ask the local butcher or supermarket to donate food, consider whether asking for donations for food or charging for each item will maximise your fundraising efforts.


#6. Bike ride / cycle race

next time you’re thinking about a casual Sunday afternoon cycle, don’t just ‘think bike’ but ‘think bigger’ by inviting your friends, family, colleagues or wider community to join you in a sponsored cycle. Or perhaps you take your cycling seriously and regularly compete in races – Mountain, Road or Single Speed – then, why not put all that effort and energy to even better use by raising some £££s as you pedal!


#7. Book club

have you or your colleagues, friends, neighbours ever considered forming your own book club? Well 2017 is the ideal year to start! Things to consider include which day / evening and time you’ll meet each month or week, the location and atmosphere you want to create – especially how to include everyone and facilitate good discussion – people’s passion and how that might influence whether you look for titles amongst Critics Circle, Firecracker, Nebula and Hugo and Pulitzer prize winners, or where the group has specific interests. Ask members for a donation each time you meet.


#8. Book Sale

Category : August December June Sales

what to do with all your books once they have been read? Why, a book sale, of course! Put out a plea for book donations and set up a book stand or a book sale outside your home or at your local community hall. Ask for donations per book / bag.


#9. Bring and buy

exactly what it sounds like; you beg or borrow a space, badger people you know to bring something they are willing to donate, broadcast it to the wider local community, and before they leave you encourage them to buy a bargain and bag up with more than they came with. It is sure to bring in a healthy profit for the school.