“I never thought a half marathon was in me, but running one with my colleagues for melanoma brought it out, as well as the potential for greater achievements! I recommend everyone gets out of their comfort zone for charity – it will make the world of difference to everyone involved.”
When it comes to fundraising for charity the only limit is your imagination and the greatest fuel is your passion. This has been testified again and again by the countless people who have run, swum and walked, talked, flown and rowed their way to helping us raise donations to help fund countless charities across the globe.
We believe that the most important element of fundraising is to have fun and to do something you enjoy doing (and maybe even something you are good at!) If you have been touched by melanoma, or wish to do something positive to help our mission, why not try raising money with the aim of reaching personal goals or fulfilling a long held wish – for yourself or maybe on behalf of a loved one who cannot?
Whether you fancy doing something simple and quick or maybe challenging yourself with something that takes longer to organise, here are a few suggestions that may stimulate your imagination. Some are what our supporters have done in the past, including a few that are still on our own list, thrown in for good measure!
Local organisations are usually happy to contribute prize donations in return for a publicity mention.
Funds can soon mount up believe us.
Bring a tray of cakes into work/school and charge £1 for each – also works well on a Friday!
Try getting Scouts in on this and organise activity in a supermarket car park. A very popular one in the past.
This works equally as well in an office with a suit policy as it does in schools. Why not get everyone participating to donate to our charity, for schools £1 per pupil is very popular!
Organise a competition for the best decorated sun hat or a sun safe poster, or even cup cake sale?
This is a good way to raise money and also help everyone stay fit including children and older people. You can collect pledges/donations for every mile that you walk.
From children to grandparents, joining an organised swimathon is a great way to do your bit and the training is fun, too! From a width to a mile and beyond, every penny counts.
Either start from scratch or suggest that funds are raised for your charity. Work with your community and set up music, food stalls, game stalls etc. You can also organise a special event such as a talent competition (very now!), which can be highlighted as the main attraction of the fair.
If you are fashion minded, why not organise a fashion show? This is an exciting way to generate funds and have some fun. Book a venue (try to get this free!) get a stylist on-board then ask local stores and boutiques to participate in the event. Most would be up for showcasing their creations and apparel on a public platform.
From trail races (check out the TRA, Trail Running Association), marathons or half-marathons to 5K races there is a race that is made for you. Check out the Runners World website which lists races around the UK, and even has training plans to help you every step of the way.
How about a parachute or bungee jump! If you have always wanted to jump out of a plane or off a bridge but needed the right excuse, here it is. Your friends will view you in a whole new way!
Alternatively, you could train for a Triathlon, a coast-to-coast walk, rowing across the channel (some of our supporters have done this), or maybe hook up with an organised challenge.