The cost-of-living crisis has contributed to a huge increase in demand for our help. At least 50 people contact us for the first time every week and over the last 18 months we have supported around 1 in 30 households across Milton Keynes. This means that around one child in every class, at least one family in each street, and probably someone in your workplace needs us.
While we’re typically busiest in winter when cold weather and heating costs bite, in August this year we distributed more parcels than in January – so we’re looking at a very busy winter. To help us survive, many of our fabulous supporters have set themselves challenges, and with their help we’ve put together 5 top tips to plan and deliver a top-notch fundraising event.
Work out the Who, the What and the When
Whether you’re a solo supporter or a giant gang, pick the right event for WHO you are. Large scale events can be costly, however the element of competition with your team mates will be sure to spur you on! Consider WHAT you do based on your participants– bear in mind physical limitations and create alternatives for inclusivity, and WHEN you do it – factors like the weather and school holidays can make or break an event.
When M&M Supplies pledged to help us through the winter, they did it with a bang! They want to maximise the money raised (a target of £25k!) by involving a large number of their suppliers for a whole weekend. Given this scale, they didn’t baulk at setting the challenge of reaching the summit of Snowdon! The 15th October date should (hopefully) offer reasonable weather and adequate daylight.
Find the people that can make it happen
Once you’ve worked out the details, it’s worth spending time making sure that you are allowed to do it! If your event takes place on private (or some public) land then you may need permission or a licence. Whatever you’re attempting, it’s always a good idea as well to get advice from experienced fundraisers on do’s and don’ts – we can put you in touch.
Howes Percival and supporters Mercer & Hole, AFL Hyperscale, All Things Business, MK College and PJ Care will be taking on the Parks Trust 25 Mile Challenge in Milton Keynes on 7th October to raise funds for us. This challenging, but very beautiful route covers some of the best views and landmarks MK has to offer, covering woodlands, parks and canals. As a large group completing the challenge, they did however require a licence from the Park’s Trust in advance.
Sort your marketing materials and merch
When you’re ready to tell the world what you’re doing, you’ll want to make a splash! We can help with images, logos, web and social media content and press releases so you can get on with your preparation. We can also help design and source merchandise such as t-shirts, medals and prizes.
MK Food Champ! We’re partnering with The Holiday Inn Milton Keynes Central to launch a competition for young people in years 5-9. Entrants will design recipes for a two-course based on items received in a Food Bank parcel. The winning meals will be created by professional chefs and offered as a two-course ‘Special’ at the hotel’s restaurant. We ‘ve designed a pack of info for schools and a powerpoint about our work and are working on branded prizes too.
Train, practise and prepare
Any event is likely to need an element of preparation. Mountain climbers or marathon runners are certainly going to want to put a training regime in place, but even for smaller events don’t underestimate the challenge! Visiting the location and walking through key stages will help you identify obstacles in advance.
Runners from Givaudan took on the MK Half Marathon as a fundraiser for us in April and kept in touch with their supporters along the way. Every post about training boosted sponsorship and they raised in total over £1,000!
Don’t forget the finish celebration
Tempting as it may be to collapse in a heap after the event, don’t forget to keep shouting about it afterwards – very often more funds are raised after the event itself.
Kindness and positivity are contagious and your wonderful efforts hiking, running or hop, skip and jumping will be inspirational to others.
If you have been inspired, get in touch now to talk about your ideas!
