We all know times are tough at the moment, but sometimes we need to stop thinking about our own financial situations and think of those who are less fortunate than we are. Giving to charity can be a rewarding experience, but sometimes it can involve more than just signing a cheque and sending it off. RESCU’s Money Maven has pulled together a few ideas on how you can raise money for charities without demanding too much from kind natured philanthropists.
Bake Sales: Bake sales are a great way of raising money without having to spend much money yourself. Gather some friends and have fun baking cakes, cookies and brownies and setting up stalls in public places such as shopping centres, universities or even at work. If you sell each baked good for between 50 cents and 2 dollars, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll raise for your chosen charity.
Garage Sales: This is another great way to raise money. Go through all of your belongings and decide what possessions you don’t want/need anymore and whether you could sell them for a reasonable price. You can sells clothes, furniture, household appliances and more and donate the money you raise to your favourite charity. Don’t forget to promote your garage sale by sticking up fliers in your local area.
Gold Coin Donations: This can be a tricker way to raise money, with so many people walking around selling simple chocolate bars for $3 each and in many cases, causing people to feel guilty if they don’t donate. Try to think of a reasonable product to sell for one gold coin. It can be small chocolates that you buy in bulk and sell for a dollar each, or it could be something handmade, for example jewellery. You can either approach people with your product or attempt to sell them in a more passive way, similarly to the bake sale.
Sponsoring: Many work places choose a charity to support as a team and perform an activity, asking people to sponsor them by donating to their chosen charity. The event could be a sport such as a marathon or swimming, or even something such as dying your hair or growing a moustache for cancer awareness. Consider asking your workplace to set up an event such as this but be sure not to demand too much from potential sponsors and not to nag them. People will give their money willingly if they believe it is for a good cause.
Rescu. Supports:
Lou’s Place is a Sydney charity that is run by the Marmalade Foundation and help by supporting women on the street and helping them rebuild their lives. They offer these women a sanctuary as well as somewhere to do their laundry, eat lunch, dabble in their creative sides and receive help from lawyers and doctors.
There are various different ways in which you can donate to Lou’s Place. You can donate money, clothing, art supplies, office supplies or toiletries and you can even offer your services if you’re a painter, carpenter or more.
For more information about Lou’s Place visit https://lousplace.com.au/
The Money Maven. x
