By getting involved and raising money for the Oaklea Trust and Wishlist, you can help make a real difference to help improve someone's everyday life.
Here are some ideas to help with inspiration to get started with your fund raising -
Sponsored Walk
Wherever you live in the UK, there are any number of great walks to be had in your area. Long or short, on the flat or up hill and down dale, there are plenty of options to get people up on their feet and into the great outdoors.
When and Where?
Where do you like to go walking? Chances are, this will appeal to others as well. Set varying challenges – short, medium and long distance – so that all abilities can take part and perhaps throw in some added interest by making it a treasure hunt, history or nature trail along the way. Weekends are always best for sponsored walks, usually in the summer months.
How Do I Promote It?
As well as the local press, ask the local schools if the children would like to get involved with their parents.
Who Will Take Part?
You'll be surprised! Quite a lot of families like to get out for a walk on a Sunday and if there is something of interest for the children then it could prove very popular. You may also attract the keen ramblers and walkers – the more the merrier!
How Do I Raise Money?
Everyone will be asked to pay an entry fee and, if they want, they can also raise sponsorship. If it's a warm day, why not sell cold drinks and refreshments along the way?
Quiz Nights
Another tried and tested format and so easy to do! You can set the questions yourself or find a selection on any number number of websites set up just for quiz nights.
When and Where?
Start by running the idea past your local pub, golf or rugby club as they are often the ideal setting. Midweek nights are also best as these are when the venue will appreciate the extra customers. Most will also be able to provide a pie and pea or hotpot supper, another way to generate some extra funds!
How Do I Promote It?
Again, try the local notice boards, local press and radio or workplaces; it's the sort of thing you can also email your contacts and invite them along.
Who Will Take Part?
Be prepared to see some true competitors turning up at your quiz night! But don't be put off, you'll have enough friends and family wanting to take part to ensure it will be great fun!
How Do I Raise Money?
Charge each team an entry fee (usually four people per team), hold a raffle or an auction. Contact local shops and businesses, many of whom will be only too happy to donate prizes.
Coffee Mornings
They may have been around for years, but the good old coffee morning is a brilliant way for you to get your fundraising off to a flying start! The whole family can get involved and there are always plenty of friends willing to spare a few hours to help out or who will bake a cake.
When and Where?
Every town or village has a community centre, a school hall or village hall and Saturday mornings are usually the best time.
How Do I Promote It?
Community notice boards, parish magazines, local press and radio – all good places to get your event noticed!
Who Will Take Part?
Friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours – chances are you'll also attract 'regulars' who attend similar events at the same location.
How Do I Raise Money?
Charge for entry (which usually includes the first drink and a biscuit), have a raffle, guess the weight of the cake, name the teddy bear...
Lets Get Extreme!
If a coffee morning sounds a little too 'low key' for you then why not aim for something to really get your pulse racing! Here are some of the many ways you can go to extremes and raise money for Wishlist:
Take a Jump - tandem skydives or static line, parachute jumps are an amazing experience you'll never forget!
Climb Every Mountain - take on the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales with the Three Peaks Challenge!
Get on Your Bike - complete every high Lakeland pass and over 100 miles with the Fred Whitton Challenge!
White Water - tackle the rapids of a river in full flow!
Best Foot Forward - the Great North Run, London Marathon, Great Manchester Run or the Windermere Marathon; train up, take part, get a real sense of achievement!
Make a Big Splash - take the plunge and swim for it, indoors or even outdoors with the Great North Swim!
Sponsored Walk
Wherever you live in the UK, there are any number of great walks to be had in your area. Long or short, on the flat or up hill and down dale, there are plenty of options to get people up on their feet and into the great outdoors.
When and Where?
Where do you like to go walking? Chances are, this will appeal to others as well. Set varying challenges – short, medium and long distance – so that all abilities can take part and perhaps throw in some added interest by making it a treasure hunt, history or nature trail along the way. Weekends are always best for sponsored walks, usually in the summer months.
How Do I Promote It?
As well as the local press, ask the local schools if the children would like to get involved with their parents.
Who Will Take Part?
You'll be surprised! Quite a lot of families like to get out for a walk on a Sunday and if there is something of interest for the children then it could prove very popular. You may also attract the keen ramblers and walkers – the more the merrier!
How Do I Raise Money?
Everyone will be asked to pay an entry fee and, if they want, they can also raise sponsorship. If it's a warm day, why not sell cold drinks and refreshments along the way?
Quiz Nights
Another tried and tested format and so easy to do! You can set the questions yourself or find a selection on any number number of websites set up just for quiz nights.
When and Where?
Start by running the idea past your local pub, golf or rugby club as they are often the ideal setting. Midweek nights are also best as these are when the venue will appreciate the extra customers. Most will also be able to provide a pie and pea or hotpot supper, another way to generate some extra funds!
How Do I Promote It?
Again, try the local notice boards, local press and radio or workplaces; it's the sort of thing you can also email your contacts and invite them along.
Who Will Take Part?
Be prepared to see some true competitors turning up at your quiz night! But don't be put off, you'll have enough friends and family wanting to take part to ensure it will be great fun!
How Do I Raise Money?
Charge each team an entry fee (usually four people per team), hold a raffle or an auction. Contact local shops and businesses, many of whom will be only too happy to donate prizes.
Coffee Mornings
They may have been around for years, but the good old coffee morning is a brilliant way for you to get your fundraising off to a flying start! The whole family can get involved and there are always plenty of friends willing to spare a few hours to help out or who will bake a cake.
When and Where?
Every town or village has a community centre, a school hall or village hall and Saturday mornings are usually the best time.
How Do I Promote It?
Community notice boards, parish magazines, local press and radio – all good places to get your event noticed!
Who Will Take Part?
Friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours – chances are you'll also attract 'regulars' who attend similar events at the same location.
How Do I Raise Money?
Charge for entry (which usually includes the first drink and a biscuit), have a raffle, guess the weight of the cake, name the teddy bear...
Lets Get Extreme!
If a coffee morning sounds a little too 'low key' for you then why not aim for something to really get your pulse racing! Here are some of the many ways you can go to extremes and raise money for Wishlist:
Take a Jump - tandem skydives or static line, parachute jumps are an amazing experience you'll never forget!
Climb Every Mountain - take on the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales with the Three Peaks Challenge!
Get on Your Bike - complete every high Lakeland pass and over 100 miles with the Fred Whitton Challenge!
White Water - tackle the rapids of a river in full flow!
Best Foot Forward - the Great North Run, London Marathon, Great Manchester Run or the Windermere Marathon; train up, take part, get a real sense of achievement!
Make a Big Splash - take the plunge and swim for it, indoors or even outdoors with the Great North Swim!
The Oaklea Trust, part of the Oaklea Group.
Registered Charity No. 1091722 ©20122010 Oaklea Trust.
The Oaklea Trust, 48 Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4BD Telephone. 01539 735 025
Email. enquiries@oakleatrust.co.uk www.oakleatrust.co.uk