Fundraising in a pandemic - charity really does begin at home

(Posted on 13/04/21)

Fundraising plans for charities across the country were thrown into disorder a year ago with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the situation, the organisers of the biggest mass participation sports events across the country created a new campaign to raise vital funds to help UK charities’ fundraising. The 2.6 Challenge was open to anyone of any age – the only requirement was that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.

 

Fundraising events cancelled

Just as charities have had to find innovative ways to fill the gaps in their funding, the lack of the normal fundraising calendar has meant that when it comes to publicising charities’ valuable work, marketeers have had to think creatively too. Our client, cerebral palsy charity Stick ‘n’ Step, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events.

 

A marathon effort to raise funds

With no football, rugby or park run to take part in during the first national lockdown, one young sports enthusiast, six year old Harry, decided to take part in the 2.6 challenge by setting himself the task of running a marathon distance of 26 miles in one month. He wanted to raise money through sponsorship for Stick ‘n’ Step as his 18 year old cousin Cordelia has attended conductive education classes at the charity’s Wallasey centre since she was three years old.

Stick ‘n’ Step has provided support to Cordelia for the past 15 years, teaching her the skills she needs to live a more independent life. Her family believes the charity has worked miracles to help her learn to walk when many people thought she never would.

We wrote a press release on Harry’s efforts and sent it to the local newspapers in the hope of gaining his fundraising attempts some extra publicity. The story was picked up by the Wirral Globe, Oldham Times, Oldham Chronicle and In Your Area. We were thrilled when Harry raised a wonderful total of £1,350, smashing his original target of £100.

 

Non-stop music

In the more recent lockdown, another Stick ‘n’ Step supporter has embraced a new method of fundraising for the charity too. Paul Geddes, a former soldier and bodyguard, who now runs a fitness company and works as a DJ, completed a 20 hour long non-stop online music set to raise £5,000. Part of duo DJ Geddes & Gioia, Paul raised the money by starting the mammoth set at 5 o’clock in the morning and finishing at 1 o’clock the following morning. As well as raising an incredible amount of money, he also did 84,000 steps, burnt 8,600 calories and lost 3kg in weight! The Wirral Globe and The Leader both covered the story, helping raise awareness of Paul’s efforts and the work of Stick ‘n’ Step too.

 

To find out how you can help Stick ‘n’ Step, go to https://www.sticknstep.org/support-us/