Leeds University has much to offer, including an abundance of volunteering opportunities in and outside of the UK. I am currently a member of the RAG volunteer team that is travelling to Uganda this summer to build and renovate schools with Soft Power Education. Even though my flights are booked and my malaria tablets are on their way, I find that I am far from being prepared for the summer. Soft Power Education expects each member to raise £600 so that they can provide the resources to build the schools; I am essentially £600 away from my goal. Of course, it is easy to say ‘I will start fundraising next week’ or ‘we have lots of time’, but now the deadline is slowly approaching, and I honestly need to crack on. Over the last week have been devising plans and so here are five fundraising schemes to help you raise the money.
1. Leeds Half Marathon
About two months ago, I signed up to run the Leeds Half Marathon, but there is still time to add your name onto the list and to get your running trainers on. I have never been a huge fan of long distance running, but I knew that I needed to attempt something ambitious to get some donations. It is true that signing up for the half marathon felt like signing away my life, but it is a brilliant way to get fit and to raise a large proportion of your donations. So far, I have been very organised and have asked a friend, who happens to be a running fanatic (I did not think that they even existed), to make me a training schedule to build up my fitness and endurance in time for May 12th. I have already spoken to my family and friends, who all think that it will be a great achievement and are willing to make a donation; this is a success! If the Leeds Half Marathon is too much for you, bearing in mind that it is thirteen miles long, you could always sign up for a 10k run.
2. Bake Sales
Fund raising is not only about the grand schemes and ambitious objectives; the little ideas also happen to result in a large number of donations. For those of you who do not know me, I love cake, and what better way to make some money than by selling delicious baked treats? You will be surprised at how much can be raised by selling £1 cupcakes and 50p cookies. Now, you can set up a stall in the union foyer, but unfortunately a food hygiene certificate is required to do so. For those who already have this, you are set for a bake sale. If you do not have a certificate, then fear not. Do not let your cake dreams die out. Instead of selling cakes in the union, you could set up an afternoon tea event at your house, sell tea and cakes to your friends, and have a delightful natter. There is also the option of parading your delicious treats through Hyde Park, especially during those heated evenings of the revision period; hungry, stressed students await your presence.
3. Pub Quiz
If you like the idea of getting your friends together for a natter over tea and cake, then I am sure that you will love the idea of having a fun-filled quiz over a pint. Some of my friends organised a pub quiz last year to raise money for one of the RAG hitches, and it was a really enjoyable night. Not only was the venue free to rent out (The Pack Horse), but its owners donated prizes for the quiz winner and runners up. Due to approaching companies, clubs, cafes, and other businesses, my friends received tickets to Alton Towers, Fruity tickets, and some other goodies. With a £1 entrance fee and donated prizes, there is nothing to be lost by organising a pub quiz.
4. Bag Packing
During my gap year, I had an exhilarating job working at Tesco on the check outs, and it was surprising to see so many people bag packing for charity. By speaking to a store manager, you could organise an afternoon of bag packing and bucket shaking in Morrisons or Asda, and you will soon see how swiftly the donations increase. This is a quick, easy and popular way to start raising money, and can be done regularly without any expenses.
5. Bucket Shaking
Another popular scheme is the shameless bucket shaking. Sometimes fundraising is all about the little things; hourly bucket shaking on a weekly basis could make a significant contribution to your goal. Two of the top spots along the University red route would be Briggate Street and the train station. You can even sign up to bucket shake outside the union on a Friday evening, ready for the drunk and generous Fruity attendees.
So there you have it; my top five moneymaking schemes to get you started with your fund raising. I hope that you have fun with all of the cake baking and bucket shaking.
Image sources:
http://newsfeed.leedsvirtualnewsroom.co.uk/2011/03/still-time-to-team-up-for-leeds-half.html
http://uncgiarc.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/beaux-arts-bake-sale/
http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/photolib/food/Pint%20of%20Beer.html