31 July 2019
Self-organising can be a stressful experience. Setting up a fundraising event from scratch, having to promote your efforts, hoping nothing goes wrong along the way – there are simpler ways to be charitable.
So, make it easy for yourself and lookout for local events which you can get involved in. Often, it's as simple as turning up on the day, with all of the planning left to the organisers. This way you're free to focus on the actual fundraising part of your efforts!
That's exactly what Camilla and Adam Johnson did on Father's Day in June, when they and a group of friends got togged up as Santa for this year's Lewes to Newhaven Raft Race and raised almost £4,000 for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust!
Ouse the Daddy
Contested annually on the River Ouse in East Sussex, the race is full of novelty floats and spectators who are more than happy to get involved by throwing eggs and flour!
Adam and his friend, Oli, built the pedal-powered raft over “many,
many” evenings and weekends, while Camilla designed outfits for the 10 crew and herself.
To fit with the family theme on Fathers Day, she had the raft – lovingly called 'Ouse the Daddy?' – fully kitted out in Santa Claus gear!
With the Trust’s logo on their t-shirts and the side of 'Ouse the Daddy?', the crew rafted the seven miles along the river. Camilla commended the “determined, fun and supportive” attitude of the team, especially under fire from baking material hurled by those watching on land.
“So many people are touched by cancer, people are keen to support financially,” Camilla said of their decision to support the Trust. “To find a charity which offers something so positive to young people really inspired us.”
“We liked the sound of a charity where any amount of money will have
a big impact on many young people.”
They found by showing off the raft with the large Trust banner on it, and taking it around the local area, they were able to effectively fundraise before the race too. “Don’t be afraid to ask absolutely anyone to support your efforts,” said Camilla.
She added: “So many friends and family turned out to cheer the team on. It was really encouraging and made for a truly enjoyable day.”
Got something already in the pipeline?
Don't forget to let us know! Visit the 'Fundraise' page on our website and tell us about it? Or still looking for a bit of inspiration and a few ideas? This is the place to go too!