Be bold when asking for anything.  Enthusiasm is infectious!

Have a target amount you would like to raise – this will help to ensure you will not organise anything that might lose you money. Also, tell people your target, it really helps to focus the mind! We will happily write a covering letter for you if you feel it would help you when approaching local businesses for donated items. If you have sent out any letters, don’t forget to chase them up with a phone call. Businesses may not respond to a first letter and you will have a better chance with a follow-up call. Remember to organise petty cash or a float. Maximise publicity by using free slots on local radio, newspapers, church or school newsletters etc.  Generosity can wear thin, try not to keep going back to the same people all the time! Maximise fund raising opportunities, for example, hold a raffle at your coffee morning. If you are asked questions about SHADH and are not sure of the answers, please take the person’s contact details and we will be happy to contact them. If you meet anyone at your event who is particularly enthusiastic about the work of SHADH, please suggest that you could pass on their name and address to us so we can add them to the newsletter mailing list. Plan, plan, plan! Never underestimate how useful a list of ‘things to do’ will be! Cut down on expenses by taking a flask of tea or coffee and your own snacks. Finally, don’t be too ambitious, you can always plan bigger for next time!

Remember, the staff at SHADH are always on hand to provide advice and support and any posters, literature etc you may need.

Some ideas for events …

Auction of promises or traditional goods/services. These can be very successful, especially if local businesses can donate products or services such as a manicure at the beautician, a fruit hamper from the greengrocer and a year’s supply of flapjacks from the bakery!

Bring & buy are always a favourite and can be held in your back garden or in the local church hall. Ask friends and family to clear out their lofts and garages for any items that might fetch a few pounds!

Car boot sales are popular and with a good stock of plants, cuddly toys, old videos and books, can be a really fun way to raise funds, especially on a lovely summer morning!

Dress up or dress down days at work or at school - nice and easy, simply ask permission, display a poster, make up the dress theme and use a huge bucket to collect the donations!

Quiz night at your local pub, school, church hall or your front room. Maybe charge a little extra for a drink and a slice of cake!

Preview party at an art gallery is for the ambitious only but will often make it to the local papers for increased awareness of the charity!

Charity fairs / country shows are a great way to raise funds and the charity profile by setting up a trestle table, displaying posters and perhaps selling bric-a-brac, SHADH merchandise or hold a tombola or free prize draw. We found that  ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ always attracts people – why not ask the art department of your local school to provide a picture of a donkey and tail and don’t forget the blindfold!

Collection boxes – just ask us for a box for you to place with your local business, shop etc.

“Adopt a charity” is becoming more and more popular with businesses. Ask your boss if they would consider supporting SHADH for a year and help with fundraising that way.

Just a few ways in which you can help SHADH’s work.
If you would like to get involved please let us know at:-

info@safehaven4donkeys.org or on 01444 8311177