Events

Charity events are as varied and colourful as fundraising itself. They’re only limited by the imaginations of their organisers and their capacity to make things happen against all odds. But in many markets the costs of running events are rising and competition for donors' interest and participation is fierce, not to mention competition for their funds. In this section you will find details of some of the world’s most original and effective events.

Jersey Hospice Care: million pound lottery (MPL)

Jersey Hospice Logo

by SOFII

With a guaranteed income of £500,000 every year from this event alone, this is a great example of taking a successful commercial idea and making it work for your charity.

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St Baldrick’s Foundation: shaving the way to conquer children’s cancer

St Baldrick's Foundation is a self-proclaimed volunteer-driven charity, raising money to fund research to provide cures to childhood cancers.

by SOFII

This is a wonderful example of volunteer-led fundraising that demonstrates just how successful it can be when you choose an activity that everyone can take part in.

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The London marathon: a human race

London marathon

by SOFII

This exhibit details the interesting history of one of the biggest and most iconic fundraising events of all time – the London marathon. In true SOFII tradition, the idea was borrowed from somewhere else, but aren’t they always the best ones?

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Operation Christmas Child: the shoebox appeal

Operation Christmas Child rely on volunteers to help deliver the shoeboxes to children overseas.

by SOFII

This festive exhibit is a wonderful example of how one person’s idea (and a lot of help from volunteers) can really make a difference. Operation Christmas Child has maintained constant success over the past 20 years.

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ChildLine: the Got Talent ball

The ChildLine ball 2010 was themed to the popular TV series, Britain’s Got Talent.

by SOFII

This is event fundraising at its best. Raising almost £350,000, the ChildLine ball 2010 demonstrates some excellent fundraising techniques.

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The Medical Foundation: immortality auction

Ad creative, 2

by SOFII

A durable, readily replicable fundraising idea. This concept from the Medical Foundation is not just simple it seems hard to imagine it not being a success in the right hands.

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Red Cross USA: the Tiffany circles

The beautiful Tiffany window from the Red Cross offices in Washington DC.

by SOFII

Giving circles like the Tiffany circles of the Red Cross can make giving more interesting, more satisfying with a group of other enthusiastic donors.

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Cancer Research UK: the race for life

by SOFII

Cancer Research UK’s race for life is an event for women only, so it gives them the chance to take action against cancer. Through constant innovation over many years, nearly £500 million has been raised to beat cancer.

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Arrels Fundació: cardboard hearts for the homeless

cardboard hearts website

by SOFII

Arrels Fundació have come up with an excellent way to wear your heart on your sleeve to raise money and awareness of the growing number of homeless people in Barcelona. It is also easily copied.

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HP-HF: the ‘yellow coins’ project, collected by children for children

by SOFII

‘The yellow coins’ moneybox was a success from the beginning and has become an annual event. In 2011, the project raised €2.8 million (over £2.2 million and over $3.6 million).

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Handicap International: the Christmas tree bag

by SOFII

A Christmas product that aims to get into six million homes to help disabled children.

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The German Leprosy Relief Association: ‘Different Strokes’, the art show with a difference

A section of the electronic invitation

by SOFII

Different strokes – an art show with a cause – organised by the German Leprosy Relief Associaiton in India created a world of opportunity for disabled, or rather differently-able, adults and children artists by giving them the opportunity to show – and sell – their work alongside that of professionals.

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