YOYO MAMA

Bake sale fatigue, raffle ticket ennui

Publish Date: September 15, 2008
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Nobody told us before we had kids that über fundraiser was included in the job. But, from pre-school and the first sports team onwards it’s a whirl of chocolate covered almonds, pledge-a-thons and bake sales.

Too often parent fundraising is code for spending time and money. Added to that double whammy, we question the value of consuming stuff we don’t need just to send the kidlets on a field trip.

Since parent fundraising seems to be here to stay what can we do so it doesn’t leave a bad taste in our mouth?

Sell something different: How many people tried to sell you an Entertainment Book last year? We know everybody loves a discount, but that’s a lot of competition. Try Green Zebra instead – it’s new, it promotes local businesses who are doing the right thing and it gives you a good return.

A few more local, feel-good fundraisers:

Green Hands Fundraising will help you sell this year’s must have accessory: stainless steel water bottles, as well as Laptop Lunch containers, green cleaning products and more.

Sell bright, cheerful fair trade eco-lunch bags, shopping bags, or even handbags from Bazura Bags, or help us all wean ourselves off plastic at the grocery store with locally made Mouki Sacs (pictured).

Your organization can even create your own fundraiser. Identify a local product that would appeal to your family and friends. Contact them and ask if you can get wholesale rates to re-sell as a fundraiser. We’ve heard of everything from silk underwear to organic chickens being sold for a good cause.

Offer something people buy anyway: A lot of people don’t want to spend more money on more stuff, but would still like to help. Check out Progressive Fundraising, which sells gift cards to over 80 different retailers - including grocery stores. Friends and family pay for their regular shopping with gift cards, and between 2-15% of the total goes to your organization.

Cast your net as wide as possible: If you find yourself filling the role of both seller and buyer then you need more customers. Try out bidraiser.org - an online silent auction program designed by a local non-profit who wanted to reach more than just immediate family with their fundraising event.

If even good stuff seems like stuff you don’t need, don’t forget the good, old fashioned “just give money”. If your organization is a charitable non-profit then parents can donate directly, or through the United Way, for a tax receipt. Also, check to see if your workplace gives donations in recognition of your volunteer hours.

Before Shoni Field started Lime Communications she spent 10 years fundraising for environmental, health and youth non-profits - which is ironic considering she never could sell that book of raffle tickets as a kid. Next week Shoni will have some great ideas for getting your kids thinking about giving to others.