Hi everyone, I’m Andy - that's me on the right in the picture. I’m the senior fundraiser here at Simon the Streets. Having joined the team a few months ago, I’ve been hitting the ground running, planning all sorts of fantastic events and learning more about the amazing work the team do.
I’m so proud to be heading up the fundraising efforts here, and wanted to share a bit more about what makes a fundraiser tick. Hopefully you’ll take some ideas away from this blog, and who knows, maybe your next fundraising challenge will be in aid of Simon on the Streets!
Meeting new people
One of the best bits of my job as a senior fundraiser is the number of people I get to meet. Even in my short time here at Simon on the Streets, I’ve met some incredible people who have gone above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for us.
There are too many to name, so here are just a couple of examples.
Just recently, the amazing team at Andiamo! Language Services bravely took on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, raising £1,000.
I was also lucky enough to join the team at BGF on their 24 Mile Bamburgh Castle to Warkworth Castle walk along the Northumberland Coast. They managed to raise an incredible £10,000 before they even took a single step on the day.
Penmann Climatic Systems and Mansfield Pollard and Co came together to raise another £2,000 for us.
I really could go on, and I’m so grateful to all these amazing businesses who have chosen to support the work of Simon on the Streets as part of their fundraising and corporate social responsibility efforts.
Could you and your team be next?
Supportive colleagues
It’s incredible having such amazing support from businesses and individuals, but an organisation like Simon on the Streets is nothing without its people. All of its people.
Sure, the rest of the fundraising team and I are out there meeting those who are fundraising. But there are plenty of people behind the scenes making things happen too. Our incredible outreach team who are out there supporting those who are facing homelessness. The people crunching the numbers, the people fighting for policy change, the people keeping everything in our offices working.
It really does take a village.
Thinking ahead
Fundraisers don’t happen overnight. Part of why I love being a fundraiser is the planning that goes into it, and organisation and thinking ahead are a part of my skill set. Seeing hard work pay off, people having a good time and raising money in the process makes everything worth it for me.
I know some of you will be thinking ahead to next year’s corporate social responsibility for 2024 - and I’d be more than happy to discuss any ideas you might have for raising money for Simon on the Streets. Marathons, challenges, bake sales - you name it, I’ve planned it. And I’ve also done it most of the time!
Speaking of which…
Simon’s Big Sleep Out
On 19th October, our flagship fundraiser Simon’s Big Sleep Out is back. This is always such a fantastic event, and is the perfect opportunity to bring your teams, friends and family together in aid of a great cause. Simon’s Big Sleep Out is now open for sign up here.
Will I see you there?
Friends and family
Friends and family really matter when it comes to being a fundraiser. I know my loved ones have watched me take on a number of wild challenges - and they’ve done such a great job at supporting me, both physically and emotionally.
These challenges and fundraisers can take up a lot of mental and emotional energy - but it’s always so worthwhile when you come out of the other side.
My inbox is open for anyone who would like to discuss fundraising ideas. With over a decade’s experience, I can point you in the direction of something new and fun to try, and support you along the way.
Just email andy@simononthestreets.co.uk and let’s chat!