Wondering how you can make a positive difference this Christmas? Well, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of ways to incorporate a charity into your festive plans, whether you’re taking on an individual challenge, working with friends and family, or aiming to enhance your CSR strategy as a business.
This year, we’re asking those who can to support the Simon on the Streets Christmas Appeal. No amount is too small, and there are so many things you can do to help us raise funds to reach our target.
Take a look at our Christmas fundraising inspiration and ideas.
Fundraising for businesses
Throw a festive office fundraiser
From star bakers to fun Christmas jumper competitions, festive fundraisers can be a brilliant way to bring people together and raise money for a good cause. And who doesn’t love a Christmas jumper? The more festive the better!
Secret Santa’s are an office staple, but think about how you could add a fundraising twist. Perhaps you could challenge people to spend under the usual amount on a gift and donate the rest? Alternatively, you could give a miss this year in favour of everyone donating the amount they’d spend to charity.
Think about it; if everyone in your office were to pop £1 in a collecting tin, that could have a real impact on a local charity like ours, and help to make a big difference to the lives of those facing homelessness.
Christmas parties
Throwing a big bash this year? There are a number of opportunities to support a charity as you dance the night away with your friends and colleagues.
You could also think about inviting someone from your chosen charity to deliver an after-dinner speech. Most charities (us included!) are extremely grateful for opportunities like this, as they can be a fantastic platform to reach more people and raise vital awareness.
Finally, would a raffle, tombola or silent auction fit in the evening? Could you even donate a portion of ticket sales to a local cause? There are so many ideas to choose from.
Sponsored events
As a business, you might decide to support our Christmas Appeal by either holding your own sponsored event, or sponsoring the efforts of your teams - this could be a great, and very worthwhile, way to kick start your New Year as a business.
Fundraising as an individual
Make a donation in a loved one’s name
If you’re scratching your head about what to get your friends or loved ones this year, you could consider donating what money you would have spent on a gift to a charity they care about.
It might mean that there’s one less present to unwrap on Christmas day, but it’s a thoughtful and meaningful way that you can make a difference to those who need it the most. You could always talk to your friends and family about this beforehand - you never know who might wish to follow your example.
Take on a fundraising challenge or host your own event!
There are hundreds of festive fundraising options out there. From Santa fun runs and our very own Elf Run, to yule log eating competitions and Christmas craft afternoons - get a group of friends together to enjoy a day of festive fun for a good cause!
Volunteering
Donations and events aren’t the only way to support the causes that you’re passionate about. Both businesses and individuals can make a huge difference to local charities through volunteering, an experience that can give you a much better understanding of how your favourite charity works every day to effect change.
Whether you help to organise an event, support with collections or provide practical volunteer support to support the team, organisations will always be grateful for your enthusiasm and dedication.
How your Christmas fundraising could help Simon on the Streets
What would your fundraising and donations actually look like in real life?
£5: Provides a hot drink and a sandwich, allowing our outreach workers to engage with someone facing homelessness and begin building a relationship to help them further.
£20: Will buy one sleeping bag.
£25: Pays for an individual facing homelessness to access a service they need for the first time, or travel to a flat viewing or benefits appointment with one of our outreach workers.
£45: This can be enough for a two-hour late evening or early morning outreach session on the streets. This means that our team will provide emotional and practical support to those rough sleeping and at risk of homelessness when they need it the most.
£105: Provides an individual facing homelessness with a full day of intensive one-to-one support with one of our outreach workers.
Would you like to incorporate Simon on the Streets into your festive plans? We’d love to be involved! You can send your ideas to our senior fundraiser, Andy at andy@simononthestreets.co.uk. We can’t wait to hear your plans.