We hear from people sometimes that want to raise money for IGF, but they just aren’t sure how to start. Fundraising can appear daunting or challenging, but it can also be relatively easy and fun – depending how you do it.
Included here are some fundraising activities that others have already done with great success, which might give you some ideas of how you can help raise money for the vulnerable and needy children in northern Uganda too! The work at IGF is huge, and the need from the children and community continues. We need all the help we can get!
In South Australia, the BirthdayBoxes4Kitgum (BB4K) team was formed after a group of friends visited Mama Irene in Kitgum and saw firsthand the struggles and challenges faced by the community living war. In 2008, friends, Sue, Lyn, Janet and Rosie, were able to deliver and distribute 6000 birthday boxes and other gifts to students, families, staff, Hospice patients, Community Church, and people in the surrounding camps of the three schools under the operation of IGF.
Over the past 8 years the BB4K team has successfully fundraised for IGF through various initiatives, including:
- Chocolate sales
- Bake Sales
- Yearly Fundraising Dinner with silent auctions
- Selling specially made cards
- Donate $5 for a brick ( build a virtual wall )
- Sharing the need with Churches, Schools and Community groups
- Vintage High Tea
- Trading Table at Fairs
- Talented artists giving 10% of album sales
One of their more creative ventures has raised $8000 collecting bottle & can refund money (10c for every bottle/can in SA/NT). It is easy to get family, friends and churches to contribute to this.
These fundraising ventures have contributed to the building of the Vocational Institute, provided milk powder for babies, livestock for child headed households and educational materials for IGF schools.
A further $10000 was raised in 2013 by Des Riessen when he completed the Border to Beach Kayak Solo, paddling 665km in 3 weeks down the Murray River. He and the BB4K team joined Mark Riessen to walk 12km in the City to Bay to add to the total which purchased uniforms and sporting equipment for IGF.
Many others have successfully raised money through holding special events night and women’s breakfasts, by speaking at small functions, at women’s and men’s groups. Why not hold a morning tea at your workplace or invite some friends around for dinner with the aim of fundraising for IGF?
There are many small but achievable ways of fundraising and spreading the message of the great work being achieved at the Irene Gleeson Foundation in Northern Uganda. From little things BIG things grow!
We are truly grateful to all those that continue to support the work at IGF, so that children can gain access to education, medical treatment, nutrition and clean drinking water. Together we can help them reach their full potential!
For more information on fundraising for IGF, or if you are planning a fundraising event, please contact Colin at colin@irenegleesonfoundation.com
