Why we need to raise funds

The Colostomy Association is an independent charity and is financed soley from donations and fundraising events. Your financial help has never been more important - with a continuing income and planned agenda, we can budget for and carry out the important work of the Association. However much is raised by you for the Colostomy Association, you may rest assured that our end goal of providing help and support for Ostomates everywhere will continue to grow and evolve - with your help we can really make a difference.

Putting the fun into fundraising

A successful event does not necessarily have to raise huge amounts of money. All efforts are greatly appreciated. Fundraising may seem like hard work but if you keep it simple and accept offers of help it can be fun too and extremely rewarding.

To help you on you way, we have put together a few simple hints and tips that may help you whilst you are helping us.

• Helping you- two things that will help you enormously with your fundraising activities are: experience - i.e. learning from your mistakes, and success - as they say, success leads to success and even a small one will boost your confidence no end.
  
  
• Planning your event - if you keep it simple it will be more enjoyable for you and those taking part.
  
  
• Who will help - ask friends and family for help, people like to be involved.
  
  
• What costs will you incur - make sure the event is worthwhile, set a target. Also ask local shops, businesses to help out - this could be with a raffle prize, a donation towards funds or free advertising.
  
  
• Will you need insurance - if you are making you event available to the public you may need public liability insurance - check this with the venues management.
  
  
• Will you need a licence - this may be required if you intend to sell alcohol or hold a raffle (this does not apply to a closed raffle i.e. one that is directly relevant to your event).
  
  
• How to promote your event - think local, contact your regional newspaper, radio station, library, school or anywhere where you think you may get free publicity.
  
  
• Is your chosen venue free - always negotiate, people are willing to reduce costs for a charitable event.
  
  
• How will you collect the money - give a deadline for monies to be collected by and appoint a dedicated person to oversee the process.
  
  
• What can go wrong - if your activity is outdoors and you are relying on good weather make sure you have a Plan B to fall back on.

We want to hear about your events

Please send us some information about the day along with some photos and we will publish them on our online gallery, we may even include a piece in Tidings. Go to our contact us page to find out how to get in touch.