A hundred ways to help
This year, swap your secret-Santa event or gift exchange for a donation to the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. You can turn your casual wine and cheese get-together into a chance to help the not-for-profit, independent charity that provides gift boxes to 45,000 underprivileged children across the GTA.
Or set up a swear jar at home or office and watch the coins mount as stress grows during the Christmas countdown.
If you’re feeling more ambitious, consider hosting a third-party event fundraiser, with some support from the Santa Claus Fund.
You’ll need prior approval from the Star’s Santa Claus Fund 20 days before the event. Go to bit.ly/santaPDF and download the Event and Fundraising Kit PDF to obtain the form and receive more information.
Is it hard to plan a fundraiser? Not really.
The Internet has a Santa’s-sack full of ideas. Some that can be organized over a short amount of time include bake sales, culinary competitions and movie nights, board-game tournaments, can/bottle recycling drives and casual Fridays.
Other ideas that may take longer to implement, but are doable, include auctions (silent, art, etc.), benefit concerts, speaker series or walkathons.
The good news is that the holidays lend themselves to creative ways to raise funds at a time when people are feeling the most generous.
Start with Movember. The guys can grow a beard for charity.
Time-strapped parents who are busy shopping and preparing for the holidays will appreciate your babysitting services or a kids’ sleepover in exchange for a donation. Plan a splashy Christmas party and dinner with an admission fee. Give your next ladies’ night out a pampered twist by asking for a Fund donation for spa services.
Do you have a talent for wrapping presents? Approach your local mall or department store about offering a gift-wrapping service. Organize a pub crawl. Appeal to chocoholics. Buy holidaythemed chocolates and snacks in bulk from a warehouse club and sell them at work for a profit, with payment going to the Fund.
Here are the nuts and bolts of assembling a fundraising event:
Acquaint yourself with the Santa Claus Fund and its goals. Others are more likely to donate or help if you’re knowledgeable about the Fund and what it does.
Pick your event date and then work back to ensure you have all the bases covered.
Establish a target, budget and shopping list.
Determine the number of people you will need.
Enlist the help of those around you and find out if they are willing to help, donate and attend your event.
Brainstorm fundraising ideas with them. Know your targeted market. Research the venue best suited to the audience you wish to attract.
Promoting your fundraiser is crucial. Place posters/flyers in high-traffic areas, including schools and libraries. Harness the power of social media with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
(Note: All promotional materials must be pre-approved by the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.)
Don’t take on more than you can handle. Would a smaller-scale event that involves less work be easier to execute, while producing a higher return rate?
Always have a Plan B in place to guard against the unexpected.
The Santa Claus Fund Event and Fundraising Kit offers more tips and tax-receipt information and also includes forms, a sample promotional poster and an example of a thankyou letter. If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund or have a story to tell, please email santaclausfund@thestar.ca.