Can anybody help or advise?

jimsmum

Hi,
My friend is walking 2500 miles to raise money for help the heroes.
He starts this journey on the 1st of march.
We are trying to arrange a fundraising night to combine with a sort of party for him leaving too. He has 3 young children and a wife so won't be seeing them for nearly 3 months, they dont have much money themselves.
He has been in our local paper and on our local radio but he doesnt seem to be getting much support or recognision for what he's doing, he would like to raise 500,000 but so far has only raised £2,500
He is ex army himself and is doing this because he witnessed some awful things whilst in the army and would like to help the soldiers currently fighting for our country.

Can anybody give me tips on how to get raffle, auction, or even catering donations at such short notice. we currently have no venue either but that should be sorted within the next few days.
We live in llandudno, north wales if that's of any help to you.
thank you in advance for any replies.

fengirl_2

I think he needs to use the fundraising dept of Help for Heros to see what links they have as well as publicity material. But I have to say that he has set himself a terribly high target, £550k is an awful lot of money for one person to raise from individuals.

Dizzie77

I have to agree that it is an incredibly high target - £2500 is bloomin good going so far....!

I agree to use the "official" H4H fundraisers - they are experts at press releases and have all the media contacts already - so much easier than writing generic letters to radio stations and local papers.

Also -worth him plotting his route and making that public - maybe contact local media along the way.

I know that we have helped people with fundraising stuff before when they were stopping in Gloucester overnight - we've had quiz nights for them and sent them on their way with £100 ish - if he can get that once or twice a week, then it would soon add up.

jimsmum

hmmm thanks for your suggestions.

He has already got all the leaflets etc from help the heroes.

we are going to get us all together in the next few days and brainstorm!!
but i like the idea about plotting where he's going to be at a specific time and arranging a quiz night there etc.

thank you

Dizzie77

He may have the leaflets, but there are regional fundraising managers too - they are the professional side of fundraising (all big charities have them!)

They are the people to speak to about getting a media presence.

If your friend has decided where he is staying each night (has he booked accommodation or is he planning on camping?) then it is a good idea to speak to organisations in that area...

For instance, I am involved in the rugby supporters forum for our local team, and that is how I got involved with the quiz nights before - a team from a rival rugby team were doing a sponsored event that came through our city, so we did some fundraising for them.

Look at contacting local sports teams to where he will be stopping - but also WI's - they may be interested in having him as a speaker at one of their meetings to say why he is doing it etc