For our first son's birthday, we extended our wishes to help children and youth to work towards their better life,” says Vanessa D’Souza, who accepted donations for Street Kids in lieu of gifts at her son’s birthday party. “We hope by our example, that our children will remember their roots and to always be generous to those who do not have the same advantages.”
plan your own event
Organizing a small event is a fun and creative way to help fundraise for Street Kids International. Individuals, schools and other groups can help fundraise by donating the proceeds from events like bake sales, dances and craft sales to Street Kids.
Paula Coutinho is a long-term supporter of Street Kids, who for seven years has raised money through holiday dinners at her house. Guests are asked to make a donation at the end of the evening, with the proceeds going to Street Kids.
People have seemed to really enjoy it,” she says. “It’s like we’re raising money, and also raising community.”
King’s-Edgehill School in Nova Scotia, meanwhile, has contributed to Street Kids for more than 11 years by selling t-shirts students can wear on a special “dress down” day, combined with a bake sale.
If you’re interested in holding your own event for Street Kids International, contact us and we’ll help you get started with tips on fundraising. Email info [at] streetkids.org for more information, or call 416-504-8994 ext. 28.
Below are just a few ideas of events you can organize to help raise funds!
book/dvd sale – do you have a pile of books, magazines or DVDs lying around? Try selling them at such stores as BMV or on Craigslist.
dinner party – who doesn’t love a good meal? Why not invite your friends and family over for a dinner or BBQ and ask for a donation.
dress down day – speak with your teacher, principal, boss or HR manager and ask about having a dress down day at your office or school with the proceeds going to your event.
email signature – add a line in your email signature about your participation in the Street Kids Kitchen Party and encourage people to contact you for more information. You could also include a link directly to your pledge page (if you have created one).
home-made sale – do you have a secret talent or an artistic side? If you do, why not utilize these talents to raise some funds. If you make the best cookies or if you happen to make amazing necklaces, why not sell them at your office or school?
matching donations – many employers match donations provided by employees. Inform your supporters of this policy and ask them to ask their HR department.
movie night – invite your friends over for a new or old release accompanied with some delicious snacks and politely ask for a small donation
office or schools – are you employed or in school? Well, if you answered yes to either than you are in luck, because you already have an audience. Walk around and talk with fellow students and co-workers, and politely ask if they would like to support you. Also, 50/50 draws are great in both settings!
poker night – hold a poker night where a portion of the buy-in (1 – 100%) can be donated to you and your team.
scrabble (scattegories, risk, etc…) – who doesn’t love a board game? Well, I’m sure there are many, but there are also those that love them so why not organize a game night.
yard sale – if you’ve procrastinated your spring cleaning, now is the perfect time to start! Gather your old belongings and have a weekend yard sale. You can also gather old clothing and bring them to thrift stores and this works great if you have kids!
