I remember laying eyes on my first Australian Firefighters Calendar. I was still in high school and suddenly confronted with the glossy images of half-naked, very fit looking firemen wearing not much more than yellow fire-proof trousers and suspenders. It seemed like a very good investment. 2020 Australian Firefighters 'Classic' Calendar, image supplied Over the past 27 years, the Australian Firefighters Calendar has become one of the most iconic and successful (not to ... read more
DIY Incentives Prizes for fun runs and fundraisers
It is common for commercial fundraising businesses to include incentive prizes as part of their package. The more product kids sell or the money they raise, the bigger and better the prize will be. Some may argue that when fundraising for a school or club, with no immediate and personal benefit, incentives prizes are a useful way to motivate kids to get involved. However, sometimes the cost of these prizes can absorb 20%, 30% or even more of the money raised by the school or club, prompting ... read more
Station Jim: Charity canine
Over 100 years ago, when Queen Victoria still sat on the throne and the world was experiencing a technological revolution, dogs were sometimes used to collect coins from passers-by which were then passed onto various charities. One of the most well-known of all these collectors, was a dog by the name of Station Jim. Initially sickly and unwell when he turned up at the Slough Train Station one day in the late 1800s, Jim was nursed back to health and when he was big enough was fitted with a ... read more
Aussie Seed Bomb Fundraiser
Seed bombs have been used for centuries by the Japanese, but it is only recently they have made their way to Australian shores, made by hand using organic ingredients by a new family business: Aussie Seed Bombs. They are perfect gifts and party favours and are available now as an eco-friendly fundraiser. Fundraising Idea: handmade, organic seed bombs in a variety of seed types Suitable for: all groups in NSW, Qld, Vic and ACT* Profits: from 25% (or $3.75 per bag) up to 30% (or $4.50 ... read more
99 Things to Make and Sell at Fetes or Markets
When you’re looking for ideas and inspiration for things to make and sell at a craft stall it can be useful to have a huge list of ideas in front of you. Perhaps you have some fabric and you’re wondering what to make with it, perhaps you’ve got a jar of beads or buttons and don’t know what you can do with them, or maybe you’re looking for something a little different to make this year. I haven’t given specific links for most of these – you will get further with a quick Google or Pinterest ... read more
When Volunteering Makes You Sick
I know I’m not normal. Normal people don’t spend most of their week researching and writing about fundraising. Even normal P&C/PTO members don’t live and breathe fundraising all the time. People who put their hands up to organise a school fete, or take on leadership roles in the P&C are not normal either. They’re extraordinary and we should be grateful for every one of them. But there is a fatal chicken-and-egg scenario that plays out in some schools. Hardly anyone puts their hands up ... read more