Cash donations provide the most aid
At War Child Australia, people often offer us donations of
books, clothes, and other items. In general, we have found
that the costs of shipping donated items to the areas in which
War Child operates are prohibitively expensive. Often, shipping
expenses exceed the value of the goods themselves. We are
also very conscious of the need to be sensitive to other cultures
in offering aid – so sometimes books and clothing might
be in great condition, but just not suitable for use in the
areas in which War Child is active.
Rather than accept donated goods, we have found in many cases
that it is more useful for people to sell the goods and donate
the cash raised to War Child. This enables War Child to provide
aid where it’s most needed, without logistical issues.
And of course financial donations are always welcome. See
how to donate for ways to contribute.
Some ways to raise money for War Child
Selling unwanted goods
Here are some ways supporters have found to sell unwanted
household goods to raise funds:
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eBay
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Garage sale, car boot sale or stall at a local trash ‘n’ treasure market
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Advertising on community notice boards
-
Advertising in the Trading
Post or local newspapers
Tell your buyers that all funds raised are going to War Child,
it might inspire them to dig a bit deeper!
Other ways to raise money
There are heaps of other ways to raise money to donate to
War Child. Some examples:
-
Hold a Bake for War Child event
in your school or workplace
-
Hold a dress-down day and collect donations
-
Conduct a sausage sizzle at a local community centre
(note that this may require permits such as street trading
and food preparation permits from your local council)
-
Ask friends and family to sponsor you in a personal challenge
such as giving up smoking or holding a “No Junk Food-athon”
-
Organise a trivia night or auction of donated goods
-
Invite your friends over for dinner or a video night
and ask them each to make a donation
-
Talk to your local cinema about organizing a film night
with proceeds to War Child – advance screenings of
blockbuster movies work well
-
See if your workplace social club is willing to make
a donation to War Child
-
Ask friends and family to donate to War Child rather
than give you a Christmas or birthday gift
-
Email the people to whom you normally send Christmas
cards, and tell them that instead of spending money on Christmas
cards and postage, you are donating that money to War Child
(don’t forget to wish them a happy Christmas in the
email!)
-
Conduct a performance or exhibition and either collect
donations, or donate a percentage of entry fees
-
Small business owners: contribute a percentage of your
profits from sales of a particular product – tell
customers what you’re doing, as many will make additional
purchases in support
Feel free to discuss your projects with your War Child state
coordinator, who will be happy to help you with advice
or practical support where possible. If you are considering
holding an event, there are some legal liability issues that
must be considered. Your state coordinator will discuss these
with you.
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