You can arrange a run, cycle, or hike to reach your fundraising goals – Photo by Mārtiņš Zemlickis on Unsplash
As pillars of communities across the land, many pharmacies take part in charitable fundraising and engage with the voluntary sector in a variety of ways.
From a business point of view, this can have a number of benefits, including:
- positive business reputation
- improved staff morale; and
- increased customer loyalty.
As part of its centenary celebrations in 2021, the NPA is partnering with three mental health charities, to raise funds for their vital work and raise awareness of how pharmacies support people’s mental health needs).
Here are some top tips from the fundraising teams of: Mind, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Inspire Wellbeing (Northern Ireland).
1. Get active this summer
Summer is the perfect time to begin your fundraising, with fun events to bring together friends, family and colleagues (socially distanced as necessary). So take advantage of the great weather to inspire your fundraising. You could arrange a competitive Summer Sports Day, bringing back some classic games such as the egg 'n' spoon race and three legged laps of a local park. Ask for entry fees which are donated to your Just Giving page (see below) and we can send you a letter of authority if you'd like to ask a local business to supply a prize. Add to the atmosphere by packing a BYO picnic.
You can also head out on a run, cycle, swim or hike - whatever you enjoy doing to stay active. Use the Just Giving page set up by the NPA (see details below) to collect sponsorship, set yourself a target to raise over the summer, and see how much you can achieve!
2. Collection tins
Small change can make a big difference, and having a collection box on your counter is one of the easiest ways to raise funds for charity. The NPA has set up a special bank account to receive money donated to collection boxes (and transfer automatically to the chosen charity). We have a limited number of collection tins available, but if you are interested in enquiring about one then do email [email protected]
It’s important that collection boxes/tins are secured using the chain provided and we will email you a permission form that you can send back.
3. Are you ready for Wimbledon?
The highly anticipated Wimbledon Championship is coming up on the 28 June – 11 July this year! 400 players take part in Wimbledon every year; so once the 32 seeded players are announced for each tournament you can get to preparing your sweepstake!
Ask for a donation to play, then use a sweepstake template to draw Wimbledon competitors out of a hat, and wait to see who wins! Split the winnings with Mind, SAMH and Inspire or the winner - and if you are in touch with pharmacies near you, you could organise one together.
Have a look at SAMH's Wimbledon pack for more inspiration, and if you are fundraising for Mind, you can download a sweepstake template here.
4. Make sure your raffle is safe and legal
Raffles are great to host both virtually and on site but be sure to check the guidance around these. You might need to register your lottery with your local authority or apply for a license, especially if you are holding your lottery across more than one location or event. Check the gambling commission’s advice on running a small lottery here and their quick guide here. Running a competition with an element of skill or a free prize draw where free entry is advertised does not require a license. Find out more information on how to do this here.
5. Make the most of your fundraising page
Fundraising online is great – it’s free, it’s quick, it’s secure, donations reach us automatically and you can contact people worldwide by simply reaching for your phone. Combine it with some creative thinking on social media and you’ll hit your target in no time. Share your region's Just Giving page on your social media, with friends and family, and let them know why you’ve chosen Mind, SAMH or Inspire and what your challenge means to you. It’ll help people relate to what you’re doing. Setting yourself a target also encourages people to donate and helps to keep you motivated too.
The NPA have set up fundraising pages for each region, all connected to a big team. View the team page here: www.justgiving.com/team/npa100years
If you need any further help, you can visit the charity section of the NPA website to look at your fundraising guide, or email [email protected]
Launching on 2nd July, the National Pharmacy Association is kicking off its own fundraising initiative and would love NPA members to get involved. NPA board members will be leading sponsored walking tours of pharmacies in several towns and cities across the country. To find out more or register an interest to take part, please contact [email protected]