How do you start doing things for charity?

[KingRichard]

Just had a bit of an epiphany and feeling like a bit of a self-centred, lazy bd.

Would love to start setting some goals and challenges to help others less fortunate.

Would love to get involved in climbing stuff, driving across continents, or even lending a hand in a soup kitchen or something... Anything really.

[AbarthChris]

KingRichard said:

Just had a bit of an epiphany and feeling like a bit of a self-centred, lazy bd.

Would love to start setting some goals and challenges to help others less fortunate.

Would love to get involved in climbing stuff, driving across continents, or even lending a hand in a soup kitchen or something... Anything really.

In November 2007 I decided that I would cycle somewhere for charity - namely the one that had basically saved my friends life (www.getahead.org.uk)

I decided to do london -paris but then decided it was too easy so settled on Lands end to John o groats unsupported. Started training, roped some mates in, set up a website and spoke to the charity and then contacted anyone I knew who could sponsor / help out.

Did the ride in May 08 and had a ball! We raised £6500 in the end.

[Penny-lope]

Just phone up some projects, and say your willing to give up some of your time.

I did some charity stuff for nearly a year, and really enjoyed it. And if I had the time, I'd jump at the chance again.

[Simpo Two]

Raising money is one thing but just volunteering some time to help people would seem quicker and more direct. There are tens, probably hundreds of thousands of desperately lonely miserable old folk out there - so 'Help the Aged' maybe?

[KingRichard]

AbarthChris said:

KingRichard said:

Just had a bit of an epiphany and feeling like a bit of a self-centred, lazy bd.

Would love to start setting some goals and challenges to help others less fortunate.

Would love to get involved in climbing stuff, driving across continents, or even lending a hand in a soup kitchen or something... Anything really.

In November 2007 I decided that I would cycle somewhere for charity - namely the one that had basically saved my friends life (www.getahead.org.uk)

I decided to do london -paris but then decided it was too easy so settled on Lands end to John o groats unsupported. Started training, roped some mates in, set up a website and spoke to the charity and then contacted anyone I knew who could sponsor / help out.

Did the ride in May 08 and had a ball! We raised £6500 in the end.

Blimey, how long did that take?

[KingRichard]

Simpo Two said:

Raising money is one thing but just volunteering some time to help people would seem quicker and more direct. There are tens, probably hundreds of thousands of desperately lonely miserable old folk out there - so 'Help the Aged' maybe?

Good thinking... plenty of lonely old bids round here that like a bit of a chit chat when they ring for a cab

[Famous Graham]

Unless you're wanting to do some activity that's different to your "normal" life, how about offering free/discounted cab services to the local charities for things like supermarket trips and the like.

[KingRichard]

Famous Graham said:

Unless you're wanting to do some activity that's different to your "normal" life, how about offering free/discounted cab services to the local charities for things like supermarket trips and the like.

I'd like to use it as motivation to get fit again, and try some new stuff. Your idea with the cabs is great, but the drivers are self-employed and would need to give up their fares as well... They did say they'd like to take some local kids charities on days out though - we were going to take them on a powerboat ride and then a funfair or something, have a huge line of cabs all covered in balloons and banners and stuff.

[Eddh]

Charity begins at home.

[scotal]

KingRichard said:

Famous Graham said:

Unless you're wanting to do some activity that's different to your "normal" life, how about offering free/discounted cab services to the local charities for things like supermarket trips and the like.

I'd like to use it as motivation to get fit again, and try some new stuff. Your idea with the cabs is great, but the drivers are self-employed and would need to give up their fares as well... They did say they'd like to take some local kids charities on days out though - we were going to take them on a powerboat ride and then a funfair or something, have a huge line of cabs all covered in balloons and banners and stuff.

You've already had the idea then..... now find the local charity you want to help.
(Make sure your drivers actually meant it before you sign up to do it though.)

[KingRichard]

scotal said:

KingRichard said:

Famous Graham said:

Unless you're wanting to do some activity that's different to your "normal" life, how about offering free/discounted cab services to the local charities for things like supermarket trips and the like.

I'd like to use it as motivation to get fit again, and try some new stuff. Your idea with the cabs is great, but the drivers are self-employed and would need to give up their fares as well... They did say they'd like to take some local kids charities on days out though - we were going to take them on a powerboat ride and then a funfair or something, have a huge line of cabs all covered in balloons and banners and stuff.

You've already had the idea then..... now find the local charity you want to help.
(Make sure your drivers actually meant it before you sign up to do it though.)

We had a meeting about it and it was their suggestion.

[KingRichard]

Eddh said:

Charity begins at home.

Are you saying I should just buy myself more pizza and beer?

[Eddh]

KingRichard said:

Eddh said:

Charity begins at home.

Are you saying I should just buy myself more pizza and beer?

[scotal]

KingRichard said:

We had a meeting about it and it was their suggestion.

Cool, so push it forward, ask them who is definitely putting their name down. When are they available, hae any of them done it before. And seeing as they suggested it, do they have a local charity in mind.

Then get the local rag involved.

[KingRichard]

scotal said:

KingRichard said:

We had a meeting about it and it was their suggestion.

Cool, so push it forward, ask them who is definitely putting their name down. When are they available, hae any of them done it before. And seeing as they suggested it, do they have a local charity in mind.

Then get the local rag involved.

Right, ok... so I'm doing that. That's cool.

What can I do on a personal level though that will get me out and about? Can you get involved in organised stuff, like big groups climbing mountains or swimming the channel or whatever?

Cheers

[KingJeff 4th]

Personally i'm not a fan at all of these Charity climb / challenge things. Where you have to raise a minimum ammount, half pays the trip, half to charity.

So say i sponsor someone £100 to climb Kili or something. Only £50 goes to the charity and the other £50 pays for him / her to go on holiday!

I would rather give my £100 straight to charity thanks.

I would support people doing things on their own of course. But not when a portion of my money goes to pay for the event itself.

[Mattygooner]

Organise a concert with the word "aid" at the end, except if your doing aids otheriswe it will look weird "Aidsaid"

And then Bob's your uncle!

If Bob is your uncle, it would make the whole process a lot easier.

[Stevenj214]

KingRichard said:

What can I do on a personal level though that will get me out and about? Can you get involved in organised stuff, like big groups climbing mountains or swimming the channel or whatever?

Cheers

The national charities like Childline have specific fundraising/event organising divisions so you can give them a call or check their websites for anything local.

Regional charities may advertise locally but again, give them a call.

You could also decide on an event and a charity yourself then get in touch with them and they'll support you.

In the past couple of years I've played 5-a-side for Childline, abseiled for Deafblind Scotland and white water rafted for The Anthony Nolan trust. (in each case, I paid my own expenses and all donations went to the charities)

Edited by Stevenj214 on Wednesday 11th February 13:09

[StevenB]

Decide who you would like to help and contact them Ihelp as a v.teer at a childrens hospice

[BoRED S2upid]

My employer gives us 5 days of the year to volunteer and I use them every year, you do get a good feeling for helping out. I just e-mail some volunteering websites and ask if they want me for 5 days.