Fundraising ideas for the International Day of Charity

How can I get involved in the International Day of Charity?

The fifth of September is International Day of Charity! First commemorated in 2012, by the United Nations, the day (which falls on the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death) is a way to encourage people to support charitable individuals and organisations across the world. With problems to do with poverty, animal welfare and natural disasters persisting across the world, it’s so important to help raise awareness and funding for the causes you care about the most, and what better time to do so than the International Day of Charity?

We’ve compiled a list of some fun and easy charity work ideas to help raise money for SPANA on this important occasion. All funds raised will help provide much-needed care for working animals in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.

Have a cake sale

This tried and tested fundraising activity is sure to draw in the crowds. Get all of the budding bakers you know to donate their cakes, tray-bakes and biscuits and sell them at a local event, at work or at home. Guaranteed to go down well with all of your sweet toothed friends!

Do a sponsored run

The perfect activity for when you need to work off all of those cake calories! Design your own personal fitness challenge and tailor it to your capabilities. Alice Burch ran a world record breaking 60 marathons in 60 days, raising £5,500 for SPANA. Whether it’s running a marathon or to the end of the road and back, drum up some sponsorship money and give it a go!

Sell your old stuff

Kill two birds with one stone by clearing out all of your old unwanted household items and selling them, donating the profits to a good cause. This is a great way to give your old belongings a new lease of life, and give yourself a cleaner house in the process.

Join a fundraising group

If you’re struggling for fundraising ideas, why not join a SPANA fundraising group? Working together with some like-minded animal-lovers, you’re sure to come up with some fantastic fundraising ideas, and make some great new friends in the process. If there isn’t already a SPANA fundraising group in your area, why not start one up?

Get crafty

Keen to show off your artistic skills? Get together with your most creative friends and sell your wares. It’s a great way to raise money for a good cause, as well as getting the word out about your crafty capabilities

Host a film night

Turn your living room, local community centre, or your office into a cinema for the night. Choose an animal-themed film or documentary, sell tickets, and offer popcorn and drinks for a small donation. It’s a simple way to raise money while enjoying a cosy evening with friends.

Organise a community dog walk

Gather local dog owners and organise a sponsored walk. Charge an entry fee, and participants can enjoy an enriching adventure with their furry friends while raising money for animals in need. You can even have a mini-competition for the best-dressed dog!

Book swap

Get people to bring in books they’ve already read and swap them with others in exchange for a donation. It’s a simple and sustainable way to raise money while giving books a second life. Perhaps it's a great opportunity to start a book club, too!

For more fundraising ideas, read our charity fundraising ideas for work. Food-lovers can read our charity fundraising ideas for people who love food.

If you’ve been inspired to hold a fundraising event for SPANA, we’ve got plenty of useful materials to help you make it a success!