How do I get started?

First of all thank you for deciding to raise funds for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and the National Children's Research Centre. Your commitment and dedication to our sick kids is really appreciated. Your generosity allows us to support highly specialised care  to our nation's children and do more groundbreaking research that changes children's lives. Thank you.

To start fundraising for our sick kids is easy! All we ask is that you register your event with us either by contacting us directly in the office on 1890 507 508, filling out the create your own event form . We want to make this as easy as possible. Take a look at our FAQs if you have any questions or call us. We have a dedicated team to help.

Getting started

Creativity is the key to successful fundraising - good ideas are good cash generators. Keep the ideas simple and make sure you inform as many people as possible. Hold a brainstorming session with colleagues - try to think of something that fits well with your organisation, people's interests and the goals of the The Children's Medical & Research Foundation and Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. Feel free to call us to discuss your ideas and ask for support.

Preparation

Decide what you want to do and how much you want to raise through each activity and at each event. Consider the time and resources available and set yourself a realistic target. It is also advisable to check if any other activities or events are taking place on the same day as your activity. Why not check out the interactive map and see the items coming up in your area.

Co-ordination

If possible and appropriate,  form a committee to help you with your event, try and make one person the co-ordinator for the event. They will be a point of contact for the participants. Divide the organisation of the activities into sections, eg publicity and posters, selling tickets, staffing and sponsorship. Once people have signed up to join in the event, arrange a meeting with all the people involved, outlining initial tasks to be completed and write an activity timetable and checklist.

Maximise your fundraising

Here are some pointers to help maximise the success of your event:

• Always remember fundraising should be fun, so get creative to attract as many people to take part as possible
• If time is a problem, give your fundraising a regular focus, such as making 4pm every Friday a time for fundraising and planning events
• Add a fundraising element to an event that is already happening  ( e.g. mini marathon or local dinner dance etc..)
• Know your talent - speak to people around you and find out what their hobbies and interests are and who they know. This might be helpful in organising guest speakers, events or prizes
• Use local businesses to your advantage. You may be able to organise a collection in a local public place such as a shopping centre or airport. You can also ask a local venue to allow you to use their facilities for free.

Publicising your event and talking to the media:

Publicity can add value to the success of an event. Publicity can help boost the profile of the event for your company, amongst your staff and within the local media.