Kate Anderson is a fresh graduate from Cardiff University and has been volunteering for two days a week as a Fundraising Support Assistant in the Cardiff office. She tells us what she’s been up to…
Every day in fundraising involves something new. During my time with Oxfam I’ve helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the Syria emergency; planned and helped organise events across Wales; helped promote a fundraising campaign that raised thousands of pounds; and even done some fundraising myself, which involved eating small amounts of cheap and unappealing food for the Live Below the Line campaign.
Recently I’ve been promoting our annual Megaraid in London to RAGs at universities across Wales. It’s an exciting event, held each November, where hundreds of students get together to come up with creative and innovative ideas to raise the most amount of money for Oxfam. It’s proof that fundraising not only provides the money needed for Oxfam to carry out its work, it also provides ways to socialise, meet like-minded people, improve your confidence and above all have fun!
In July I organised an “Evening with Oxfam” in Chepstow which received much positive feedback from the guests, many of whom were long-term Oxfam supporters. Adele Carter, a volunteer, talked about her recent visit to Oxfam-funded projects in Nicaragua. Her photographs and experiences (and even chocolate!) gave a invaluable insight into how Oxfam helps those who need it most and how they overcome the inevitable problems that arise while working in politically sensitive situations.
Her stories showed where the money that is raised for Oxfam actually goes, the life-changing projects it funds and the mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, and above all communities who benefit. Hearing about those end results reinforces my efforts and determination to keep going to help Oxfam help others.
Fundraising can be a big event or a collection in a jam jar. In these difficult time we appreciate whatever you can give to help – time to sell raffle tickets, shake a bucket or organise an event – and hope you enjoy it!