Life in the time of a pandemic has been a very difficult and strange few months for everyone.
At The Wallich, we’ve had to adapt and change the way we work to continue to support our service users during this difficult time.
But what this pandemic has revealed more than anything else, is how interconnected we all are.
To quote the famous poet John Donne:
“No man is an island, entire of himself”
We all need to rely on and look out for each other. Even as lockdown measures ease, we should not lose the sense of community we’ve all built. We should continue to embrace this ‘new normal’, whatever the demands of that may be.
Our services across Wales have done just that.
We have achieved some incredible things throughout this pandemic; adapting the way we respond to those at risk by providing support.
For everyone’s safety, all charities have had to change their approach to fundraising.
With more traditional methods of fundraising no longer feasible due to social distancing restrictions, charities are set to lose millions in fundraised income.
However, we live in an increasingly digital world where many brilliant people are finding new and innovative ways to raise funds.
Our supporters have substituted mass participation events for virtual fun runs around their neighborhood, office bake sales for online cooking classes and virtual charity pub gigs for ‘kitchen disco’ nights.
The nationwide 2.6 Challenge is a good example of a virtual fundraising campaign done well – raising more than £11 million and inspiring thousands of people to raise money for good causes.
But we need momentum for virtual fundraising to continue.
We are in uncertain times and being able to rely on the support of our donors helps us to continue to provide support for people at risk of homelessness throughout, and beyond, this crisis.
Before you get going, set up a simple JustGiving page.
Then, we have a few simple ways that you can support us, a homelessness charity, virtually.
Get involved with our campaign to #Rebuild20. Choose a challenge or activity based around the number 20, set up a JustGiving page and you’re all set.
Test your friends’ knowledge online with a virtual quiz. You can make your own head-scratcher or use a ready-made Virtual Quiz.
Lead an online yoga class, foreign language session or a cooking lesson.
Make your gaming go further: use Twitch to stream your game time and ask for donations.
Talented performers can use Facebook or Instagram Live to put on a show. Sell tickets or ask for virtual ‘tips’ if the audience likes what they see.
Bummed out about celebrating your birthday during a pandemic? A Facebook fundraiser might help you feel good about using your birthday for good.
