Have you found the power of community fundraising?

For Captain Tom Moore walking around his garden was a normal thing to do on a regular basis before COVID-19 happened. Little did he know it would turn into a knighthood and raising $33 million pounds ($66.7 million NZD) for the National Health Service in the UK[1].

Tom set out to raise a mere $1000 pounds ($2021 NZD) to mark the gratitude he felt for the doctors and nurses who cared for him when he broke his hip. But, after his family took to social media to seek donations, his laps around the garden captivated the public. By the time Captain Tom Moore’s 100^th birthday came around he had completed his laps, raised over $33 million pounds, and received over 125,00 birthday cards from all over the UK. His efforts to thank the nurses and doctors who cared for him while recovering from a broken hip turned into donations for the front line workers fighting against COVID-19.

Tom is an inspiration to us all at a time like this. He didn’t allow quarantine or lock down hold him back from helping those around him. With his passion and dedication in mind, we’d like to encourage and motivate you to pay it forward for those living with a neurological condition. Even though a global pandemic is occurring, one in five Kiwis are still living with a neurological condition and they need our help.

Raise Hope with the Foundation and host one of your own fundraising events like Tom. Although large gatherings are still prohibited, and social distancing must be implemented there are lots of things you can do at home to help pay it forward to advance neurological research.

Lose those lock down locks

Haven’t had time to go to the barber or hairdresser yet? Why not raise a bit of money and shave your head! Get your friends and family involved and do a live stream on social media.

Virtual quiz night

Host a virtual quiz night with your mates! Have teams of people together (in groups of 10 or less) and raise awareness for the Foundation. Have a small fee for a team or individual entry and share on social media to get more teams involved.

No run run

Being cooped up inside during a lock down has really made us appreciate getting outside and exercising a bit more. Not only is exercising great for keeping your brain healthy, you can raise money for the Foundation while doing it! Pledge to run or walk a certain number of miles or steps and spread the word for donations.

Dry July

With lock down restrictions loosening, have a wee bit of time off of those “quarantini’s” might not be a bad idea. Dry July is the perfect time to come together as a community and ward off alcohol for the entire month of July. Raise money and promote healthy brain function!

The key to fundraising while at home or within your community is to get your community involved! Share your fundraising idea on your social media channels, in group chats or pages on Facebook or send emails to your local newspaper – get the word out! Bring New Zealand together (like Tom did for the UK), and raise awareness for something that affects one in five Kiwis.

For more information on fundraising tips and tricks check out our Community Fundraising Kit.

[1] https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/inspire-me/300016794/captain-tom-moore-set-to-be-knighted-after-raising-33-million-pounds-for-nhs-in-uk