We rely on generous support from our friends in the UK to resource the incredible work our overseas partners do in serving marginalised children. So fundraising is vital. But it can be a lot of fun too.

Whenever we have a fundraising event planned, we will post information about it here. In the meantime, here are some ideas for fundraisers you could organise in your own community.

1. Board games cafe: Open up your church hall or community centre for an afternoon, gather a range of board games and serve drinks and snacks. Invite everyone you know and charge a small fee for entry. 
2. Sponsored walk: The idea isn't a new one, so make it a bit special. Form a team to take on a long distance - either together or as a relay. The Three Peaks? The Pennine Way? Or laps of your local park? You decide!
3. Charity cricket match: A slightly gentler option. What could be better than a sunny summer afternoon, accompanied by the sound of leather on willow? Get two teams together, ask for a small fee from the players and enjoy the game.
4. Break a world record: The trick here is to choose a world record so obscure that it's comparatively easy to break it. For example, try the most baked beans eaten with a toothpick in one minute, the most shoes shined in five minutes or the world's biggest game of tag. Check out the Guinness World Records website for more ideas.
5. Ceilidh: Strike up the band and dance! Even if your church aren't used to ceilidhs, a good dance caller will get even beginners cutting a rug and loving it. Make an evening of it with drinks and a buffet. Perhaps take a short break halfway through for a short presentation on BCT's work.
6. Dance marathon: On the other hand, if your church already love dancing, encourage them to dance their hearts out and get sponsored for it. Could they dance all night? Or dance in relay for twelve hours?
7. Film night: Set up a projector and a good sound system, show a classic film and charge for entry. Offer prizes for the best film-appropriate fancy dress. And if you're showing a musical, put the subtitles on screen so everyone can sing along. The Sound of Music, anyone?
8. Car wash: Find buckets, sponges, water and soap, and get cleaning. Decide on a pricing scheme that suits your neighbours' pockets.
9. Supermarket bag packing: Ask your local supermarket for permission to spend a couple of hours packing customers' bags at the checkout. Collect donations for BCT as you do it. If you get a Saturday afternoon slot and a few volunteers, you could raise hundreds of pounds.
10. Afternoon tea: After all that, you could probably do with a sit down and a nice cup of tea. Bake some cakes, brew up and publicise far and wide. Hand out BCT leaflets (we can help you with that) and collect donations.

If you're planning to raise money for BCT, please contact us to let us know. We'd love to hear more about it and to do whatever we can to support you in your efforts.