I do not always find it easy to solicit my social network for funds, even when I really believe in the cause. You’d think by now I would be past my shyness when it comes to money but no, I’m still the same person who had trouble asking people to sponsor her in the MS Read-a-thon in 1979.
So when one of my former classmates shared this idea I thought it was worth talking about: Host a dinner party, and ask the people you invite to contribute about what they would have spent on a meal out to the cause you’re working to fund. (People who didn’t want to cook also suggested wine and cheese parties or dessert parties where the desserts came from a local bakery.)
She raised over $10,000 this way! And asking people to dinner, even with the fundraising component, just feels cosy to me – like forming a team rather than asking for a handout. (Not that there is anything wrong with that!)
Do you know people who are making a difference in their communities or across the world? We are always looking for Canadian women to profile in our Good-doer column, so get in touch and tell us about them!
