The European championship is back and we’re looking forward to a football tournament full of flag flying, face painting, and high expectations for our national team.
Why not make the most of it by raising some money for charity. Here are a few ideas of how to turn these few weeks of hope, elation and (possibly) despair into cash for your cause.
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Why not invite your friends for a ‘Euro 2012′ party where you watch the football together. Offer up some snacks and a few drinks and then set up a JustGiving page for you favourite charity and then ask your friends to make a donation in return.
Here is a list of fixtures to get you started.
Sweepstakes
It’s an oldie, but a goodie. The office sweepstakes is a classic way to raise money for a good cause whilst encouraging some friendly staff rivalry.
Set up a JustTectGiving code and then ask your colleagues to make a donation. They then receive a randomly selected team playing in the Euros. The person with the winning team then gets a prize – it doesn’t have to be anything big, the real prize will always be the office pride that comes with being a winner. All of the money then goes to your chosen charity.
There are a few rules when it comes to sweepstakes though. Make sure you’re on the right side of the law with this guide.
Euros for the Euros
So you didn’t make it to Poland or Ukraine this spring. It might be time for a bit of spring cleaning instead. Round up all the loose Euros and other foreign coins you have lying around the house. Visa Europe estimates that UK travellers hoard unused foreign currency worth more than £900m a year.
Most major charities with a high street presence will accept foreign currency on site, as do the Post Office, who give to Baranardo’s, and M & S bureau de change, who give their spare change to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. So start digging down the back of your sofa and get your friends to have a look too.
Have you got any ideas for fundraising during Euro 2012? Let us know below.
Tags: Euro 2012, football, fundraising ideas