As the festive season rapidly approaches, charities across the country are facing an uphill battle to raise the money needed to support their causes.
Through the various incarnations of lockdown since March, charities have struggled to connect with people through physical action, whether this is through charity dinners, or smaller scale events such as bake sales. Besides, with a large proportion of the country still on furlough schemes, and some even facing redundancy, a shrinking number of people are in a position to give generously, if at all.
However, despite these challenges, charities across the UK are still working tirelessly to support those in need. In the absence of their usual fundraisers, many are resorting to virtual events to raise money, with new, innovative ways to raise money in a COVID-friendly manner appearing constantly.
Pardeep Sandhu, who works closely with a number of charities, spoke of the necessity for these events to continue despite restrictions, saying, "it’s more important than ever that we’re able to get people involved in charity functions, particularly since the past few months have been so difficult for charities' fundraising efforts". In the run up to Christmas, these will include anything from virtual gala dinners to online charity webinars, in addition to more typical forms of sponsorship for events such as Fun Runs. In April, the London Marathon, although cancelled, was still completed by many of those originally meant to be competing, ensuring that funds were still raised for their chosen charities.
But these events, in addition to occurring nationwide, are also popping up all over London on a more local scale. At Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, this year's Christmas fair, which raises thousands of pounds annually for the school’s bursaries appeal, Inspiring Minds, will be entirely online. With virtual editions of the usual Silent Auction, Raffle and Tree of Surprises, it continues to offer its usual attractions, only in a socially distanced manner. While the fair will certainly be a reduced version of its usual festive self, it ensures that the bursaries appeal continues to be supported, regardless of the current situation.
As for the future, undoubtedly we are all looking forward to the return of proper fundraisers involving face to face contact, which are pivotal in encouraging a charitable spirit in people, especially at Christmas. Whether there is a place for virtual fundraising in a COVID free future remains to be seen, but more than anything, these inspirational events are currently serving to remind us that while day-to-day life may have changed, the need to support charities across the UK is even more important.
