Asking people for donations can be difficult – I know, I do it every day as the Development Officer here at Meal Exchange. However, you’re doing it for a great cause! (And, for every $12 you raise you get one ballot into our draw for 1 of 3 $250 ethical shopping sprees, which certainly doesn’t hurt!)
Approximately half the funds you raise will go towards the charity you are collecting food for, while the other half will go to Meal Exchange so we can continue to support students fighting hunger in their communities year round.
I think the two most important things are the simplest:
- Ask. People cannot say no if you do not ask them. Make them personal requests. Send an email, go for coffee, make a phone call, post on someone’s wall. People are more generous than you think.
- Say thank you. We hope that you participate year after year in Trick or Eat. If someone has given you a donation, make sure they know how much you appreciate it. It’ll make it a lot easier to ask for a donation the following year!
To help you out a bit more, here are some tips and tricks:
- Make your own contribution first. Show people you are asking for a donation that you care enough to donate as well. Even if it’s a small donation, every penny counts.
- Make a goal and break it down by type of person you might ask. For example, ask friends for $15, family members for $20 and work colleagues for $10. Get 2 friends, 2 family members and 3 colleagues to donate and you’ve already raised $100!
- Compare the amount people are donating to what they are giving up and what is being received. For example, by donating $10, and bringing your lunch instead of buying it, Meal Exchange and the local food agencies will be able to provide 10 meals.
- Explain why you’re doing this. What does fighting in hunger in Canada mean to you?
- Ask people to pledge an amount every food item item you collect on Trick or Eat. On average, Trick or Eaters collect about 30 items each. Ask for $0.50-$2 (or more) per item, then report back to them after Halloween on how many items you were able to carry!
- Promise something fun (a personalized photo/video of you in costume?) to anyone who donates a certain amount.
I hope that helps! If you are still stuck or looking for help, email or call and we’ll do out best!
Heather
416-657-4489 x 3/ 1-800-403-8117
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
hey! i am doing halloween for hunger this year by asking for food instead of candy. can anyone tell me what i should say when i ask at peoples doors. does this sound good?:
“trick or eat! my name is beckey and i am asking for non-perishable foods in stead of candy. would you like to make a donation? all donations will be donated to the food bank.”