There’s nothing as fulfilling or worthwhile as trading one service for another. Both parties benefit and you have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped someone out as well as being helped out yourself. Why not take this one step further and host an ‘at your service’ fundraiser?
Look around town for a business that has a lot of contact with the public and approach them with a business proposal. Explain that you’ll provide labor for a day at half the cost of their usual employees. (This is a good fundraiser to do on a holiday, as then they can let their employees have the day off and still stay open!)
Some businesses you might take into consideration for this would be restaurants, motels, spas, gyms, car detail services and so on. Approach these businesses with a professional and sincere attitude. Agree upon an upfront donation (made by the business owner) for your fundraiser, then offer your services to do what it is you need to do to fulfill your part of the agreement.
If you’re working at a location you can drive extra business or customers to then do so. Make signs and flyers promoting that business. Stand outside where your signs can be seen and encourage passersby to stop. Do this on a rotating basis so everyone volunteering gets the opportunity to help out. Be enthusiastic, friendly and cheerful. Let people know you are working for that business for the one day or weekend, and ask them for donations as well (if it is a business where tips are customary, this will work even better.)
If you’re working for a restaurant where you volunteer your time to act as waiter or kitchen help, then suggest your family and friends visit while you’re working. This boost the business sales for the owner and it could be a great opportunity to set up tip jars for your fundraiser ( ask owner first ). Be sure shifts are set up so that everyone involved in this trade can each take part. Wait-staff can wear pins that say ‘tips to benefit —’ for extra incentive.
If you’re volunteering your time towards helping out recreation services, dress appropriately. Usually these services involve cleaning. This might not be the most fun ever, but it’s one that can benefit from the service for donations system and benefit your fundraiser drive the most. The key is to maintain a fun and positive attitude.
Alert the general public to what will be going on by spreading the word. This is an event that could go on in the boring month of August, or near the end of summer break (over Labor Day might even be ideal).
