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The other day, a reader asked for fundraising ideas for a specific purpose. The residents of her assisted living community want to raise money to help support the people of Ukraine.
I love that question, and here’s why. When the current war in Ukraine began in February, we all took notice and looked for ways to help the Ukrainian people. Now months have passed, and sadly, the war is becoming “old news”.
That’s why this is the perfect time to host fundraisers to help bring attention back to the needs of the people. If you check out my fundraising archives, you can find over 100 general fundraising ideas. But today I would like to highlight specific senior living organizations that have raised money to support the people of Ukraine. I hope these will spark ideas for your residents, too!
1. Residents at Brandywine Living in Princeton, New Jersey, created a variety of products to sell to purchase food for Ukrainian refugees. These included T-shirts featuring the Ukrainian flag, potted hyacinths, and foods such as pierogies, stuffed cabbage, and Ukrainian apple bread and honey bread. (Tip: If you wish to host a Ukrainian-themed bake sale, check out these 10 delicious recipes.)
2. Friendly Home in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, held a raffle and luncheon to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Raffle items included gift baskets, a Chromebook computer, and a variety of gift cards. (Tip: If you plan to hold a raffle, here’s how to get your items donated so all the money raised will go to Ukraine.)
3. Abundant Care in Santa Barbara, California, invited children to create encouraging cards for kids and senior citizens in Ukraine. They set up long tables in the care center, complete with lots of card-making supplies. (Tip: If your residents would like to write letters to support the people of Ukraine, Letters of Love is one option.) The group also collected donations to assist older adults in Ukraine.
4. Crestview Health Center in Pleasanton, California, collected supplies and assembled aid kits for Ukrainian refugees. They also signed a large card with encouraging messages. (Tip: If you collect supplies for the Ukrainian people, be sure to check with a legitimate agency first to assure the supplies are items the people can really use.)
5. The Active Aging Community Center in Meadville, Pennsylvania, held a special Bingo fundraiser in April. Proceeds went to help senior citizens in Ukraine. (Tip: Check here for ideas on hosting Bingo games to raise money.)
6. Students from a local high school joined residents at Avalon Gardens in Langley, BC, in Canada to raise funds for Red Cross projects in Ukraine. They painted and sold large cardboard hearts in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Residents also sold friendship bracelets created by their activities manager. (Tip: Many students will need community service projects during the upcoming school year. Now is the time to contact schools and brainstorm ways for their students and your residents to join forces.)
7. Betsy Ross House in South Portland, Maine, hosted a pancake breakfast to raise funds for the UNICEF humanitarian response in Ukraine. The event was “donate what you can”, and the South Portland Housing Authority matched the money raised. (Tip: You can often raise more money from food-related events by asking for donations rather than charging a flat fee. People are amazingly generous when they believe in your cause.)
Has your senior living community held a special fundraiser to help the people of Ukraine? Please share it in the comment section!
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