It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2020, and most of us are sighing with a huge sense of relief. This year was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before, and has been full of it’s challenging ups and downs. This year may be almost over, but there’s still plenty of time to end 2020 on a cheerful note.

In that spirit, we thought there‘s no better way to get into the festive mood than by getting involved with some winter fundraising ideas. Whether you’re meeting with friends in a park, or joining your loved ones for an activity on Zoom, we’ve got you covered with some COVID-19 friendly festive fun!

Here’s a few ideas to get you started:  

 

On your marks... get festive... GO!

Why get down to your local park or football field for the UK’s largest Santa run? Usually the Santa Run is confined to the City of London, but this year you can get involved wherever you are. Hitch up your sleigh, get your Santa hats on and grab those trainers to run 5k anytime, anywhere in December.

Register here to join Team UWS on the Santa Run to raise money for children's education, and you might even earn yourself a couple more mince pies!

Sign up now

 

Great School Bake-Off!

An excuse to eat cake for charity? Erm, sign me up!

Are you a fan of the Great British Bake Off? Give Paul Hollywood a run for his money by running a Great School Bake Off. Round up your friends and families and make some festive bakes. We’re thinking mince pies, gingerbread cookies, and maybe even some white chocolate brownies, yum! Charge £5 for anyone to enter the competition, create a Facebook group of everyone competing, and get everyone to post a picture of their bake in the group. Like a picture to vote for the bake and the winner gets a prize, you could even collect all your recipes together and make an online recipe book. 

3…2…1…BAKE!

 

DIY Christmas cards  

Not much of a baker? Not to worry! Why not design and make your own Christmas cards and ask friends, teachers and family for donations. We all know teachers don’t ever leave their classrooms, so they’ll need to buy their cards from somewhere! Ask your parents to post on their social media to let all your friends and family know where to buy their cards. If DIY Christmas cards aren't your thing, you can still buy one of our beautiful cards for a loved one and give the gift of education to a child in Cambodia, Nepal or Myanmar!

Give the gift of education

Christmas Karaoke on Zoom 

Put on your cheesiest Christmas jumper, make a Christmas playlist and invite all your friends! Set up a Zoom call and take it in turns to sing your favourite Christmas classics, or even just your favourite songs! Get your friends to pay £5 to join in, and make a £1 donation for each song request they make. £1 doesn’t sound like much, but did you know that it costs just £2 to educate a UWS student for a whole week? That’s right, for every time you have to sing Mariah Carey, you’re making a real difference!

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We'd love to see how you get on. Take pictures of your awesome fundraising activities (remember to ask permission) and send them to us to share! We’re always inspired by our young leaders in action and our students in Cambodia, Nepal and Myanmar love to see what you’re up to. Happy fundraising!