A Charity Abseil
A Great Fundraising Idea
For those who like a challenge!
An Abseil For Charity?
- Well you did say you'd do anything to raise some funds!
This is one of those charity fundraisers that appeals to a particular type of person. You know the sort - never happy unless they are throwing themselves out of airplanes for a charity skydive or attempting to cycle in places where no cyclist has ever been before! But abseiling to raise funds for your good cause really is not just something for extreme sports junkies. In fact the more unlikely the participant the easier it is to get publicity and raise money. How can the local press resist the managing director of the town factory coming down the outside of his company's building or the granny bumping her way over the edge of the local viaduct!
So what exactly is abseiling?
Basically its sliding down a fixed rope, usually down the side of a tall building, bridge or cliff face. The speed of descent is controlled at all times by a friction device attached to a special harness worn by the participant.
How can you turn this into a charity event?
Basically you ask friends and supporters to sponsor you to take part. The more challenging or unlikely the participant the easier it is to attract sponsorship. It is also often possible to play up the local angle. Coming down local tall buildings or landmarks will probably make your fundraising efforts easier.
Use a professional charity abseil company
There are plenty of professional companies that will help you with your event. A simple Google search will turn up various options. Shop around however as what they offer varies. You obviously want your fundraiser to be fun but totally safe. The better companies are very experienced and can offer all sorts of advice prior to your event as well as running it on the day and providing all the equipment and insurance etc. The cost of arranging an event is not cheap but you need to do things properly. The main cost is in the set up; after which the more people you can get involved the more the price per person drops. The costs of the event will obviously come from your sponsorship money so do your sums. The company you choose will almost certainly be able to offer you advice on likely costs and fundraising potential. Many companies also offer flyers, posters and sponsorship forms etc. The idea also works well around the online charity donation websites such as Just Giving etc.
Find a tall building
The event might be arranged to take place at a site of your choosing. Flat roofed buildings such as university blocks, hospitals etc are perfect if you can get permission. Other options are local bridges or viaducts providing they are tall enough to provide the "dare factor."Another option that many companies offer, however, is a space for members of your organisation at special charity events that they arrange. This would see your volunteers joining others at a mass charity abseil. Everyone raising money for their own good causes.
Don't look down!
If you are working with a professional company "Going over the top" is actually quite safe. Instructors will check all the equipment, guide you every step of the way and see you safely to the ground. The advantage for those scared of heights is that you go over backwards and don't need to look down!
Get some good pictures
Make sure you make the most of the publicity surrounding your event. Good pictures or video footage can all bring in extra cash. They are also a great way to raise the profile of your organisation or good cause.
So don't get tied up in knots trying to come up
with a novel fundraising idea.
Get signed up for a charity abseil instead!
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