In this article we explore some of the different ways that our amazing volunteers help us to fundraise so we can care for local animals in need.

Helping out at fetes

One of the main ways we raise funds is by attending village fetes throughout the year in and around the Guildford area. Some of the fetes we have/are attending this year include Godalming Spring Fair, Witley Village Fair and Cranleigh Carnival & Fun Day.

Most of the fetes take place in the spring and summer months, but we also try to attend Christmas events in the winter.

Typically our volunteers set up a pitch at a fete, which will raise money through activities like tombolas and sale of RSPCA merchandise. These pitches are great because they also provide visibility for the branch and the opportunity to talk to lots of people so we can spread animal welfare messages.

Volunteers support us by helping on our pitches for anything from a couple of hours to the whole day. There’s always ample opportunity for our volunteers to look around the fete themselves so don’t miss out. Dogs are more than welcome at our stalls, in fact they help to attract people!

It’s also really helpful when our supporters help us to find out about other fetes to attend where we can raise funds and awareness. Get in touch if you have any suggestions for fetes we should think about attending; info@rspcaguildfordepdsom.org.uk.

Assisting with collections

Another key way that we raise funds is through collections in a variety of different places in our branch area. Sometimes we organise collections outside supermarkets. We also coordinate collections in other places such as on Guildford High Street and at train stations in Guildford and Milford.

Fundraising volunteers help us by giving their time to help out. They also assist with both planning and obtaining permission for these collections.

Organising fundraising events

We really love it when volunteers want to take their own initiative and organise fundraising events in aid of our animal welfare work. When an ambitious volunteer has a good idea for raising money for the branch we will try our very best to support them to do so.

A really good example of a star volunteer who has really seized the initiative in her fundraising efforts for the branch is Emma.

Emma the star fundraiser

Emma really wanted to raise money for our animal welfare work so she took it upon herself to organise an amazing fundraising event.

Emma found a hall, organised the event with lots of fun activities (including face painting and a bouncy castle!) and did all the publicity for the event herself. She sourced raffle prizes from local businesses, put on a tombola and a bric-a-brac sale.

The event was a huge success and Emma raised a really significant amount for us. Her efforts have made a real difference to the animals we help. Thank you Emma.

Find out more about volunteering

Whether you have grand ambitions like Emma or want to volunteer for a couple of hours at an event, we’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with our branch fundraising efforts. So please do get in touch; info@rspcaguildfordepdsom.org.uk.

See our volunteer page for volunteering opportunities with us.