Small Change for Big Change

We believe that the best ideas are the most simple ones. 

The Wind Power Challenge demonstrates the technology of Wind Power in a very simple way -  by blowing on some bits of card stuck to a pencil with a piece of string and cup attached you can lift up some coins. So why not combine this fun exercise with fundraising and see how much money you can actually raise to support Practical Action’s Projects.
 

To quote a meerkat: “Simples”!

Another simple way to raise money is to arrange a collection of small change. ‘Small Change for Big Change’ was the brain child of John Johnston, Director of Humanities at  Wolstanton High School, Newcastle under Lyme.  He said “We were trying to find an idea which made Practical Action’s work accessible to pupils so they could see the link between giving their small change to create relatively big changes in people’s lives.”

For Example

• £17  could cover the cost of a long-life rechargeable battery that would  bring power into a family home in Southern Africa.
• £120 could buy fuel-efficient stoves for 10 families in Kenya - stoves that save wood but are also safer for the whole family.
• £650 could cover the cost of a wind turbine for a community in Nepal, providing each family with energy for light and power in their homes.

So, how to get started?

To kickstart your fundraising, send out something to collect loose change in (bank money bags are good!) along with a letter asking for people to collect, and bring into school, any small change that they may have lying around. For example: down the back of the sofa, at the bottom of an old handbag, in the big jar in the corner(!) etc. You could use the small change for the wind power challenge and then send us all the money you have raised to help us to make big changes in the lives of the poorest people around the world.

To get more ‘bang for buck’, you could always ask if any parents work in a company that offers a Matched Funding Scheme (where they will match the amount of money that you raise - £ for £ ). Or, what about foreign currency? Send these in as we can have them converted into cash for us too!

There’s lots of other way you could raise money for us too—A sponsored walk or swim? Our schools fundraising pack has lots of advice and further fundraising ideas .

Give us a call on 01926 634537 or e-mail schools@practicalaction.org.uk with any queries or to request a pack by post.

We really appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you!

With best wishes

The Community Fundraising Team

P.S. Don't forget to let us know how much you've raised!