Surinder Edwards
How did you fundraise for your course?
I was really fortunate that I have been an active member of my Franklin District community for most of my life through Sport, work, fundraising projects and community events. I spent many years teaching in the local High School, then was the Franklin District Coordinator for Counties Manukau Sport where I organised many community events that promoted activity and wellbeing. I have also fundraised for CanTeen with an annual Bike Bash event. This year will be our 8th year. I am also an aerobics instructor at a local gym.
I was not able to afford to pay for my Outward Bound adventure without some serious help!! I told my spin class at the gym that I was planning to go. Wendy Davison was in my class. She came to me and said she would be honoured to help me fundraise and be my campaign manager.
How did you start the process (what was the first step to starting your fundraising)?
We made a list of the potential donators. We put a letter together giving a personal account of how Outward Bound would be a great investment for me and in turn how it could add value to what I could give. This letter went out to service clubs. I was careful not to put an amount and that any donation would be valued. I was also happy to give something back to them in service. Wendy also went to various people that we had on the list and asked them directly in person.
What was the biggest challenge when fundraising and how did you overcome it?
I do not like asking money for myself unless I can do something in return to show my appreciation. When McDonalds Pukekohe gave me $500 I worked clearing tables for them. It was great that Wendy did all the asking for me. It took a lot of pressure off me.
We didn’t go with putting it the local paper because I didn’t want people to feel obliged to give me money. I wanted to maintain boundaries.
What advice can you give for people fundraising for their Outward Bound course?
• Don’t expect people should give you money
• Be prepared to give of yourself to your community, then people are so much more willingly to support you. People like to see you making an effort.
• Tell people what you are doing and be very excited. I was lucky I had lots of audiences to speak to; the members in my aerobics classes, schools (while I was relieving) 3 schools gave me money to support me in appreciation of the work I had done with them in my coordinator role.
• Use your network.
• The support I got from Outward Bound was awesome. The short fall was covered by the Lion Foundation.
• When you have finished your Outward Bound experience send all the funders/donators a newsletter telling them highlights, challenges and memorable moments and make it personal. Thank them for helping to make it happen and tell them how it has impacted your life.
