Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Irish Guide Dogs
Fundraising Handbook 2014
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Table of Contents
Welcome from Editor................................................................................................ 2
Why your support matters ........................................................................................ 4
How to organise your fundraising event ................................................................... 5
How to fundraise in the workplace ........................................................................... 7
Other ways to get involved ....................................................................................... 8
Points to note for fundraisers ................................................................................... 9
Publicising your Event ............................................................................................ 10
Sample press release ............................................................................................ 12
Sample photo and caption ..................................................................................... 14
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Fundraising Calendar 2014 .................................... 15
Fundraising Event Form ......................................................................................... 16
Fundraising Team Contact details.......................................................................... 18
Welcome from Editor
Thank you for choosing to support the fundraising efforts of Irish Guide Dogs
for the Blind. We hope this guide will give you the information and tools you
need to fundraise for us and promote the great work you are doing.
We are very fortunate to have your support in relation to our work. We
supported 197 people in 2013, our highest number to date all thanks to your
support. Pictured on the cover is Patrick Costigan, one of our many Guide Dog
Owners, and his dog Quandro. Thanks to Quandro Patrick is able to live his life
with greater independence and mobility.
We are more than 80% funded by public donations and fundraising so you
really are making a huge difference in people’s lives by supporting our work.
This document outlines how you can best support our work by fundraising on
our behalf and how you can promote your own events effectively in your area.
I hope you find it useful.
Paula McGovern, Editor and Communications Manager
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Why your support matters
Irish Guide Dogs is a trusted charity that supports more than 400 working Guide
and Assistance Dog partnerships nationwide. In 2013 we supported our highest
number of people to date – training 197 people across all of our services.
We provide the following services:
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Guide Dog Programme
Assistance Dog Programme (Waiting list so high it
had to close in August 2012, reopened briefly in
Jan 2014)
Independent Living Skills Training
Child Mobility Programme
Next Step Programme
Long Cane Training
We plan to train even more – 244 people in total – in
2014, which will only be made possible with your help.
“Having a Guide Dog has
truly changed my life for the
better. Cyril is a wonderful
gift. He is the best guide I
could have ever wished for
and more. I’m thankful for
him every day and the
wonderful work that Irish
Guide Dogs do.”
Kerrie Doyle, 26 and Cyril
were matched in April 2013
Key facts!
When you are fundraising for Irish Guide Dogs you may be asked some questions
about the organization. Below are some of the key facts you need to know:
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There is a huge demand for our services. We have a waiting list of between
one and three years for some of our services.
We continue to provide our services for free to ensure no one is excluded
due to lack of income
It costs €4.4 million to run the organization each year
One Guide or Assistance Dog costs €38,000
Some 80% of our income comes from you through voluntary donations and
fundraising events
It takes approximately 18 months to two years to train a Guide or
Assistance Dog.
The charity is always looking for more volunteers and people who are
happy to help out. Please call us on 1850 506 300 or email
[email protected] if you need any advice or support in the course
of you fundraising for Irish Guide Dogs.
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
How to organise your fundraising event
When organising your own event it can be difficult to know where to start. We are
here to help. Here are a few key steps.
1. Get your thinking hat on!
It’s always good to put some time in to considering what you
want to do and plan accordingly. Don’t feel like you have to
think up a totally new idea. Time-honoured events work very
well such as a Table Quiz, Coffee morning, Dog Walk,
Afternoon Tea Party, Sponsored event. The key is planning
the event well and being mindful of all details.
2. Choose a date and venue well in advance
Consider the suitability of the venues for the event in
question and check what else is happening in the locality
before finalising a date. You want everyone free to attend
your fantastic fundraiser.
3. Set your fundraising target
Decide on an appropriate, ticket price, entry fee, target at the outset. Create a page
on mycharity.ie, set yourself a goal, e.g. €10 ticket price/entry fee, €2 raffle ticket
price, 200 attendees.
4. Contact Irish Guide Dogs for guidance and fundraising items
Call 1850 506300 to register your event with us. If there is an IGDB Fundraising
Branch in your area we will put you in touch with them and they will support you in
your fundraising efforts and we will post it on our website. Enquire if you need a
Garda permit, we will request this. Allow 12-weeks lead time for your permit. Order
fundraising buckets and t-shirts, download sponsorship cards and posters through
your fundraising team. If possible link in with a local client or puppywalker. Having a
working dog or dog in training at your event will really help people see the impact of
our work.
5. Devise a list of invitees
Brainstorm with a friend to ensure a comprehensive list.
6. Get some help
Ask local shops to put up posters and donate raffle prizes. Get family and friends
to sell tickets, bake cakes, attend and/or sponsor.
7. Promote your event
Posters on notice boards, parish notes and local radio. Create a Facebook event
page.
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
8. Have fun at your event
Enjoy the event, remind people of why they are there and the importance of the work
of Irish Guide Dogs.
9. Thank your guests/attendees
Every donation counts so tell your donors the amount the event raised and thank
them for their support.
10. Lodge money raised
Send a cheque; lodge online or to the IGDB account in your local bank.
Event Checklists are available from the Fundraising Team email
[email protected]
Fundraising Material
Sponsorship Card
· Balloons
· Collection Buckets
· T-shirt
· Leaflets
· Posters
· Stickers
· Authorisation letter
Why Support Us?
“I have been a Guide Dog Owner for almost 20 years and my life has changed as
the result of having the independence and companionship a guide dog can bring.
Wiz and I bonded instantly. He's a warm and playful dog who greets me every
morning, ready to go to work. Knowing first-hand the value of a guide dog and
how much goes into training them is what motivates me to support IGDB.I want to
raise awareness for the life-changing services the organisation provides and raise
funds so that more people living with sight loss can experience the joy of greater
independence.”
Bernard Johnson, Volunteer Fundraiser
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
How to fundraise in the workplace
Fundraising in the workplace is a great opportunity to get together and raise vital
funds at work. Companies of all sizes can get involved.
Here are some ways:
Bake Sale, Book Sale, BBQ
Host a dress down Shades day.
Family fun day
Sponsorship
Promotions
Gifts in lieu
Nominate us for charity of the year
Payroll giving
Name a Pup for €5,000.
Take part in a walk/run/cycle
Help your colleagues feel great, boost staff morale and boost its profile. As well as
raising vital funds you will have fun along the way. We will help you with your
fundraising ideas, it is often best to have a fundraiser related to your business, for
instance if you are a restaurant why not try a themed night in aid of Irish Guide Dogs
or if you are a pub why not host a table quiz.
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Other ways to get involved
Life is busy and people worry about meeting their volunteering commitments or
organising events. There are many other ways to help us out:
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Manage a collection box in your area (Over a year this can be worth €200
Sell one book of car raffle tickets (worth €50)
Introduce us to your local schools and organisations – we rely on the work
of volunteers for our national campaigns
Sponsor a puppy for as little as €1.50 a week
Donate online or shop our fantastic range of products www.guidedogs.ie.
Get involved in our Street collections. We are particularly looking for
people to help out for our SHADES collections from April 28th To May 2nd
2014. We have a Tesco fundraising Day on Thursday 1st May.
Bag pack for Irish Guide Dogs. We have an annual Dunnes Stores Bag
Pack September 22nd 2012 or organise one at a supermarket near you.
Take part in a sponsored activity event - Sign up to take part in an activity
event in your local area or join in one of Irish Guide Dogs annual activity
events which include walks, marathon, cycles and overseas trips.
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Points to note for fundraisers
1. Garda Permits and Licences for lotteries and raffles
Permits are required for raffles carried out and collections conducted. All permits can
be requested through the Fundraising Team at HQ and a copy of the permit can be
issued to you by post.
2. Insurance
If you organise an event which involves the public you will be covered by Irish Guide
Dog’s Public Liability Insurance. We can answer any questions you may have
regarding insurance. If you have any queries in relation to insurance please contact
Neil Munday on 1850 506 300.
3. Garda Vetting
Volunteers who fulfil certain roles within and for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind may
be required to be Garda Vetted.
4. Volunteer ID
Each IGDB Fundraising Volunteer should carry IGDB Volunteer ID card in the course
of their fundraising. To obtain a volunteer ID card, please submit your photograph by
email to [email protected] or by post to IGDB HQ, Model Farm Rd., Cork.
Christine McGrath, Jamie & Daisy
Christine McGrath was matched with
Assistance Dog Daisy in summer 2013. Her
son Jamie, 9, has autism and was on the
waiting list for three years.
“You have to meticulously plan everything for
a child with special needs. We were so limited
in going out. Jamie bolted a lot and safety was
a huge issue. It got to the stage where we just
stopped trying.”
Now only six months after Daisy joined the
household, the family are able to go for meals
and go out with a lot more ease. “I don’t even
think about going out anymore. Jamie is so
happy with his pal Daisy and so much more
confident. It was worth the wait, we now have
a fabulous dog.”
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Publicising your event
Publicising your event is essential in order to get people to the event and to raise
money for Irish Guide Dogs. Here are a few tips to help you promote your event.
How can I promote my event?
The main tools of publicising an event are:
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Posters and flyers and leaflets (we have template posters you can personalise
for your event)
Corry boards (road signs) to highlight events
Online presence and social media notifications
Press release to local media (see template
below) for news section
Information in your community notes section
in your local paper and radio station
Most towns and villages in Ireland now have
their own facebook or twitter accounts so
post to these and ask people to repost and
retweet so their friends and followers know.
A mass notice and parish newsletter can be a
very effective way of letting people know
about your event
Try to enlist the help of a local ‘celebrity’ or
well-known face to help spread the word. Our main man Roy Keane helps us
out hugely each year by linking his name to our campaigns!
Text and email to friends and family informing them of the event
After the event you can highlight the great work by sending photos of the
event and a cheque presentation into the local paper, letting people who
attended the event know how it went and how much was raised. Always
highlight Irish Guide Dog’s phone number and website, so people can get in
touch. www.guidedogs.ie LoCall1850 506 300.
Send information about your event to Irish Guide Dogs so it can be added to
the events section of the website.
What should I say?
As well as highlighting the important details of what is going on and where and when.
Also remind people where their money is going to and what the impact of Irish Guide
Dogs is. If possible link in with a person who has benefitted from the services of Irish
Guide Dogs as their story will be the most powerful draw to an event. If you can
show the life-changing impact of what Irish Guide Dogs does, you are more likely to
get more people attending your event and/or donating to your event. Remind people
why they should take part and that the money raised really does make a huge
difference.
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
When should I publicise my event?
As soon as you have finalised the details of your event (the who, what, when, where,
how) you should begin to publicise it. Ideally as soon as possible to get the date in
people’s diaries. You can then send reminder text, emails and communications
closer to the date.
Who should I target?
Take a moment to think of who you want to attend the event – this is your target
market. Now think of how best to reach this target market (is it young people, older
people, a certain group? Is it best to reach them through local radio, local papers,
shopping centres, notice boards, parish newsletter, town websites, twitter and
Facebook pages.
How do I contact the media?
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The easiest way to contact the media is to write a list of the radio stations,
papers (including free papers) and parish notes in
your area, then compile a list of who to contact. Get
this information by reading your local paper,
listening to your local radio and visiting their website.
Make sure to get a phone number and an email
address along with their deadline dates.
Your local papers will be inundated with information from people, so make
sure to highlight the event with them in plenty of time, bearing in mind they
are printed weekly. Aim to get it in the paper the week
before the event and on radio the week coming up to the
event.
Send in a brief press release, highlighting the local angle,
who you are, what you are doing and why. Focus on how it
will be a draw for the local people, what they will get out of
attending and anything unusual about the event, (i.e. we are trying to break
a world record) and if you have a local client focus on their story, for
example Irish Guide Dogs helped Mary regain her independence after losing
her sight and with your help, they can help more.
Always put your contact details or whoever is the main organising person.
Include the LoCall Irish Guide Dogs number and website address for
information also.
Newspapers appreciate photography and a well taken photo with a good
caption can say a lot, be sure to send through some photos to the papers
after the event. Include a word of thanks to all who participated and
attended.
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Sample press release
Below is a copy of an Irish Guide Dogs press release with highlighted areas
explaining what is included and why.
[Headline]Mairead Farrell launches Irish Guide Dogs cards and calendars
[Time of release: Date: Location of release] For Immediate release - Monday
November 4th – Cork
Mairead Farrell [Who], one of Ireland’s best-known radio presenters, launched Irish
Guide Dogs for the Blind seasonally themed 2014 calendar and its range of
Christmas goodies [what] including some pawsome Christmas cards and Christmas
baubles, today [When] all available from www.guidedogs.ie [Where]. Mairead is
pictured with Assistance Dog in training Zeta.
[Include quote from main spokesperson]“I am delighted to be involved and lend my
support to Irish Guide Dogs,” said Mairead, who has been on the airwaves on the
Ray D’arcy show on Today FM for the past ten years. “The calendar and the baubles
are fantastic and they’re not expensive at all. It’s really a fab, gorgeous calendar.
There are lots of ‘awww’ moments in it; you have to buy it to see them all. I think my
favourite month is July!
“I’m also particularly mad about the little hand-painted Christmas decoration; it’s
gorgeous,” Mairead continued. “The gifts are perfect to send to someone away - you
have your touch of Irish; you’re helping out a charity; you have a great gift for not too
much money.”
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
[Give some further detail about the project]The photos in the calendar were taken by
award-winning photographer John Ryan, who volunteers with the charity as a puppywalker (foster family for Irish Guide Dogs breed stock) and who gave his time for free
to the project. John has captured many high-profile Irish moments including the
marriage of rugby star Brian O’Driscoll and actor Amy Huberman.
[Give a quote from charity representative – ideally local client] “Our cards and
calendars are made by us in Ireland using local designers and printers,” said Padraig
Mallon, CEO with Irish Guide Dogs whose most-famous patron is Roy Keane. “We
then use our own networks of volunteers and website to sell cards so all money
comes directly to the charity; there are no hidden costs.”
[Give some general information about the work of the charity and impact] 80% of the
national charity’s income comes from voluntary donations and events and the sale of
Christmas merchandise is one of the main ways Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
generates much-needed income each year. Irish Guide Dogs provides its Guide
Dogs to people who are visually impaired, Assistance Dogs to children with autism
and its whole range of training services to people who require it completely free of
charge.
[Remind people of the main call to action]To purchase some puppy-tastic cards and
gifts please check out www.guidedogs.ie
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Calendar 2014 is €8
Christmas cards is €6
Christmas bauble is €12
-ends[You can give the contact person’s details and any background notes for editors
here] For more information please contact Name xxx, Phone number, xxx, Email xxx
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Sample picture and caption
There are times that sending out an extended caption with a photograph is enough
to merit the press. The media love images of dogs with people particularly children.
Make sure to send in good-quality professional looking photos as they will be most
likely to be used.
Sample Caption:
Blarney in Bloom, a garden
show and craft fair held in early
July 2013 in Blarney Castle,
raised €8,817.39 for Ballincolligbased national charity Irish
Guide Dogs.
Pictured at the cheque
presentation are: Adam
Whitford, Head Gardener
at Blarney Castle; Sir Charles
Coulthurst owner of Blarney
Castle; Janice O'Leary
from Blarney Car Show; and
Caroline Myers from Blarney
Castle with Padraig Mallon Irish
Guide Dogs for the Blind
and Fundraising Dog Heidi.
Important point to note!
Publicising your event is a great skill to learn which our fundraising team is happy
to help you with. We also have a stock of posters and leaflets and other
promotional materials we can send to you to use to promote your events. Given
the high number of national campaigns and the limited communications resource
we regret that we are unable to give communications and PR support to individual
and/or branch events.
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Fundraising Calendar 2014
2 April
World Autism Awareness Day—Art for Autism
21 April
Easter Egg Hunt
March-Dec
Ford Focus Car Raffle (Tickets available to sell)
May
Blazing Biker’s Lake District Challenge
28 April to 2nd May
SHADES Week and Tesco Flag Day (1st May)
May
Mizen2Malin Cycle 2014
2 June
Women’s Mini Marathon, Dublin & Cork Marathon
June
Dog Walk
13 July
Blarney in Bloom
30 August
Irish Guide Dogs Open Day
31 August
Kinsale10
30th August
Trek to Camino Santiago de Compostela, Spain
September
Evening Echo Women’s Mini Marathon in Cork
19th & 20th Sept
Dunnes Stores bag pack
Sept - December
9 October
Christmas Cards & Calendar & merchandise
World Sight Day—Bake n’ Banter
26 October
Limerick Women’s Mini-Marathon
November/December
Gloria for Guide Dogs
December
Christmas @Guide Dogs open weekends
Early December
Ford Focus Car Raffle Draw
For event dates and further information visit www.guidedogs.ie
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Fundraising Event Form
Please complete this form and send by email to [email protected] or by post to Irish Guide
Dogs, Model Farm Road, Cork and we will contact you to let you know it is registered and to offer any
additional support you might need.
Your Details ______________________________________________________________
First Name: ______________________________________________________________
Last Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address:
______________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________________________________
Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Branch (if applicable): ______________________________
Name of group/company planning event (if applicable): ___________________________
Name of Event: ___________________________________________________________
Event Description: ________________________________________________________
Date of Event: ____________________________________________________________
Time of Event: ____________________________________________________________
Location of Event: _________________________________________________________
Estimated Attendance: _____________________________________________________
Estimated Proceeds of Event: _______________________________________________
How will funds be raised through your event?
Ticket sales
Collection
Raffle
Sponsorship
Other
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*Some raffles and all street collections will require Garda permits.
Is this a new event?
If, no please give details of previous:
· How will you promote your event? _____________________________________
· Is Irish Guide Dogs the sole beneficiary?__________________________________________
· If no, please name other beneficiaries and how proceeds will be divided:
_________________________
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
· Please indicate the quantity of Fundraising Materials, if any, you require:
1. Balloons
2. Collecting Buckets
3. T-shirt (please indicate sizes) _________________________________
4. Leaflets
5. Posters (A4 or A3)
6. Stickers
7. Sponsorship cards
8. Letter of Authorisation
Please try to be accurate in your requirements as we maintain a modest level of stock to keep costs
low. Please return all buckets and unused items.
Thank you for supporting Irish Guide Dogs by organising this event a member of the Fundraising
Team will contact you shortly.
Irish Guide Dogs is fully committed to the standards contained within the Statement of Guiding
Principles for Fundraising.
Thank you.
We greatly appreciate your support.
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Irish Guide Dogs Fundraising Handbook 2014
Fundraising Team Contact details
Sinead O’Keeffe – Commercial Manager Email: [email protected]
Louise O’Sullivan – Community Fundraising & Volunteer Manager Email: [email protected]
Rose O’Dea – Corporate Fundraising Manager Email: [email protected]
Jennifer Foran Smyth - Events Fundraiser
Jennifer is responsible for our annual Ford Focus Car Raffle and School Talks - in both Primary and
National Schools nationally. Email: [email protected]
Anne Burns - Fundraising Administrator - Southern Region
(Cork Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Kerry and Tipperary South) Anne deals with all queries to do with
ordering stock, events, volunteering at or visits to our headquarters in Cork. Email:
[email protected]
Margaret O'Sullivan - Fundraising Administrator - Midlands & Western Region
(Cavan, Galway, Mayo, Monaghan, Westmeath, Galway, Clare, Leitrim, Longford, Laois, Offaly, Sligo,
Roscommon, Donegal, Clonmel, Tipperary North). Margaret also looks after the Annual Dunnes
Stores Bag Pack and Tesco Flag Day (May 1st 2014). Email: [email protected]
Bernadette Healy - Fundraising Administrator - Eastern Region
Dublin, Kildare and the East coast and Camino Trek in September. Email: [email protected]
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Address
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Model Farm Road Cork
T: 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie
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Irish Guide Dogs LoCall 1850 506300 E: [email protected] W: www.guidedogs.ie