Did you know, research shows loneliness and isolation is worse for our health than smoking fifteen cigarettes a day and twice as deadly as obesity?
In our own community, many older people are facing endless days alone in their homes. Loss of mobility, friends passing away, and other age-related challenges leave people extremely vulnerable. The impact of loneliness can be devastating.
On a daily basis, we hear from older people how “useless” they feel and “such a burden on others” and they wonder how anyone – much less young volunteers – would be interested in them.
Making Connections has a vision of communities where no older person is lonely or isolated. Older people need more than ‘services.’ They need company, human warmth, genuine interest and meaningful interaction.
Making Connections receives no Government Funding, so we are completely dependent on donations, grants and fundraising activities.
Thank you for choosing to support us.
If you already have an idea for a fundraiser, that is great. Go for it!
If you don’t, just think of the kinds of events you enjoy yourself. This will make your event a lot more fun to organise, promote and attend.
•	Choose a date that doesn’t clash with any other major events of holidays, and one which allows you plenty of time to get logistics, lists and everything organised for your event – if you need anything from us here, let us know!
•	Set up an online fundraising page with sites like www.everydayhero.com, www.justgiving.com or www.mycharity.ie. It’s the easiest way for people to donate.
•	Add a personal story to this page, tell people why you have picked Making Connections to support and what the charity’s work means to you – most of us have, or have had an older person in our lives that we care about, making it relatable will encourage donations. If you need help with any of this we are here to help too!
•	Don’t forget to thank everyone who donates or helps you along your way, all of their contributions matter!
•	Word of Mouth – You are your best tool for promotion! Tell your friends, family, colleagues and anyone you can! They can’t donate if they don’t know about it!
•	Email your contacts to spread the word of your fundraiser. Add your online fundraising link to make it even easier them to donate!
•	Phone calls are also a fantastic chance to have a natter, catch up and ask for sponsorship!
•	Notice Boards are a great way to increase your visibility! Work, community or even local shop notice boards are the perfect place to let people know about your efforts!
•	Is your event something your Local Press might be interested in promoting/reporting on?
•	Use social media like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. These are great ways to tell your friends, family and colleagues. If you put up a link of your online fundraising page they can donate too!
•	Aim high, if you ask for two euro you will probably get two euro, however if you ask for €15 they might give you €10! It’s a good cause after all!
•	Some companies have donation matching schemes. Ask your employer if they would match the amount you raise. Many companies love it because it’s good marketing and keeps their staff happy!
•	Make your fundraiser look the part! Get in touch with us and we can send you t-shirts or decorations, alternatively we can send our logo so you can make your own.
What your donation can help?
Your donations help Making Connections to reach more people.
Making Connections also works closely with local health care professionals to ensure we complement their services.
(Occupational Therapy Department, St Vincent’s Hospital.
Once all your hard work is done, all the is left to do is gather up all your donations to send them to Making Connections!
If someone has said they would sponsor you but haven’t yet, give them a little nudge- they might just have forgotten over the weekend! Every little bit helps!
Download the Fundraising Pack here!