So, I admit that I became a complete slacker in terms of keeping this blog up to date with my fundraising efforts, but as my expedition fast approaches here's a quick summary of how I have raised the money I need to go:
-WAGES - since signing up for expedition I have had three different jobs (cleaning, tutoring and working in Build a Bear) as well as some babysitting here and there, all of which has helped me raise a large chunk of the money I need
-GIG NIGHT - with the help of a local band, I organised a gig night in my town hall and sold the tickets, raising nearly £700 in one night alone
-CAKE SALES - whilst sometimes it might not seem like its worth the effort, the principle of little and often is key with cake sales. Normally they'd make about £20-£30 per person selling cakes to other sixth formers at break and lunch, so even if it doesn't seem like a lot, it soon adds up when you run them every half term or so
-QUIZ NIGHT - as mentioned in a previous post, together with four other students also going to Borneo, I ran a quiz night in our school, which successfully raised £400.
-SPONSORSHIP - getting businesses to sponsor you can seem impossible. I had to contact a lot of people before I got anywhere, but two businesses donated to my fundraising efforts (Mellor Metals and Eunisure), giving me £300 in total
-GRANTS - I was also successful in securing grants from two organisations - The Mason Trust and The Sir Philip Reckitt Educational Trust - who help young people going on expeditions abroad and similar projects which aim to help others.
-BIRTHDAYS/CHRISTMAS - an easy method of getting some extra money is to forfeit physical presents on your birthday and at Christmas and simply ask your family to donate money instead. It's surprising how much this can make a difference!
As well as the trip cost of £3960, I also had to raise money for the injections I needed and the malaria tablets, as well as kit (I've never done anything like this before so I didn't have any of the kit), making the total cost around £4500. At times it seemed impossible, but I got there! And now as it grows ever closer to July 1st, I get more and more excited with every day. So all that's left to do now is wait...
