Create your own event
Fundraising events are a great way to have fun and raise money. The key is to keep it simple, not to spend too much and make sure that it is something that people will want to do. You can organise an event to involve your colleagues, your family and friends, your local pub or a club or society you may belong to. All you need are ideas (and we have plenty of those for you!) and enthusiasm…click here for some of those ideas…
How we can help you
We would like to support you in every way possible. Please download these resources or contact us if you would like a pack sent to you.:
- fundraising pack
- sponsorship forms
- Set up your own Virgin Money Giving Page:
- your own event poster (fill in the details of your own event on this poster and display!)
- stickers, balloons, collecting cans, posters and anything else we can think of!
We can also help you arrange publicity and advertise your event on our website. We can’t wait to hear about your event so please contact us now on:
Email: fundraising@dchft.nhs.uk
Tel: 01935 255419
Address:
Dorset County Hospital Charity
Fundraising Office, Trust HQ
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 2JY
Remember to be Safe and Legal during your Event…
1. Special Licences – Public Entertainment, Alcohol and Collections
Don’t forget to ask your local authority whether you need any special licences – this information is usually available on their website. The premises on which the event will be held must have a current premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. Under this act certain short-term, small-scale events may be held, provided the organisers send a Temporary Event Notice to the local licensing authority and police ten working days in advance of the event. Licences cover the supply and sale of alcohol, the performance of various types of regulated entertainment (including live or recorded music), and the supply of hot food and drink late at night.
Please only collect money in the street if you have a street collection licence - we can help you obtain a licence and would be delighted to provide you with collection cans and buckets, stickers and balloons. It is illegal to carry out house-to-house collections without a special licence. If organising a collection on private property such as in your local pub or supermarket, you will need to have the permission from the owner or manager. All collectors must be over the age of 16.
2. Raffles
A raffle or lottery is a really good way to raise money, either alongside an event, or as a stand alone activity. You will not need official tickets if your raffle is to be held as part of an event, in which case a book of cloakroom tickets will do. This is a really great way to maximise your fundraising income and we are all for it! Please do consider the following:
- Although there is no maximum price for a ticket, the rule is that all tickets must cost the same.
- Prizes cannot total more than £500.
- All the ticket sales and the draw must take place during the main event, which may last more than a single day. You can, however, advertise them beforehand!
- Under the licensing laws alcohol must not be awarded to anyone under the age of 18. Your Local Authority can give advice on this.
You will need to register your raffle or lottery before you begin with Dorset County Hospital Charity if you are running it as a stand alone fundraiser. We will issue you with official tickets so that you can be covered by the Charity’s lottery licence.
3. First Aid
If you are planning a big event, make sure you have first aid cover and fire safety. It is a good idea to conduct a risk assessment on all aspects of the event with enough time for any adjustments or provisions that may need to be made. The Health and Safety Executive offers a good five-step guide which you can find at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/fivesteps.htm
4. Insurance
Risks are present whether the event is a small dance or a large music festival. You will need to check that your suppliers, such as the venue, marquee company, caterers, entertainers, etc, have their own insurance – do ask to see copies. If you need insurance, you will need to take it out yourself.
5. Safety of Children
Please ensure all children are supervised at events.
6. Food Hygiene
If you are planning on selling food or drink at your event you will need to adhere to the food safety laws which you can find in detail at: www.food.gov.uk
Thank you for your support in raising funds to help provide the Hospital with those important extras. Unfortunately we cannot accept liability for any fundraising activity or event you undertake for the benefit of Dorset County Hospital Charity.
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