Top tips for organising a house-to-house collection
Top tips for organising a house-to-house collection
Make it sociable
‘We make our door-to-door collection a sociable evening. We go out in small groups around the village, have lots of chat along the way and finish afterwards with a cuppa (and more chat!) in one of the collector's homes.’ Barbara Rea, County Antrim.
Collecting as part of a group – or even as a whole church – makes it more fun, while gathering for refreshments afterwards can be a real incentive for collectors.
Hold an introductory meeting
‘Meeting up with all the collectors before Christian Aid Week – couldn’t do without it! It allows everyone to feel part of a team, gives me the chance to distribute materials quickly and by viewing the videos together, we’re up to date with the themes for the week and can discuss them.
‘After supper and great hilarity, everyone goes away keen to get started and with perhaps a little bit of rivalry going on!’ Lorna Hall, Glasgow
A sociable gathering just before Christian Aid Week can help build up your team, increasing their confidence and motivation. Show the video and ask collectors to share their stories.
Share the Good News
'House to house is a great way to speak with your neighbours, to meet them where they are and to build relationships with them.
'It’s an opportunity to say we are from the local Church and we care enough about our neighbours living in poverty around to the world to go out and collect, and we would love to support you, our local neighbours, in any way we can also.’ Peter Donnison, Cardiff
Christian Aid Week is the biggest act of Christian witness in Britain and Ireland, and provides a perfect opportunity for us to share God’s love with our neighbours. You could distribute flyers about your Big Brekkie, special service or church initiative along with your envelopes.
Advertise a collection point
‘For hard-to-reach areas, we leave a note asking people to return their envelope to our local supermarket, or bring it to the Christian Aid Week coffee morning.’ Sue Greener, East Sussex
Using a local collection point for some or all of your streets is a useful tactic if you’re short of collectors or have people reluctant to knock on doors. It can also be used for houses with ‘no-cold-calling’ stickers.
Get the word out!
‘I made the effort to get an article about Christian Aid Week, and the contribution made by all our volunteers, into the local paper. It made a real difference.
‘When we went out collecting, people did seem more willing to give, envelopes ready at the door, thanking us for doorstep collecting – I even had one lady shake my hand!’ Neil Fisher, East Sussex
Boost awareness of your collections and events in the local press and on social media – photos and personal quotes will increase the likelihood of your article being published and read. Your local office can support you with this.
Train up the next generation
‘I’ve been taking my daughter collecting with me for years now – she really enjoys it and people love giving her their envelope full of money!’ Larry Bush, Northumberland
Children can be very effective collectors’ assistants – you must be over 16 to collect house to house in your own right. Running a school assembly about Christian Aid Week is a great way of reaching lots of young people, as well as prompting parents to give.
Ask your local office
‘I am personally grateful for all the friendships that have developed over the past 15 years in my dealing with Christian Aid’s Birmingham office. I would like to express my thanks to everyone there for all that you do, and have done, in supporting our fundraising efforts here in Elkington.’ Mary Briscoe, Worcestershire
Your local Christian Aid team is there to support you. Please do get in touch to explore how to make the most of Christian Aid Week, and let us know if you decide to try out any of these tips. We’d also love to hear if you have your own top tips to share!