We’re extremely proud that over £18m has been raised for schools and PTAs with our help – but it’s only possible thanks to wonderful parents, staff and other supporters. Mum-of-two Linda Whitaker from St Albans has single-handedly raised more than £1,000 for her local Parent Teacher Association, Mandeville PTA, just by doing her regular day-to-day shopping via easyfundraising. To mark this brilliant achievement, we caught up Linda to find out more about her experience and top tips for success.
Why did you join easyfundraising?
I first discovered easyfundraising a few years ago when my daughter Amelia was a pupil at Mandeville Primary School. I just had a desire to start supporting the school and easyfundraising was the perfect way to do it. Amelia has now left for secondary school, but I’m continuing to raise funds for the school in Cottonmill, St Albans where my son Jaxson is a Year 4 pupil.
Through myself and other parents there, we’ve raised over £9,000 collectively for the school and I’m delighted and proud that I’ve been able to raise over £1,000 myself, it’s even more satisfying that it’s without me having to give anything from my own pocket!
How has the school used the funds raised?
Most recently the money raised has been used to pay for Year 6 Leaver hoodies. It’s only through the PTA and easyfundraising that students are able to have Leaver hoodies without parents having to find the money – there’s no charge to the parents to get one.
Over the last few years we’ve also bought iPads and PE equipment with the easyfundraising income.
What do you love about easyfundraising?
Everyone is feeling the pinch and easyfundraising is a way to raise funds without having the pressure to find or generate extra money.
All schools are under so much pressure now and don’t get as much funding so it’s great to find easier ways to make money regularly. Shopping via easyfundraising is a way of doing that and it doesn’t take any extra time.
It’s such a simple way to raise funds through my day-to-day spending and I can boost the much needed funds for the school without feeling like I have to spend more to give my support.
What are your tips for others raising with easyfundraising?
My biggest tip is to take steps to make it a habit. Make sure the app is in a prominent place on your phone. Make sure you have the pop-up reminder installed as well.
Another tip would be to set yourself a goal, or ask your school for a target. It keeps you motivated then too – I set my own, my aim was to raise £1,000 by the time Jaxson went to secondary school and I’ve already hit that target which is great.
It’s becomes second nature – I do almost all of my online shopping via easyfundraising now and make regular purchases from retailers like Boots, Marks and Spencer, and Pets at Home where I buy supplies for Amelia and Jaxson’s two pet hamsters.
Most importantly, I don’t buy anything elaborate or extreme I just do my regular shopping and buy from shops I use day to day.
How do you encourage other parents to get involved?
At Mandeville PTA, we encourage everyone to help in any way they can to support our school. I’m a real easyfundraising champion and promote it to other parents on Facebook and in the school’s newsletter. Especially when competitions are available – I share the fact that I have entered the school and that others can too to increase our chances of winning even more funding.
Thank you Linda and congratulations on reaching the £1,000 milestone!
Feeling inspired? Become an easyfundraiser!
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School not using easyfundraising yet? Register a school here.