This spring our 9-year-old son learned a valuable lesson about grassroots activism. He learned that when your school administration won’t embrace a cause you believe in….embrace it anyway.
Hula-Hoop for Heifers raised money for Heifer International.
That’s how “Hula-Hoop for Heifers” was born. The hip-swiveling, music-pounding hour at the park raised $270 for Heifer International, which donates farm animals to those in need.
Our 3rd-grader learned about Heifer International from a book he read in class. Beatrice’s Goat is based on a true story of a young girl whose life changes when her family receives a donated goat. Our son wanted to help this worthy cause, but knew he couldn’t afford much alone.
After brainstorming some ideas at dinner, he asked the school administration if he could hold the fund-raiser on the playground. He was told no. Disappointed but not discouraged, he settled on the park next to the school. A day later, schoolmates, teachers and relatives all pitched in for the cause. When it was over, classmates helped him decide what to buy – a goat, flock of ducks, honeybees and most (5 shares) of a llama. It was a great learning experience.
BRAIN BLAST – Empower your kids to promote a cause they believe in. They’ll learn leadership skills, organizational abilities, how to handle rejection and the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from doing a good deed.
In addition to ordinary fund-raisers like lemonade stands, bake sales, car washes and recycling drives, try one of these more creative options (or brainstorm one of your own!).
- Baked dog treats – kids can make, package and sell these tasty treats. Here are some recipes.
- “Best of…” tour maps – have kids decide the “best spots” in their community…best view, best playground, best natural resource, best indoor play area, best attraction, best kid-friendly restaurant….then help them makes maps to sell.
- Pet art show – let kids make and sell art by their pets. Display the artwork at a pet art show. Allow pet lovers in your community to come and make art with their own pets….for a price, of course.
- Drive-in movie – find a projector, sell tickets & popcorn. Show the movie on the wall of garage or other building. If you can’t find a large parking lot for cars, have everyone bring lawn chairs over to someone’s house.
- Read-a-thon – Collect pledges from friends, family and businesses for reading X number of books over a certain period.
- Calendars – Collect photo submissions for a kids photography calendar. Take advance orders for printing and customization.
- Trivia challenges – Hold your own version of “Are you smarter than a 5th grader”…uh, sorry, scratch that. My kids want me to say ”smarter than a 3rd grader” and “smarter than a preschooler”. Invite business and community leaders to participate. Accept a donated participation fees and admission from spectators. Sponsorships might bring in even more money for your worthy cause.
- Kids cookbook – Collect recipes from kids for their favorite dishes. Use a print-on-demand publisher to publish a cookbook.
Other ideas - penny drives, a fashion show, spelling bee, dance-a-thon, game-a-thons, make & sell terrariums, rent-a-kid for chores. Be sure to check rules on fund-raising events in your community and have fun!
