Top ten Christmas fundraising ideas

1. Christmas cards - Send a letter with every Christmas card telling people about your challenge and asking for their support. Set up an online fundraising page on Virgin Money Giving, and include your link in the card so that they can sponsor you wherever they are!
2. Non-uniform day - Ask a local school to hold a Christmas fancy dress or non-uniform day with pupils donating £1 to Mind to take part.
3. Carol singing - local shopping centres or stations are great places to sing carols, but remember to ask for permission first.
4. Sponsor money for Christmas - Ask for sponsorship rather than Christmas presents!
5. 'Piggy back' existing events - for example, ask your local school/church if you can have a stall or do a raffle at their Christmas Fayre.
6. Donations instead of cards - Instead of sending Christmas cards at work, ask all your colleagues to make a donation to Mind instead. Put a big poster on the wall for people to write their greetings. Not only will you raise funds but you are also being environmentally friendly!
7. Office Christmas party - Make use of the office Christmas party, hold a raffle or charge an entrance fee, hold a quiz or a 'skills' auction - who knows what secret talents your colleagues have!
8. Christmas collections - Organise a collection at your local shopping centre or supermarket - in festive fancy dress of course!
9. Bag packing - Pack bags at your local supermarket in return for donations, a great opportunity with all of the Christmas shoppers.
10. Christmas dinner party - Have a dinner or drinks party and ask guests to bring a donation to Mind (or simply charge them to come!). You can give your party a Christmas theme or the theme of your choice.