Fundraising

Fundraising is an important component of any international trip even if all parents are able to finance the entire trip. Additional funds will mean upgrades in accommodation, more guided tours, payment of entrance fees, school gifts and perhaps a school jacket or a group T-shirt. Fundraising activities give the students clear benchmarks and will help to sustain and increase the interest level.

All students will sign a Fundraising Contract that will commit them to participate in fundraising campaign; aside from unique circumstances, no exceptions should be made. An important component of fundraising is a student volunteer tracking sheet that will record the number of volunteer hours and dollars raised by each participant as well as their payment history. Ongoing, private meetings should be held with each student to evaluate and reinforce the student’s commitment towards the trip. A teacher with a strong business or computer background will be an indispensable resource.

Volunteer time can be used as a monetary credit toward the trip. Fundraising will also allow a more equitable student participation in the trip from among those students who may not have the economic means by having volunteer time used as a subsidy. Schools may also have discretionary funds to provide financial assistance to those in need.

A famous saying speaks of a journey of a thousand miles starting with one step. All too often people feel overwhelmed when they see the total cost of the trip. If enough time has been set aside, then follow the fifty percent rule. At least half of the total travel cost can be covered through a vigorous and energetic fundraising campaign. Concentrate on one fundraising event at a time and you will be surprised how quickly the fifty percent rule is realized.

Here are some fundraising ideas:

• car wash
• school dance
• Japan concert or a Japan Day Fair
• plant sales
• Chocolate candy and almond sales
• silent auction (in conjunction with a concert or fair)
• seasonal specialty sales (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
• school juice/pop dispensing machines
• board-wide karaoke competition for teachers and support staff

By establishing a good rapport with your travel agent, they may become an active participant in your fundraising campaign. The agent may be able to provide you with complimentary prizes for the various draws and competitions as incentives. The success of the trip to Japan is also in their interest.

School pop/juice dispensing machines do generate a substantial amount of money for the manufacturer. A meeting with a sales representative may create some innovative ways of generating money for the trip.

The fundraising campaign should involve the entire school population, and it is important that the larger community is also brought into the activities. A subcommittee in charge of publicity should be responsible for news releases and media relations. The selected students should be seen as ambassadors of the community and of Canada.

The school should also establish a separate bank account with the principal as one of the co-signers. Consideration should be given to depositing the money raised into a short-term, high interest bearing investment or account.