Fundraising Event Volunteer

At Turning Tides, we know that homelessness has so many possible root causes – domestic violence, debt, addiction, grief or mental health challenges, to name a few.

We believe that real change comes from more than a roof over someone’s head. With kindness and experience, our team of staff and volunteers help people tackle the issues behind their homelessness. Homelessness must never be normalised; we stand for a world where every person has a place to call home.

Volunteers are the backbone of Turning Tides. By contributing your time and expertise, you help people effected by homelessness to rebuild their lives and look to the future with optimism. 

Fundraising is an essential function within Turning Tides.

We rely on donations from supporters across the community to support some services and pay for things like food and other running costs we can’t get funding for. Putting on our own events, and attending community events like fairs and festivals, is a great way to raise money, and let people know about the charity’s brilliant work supporting local people experiencing homelessness.

These events can be quite busy, and so the Fundraising team is looking for enthusiastic people to join the Event Volunteer Team. You are welcome to volunteer for as many as you would like to attend.

It is helpful if you have your own transport as some events take place in areas with little or no access to public transport.

Although we provide chairs, shelter and refreshments where we can, please be aware that some of our events may involve being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and can also include some physical work such as setting up stalls and standing for a period of time.

You will usually volunteer alongside members of our Fundraising Team, other volunteers and clients from our services to not only spread awareness about our much-needed services but also to encourage compassion in the community.  This vital role helps us to reach new people and inspire others to support our work.  

What skills do I need?

We attend and host a variety of events and the role could involve:

setting up and attending our information stand/display at community events and at fundraising events and challenges.

helping us to connect with existing and new supporters, and to be able to talk confidently and passionately about the work of the charity. (Full training will be given.) 

taking donations using our collection tins or using our cashless tap-and-go terminals and iPads for online donations. (Training and support will be given for this.

encouraging the public to the interactive stall e.g. tombola or sell raffle tickets

stewarding an event such a run or walk 

We are also seeking help with the distribution of promotional materials and putting up and taking down banners in key locations at various times throughout the year, to promote our current appeals and events. 

There is also scope for you to set up and organise your own fundraising event, in partnership with the Fundraising team. 

You will be helping us by

Communicating upcoming volunteer opportunities and securing appropriate volunteer attendance for it to run smoothly. This could involve making phone calls, emails, and polls to coordinate and schedule cover

Ensuring that all volunteers have the items required to run the stall or community event

Checking in and out any fundraising equipment used such as the gazebo, collection tins and cashless donation points

Working with the Community Fundraising Officer to ensure we are maximising fundraising opportunities in the community

Promptly thanking our volunteers for their time after the event

When do I need to be available?

Details

Flexible – ad hoc, various events throughout the year. These events are most likely to fall during weekend daytime, but some are in the evening. For all day events, we can run shifts to suit your needs. You would be part of a Fundraising Events pool of volunteers and as community event attendance is booked, we will contact you to ask if you are available.