Ban it for Berry Street – top tips from successful fundraisers

Ban it for Berry Street is in its fourth year! Our annual fundraising campaign is the perfect opportunity to do something good for yourself, while also raising funds for children and young people who are doing it tough.   We spoke to Angela and Stephanie, who took part in Ban it for Berry Street in past years to get the lowdown on how to navigate the challenges. Not only did they enjoy the opportunity to detox and kick some habits, but they also used social media, emails and texting in simple but effective ways.

Angela raised $500 through regular posting on social media, and she made sure her friends and family understood the reason and importance of this challenge.

What inspired you to participate in Ban it for Berry Street? 

Having worked with children in out-of-home-care, I have seen how often young people come into care with nothing more than what they are wearing. I could see how invaluable funding is to provide young people with essential items, resources and opportunities to help them feel heard, seen and cared for. Every young person has the right to thrive. 

What did you give up and how did you go with the challenge? 

I gave up chocolate and Diet Coke. I chose these items because I knew they were going to challenge me and that my family and friends would be eager to see me give them up for a month! At times there was temptation, but I was able to overcome them. 

My daily reminders to myself were about the young people I know in out-of-home-care and the daily challenges they are presented with. Their challenges prompted and reminded me of my reason for going through the challenge.

What did you find was the most effective way to raise funds? 

I let my family and friends know on social media and ensured they understood the reason and importance of this challenge. Once a week I would post an update on my fundraising page and share my progress during the month. It’s such a simple and effective way to raise awareness and money. 

What was the most rewarding aspect of Ban it for Berry Street? 

Knowing that I’d successfully got through the challenge, but more importantly, that thanks to the support of family and friends I was able to raise money that would go towards programs and resources for young people in need. 

Sign yourself up and commit to the challenge! Help support Berry Street to achieve better outcomes for our young people in need.

Stephanie raised $1580 by sending text messages to friends and family and found the challenge to be an excellent opportunity to detox! 

What inspired you to join Ban it for Berry Street?  

My work centres on vulnerable children and families at a policy level, so I am very aware of the issues facing children and families on a daily basis, and all the hard work of agencies and organisations who support them. My main motivation to join Ban it for Berry Street was to try my best to help on-the-ground work for children and families experiencing vulnerability.    

What was the most effective technique to raise funds?  

One of the things I gave up was social media, so I sent a lot of text messages and emails to friends and family. This seemed really effective as I was able to tailor more personal messages that explained Berry Street and the cause.     

How did you go with the challenge? 

I banned social media, coffee and alcohol. It was great. Although not being able to have a small glass of wine or beer after a tough day at work was a challenge! (Living without coffee was fine - I could still drink tea!) I feel like it changed my relationship with social media in ways I really liked, and it was a good way to set up good habits.

What would you say to anyone considering Ban it for Berry Street this year?

Definitely give it a go and maybe think about using it in ways that can help you, as well as others.   

About Ban it for Berry Street 

What's involved? Give up something you love (like chocolate, alcohol, sugar, social media or something else) for the month of August and pledge to raise anywhere from $300 to $1000 for Berry Street in support of vulnerable children and young people.  

How do you raise funds? Sign up here by 31 July to create your own fundraising page. Share your page with your friends, family, workmates, gym buddies – anyone you think might support you in the challenge. Spread the word through social media, text messages, emails, posters and flyers. 

Where do the funds go? Donations go to children, young people and families who are experiencing violence, abuse and neglect. Just $30 can help provide cuddly new toys for children entering foster care. A donation of $50 can provide therapy for children to help them recover from their trauma. For $250, you can support victim-survivors of family violence to find a safe home.