By Charlotte Simmonds (Community Fundraising Manager)
03 Jun 2011

On the third day of Volunteers' Week, Charlotte Simmonds, Brooke's Community Fundraising Manager talks about the vital role volunteers play at the Brooke. 

Why are volunteers so important to the Brooke?

The Brooke’s team of enthusiastic and helpful volunteers not only raise vital funds for the Brooke’s work but also boost awareness about the charity and help in the Brooke’s head office in London. Our volunteer fundraisers are ambassadors and the local face of the Brooke in their communities. We are very lucky to have dedicated supporter groups (consisting of volunteer fundraisers) across the UK, and overseas too, that regularly hold events to raise awareness and funds for the Brooke. The Brooke could not raise the funds it does nor reach as many members of the public, without our volunteers.

We are also very fortunate to have volunteers in our head office. We are always looking to welcome new helpers. The work is mainly administrative, for example, stuffing envelopes, data entry, franking post and other essential work. We are so grateful to all of our volunteers, who give up their time particularly at busy periods.

How can I get involved in volunteering and/or fundraising for the Brooke?

Just call the community fundraising team on 020 7653 5812 or email community@thebrooke.org
Then let us know how you would like to get involved, whether it’s holding a fundraising event, taking part in a sponsored challenge or volunteering in the head office.  We will send you everything you need to get started. For ideas and inspiration click here www.thebrooke.org/support-us/fundraising

How many supporter groups does the Brooke have across the UK?

The Brooke has 33 supporter groups spread across the UK, and three overseas. We are delighted to announce that we have a new group that has just started in Jedburgh, on the Scottish Borders. Please feel free to contact the group leader directly to find out more about how to get involved or for more details about their events. If there isn’t a group in your area, then perhaps you might consider starting one? We would love to have you on board, just contact the community team using the details below.

How much money did supporters fundraise for the Brooke last year?
Brooke volunteers raised an incredible £335,500 for the Brooke’s vital work last year. From street collections to skydives, stalls at local horse shows to marathons, quiz nights to riding challenges and head shaves to climbing mountains, our supporters have done it all in aid of the Brooke and we are extremely grateful for their hard work – so thank you!

Does supporting the Brooke always mean fundraising money, or can you help out in other ways?
It’s not always about fundraising. If you enjoy public speaking then why not give a talk about the Brooke’s work. Local societies (such as the Rotary Club, church groups and the Women’s Institute) are often looking for people to give talks, and it’s really helpful to us if you can speak about the Brooke’s work. We can help you find out who to approach and how, as well as providing a template presentation and video of the Brooke’s work.

Help to spread the word about the Brooke’s work and fundraising events by asking local organisations to help. Vets, stables, saddlery shops, and gyms may be happy to display leaflets, the Brooke News, and promotional posters for our overseas challenges and guaranteed running places.

Please ask the Brooke for mobile phone and ink cartridge recycling bags as The Recycling Factory will donate up to £4.50 for every ink cartridge and up to £260 for mobile phones if recycled through them. More information is available here.

If you have a birthday or special occasion coming up, and have everything that you could possibly want, please consider asking your friends and family to make a donation to the Brooke in lieu of a present. You can set up a personal giving web page on our website where people can donate easily and securely online.

What are some of the more unique and memorable ways people have fundraised for the Brooke before?
The Super Hero Run, where everyone dressed up as Super Heros and some even ran in donkey costumes!

If you are interested in any of the above and want to find out more, please call Eve on 020 7653 5812 or email community@thebrooke.org

Thanks,

Charlotte