Charity launches virtual fundraising challenges

The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity is challenging fundraisers to celebrate the summer in style by taking part in a host of virtual challenges.

Whether you are a keen baker, runner, cook or movie lover – the charity is appealing for fundraisers with an entrepreneurial spirit to join in fun activities which can be done individually, with your families, from your garden or local park or virtually online.

Martin Havenhand, Chairman of the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Fundraising for the charity during lockdown has been no mean feat when supporters haven’t been able to get together with friends, family and colleagues in person.

“Despite the challenges, the charity has seen some incredible activities taking place in Rotherham and beyond. Thank you so much for your efforts but please don’t stop now!

“We are challenging you to have the ultimate summer of fun by learning a new skill, taking on a challenge, connecting with your family and friends in creative ways or by entertaining others virtually. We are looking forward to seeing you bring our fundraising ideas to life or surprising us with your own too.”

The charity raises funds to provide the added extras which really make a difference to the patients we care for in the community and at Rotherham Hospital, plus their families and carers.

The kind and generous donations we receive have enabled the charity to improve patient care, facilities and to provide state-of-the-art equipment.

The charity has three appeals – the Purple Butterfly Appeal, which supports end of life care, the Dr Ted children’s appeal and the new Rotherham NHS Superheroes campaign, which was launched in April 2020 to support our hard-working colleagues as they care for others during Covid-19.

“Whatever fundraising activity you choose to do, please don’t forget to stay safe, to register your event with Just Giving and to let the charity know about your fundraising plans so we can support you and celebrate your achievements,” Mr Havenhand added.

So what can you do to support the charity this summer? Here are a few virtual fundraising ideas to inspire you. Further details can be found on The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust website here – www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/Fundraising/Virtual_Fundraising/

The Big Sleep Out

We’ve all spent a lot of time at home recently, so why not take your home outdoors and enjoy a sponsored camping challenge? We’re looking for families with an adventurous spirit to camp out in your garden or local green space and to donate what you would have spent at a camp or caravan site.

Virtual Marathon

Your gym may still be closed and your local sports clubs on standby, but that need not stop you running for the fun of it. Tackling 26.2 miles is a tall order so why not challenge your friends, family, work colleagues or sports team members to share the leg work by running the distance between you? You can do this in your garden, on your treadmill or around your local park.

Virtual Come Dine With Me

Restaurants and pubs have been closed until recently, which means we have been getting creative in the kitchen. Whether you a keen baker or love savoury treats, why not share your favourite recipe virtually with your dream dinner party guests. All you need to do is design your menu, set up a Skype, Zoom or Facebook Live tutorial from your kitchen and invite your guests to get ready, steady, cook!

Virtual Red Carpet

New movies may still be waiting for their curtain call but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all the fun of the movies at home. To call ‘lights, camera, action’ on your virtual movie night all you need to do is pick your premier date, select a film from your favourite genre and send out tickets to your fellow audience members. To make it extra special why not turn your movie night into a red carpet event and dress for the occasion in your finest outfits?

Sponsored Summer Walk

If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s to love the great outdoors and in Rotherham we’re blessed with parks, woodland and green spaces galore. Why not challenge yourself or a team to a sponsored walk? (Remember to keep social distancing in mind!) It could be a leisurely few miles around Clifton Park or Rother Valley Country Park or a more challenging route.

Virtual Talent Show

You might not have a large crowd to play to at the moment but a true showman wouldn’t let that hold them back! We know you’re a talented lot in Rotherham, so why not challenge your friends and family to a Britain’s Got Talent style virtual talent show? Whether you can sing, dance, rap, perform magic tricks, act or make people laugh – the choice is yours.

Virtual Happy Hour

Enjoying coffee or cocktails remotely has been the only (safe) way of catching up with friends, family and colleagues lately. But lockdown doesn’t mean you should miss out on catching up with your favourite people. Why not bring your best friends, work buddies or fellow tea guzzlers together for a virtual happy hour via Zoom, Facebook live or Skype? Cheers!