Becoming a collector is a great way to make a difference to families in rural Africa who need a hand up, rather than a hand out, of poverty. This is a role that can easily fit around a busy lifestyle.
How would I be helping?
As a collector, you will contribute to Self Help Africa in two very important ways: providing income and ensuring continued awareness of the charity in your local community.
You will be helping to collect money from the public in your local area at various locations like supermarkets, shopping centres, town centres or train stations. Due to insurance requirements, you must be aged 16 or over to do this role.
Key activities:
Collecting money from the public in sealed tins and handing out stickers or small leaflets. Collections are booked and coordinated either by a member of the fundraising staff or by a nominated volunteer (Collection Organiser).
What skills and training do I need?
You do not need any specific skills for this role but lots of enthusiasm will help! You do not need any in-depth knowledge of the charity either as we will supply you with leaflets to give out to members of the public who have questions.
How much time do I need to give up?
This position is very flexible. Collections are usually held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. Shifts are usually 1-2 hours. Short breaks can be taken. We ask for a minimum commitment of 1 hour.
What support will I receive?
Volunteers will be briefed by a member of the fundraising staff or a Collection Organiser. Volunteers will be supplied with Self Help Africa t shirts, name badges, key information about Self Help Africa, stickers, and any other relevant resources.
How do I get started?
The calendar below shows a list of collections and other events we have booked. If you are able to volunteer at any of them, please email infouk@selfhelpafrica.org or call 01743 277170.
If you can't find a date or location that's suitable, we'd still love to hear from you. Please fill out an enquiry form, and we will do our best to book a collection in a location near you.
Our volunteers in pictures
Click on the thumbnails to view larger images
What's it like to be a collector?
Rosie helped to raise over £100 at a recent supermarket collection. We asked her how she got on:
Had you done any collections before?
No, this was my first time at being the face of a charity to the public.
How did you find the experience?
I found it very rewarding. I enjoyed talking to people about the work Self Help Africa does and engaging them in the cause. It's not only a good chance to inspire people about the work Self Help Africa does but also a good opportunity to really get to grips with and understand the charity yourself.
Did you have any difficult customers?
Yes, one lady was particularly opinionated about the work Self Help Africa does. In this situation it was important to remain calm and explain the work Self Help Africa do without engaging in an argument. I found that she was quite unwilling to shift her opinion so decided it best to offer her a leaflet and leave it at that.
were other people interested in the work of Self Help Africa?
Yes, very. Most of them not only donated but also gave me time to explain the cause and seemed genuinely interested. Many were keen to take a leaflet to find out more and to follow the work of Self Help Africa in the future.
Would you do this kind of fundraising again?
Yes definitely, I would also like to try out other ways of fundraising too. I'm really pleased with the success of the collection!
Self Help Africa - UK Second Floor, Westgate House,Dickens Court, Hills Lane, Shrewsbury, SY1 1QU Tel. +44 (0) 1743 277170
Self Help Africa - Ireland Kingsbridge House, 17-22 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin, Ireland Tel. +353 (0)1 6778880
Self Help Africa Inc. 41 Union Square West, Suite 631 New York, NY 10003, USA Tel. +1 212 206 0847
Self Help Africa is an international charity registered in Ireland and the United Kingdom Registered charity number: 6663 (Ireland), and 298830 (UK) Self Help Africa is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organisation in the United States.
