Interview with fundraiser Alison Shaw
Alison has organised an Extravaganza Ball every two years since 2001, from which the MS Trust receives half the money raised. Alison has donated over £38,000 to the MS Trust from four events.
Why did you first get involved in fundraising for the MS Trust?
"My sister-in-law had been diagnosed with progressive MS."
What has been your most successful fundraising event so far?
"The Balls that we organise - the last one in 2007 raised over £36,000."
What do you enjoy most about fundraising?
"Fundraising is fulfilling. It is like a job for several months of the year - hard work and stressful but rewarding."
Have you found that friends and family want to get involved?
"I have found that there is more support than actual help with the fundraising."
What has surprised you most during your fundraising endeavours?
"How generous people can be if they are actually asked directly."
What have you found to be the most challenging thing about fundraising?
"The relentlessness - sending endless letters/phone calls for relatively low response."
How have the MS Trust supported your fundraising?
"Always available - always provide everything we need or ask for."
Do you have any suggestions for ways in which people can start to raise money?
"Fun activities that people enjoy - I have found that people will spend money on having fun and if you can make money out of that, there is a winning formula."
What advice would you give to someone who is trying to fundraise?
"Go for it - every tiny amount helps."
Anything else to add?
"You should not do it for the thanks or recognition, but because you want to."
Make a Difference
You can find further inspirational fundraising ideas in the latest issue of Make a Difference - the MS Trust's fundraising newsletter and e-newsletter! Find out more
