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Syria Crisis Appeal

A million refugees urgently need shelter, food and water

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Emergency fundraising ideas

When an emergency hits we have to react fast. Oxfam swiftly delivers aid, support and protection - made possible only by your donations and fundraising. Here are a few ideas for you to start raising money for an emergency straight away.

Fundraising for Syria

More than half a million Syrians have fled the country and are facing the harsh winter months in shelter without any heat. An estimated 2,000-3,000 are leaving Syria each day and the need for aid is urgent.

Our Emergency Fundraising Coordinators across the UK are now fundraising to help the worsening crisis for Syrian refugees. Together we can make it happen.

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"I just can't stop thinking about how to feed my children and how to protect them." - Samira

Top ideas for emergency fundraising

Collection point

Organise a local collection where there are a lot of generous people. It's simple, but effective. Earlier this year Aaron Crown raised £646 by organising regular collections at a local theatre. His fundraising was boosted by the events organiser announcing his collection before the interval. So make sure you announce that you are fundraising for Oxfam. You can download everything you need to set up an eye-catching donation point.

Host a quiz

The easiest and most effective way is to contact a locally run pub quiz and ask them to donate the money raised at one week's quiz to your emergency fundraising. Combine this event with a raffle and raise an extra £100. You could get in touch with local shops and businesses for free raffle prizes. Alternatively you could organise your own quiz. Download the Big Quiz fundraising guide (PDF 843 KB).

Bake sale

Everyone loves cake and raising money from a bake sale is quick and simple. You don't need to make lots of plans in advance - just get your friends and family involved with the baking. Or you could ask a local business to help you out by donating some delicious cakes. Your local community fundraiser can provide colourful Oxfam balloons, stickers and posters for a cake stall no one will miss. Set it up someplace busy where people have their money at hand.

Inspire people with what their donation could do

Help and support

Order or download an emergency fundraising toolkit full of ideas and resources.

If you're planning an event in your community and want extra support and advice, please contact your local fundraising manager.

Are you an Emergency Fundraising Coordinator? Make sure you pay in any funds raised through your Regional Fundraising Manager.

Interested in joining our emergency fundraising team? Find out more here.

Questions? Get in touch on 0300 200 1300 or email fundraising@oxfam.org.uk