25/08/2026
This might be an unpopular conversation, but I think it’s one worth having.
For many years, I’ve run fundraising events and worked with some incredible schools, clubs, charities and organisations. I’ve genuinely loved being part of those events and supporting causes that matter to our community.
These days, however, I’ve made the decision to step away from fundraising events altogether.
Every now and then, when I explain that, we’re asked:
“Can you just provide the questions/game cards?”
“We’ll organise everything else”
“We’re happy to pay”
I completely understand why people ask. Fundraising is important, and for many organisations it’s absolutely essential.
Unfortunately though, it’s still not something we’re able to offer.
Not because I don’t care about the cause.
Not because I don’t understand how important fundraising is.
I’ve simply made the decision that fundraising events are no longer something we’re able to take on.
Even providing questions or game materials involves considerably more preparation and behind the scenes work than it may appear. As a service-based business, our time, preparation and expertise are ultimately what we sell, so we’ve had to make decisions about where we can best put those resources.
But there’s also another side to the conversation.
We’re living through a time when many families are under enormous financial pressure. Groceries, rent, mortgages, fuel, school expenses and everyday living costs are all adding up.
Fundraising can also involve a number of different expenses for those wanting to participate - entry, food and drinks, raffles, auctions, games or donations. None of those things are inherently a problem, but together they can become another financial consideration for families who may already be watching every dollar.
Businesses are feeling the pressure too.
Local Bundaberg businesses are incredibly generous supporters of our community, contributing prizes, vouchers, sponsorships and donations whenever they can. At the same time, businesses have their own increasing costs and limitations and it simply isn’t possible for every business to support every request.
And that’s where I think there’s an interesting conversation to be had about what fundraising looks like today.
Because the need for fundraising hasn’t disappeared.
Schools, sporting clubs, charities and community organisations still need support.
But neither has the financial pressure on the families, volunteers and local businesses being asked to contribute.
We have enormous respect for the volunteers, committees and organisations that put so much work into fundraising. Our decision isn’t a criticism of fundraising or of the people who organise these events. It’s simply a business decision about where we’re able to put our time and resources.
That doesn’t mean we don’t care.
It doesn’t mean we don’t support our community.
And it doesn’t mean we don’t value the organisations asking.
It simply means we’ve recognised what we have the capacity to take on - and what we don’t.
I’d genuinely love to hear other perspectives.
How do we continue supporting the organisations that need fundraising, while also recognising the financial and practical pressures on families, volunteers and local businesses?
