Fundraising case studies

The following case studies illustrate how faith groups have undertaken fundraising events for WaterAid.

If you are inspired by any of these stories and would like to help support some of the world's poorest people please email churches@wateraid.org or call us on 020 7793 2249.

St Peters Church Wolvercote, Oxford - Wooden spoon puppet play

For their Harvest celebrations St Peters Church performed a wooden spoon puppet play about water.

• The congregation lived on 2 litres of water for a day and reported back at the service.
• A workshop for all ages allowed them to compare their water use with the developing world.
• During the workshop the congregation made laminated notices to turn off the tap when cleaning teeth and the wooden spoon puppets.
• They decorated the church with prayer cards in the shape of water drops and banners praising God for water.
• The children performed the Wooden spoon puppet play which Tessa Wilkinson wrote using WaterAid's story of Amina.

Wylam and District churches -  the Big National Ceilidh

Wylam and District churches organised a barn dance as part of the Big National Ceilidh on 18 October 2008. The event was attended by over 80 people ranging from four years old to over eighty!

The churches particularly enjoyed knowing that their village event was part of a international dance, raising money and awareness for WaterAid while giving enjoyment to thousands of participants.

Mossley Methodist church - WaterAid harvest appeal

Mossley Methodist church lent their support to WaterAid's harvest appeal by involving their local community.

• A WaterAid stand at Mossley Farmers' Market provided the opportunity to raise funds and distribute 250 information leaflets. 
• To date the church has raised £1,200 with further donations coming from their sister church Hurst Methodist, and Rosehill Methodist Primary School.

Ketton Methodist Church - Ketton Eco Group

Ketton Methodist Church in Rutland set up Ketton Eco Group following a Lent study group on 'What the Bible says about climate change'.

• They held a 'Give and Buy' sale.
• The event asked the local community to donate their surplus fruit, vegetables, and other products to sell to other villagers, with the proceeds going to WaterAid.
• The group set up a small stall for the day selling fair trade goods and refreshments.

St Mary's Church - Woburn Flower Festival

St Mary's Church in Woburn celebrated the 140th year of its consecration with a flower festival called A Walk Through Time, which raised £3,500 for WaterAid.

• To illustrate the theme the styles of arrangements spanned over 140 years.
• The festival was promoted locally and online.
• The money raised was divided between the church, WaterAid and a local hospice.
• Find out more from the A Walk Through Time website (opens in a new window)

Amersham Free Church – Water 4 Africa Church Centenary Celebration

The Amersham Free Church (AFC) in South Buckinghamshire celebrated its centenary by raising a staggering £72,000 for WaterAid.

• The name, Water 4 Africa, highlighted the four main benefits that water, sanitation and hygiene education bring to communities.
• The fundraising target was broken down over the year.
• The AFC created a logo, leaflets and banner.
• They visited businesses, schools, youth groups and the local media.
• A series of events was held including a water trek and auction of promises.
• They put up a "water meter" outside the church to display the rolling total.

Belhelvie Parish Church sponsored walk

After hearing a talk at the Church Guild meeting Belhelvie Parish Church decided to donate to WaterAid through their annual event. Here's how they raised over £1,000.

• The event was promoted locally on posters and sponsor sheets.
• They ensured the route was accessible for all abilities.
• A barbeque was held after the event.