News & Insight

11th November 2016

How anyone can make a difference

While we often discuss which qualities are essential in a professional fundraiser, it’s important to keep in mind that anyone of any age or background can successfully fundraise. If you have a passion for the cause and an innovative idea, you have already achieved the early stages of any successful fundraising campaign. Add in determination and hard work, and you can accomplish great things – Rhea Kara, Pride of Britain’s Young Fundraiser of the Year, is proof of that.

Rhea was inspired to begin fundraising after Beth Johnsson from Reverse Rett, the Rett Syndrome Charity, gave a talk about the neurological condition at Rhea’s school, and brought along her daughter Hannah who is affected by it. Among other things, the condition affects Hannah’s ability to use her hands, which Rhea especially empathised with as she loves to paint.

Moved by meeting Hannah and determined to make a difference, Rhea vowed to paint 100 pictures in 100 days, which she then sold to raise money for the charity. She has done this three years consecutively since she was 8 years old; now at 11, Rhea was recently awarded the prize of Young Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain awards on ITV. You can see her interviewed on This Morning here.

On top of this, Rhea also painted two special canvases in time for the Awards show, which were auctioned off and won by Simon Cowell and Louis Tomlinson, raising even more for Reverse Rett.

While a well-resourced development office is a big help, never underestimate the difference you can make with the right attitude.