Candlelighters’ ability to provide assistance to children with cancer in Yorkshire and their families relies on the support of fundraisers.

Community groups - whether schools, churches, or social and sports clubs – have historically raised huge sums of money for Candlelighters helping thousands of children and families.

If you’re part of a group, there’s lots of ways to get involved.

Here are CANdlelighters’ top 10 fundraising ideas for community groups:

	Team sport event/league
	Coffee mornings or lunches
	Pub quiz
	Fun run, walk, cycle, or swim
	Pub or town hall raffle
	Fancy dress or ‘garish tie/socks/hat’ events
	Community fun day, fête or barbecue
	Car boot or jumble sale
	Murder mystery evening
	Theatre productions or gigs (amateur and professional!)

Every single penny raised for Candlelighters really can make a huge difference to peoples’ lives.

While the overall aim is to raise lots of money and have fun, there are a few things to bear in mind to ensure all participants stay safe and operate legally. See keep it safe and legal for more information

Don’t forget to:

Shout about it! Don’t forget, if you’re holding a big event or are planning to raise a large amount of money, let everybody know! We have a downloadable Candlelighters Press Form which you can fill in and send to your local newspaper. You can also download publicity materials and our logo from the Media centre, as well as ordering Candlelighters t-shirts, pens, stickers, etc – essential for any event!

Say it with pictures A picture says a thousand words, so make sure you have someone lined up to take photographs on the day. Photos are invaluable for gaining press coverage – and donations – after the event. You can also share them with your friends, family and local community by posting them on your fundraising Just Giving site and on our website's Gallery. To upload your pictures, simply email them, along with information about your event, to info@candlelighters.org.uk

Make the most of the internet Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are excellent ways to spread the word about an event. Why not set up an events page, or a fan group? That way you can update all your supporters in one easy message and encourage them to donate, donate, donate! And don’t forget to set up your own Just Giving page on Sponsorship and fundraising - how to get started.