As the demand for services at the Cambridge Food Bank grows—food bank visits have nearly doubled since 2020—it’s clear we all need to take action to support our communities. With overall food donations down 19% compared to this time last year, it’s encouraging to see that the number of donors has surged by 50%. This remarkable shift shows that no matter how big or small the effort, every contribution counts. Our community is coming together with unique ideas to support the cause, and we hope you too might be inspired to connect your organization to a food and fundraising event.

In this article, we will highlight some creative fundraising-specific ideas that offer unique benefits to the organizations that host them. By combining traditional fundraising methods with engaging events and opportunities, you can enrich experiences and reinforce the importance of giving back to the community.

Here are a few recent examples:

1. Entry Fees for Events: Hosting events like community concerts, music bingo, or golf tournaments can be a fantastic way to raise funds. For instance, the Galt Jazz Music on the Grand at Melville Cafe and 80’s Music Bingo at Evo Kitchen & Bar were both ticketed fundraising events that successfully brought the community together while generating valuable support for the food bank. Similarly, the RPM KW Charity golf fundraiser held at the Galt Country Club, and other golf events provided a day of fun, and sponsorship opportunities while contributing to our fundraising goals.

2. Product Donations: Many local businesses and artisans have found success in donating a portion of their sales. For example, we’ve seen businesses that sold candy boxes, jewelry, and records donate a portion of their proceeds directly to the food bank. Additionally, the recent Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area (BIA) Art in the Open event showcased local talent, with proceeds from some of the art going towards our mission. This not only supports the food bank but also promotes and increases their visibility in the community.

3. Food Sales at BBQs or Fish Frys: Community BBQs that offer food in exchange for donations provide a tasty way to raise funds while connecting people. As part of the Cambridge Food Drive Initiative, Jamie from Garcia Roofing Ltd. organizes BBQs at the Hespeler Village Market. Additionally, the Fish Fry events hosted by the Grand Valley Construction Association contribute to this effort. These events not only serve a meal but also foster camaraderie and community spirit.

4. Sports Events: The Galt FC Football Club exemplifies how to honor the history of the football club while encouraging the community to donate funds to watch an exciting soccer match between the Waterloo Regional Police Service and the Cambridge Fire Department. The Cambridge Red Hawks host seasonal food and fundraising events at their hockey games, encouraging community members to contribute to the cause. Additionally, the Cambridge Sports Park organizes a Breakfast with Santa, where donations support the Cambridge Food Bank. Events like these unite people in support of important initiatives.

5. Community Participation: Engaging with local organizations like the Lions Club, the Royal Canadian Legion, Rotary and participating in charitable gaming events through Charitable Gaming Community Good can generate significant funds that get donated to amazing causes including the Cambridge Food Bank.

6. Young Philanthropy Initiatives: Involving youth in initiatives not only educates them but also enhances your event’s visibility, as the community appreciates witnessing young philanthropy in action, from lemonade stands to bake sales and more. These grassroots efforts raise funds while instilling the importance of giving back to the next generation.

7. Donation-Based Drop-In Fees: Programs like Messy Makers that charge drop-in fees contribute funds while providing engaging activities for families. Encore Threads & Treasures hosts photo sessions with Mae Villatoro Photography for donations to the Cambridge Food Bank.  The Rare Charitable Research Reserve holds regular free yoga sessions that encourage donations to the food bank. These initiatives create fun experiences for participants and support the food bank simultaneously.

8. Raffles, Auctions & Donor Matching: When legally permissible, organizing raffles, auctions, or securing donor matches can effectively engage the community while generating significant funds. These initiatives foster excitement and competition, leading to higher bids and increased donations of food and funds. Our past events have shown the potential of these strategies to enhance community involvement and boost contributions. A prime example is TW Properties, which annually raises food and funds for the Cambridge Food Bank. For every pound of food donated, they contribute $2 to another charitable cause, helping donors feel that their contributions are making an even greater impact.

Let’s continue to think outside the ‘can’ and explore the endless possibilities for fundraising. By embracing these creative fundraising ideas, we can enhance our community’s engagement with the Cambridge Food Bank while significantly impacting the lives of those we serve. Each effort, no matter how small, helps to build a stronger support network for individuals and families in need.