Sometimes the best fundraising ideas start at home, with a bit of creativity and a spark of kindness.
Just recently, 11-year-old Oscar turned a simple, Christmas craft activity into something special. Inspired after walking past our Guildford centre, and remembering what we do, Oscar created handmade, light-up twine stars to raise money for Challengers!
We absolutely had to find out more so caught up with Oscar to talk about how the idea came to life, what he learned along the way, and why he’s already planning his next fundraiser.
Getting Started: A Bright Idea is Born
Oscar’s fundraiser began as a family activity making Christmas decorations.
“I made light up stars made from coloured twine, LEDs and sticks. We were making the stars as a family activity… and I decided it would be a good idea to make more of them and raise money for charity by selling them.”
It was the first time Oscar had ever made decorations like this, and he learned as he went – proof that you don’t need to be an expert to get started.
Why Challengers?
Oscar already had a connection to Challengers from a much earlier age.
“I had done a charity fundraiser for Challengers, baking cakes with my mum when I was about six or seven and so I wanted to raise money again for the charity but by myself.”
This time, it was about taking the lead and doing something he enjoyed.
“Raising money for charity makes me feel joyful.”
The Creative Process: From Paper to Twinkling Star
Oscar’s stars weren’t just beautiful but also carefully made from scratch.
He started by drawing a circle and using a protractor to sketch a five-pointed star. With the help of his parents, he cut and glued dowel rods into shape, wrapped them in colourful twine, and finally added LED lights, hiding the battery neatly at the back.
“My favourite part was putting the LED lights on.”
The biggest challenge?
“Wrapping the twine around the stars quickly… otherwise it would take hours.”
And surprisingly, selling them.
“Finding the people to sell them to as my school friends did not carry much money on them. The fact that I knew the money was going to charity helped me persevere.”
Selling with Confidence (and a 13p tip!)
Oscar sold his stars to friends, family and a few unexpected supporters.
“It felt good when I sold my first one and I got a 13p tip!”
One reaction really stood out.
“The electrician who came to our house saw one of my stars and he gave me £10 for one star! Even though I had been selling them for £3.50!”
Many buyers told Oscar how great the stars looked, and several were even given as Christmas presents, spreading joy twice as far.
The Impact: More Than Just Money
When asked what he hopes the money will help Challengers do, Oscar’s answer was thoughtful and heartfelt.
“I quite like playing board games…it would be great if the money was used to buy games for the disabled children to bring them joy!”
Looking Ahead: This Is Just the Beginning
Oscar enjoyed fundraising so much that he made it his New Year’s resolution to do more.
Next up? “A 24-hour straight sponsored board-game-athon… Mum says it sounds awful but I’m going to love it! Dad thinks the idea is the best thing ever!”
When asked what advice he’d give to other children who want to help a charity, Oscar kept it simple:
“Be creative, have fun and if needed get help from family and friends.”
And if he had to sum up the whole experience?
“Absolutely utterly amazing!”
Feeling Inspired? Try a Themed Fundraiser!
Oscar’s twine stars are a brilliant example of how seasonal, themed fundraisers can be fun, creative, and effective. Christmas decorations were his theme but there are so many possibilities:
- Easter: decorated eggs, craft kits, mini treasure hunts
- Halloween: spooky crafts, face painting, costume challenges
If you would like to organise a fundraiser for us but don’t know where to start, please reach out at Fundraising@disability-challengers.org