From Collection Drives to Creative Fundraising: A Volunteer’s New Idea
In Ranimayam Apartment, Tamil Nadu, one committed Goonj volunteer has long assisted material collection drives. But this Joy of Giving Week (JGW), she wanted to do something different , something joyful, participatory, and engaging for children.
When she heard about the JGW fundraising activity, she brought together 10 children from the apartment complex to try something they weren’t familiar with , a skipping challenge for a cause.
Children Gathered for the Skipping Challenge
When the Game Was New, the Spirit Took Over
Initially, only six children joined the activity. Most of them preferred board games to skipping. But the volunteer took it upon herself to teach them how to skip, becoming both an instructor and motivator.
Even as the children struggled, she decided to turn every attempt into impact, contributing a small amount to the fundraiser for each skip, regardless of how clumsy or correct it was.
“The idea wasn’t perfection, it was participation,” she said.
100 Skips, Countless Smiles, and ₹1,500 Raised
- Each child completed approximately 10 skips
- The volunteer herself added 100 skips to keep spirits high.
- In total, the group raised ₹1,500, all contributed by the volunteer.
- Children received smiley stickers as tokens of appreciation for their involvement.
This playful yet powerful initiative blended movement with meaning, making giving feel fun and inclusive.
A Lesson in Joy, Responsibility, and Giving Back
While the monetary contribution was meaningful, the larger win was emotional; children experienced the joy of giving through something as simple as skipping. It sparked laughter, bonding, and a budding sense of social responsibility.
“They felt proud, like they had done something important,” shared the volunteer.
From One Skip to a Ripple of Change
This story reminds us that the Joy of Sharing doesn’t need scale; it needs soul. One volunteer’s initiative created a space for children to give, play, and learn, turning a small community corner into a hub of impact.
Children Holding Smiley Stickers After Skipping
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
