A simple solution to fund raising

Press, 26 June 1989, Page 25

A simple solution to fund raising

Donating funds to the organisation of your choice while you shop is the perfect answer to fund raising. The concept, which benefits the business, the customer and the organisation, is the inspiration of Mr Jeff Robinson. U-Raise is its decriptive title. Businesses which have joined U-Raise have agreed to donate money to an organisation when a customer spends a certain amount in their store. Most businesses donate $1 for every $2O spent.

All customers need to do is shop at stores which have joined U-Raise. After spending the required amount, they ask for a laminated U-Raise card, write the name of the organisation they wish the donation to be sent to on the back and place it in the receptacle. Cards are

collected regularly. Organisations can join U-Raise for an annual fee of $2O. They will then receive the full amount of the donation in their name, U-Raise takes a 10 per cent commission. Unregistered organisations receive half the donation.

Mr Robinson, who is a policeman, devised URaise when he was taking part in the squash champion, Susan Devoy’s walk for muscular dystrophy. He noticed that many businesses could not afford large amounts of money for sponsorship. Susan Devoy is URaise’s patron and is coming to the hospitality night for member stores tonight in Christchurch.

“U-Raise is simple. It is more secure than raffles.

“It can provide unlimited funds,” Jeff Robinson says.

Businesses benefit from an increased turnover. Customers benefit because the concept reduces time-consuming fund raising and organisations benefit from increased income which they get from a minimum effort.

So far more than 100 stores have registered — hardware stores, supermarkets, appliance stores, florists, service stations, clothing stores and sports shops. Brochures listing stores are updated every month.

Each business pays $220 to join U-Raise. For this amount they receive a package of 500 U-Raise cards, a window label indicating membership, a container for the cards, a special pen for writing on the cards, a counter display and promotional material.