Five inspiring fundraising ideas to support refugees

Community fundraising is a powerful way to turn your passion into purpose and make a difference in the lives of people forced to flee their homes.

From hiking and baking to gardening and more, your passion can inspire others to get involved and contribute to a cause that truly matters.

At Australia for UNHCR, we encourage you to get creative with your fundraising efforts. Whether big or small, your support can help deliver life-saving assistance to families affected by war, disaster or persecution.

Every dollar you raise helps provide emergency relief, shelter, healthcare and protection to displaced families in need.

Here are a few fundraising ideas to get you started:

Hiking

If you love exploring the outdoors, hiking fundraisers are a fantastic way to raise money for refugees while embracing nature.

Mike Druce hiked more than 4,200 kilometres along the Pacific Crest Trail in the United States, raising awareness and funds for refugees. Despite encountering bears, rattlesnakes and extreme weather, Mike said the cause kept him going.

“I am lucky that I have the freedom to choose to do this long walk,” says Mike. “So many people walk long distances with their families trying to get to a safe place, not knowing where their home will be.”

You don’t need to hike across a continent to make a difference. Even shorter trails can have a powerful impact, especially when shared with others.

For example, 28 employees from DLA Piper Australia and New Zealand came together for a 48-kilometre trek, raising funds to support refugees and their host communities facing environmental challenges.

You can also turn your training into a shared experience with friends, family or colleagues.

“I did coastal hikes with my friends on weekends away and did a 10km hike with my mum for Mother’s Day as part of my trek training,” says Sarah McKenzie, Real Estate Solicitor at DLA Piper. “This made it more enjoyable as it allowed me extra quality time with the people I love. Although the distance covered on the trek was difficult, I was surrounded by some of my biggest cheerleaders while training for it, which made it an incredibly fun experience.”

Stepping with Refugees

Another great way to support refugees is by joining our annual Stepping with Refugees challenge in November. Walk or run in solidarity with people forced to flee their homes while also raising funds and awareness.

David and Jill Clark from Western Australia walked 100 km in 30 days and encouraged their friends and family to sponsor them.

“We are in a rich country. Although we appreciate that some here are having a hard time now, we couldn't possibly look away from the plight of refugees. We simply cannot ignore it,” says Jill. “Every little bit of help counts, and we need to remember that.”

This challenge is perfect for individuals, families or teams looking for an accessible way to get involved.

Bake sales

If you love baking, why not use your culinary skills to support displaced families? Bake sales are a simple and enjoyable way to raise money, and they’re always a hit!

After visiting Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, Mary Lou Byrne and her friend Therese Briggs began fundraising to support UNHCR’s vital work with displaced people. Starting with trivia and film nights, where they often served sweets, they eventually landed on a new idea – selling Mary Lou's signature rocky road.

Over five years, they’ve raised more than $34,000 to support refugees.

“It’s only something small that we’re doing, but you feel that money being raised hopefully makes a difference,” says Mary Lou.

From brownies to cupcakes and cookies, your homemade treats can help deliver emergency aid and hope to families in need.

Gardening

Gardening is a great way to fundraise for those with a green thumb. Selling plants or cuttings is a simple and sustainable way to support UNHCR’s life-saving aid for displaced people around the world.

Ruth Carter, a long-time supporter of Australia for UNHCR, began planting during the COVID-19 lockdown. What started out as a small backyard business has now raised over $11,000 to support refugees.

“I see it as a win-win situation,” says Ruth. “I love my plants, and I enjoy propagating plants. Now I have somewhere to take them rather than to overpopulate my garden. People are getting healthy plants and the money’s going to charity.”

School fundraisers

Schools are an ideal setting to engage young people in raising awareness about refugees. Through activities like bake sales, car washes and multicultural events, students can learn about the power of community action and helping others.

At Townsville Grammar School, students celebrated diversity on Multicultural Day while raising funds for forcibly displaced people.

“We’re very proud of how it turned out, with different communities, staff and families helping us by donating and setting up food stalls, cultural performances, speeches and more,” says Victoria, a student at Townsville Grammar School.

School fundraisers also provide a valuable opportunity to explore difficult topics such as conflict and displacement in an age-appropriate and empowering way.

“Fundraising helps us spread awareness about the issues faced by refugees and allows us to provide support for them,” says Victoria.

No matter how big or small your fundraiser, your efforts can change lives. If you’d like to start fundraising for Australia for UNHCR, click here.