BIG SPORTING EVENTS ARE BACK – AND IT’S A CHARITY BONANZA
After a couple of years of lockdowns and social distancing, events are back with a vengeance, and fundraisers and charities should be all over them to fundraise, according to global fundraising platform GivenGain.
The next 12 months are packed with large-scale in-person sporting events including globally renowned South African greats like the Two Oceans Marathon, The Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Absa Cape Epic Mountain Biking race – with even more events planned after April.
“All of these and many more are registered on GivenGain, so event participants can simply visit their pages and start a personal, team or corporate fundraiser for charity,” says Jannie Smith, regional manager for Sub-Saharan Africa of the pioneering global fundraising platform, founded in 2001.
“The great news is that most of these events are open to all charities, so you’re likely to find your favourite cause there – and if they’re not, contact us and put us in touch with them!”
Fundraising impact
Sporting events don’t just give runners and cyclists a chance to prove themselves against the clock and each other – they also give participants an opportunity to make a life-changing difference to those less fortunate by using the event to fundraise.
Since 2018, these three events have raised over R7 million via the GivenGain platform for 280 charities, thanks to participants soliciting thousands of donations from more than 70 countries.
“There is a real buzz around events this year,” says Smith. “Although the routes won’t be lined with spectators until later in 2022, we’ve already seen runners and cyclists really push themselves this year in using these incredible SA events to raise money for good causes across the country and around the world.”
Case in point
One of the first big events to return is the Absa Cape Epic, which is gearing up for the 18th edition of ‘The Race That Measures All’ from 20 – 27 March.
Karen Clements, Race Director, says, “We are relieved to see that the authorities and event organisers are working closely together to enable the industry to open up again in a safe manner. The 2022 Absa Cape Epic route promises to stretch every team to their absolute limits while delivering riding that will carve its way into memories that will last a lifetime.”
“GivenGain is phenomenal as it allows for individual Cape Epic riders to create and promote their campaigns; what’s most exciting to us is seeing familiar names year on year and they never cease to raise funds for the causes close to their hearts. Our official charities are able to enjoy greater exposure and fundraising through the GivenGain platform to be able to make a real difference in the world.”
What’s new on GivenGain
“GivenGain is also excited to announce new fundraising technology for live events,” Smith says.
“During the pandemic, GivenGain designed and built a livestreaming widget to let the kindness continue online when in-person events weren’t possible. Now, our development team have adapted that technology to allow organisers to livestream their events on screens along the course and online. Our widget includes a donation total, live donation ticker and QR code that donors can scan with their phones to easily donate to registered charities.”
This new technology has got a lot of events excited; he continues. “It gives organisers a new way to instantly connect with donors – both online, when spectating isn’t possible, and on TV when spectators can return. We know through over a decade of fundraising experience that there is a spike in donations on the day of an event, so we’re thrilled to give another free tool to event organisers to help them maximise donations and the event’s social impact.”
If you are planning a sporting event this year, add to the fun with participant fundraising through GivenGain – at no cost to the fundraiser or event. Visit GivenGain to get started as a sport event, charity or fundraising runner, swimmer or cyclist!