Raising money for Thirteen Three gave me a sense of achievement. I know that I’ve done something practical to help others.
Annie, RAYD8 Youth Group, Emu Plains

One way that you can help Thirteen Three support persecuted Christians is by organising your own fundraising initiative. Whether it’s a fun-run, a trivia night or a cake stand after church, this is a really effective way to raise awareness and funds for persecuted Christians. Plus, you’ll have heaps of fun!

Check out what these youth and youth groups have already done to raise money for Thirteen Three.

Would you like to fundraise for the persecuted church?

If you are inspired to fundraise for Thirteen Three in 2012, we would love to support you with resources and promotional material. Please send an email to info@thirteenthree.org.au or call 02 4759 3700.

Fundraising Ideas

For individuals

1. Sacrifice something you love and donate the money saved. Buy one less coffee every week and at the end of 10 weeks you’ll have saved $30.

2. Make a donation to Thirteen Three above and beyond your regular tithe.

3. Ask your friends and family to GIVE.

For groups

1. Lolly Jar. Buy a large glass jar from a discount shop. Fill it with lollies (make sure you count how many you put in). Keep it at youth group for one term and charge people $2 to guess how many lollies are in the jar (keep a record of everyone’s guesses). At the end of term, announce the winner – they get to keep the lolly jar and all the money raised goes to support the students!

2. Cake Stall. Organise for the youth group to run morning tea at church one Sunday. Get those who are good in the kitchen to bake some goodies and sell them for morning tea. Use the opportunity to let your church know about the persecuted church and ask them to buy their morning tea with all proceeds going to support the students. This is a great opportunity for you to serve your church while raising money at the same time!

3. Car Wash. Get ready for a fun day in the sun! Charge $10 for a car wash, let people know what you are doing and prepare to get wet as you raise money for this exciting project.

4. Garage Sale. Ask your family and people at your church to clear out their house and garage and donate their stuff for a Garage Sale. Make sure you advertise and plan ahead for wet weather.

5. Bring a Dollar. Ask everyone to bring a dollar to youth group. You might ask people to wear a fancy hat or clothes from the 70s, or just collect money at the door.

For events

1. Band Night. Most bands will play for free when you tell them that you’re raising money for a good cause. Invite all the local youth to come and charge an entrance fee. Show a Voice of the Martyrs video and explain what you are raising money for. Consider inviting a Thirteen Three speaker.

2. Café Night. Create your menu: some yummy food, hot chocolate, milkshakes. Set up the room with tables, cushions and extra decorations. Get your youth to serve on the night. Put a money tin on each table for extra donations and start taking orders!

3. Trivia Night. Charge $15 at the door. Ask local businesses and individuals to donate prizes for an auction or raffle on the night. Make sure you have a great MC and share more information about Thirteen Three on the night.

4. House Party. Invite your friends over for a hang out or a meal. Let them know about the underground Bible college students and invite them to give a gift to help you meet your fundraising target. Pray for the students, remembering that they do not have the same freedom to meet and pray together. Why don’t you turn it into a movie night and watch Underground Reality: Vietnam? (Order your copy here). You’ll see the reality of persecution first hand, as you join Voice of the Martyrs and eight teenagers travelling through the cities, jungles and everyday life of the underground church in Vietnam.