Movember
Moustache-growing fundraiser voted as best from 22 campaigns presented by fundraising experts
The moustache-growing initiative Movember has been voted the most inspiring fundraising campaign at an event in London.
I Wish I’d Thought of That, which took place in London yesterday and was streamed live on the Third Sector website, saw 22 leading fundraisers reveal their favourite fundraising ideas.
Andy Harris, director of fundraising at Action for Children, chose Movember, which raises funds for and awareness of prostate and testicular cancer.
In a text poll at the end of the event, which was run by the Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration, the 243 audience members voted the campaign as the best.
Harris, who had grown a moustache for his presentation, singled out the campaign for developing a fun and simple idea that had captured the imagination and competitive spirits of men around the world, raising £18.5m for its causes in 2011.
"Movember has changed the face of fundraising," he said.
In second place was a campaign dating from the Second World War for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Aline Reed, creative director at Bluefrog, highlighted the innovative appeal to help rebuild the children’s hospital after it was bombed.
In third place was Médecins Sans Frontières’ campaign that involved selling "tablets to heal someone else’s pain" in the form of packets of menthol sweets at pharmacies around Spain. It was chosen by Reuben Steains, fundraising innovations manager at Amnesty International, who set a challenge for the audience: "What would your organisation sell on a supermarket shelf?"
Sofii, which was founded by fundraising expert Ken Burnett, is an online tool for fundraisers that showcases the best ideas in the industry.
