What was the fundraising for?
The Calderdale Flood Fund was launched to help rebuild the lives of the families and businesses affected by the flooding in Calder Valley in Yorkshire in December 2015. The community was hit by Storm Eva – the worst storm it had experienced in more than 50 years – on Christmas Day.
What methods were used?
CFFC used a combination of methods to promote the campaign. Amid international press coverage of the destruction, the charity created an appeals page on the online giving platform Localgiving and brokered support from large corporates and businesses. It used social media, telephone and email to provide parties interested in the flooding, including the press, with regular updates. Posters and leaflets were circulated online and around the Calder Valley in a bid to keep the cause uppermost in people’s minds, and social media was use to ensure that supporters could see the progress of the campaign and how much was raised. The charity’s staff and volunteers were on hand to speak to potential donors at emergency hubs in the local area and a fundraising screening of the BBC crime drama Happy Valley was held.
How much was raised in total?
The appeal raised £3.2m, including match funding from the government. Localgiving donations represented £250,000 of the total raised, making it the website’s most successful appeal to date.
What did the judges say?
Rebecca Elcome, head of events at Ark, said: "I was particularly impressed by the achievements of such a small team in such a short time, demonstrating how hard work and dedication can raise significant funds with little spend."
Highly commended
Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity for the Big Hoot 2015
Finalists
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity for the Give to GOSH appeal
The Leprosy Mission (England & Wales) for the Feet First Campaign
Macmillan Cancer Support for Brave the Shave
