Execution: Made a cute logo, filled out all information, invited 356 friends, included 'pinned' post with link to give, every couple days updated the page and 'shared' it on my timeline.
Result: {almost a complete} f. a. i. l. 5 donations. Better than nothing. But seriously? Five?
Research: Skyped with a friend one day, mentioned the fundraiser - "The what? What was that? When was that? I'm your best friend, why didn't I hear about it?"
"Um, I don't know, I invited you, I shared it on my timeline, you should have seen it at some point."
"No way! I never saw it. Oh. Wait. On your page it says I'm not 'following' you. I never see anything you post. That's weird! How'd that happen? Uhhh.. maybe that's why you had such a small turnout. Facebook is so stupid."
"Arg. Seriously. AH! Frustrated."
"Aw, I'm sorry friend."
Brilliant Idea #2: Host a virtual fundraiser, but DON'T rely only on facebook.
So here it is - attempt #2 at raising awareness and funds for some ministries we're connected to here in Tanzania.
Make sure you choose "Missions-Battersons" from the drop-down menu!
In order for us to track how much we're giving to the playground ministry, please email us when you give your donation. There's no 'memo line' on our church's online giving, so this will be the only way to ensure 50% goes to the playground!
Unfortunately, some of the older kids in the neighborhood don't think Saturday is enough. So they've broken into the playground during the week several times, cutting holes through the fencing and the barbed wire, tearing apart the bridge, taking the wood pieces, the chain for the swings, and more. The playground needs some repairs to make it safe again, and a guard needs to be hired to be on the property 24/7 to ensure this doesn't keep happening.
The kids are also given a snack each weekend, a pack of biscuits that is a huge treat to them. Right now the founder of the playground is floating the $60/week for the biscuits, but I'd love to see a week or two taken care of so she doesn't have to worry about it!
Njoro is a village and this is Africa which means it is downright HOT, even at 9am. Right now there are two tarps that have been sewn together that are stretched across the play structure to offer shade for the kids, but the tarps have been torn and tattered in the wind and we could use more to properly shade the area. There is also a need for a toilet to be built, electricity to be run to the area - as you can imagine all of these things cost money. So as a way to help raise awareness and funds for the playground ministry we've decided to do this $12-12-12 fundraiser.
(of course, if you feel led to give more than $12, feel free!) :)
In order for us to track how much we're giving to the playground ministry, please email us when you give your donation. There's no 'memo line' on our church's online giving, so this will be the only way to ensure 50% goes to the playground!
You can read more about the playground ministry and our experience with it here, and you can see Owen's take on it here.
The other 50% of donations will go toward keeping us on the ground here in Moshi, so we can connect with more ministries and spread more of God's unending love!
If you'd like to sign up for our newsletter and see more of what's happening you can do so here.
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