Written by Spencer Slater
Aurora Copywriting
The New Year is always a time to start thinking about our goals and priorities for the coming 12 months. Many of us wonder how we might make a positive impact within our community. Whether it’s a personal resolution, a team challenge at work, or a community event in our neighbourhood, January is the perfect time to start planning.
We’re asking animal lovers in Hull and across the East Riding to start 2026 by organising a fundraiser in support of the animals in our care. From simple bake sales, creative sponsored challenges, and team events, there are countless ways to get involved.
And you’re not on your own, our team is here to help you every step of the way!
Fundraising is at the Heart of What We Do
Each year, RSPCA Hull & East Riding rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes hundreds of animals with nowhere else to turn. The emergency veterinary treatment, food, shelter, and behavioural care we provide depends heavily on the generosity of our local community.
Without the fundraising efforts of our supporters, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
Dream Big or Start Small: Fundraisers for Everyone
Fundraising events can be as simple or as ambitious as you like. Whether you love to bake, run, enjoy hosting events, or thrive on a personal challenge, there are numerous ways to get involved.
Here are some of our favourite fundraising ideas:
- Host a Bake Sale or Coffee Morning
Bake sales are a great way to support our work. They bring people together, spark conversation, and can be organised in schools, workplaces, churches, and even your front garden. Even if you’re not a baker yourself, team up with friends, neighbours, and local businesses to donate cakes and biscuits.
- Organise a Pub Quiz or Mini Community Event
Pub quizzes, karaoke evenings, and bingo nights, are brilliant ways to have fun, be sociable, and raise money at the same time. Pubs and community centres are often happy to support charity events for local causes. Whether you charge a small entry fee or raise money another way, you’ve got a great night that supports local animals in need.
- Set a New Year Personal Challenge
New Year is a great time for setting personal goals and challenges for the months ahead. Combining a personal challenge with fundraising can make a big difference, not only to the charity you’re raising funds for, but also to your motivation.
If you’re looking to get fit, lose w
eight, or improve your mental health, then a fundraising challenge can be a great way to meet your goals.
You could:
- Commit to walking 10,000 steps a day for a month
- Run your first 5K, 10K, or marathon
- Take on “Dry January” and get sponsored for it
- Complete a cycling or hiking challenge
- Set a dog-walking distance goal throughout the month
Completing a goal can give you a feeling of real achievement and help your own wellbeing, while raising funds for a great cause.
- Take On a Team Challenge with Friends or Colleagues
Team challenges can be fun and rewarding, strengthening bonds and making shared memories. Whether you organise workplace, community group, sports club, or classroom events, fundraising is even more rewarding when you share it with others:
Your team might choose to:
- Do a sponsored fitness challenge
- Host a charity football match or sports day
- Organise a community pet show
- Carry out a community clean-up
- Host a community brunch event
Whether you decide to do something adventurous and physical, or small-scale in your community, team events are a great way to support our work while building community spirit.
- Celebrate a Special Occasion with a Fundraiser
Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and children’s parties are all opportunities to get together and celebrate. Many of our supporters decide to raise funds in place of gifts, setting up donation pages or asking guests to buy an item from our wishlist, such as food, toys, treats, or blankets
It can be a meaningful way to mark a special milestone, giving you the satisfaction of knowing that your celebration also helped animals in need of urgent loving care.
Whatever You’re Planning We’re Here to Help
Even if you’ve never organised a fundraiser before, you’re not alone. RSPCA Hull & East Riding are on hand to provide resources, guidance, and promotional materials to help your event run smoothly.
Whether you’re planning a small community event, want to get sponsored, or a larger ambitious fundraiser, our friendly team is ready to support you however we can.
Some of the things we can help with include:
- posters and branding materials
- setting up online fundraising pages
- sharing your event on social media
- offering fundraising advice and ideas
Combining your enthusiasm with our support can ensure your event makes a real impact.
Support Your Local Animal Charity In 2026
Your ideas, time, and kindness have the power to transform the lives of the animals in our care. By organising a fundraising event, you’ll be helping vulnerable dogs, cats, and other animals get the second chance they deserve.
If you have an idea, are ready to get started, or would like to chat about the possibilities, we’d love to hear from you.
