| Fair Trade Fundraiser Program: Idea Share - Beyond Door-to-Door |
Lisa Cochran’s family has taken fundraising beyond the typical door-to-door efforts. “This has been a family project, and a great learning experience for everybody,” she said. “My husband, son, and daughter have all helped.” Her son is a seventh grader and her daughter is in third grade. While only her daughter’s school is participating in the fundraiser, her son has been extremely involved. “My son has been a driving force behind all of this,” Lisa said.
 During two school open houses in September, the Cochran family set up a table with coffee and chocolate samples, and even a special iced rooibos tea. They sold 12-oz. bags of coffee and individual chocolate bars. “It was great because my son helped me set up everything, then he was giving people samples, telling people about Fair Trade and its importance,” she said.
The Cochrans have also started tabling on Saturday mornings at community soccer games, selling coffee, hot chocolate and even baked goods made with Fair Trade and organic ingredients. “Last Saturday [Sept. 26], we made $450,” she said. Her son had so much fun that he wanted to miss his soccer game so that he could continue staffing the table.
Lisa said the kids' involvement in the fundraising makes them feel good about themselves, and they learn important skills. “They learn how to organize a coffee sale; learn how to make change from sales, how to make eye contact, and how to relate to people,” Lisa said. “And, they really start to think outside the box. Their entrepreneurial spirits come out.” For example, one student realized he could increase coffee sales if he offered free delivery to parents sitting on the sidelines.
“I see my kids taking charge, and making this their own, with a sense of pride,” Lisa said. “It’s not just parents doing all the work. The kids are raising money for their PTO, for their school.”
The growing support from other families and community members has made the project less burdensome. “It’s been so much fun, it doesn’t seem like work,” she said.
Share you stories with us! Email fundraising@equalexchange.coop and tell us about the unique ways you are motivating members of your group.
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