There are so many ways to get involved and help marginalized children, youth and their families.
Plan an event
Want to do something FUN while giving back at the same time?
Why not plan a community event, private dinner party or enter a marathon to raise funds for marginalized children? Community events are a great way to advocate for a cause you believe in while having a blast at the same time! You can show your support by throwing a fundraiser at work or simply setting up a personal donation page for a marathon you’re running.
Here are some great ideas for events:
- Theme/Costume Parties
- BBQs
- Dinner Parties
- Gala Fundraisers
- Holiday Celebrations
- Walk/Dance/Bike/Spin-A-Thons
- Sports Tournaments
- Craft Shows
- Bake/Book Sales
- Art Auctions
- Corporate Dress-Down Days
If you want to plan an event in support of Friends-International, download our fundraising guide to get more ideas and tips. You can also contact us to discuss your plans and we can provide advice and answer any questions you may have.
In kind donations
Our constant needs include:
- Rice for kids’ meals in Education Centers and Transitional Homes
- Bedding & mattresses for our Transitional Homes
- Hygiene Materials – shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, washing detergent
- Clothing and shoes for children/youth (aged 0-24 years old)
- Bicycles for student transit to school or work
- Sewing machines for family income-generation projects ( Home-Based Production)
- Computers (working) for students or staff
- Printers/Scanners for office work
- Second-hand motorbikes for outreach and mechanics training for students
- Second-hand trucks for student transport
We may also have special needs not listed for a specific program. In line with Friends-International’s policy, we will issue receipts for all in-kind donations detailing the items donated. If you wish to make a donation in-kind, please contact us to discuss specific needs in each country.
Eat and Shop
Eat at a Friends restaurant
If you’re in the area, support our hospitality students by eating at one of our award-winning TREE alliance restaurants. Find them here.
Get a Manicure
Treat yourself to a massage or manicure! Our students receive real-life experience by serving you, and as a result, are highly-employable upon graduation. Find our beauty salons here.
Buy Souvenirs
Get all your travel memories, cookbooks and accessories at Friends ‘N’ Stuff, where your purchase helps provide immediate income to marginalized families, so parents can keep their children in school (and off the streets). Learn more about our shops here.
Shop at Amazon Smile
If you shop online, go to Amazon Smile, select Friends-International and Amazon will donate 0.5% of proceeds to help kids.
Volunteer
We love volunteers! We often advertise volunteer positions, but if you have a particular skill that you think we could use, please contact us. Please keep in mind that we do not promote “voluntourism” and prefer to welcome volunteers for a minimum of three months to ensure sustainable education and business. We do not provide financial assistance to volunteers, nor do we charge fees to volunteers. Please read our volunteering conditions.
We often require expertise in a wide range fields, such as:
- Fashion designers
- Social workers
- Database specialists
- Journalists
- Copywriters
- Graphic designers
- Web developers
- Film-makers
- Chefs
- Researchers
- Vocational skill specialists and trainers
Check out our current volunteering positions here.
Cause marketing
Customers love products that make a difference!
If you have a business, why not donate a percentage of a product’s proceeds to help children in-need? This type of social responsibility, often referred to as cause-related or social marketing, shows your commitment as a responsible citizen to causes that matter. Help your customers feel great by offering socially-responsible products that can change a child’s life. Social marketing is a great way to give something back and increase your sales.
If you are interested in discussing cause-related marketing opportunities, contact us.
Planned giving
Leave a lasting legacy for future generations by making a bequest gift in your will. Bequests gifts allow individuals to make a real philanthropic difference in the future while maximizing tax benefits to their estates.
To leave your legacy, contact your lawyer or financial institution to discuss your options. Or email us if you need help locating appropriate support.