Raise$500 FAQ » Presbyterian Support Otago

What is Raise$500?

We are asking supporters to raise money to help fund community services across Otago. Most of our services are available free of charge to those who need it, offering a lifeline to vital support services.

Raise$500 appeal is a fun and flexible way to make a real impact – right here in Otago. From morning teas and sponsored runs to quiz nights and sausage sizzles, you choose how you want to fundraise.

All money raised goes directly to supporting social services in Otago. Your efforts help local children, families, and older people access support groups to build connection and skills, parenting programmes, financial mentoring, social work and more.

So gather your friends, whānau, organisation, or workplace and help raise $500 to support Presbyterian Support Otago’s vital community services.

What if I don't manage to raise $500?

We are incredibly grateful for all money raised to support our services, even if you are unable to raise $500. Any money raised will still make a difference and we value your support!

What if I raise more than $500?

All money raised will be used for supporting social services in Otago, if you raise more than $500, that is fantastic and we are incredibly grateful! Your efforts help local children, families, and older people access support groups to build connection and skills, parenting programmes, financial mentoring, social work and more.

How it works

1. Gather your group
Get together with your friends, whānau, school, or workplace – fundraising is more fun and much easier in a group, although you can go it alone if you prefer!

2. Signup on our website & download your resources
Once you signup, download resources from our fundraising pack, there are lots of ideas to get you started. We will set you up with a personalised donation button on our Raise$500 website page (please note this may take a couple of days). Register for Raise$500

3. Decide how you want to fundraise
It is completely up to you how you want to fundraise! You might like to do a sponsored walk or run (the Dunedin Marathon is on 14 September, with registration closing 9 September), or host a dinner party with guests donating on your button when attending. By using your donation button, your supporters can donate directly to support your campaign, without you having to collect cash. See our website for more fundraising ideas and how to get started!

4. Keep track of your progress
You can track your progress on our donation button towards your goal. Keep your fundraiser top of mind, by posting on your social media and telling your friends all about it!

5. Celebrate your achievement
We are incredibly grateful for everyone who supports our services, and we would love to help you celebrate your achievement by sharing this on social media.

Fundraising ideas to get you started

1. For families, flatmates and groups

Have a birthday, wedding or anniversary coming up? Ask your friends or family to contribute to your Raise$500 appeal in lieu of gifts.
Do a sponsored walk or run (the Dunedin Marathon is on 14 September, with registration closing 9 September)
Art Sale or Gallery: Kids create artwork and host a mini exhibition or sell pieces to family and friends.
Host a wine and cheese evening/dinner party/morning tea/lunch/other event with guests donating to your Raise$500 when attending
Hold a plant, craft or bake sale. Tell people you have a Raise$500 appeal and they might donate more that the item is worth
Talent Show: Singing, dancing, magic tricks—invite your family and friends and charge a small entry fee
Get family, friends or co-workers to sponsor you to go without devices, go plastic free or ride your bike to work. You set the timeframe
Dog walking
Garage sale
Car wash
Farmers Market stall – one available each year

2. For businesses or organisations

Your business could set aside a percentage of each sale for your Raise$500 appeal. Post a QR code linked to your Raise$500 profile and encourage patrons to donate. Ask us for cards for your tables if that would help. Eg. 50c from each sale on a given day of the week goes towards your fundraising target
Donation box on counter - this could be something really interesting like a teapot with a little sign
Special offering (for churches)
Dress-Up or Dress-Down Day: Pay to wear something fun or casual.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions please get in touch, we would be more than happy to guide you through the process! Please email fundraising@psotago.org.nz or call our office on 03 477 7115

Fundraising pack