"WHY FUNDRAISERS ARE MAKING A DATE WITH DIGICALS"

Despite the yearly growth in charity numbers and income, the holy grail of every charity has always been to find a means to generate funds without incurring any costs.

In a world where every penny counts as much as every pound, speculating to accumulate is a little like taking two steps forward and one step back.

Helping to turn that backward step into a forward one is Digicals Limited of Stockport,Cheshire

This September, they joined forces with the 2006 British Transplant Games in Bath, to give the charity the means to raise funds with no financial outlay.

Immediately after the Games, supporters and sponsors of the charity were offered, through the charity’s website, the opportunity to buy a uniquely personalised 12-months calendar, created by Digicals, containing selected images from the Games.

The images, and calendar start date, could be chosen by the buyer, who could also further personalise it with birthdays, anniversaries and special events.

Peter Ford from Transplant Sport UK. said: "For the first time, thanks to Digicals, we can substantially boost our funds, without having to worry about how much it is going to cost us. What’s more, our supporters have been able to mark the 2006 Games in a completely and highly personal way. Something that simply hasn’t been possible before."

Nick Cookson from Digicals, explained how the process works. "Transplant Sport UK sent us their photographs of the Games events, which were then downloaded and stored digitally in our facility, using state-of-the-art technology. Supporters were then able to create their own quality, A3 spiral-bound calendars online from our calendar template, buy using secure payment through HSBC, and receive them 7 to 10 days later.

"There were no set-up costs whatsoever for Transplant Sport UK, and they didn’t have to worry about storage. Each order was received by Digicals and despatched by us. They will receive up to 40% of the purchase price of each calendar, which will go directly into their funds."

However, Nick was keen to point out that charities aren’t the only organisations to benefit from Digicals calendars. "Any organisation – from sports clubs to museums or universities - that needs to raise funds can do so with no financial outlay whatsoever.

"What’s more, by offering Digicals calendars to supporters, members and students, organisations can enjoy both increased funds and also increased traffic on their own websites."