New year, new challenge?
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
Catching Lives is an independent charity in Canterbury. With no contracts from the council or government, our funding relies on public donations, grants from trusts and foundations, and social enterprise (including profits from the Catching Lives Bookshop in the Crooked House on Palace Street, Canterbury). Public giving from individuals, community groups, schools and churches – including sponsorship and fundraising events – makes up around 36% of our annual income. That covers the cost of, for example, running the charity for 4.5 months of the year in order to support c.300 people during over 4,500 visits.
We rely on the generosity of our supporters to be able to open 7 days a week so that people sleeping rough have a place to go, especially at weekends when most services are closed. This year, we’re asking supporters old and new to take on a fundraising challenge in support of Catching Lives.
Community fundraising is a lovely way to do good, enjoy (and maybe challenge) yourself, and to connect with other people. Small charities like ours can only keep delivering services to people in need when there’s fundraising across our community throughout the year.
You might take inspiration from previous fundraisers. Nick at Benenden School ran 10km a day for 100 days, raising £2,670. Whitstable Street Pastor Denise committed to an incredible ’7 for 70’, raising more than £10k over a year with activities including a rock climb, garden party and calendar of photographs. Our colleague Becky’s cold water swimming raised £1,420, while teammate Rosie completed 150 Days of Movement to raise £1,075. Freeman House held a coffee morning that raised £260, and Cranbrook Apple Fayre donated £265. We’ve seen community fundraisers putting on quizzes, supper clubs, bake sales, raffles, club nights and gigs. There are ideas to suit all ages and abilities – and every donation helps people who are homeless in Canterbury.
Once you’ve chosen your fundraiser, set up a JustGiving page or contact our Fundraising Officer, Georgia, for support.
In 2026 you can take on the Kent Charity Trek – a 25km or 50k hike through beautiful countryside Saturday 16 May 2026. Our Chief Executive, Tasmin, has begun training for the 50km challenge. She said: “Last year’s 25km was hard work, but a lot of fun, and I’m determined to complete the 50km route this year, hopefully raising lots of money for our work and for Kent Search & Rescue in the process!” Find out more and join the Trek or sponsor Tasmin and Team Catching Lives here.
If you’re part of a company, how about choosing Catching Lives as your Charity of the Year? Team events through the year really add up – in 2024, accountants Azets in Ashford raised £2,068 through a year of regular events in the office, including tuck shop and panini days.
Don’t forget to tell us what you decide to do! Email Georgia or tag @CatchingLives on social media, we’d love to say thank and share your achievements!
