Engaging hybrid teams in charity fundraising – Jeans for Genes style

At Jeans for Genes, we understand the challenges of engaging a hybrid team when traditional charity events are designed for everyone to be together in the same office.

However, with a touch of creativity and a commitment to making a difference, we believe it's possible to foster a sense of togetherness and make a meaningful impact. We have our big fundraising week coming up in September from 18th-24th, so in this article we’ll explore different ideas to build team engagement (regardless of their physical location) while raising money for Jeans for Genes!

Virtual fundraising challenges

Organise virtual fundraising challenges that encourages your team to participate from anywhere. They can set personal goals, such as running, walking, or cycling a certain distance within a specified timeframe (and of course if they really want to, they can do it in their jeans!). Provide a central place where the team can track their progress and share updates with their colleagues. If you wanted to go one step further, you could even offer incentives or matched donations for reaching certain milestones.

Denim dress-UP day

We know offices traditionally have dress DOWN days but if you’re working in a hybrid environment, bring some light-hearted fun to your virtual workspace and encourage individuality by asking teams to take part in a "Denim dress-UP day." Encourage everyone to wear their favourite denim attire and share pictures or videos on your team's communication channels. In return for a small contribution, you’ll be not only having fun and showcasing your team's style but also creating a buzz around Jeans for Genes week.

Virtual denim DIY workshop

Denim is not just a fabric; it's a canvas for creativity and we’re all about recycling rather than buying new. Organise a virtual Denim DIY workshop where your team members can explore their artistic sides. Ask them to find an old pair of jeans and then let the fun begin! Encourage them to transform these items into unique creations like bags, shorts or anything else they can think of. You can then auction these items afterward, with the proceeds going directly to Jeans for Genes.

Jeans for Genes trivia tournament

Host a virtual charity quiz night for your team, inviting them to test their knowledge while raising funds for Jeans for Genes. Through the bigcharityquiz.org you can play our national online quiz for just ￡3 per person. Not only do you get to put your knowledge to the test within your company, but the virtual leaderboard will also show how you stack up against players across the UK.

Virtual denim bingo

Put a denim twist on a classic game by organising a virtual denim-themed bingo event. Create custom bingo cards with denim-related items like "denim jacket," "double denim," or "distressed jeans." Host a virtual game session and provide digital bingo cards to each participant for a small entry fee. The excitement of winning, coupled with the charitable aspect, will add a fun dimension to your hybrid team's fundraising efforts.

Virtual recycled denim store

While physical clothing sales may be challenging for a hybrid team, a virtual denim store can be a great alternative. Create a dedicated online platform or forum where team members can post pictures and descriptions of denim items they no longer wear. Team members can then pay a small donation to Jeans for Genes to buy the items.

Online auctions and raffles

Organise online auctions or raffles to raise funds for Jeans for Genes. Encourage team members to donate items or services that can be auctioned or raffled off to support oue fundraising. Technology doesn’t have to be a barrier, using a simple spreadsheet or your internal SharePoint system can work brilliantly.

Engaging your hybrid team in charity participation can be just as engaging as working together in a physical location. By infusing creativity and fun you can foster a sense of togetherness and make a meaningful impact. So, let's rally our hybrid teams, put on our favourite pair of jeans, and make a difference to the lives of families across the UK this September.

Sign up here to take part and download your free fundraising pack.