Why raising money for charity is harder than you think - what I learned doing a 10 Day Water Fast for Charity

What a challenge! I have so much respect for Charity Fundraisers right now it’s unreal. On Tuesday 13th September at 5pm I started my 10 Day Water Fastfor charity to be exact, for the RNLI. I was doing it as part of their #H2Only Challenge where really you’re supposed drink water with meals for 10 days, but instead I decided to do drink water for 10 days… without any food. Why?

I had just completed the 90 day water challenge a few days earlier and felt people would think I’m selling out and being a bit lame if I continue to do that for another 10 days. So I did it to challenge myself. Little did I know how tough it might actually be.

As it has been officially been 48 hours since the completion of this challenge, I thought it was worth sharing my reflections which can be summarised the following 5 lessons I’ve learnt along the journey:

1. Who would YOU like to give (to this cause)?

I’ve learned that the first rule of communication is know thy audience. This experience reminded me in a spectacularly painful fashion. I decided to openly canvass at the bus stop, at corner shops and even on the train for donations from the general public.

Whilst many people were happy to give their hard-earned cash to the worthy cause, but there were some cases of people who didn’t give a penny! I felt so ashamed. This happened more in London than it did outside of London because social attitudes are different. Hence, knowing you’re audience.

2. Promote it

Tell everyone about it!! Especially as it’s for charity, I’m doing it for a good cause and I’m bettering my life at the same time as helping other people’s lives. This is why I’m so grateful and thankful to the Hackney Gazette for covering my story for my 90 Day Water Challenge.

3.Write about it

To rectify the mistake of not writing enough during the 10 Day Water Fast or the 90 Day Water challenge, I’m doing it now!

4. Do NOT be afraid

The hardest part was not eating food, but next to that was drumming up the courage to go out and canvas support. I was so scared of doing that because I didn’t want to look stupid. I didn’t want to be humiliated or feel embarrassed every time someone rejected me or said they didn’t want to give. Besides, it does happen more often than you think.

But you have to be prepared for the rejection if you’re going to do things like this. You have to keep going even when the going gets tough because you’re doing it for a good cause.

5. It’s never too late

Even though I’ve completed the 10 Day Water Fast people are still donating and I’m still telling people about it. Why? You’d be surprised to find that there are still many people who have not heard about it. Especially the people who were scared for me as they thought it was dangerous!!

Lastly, I feel my propensity to give has increased because now I know how hard it is to raise money on my own. Hats off to every charity or charitable organisation that has to do this on a regular basis. I have SO much respect!