Walk to Welcome

1. Plan Your Challenge

One of the best things about Walk to Welcome is that there is no single way to take part. Whether you enjoy walking, cycling, baking, singing, hosting events, or bringing people together, you can create a fundraiser that suits your interests, gifts, and your community.

Walking is at the heart of Walk to Welcome, and there are so many ways to walk to raise funds! You could:

Walk 5km, 10km, or a marathon distance.
Walk a mile every day for a month.
Complete a sponsored pilgrimage or prayer walk.
Walk between local churches in your area.
Organise a group walk with friends, family, colleagues, or your church.
Walk to church instead of driving for a week or a month.
Challenge yourself to walk a certain number of steps over a set period.

Be creative! The most successful fundraisers are often the ones that reflect your - the fundraiser’s - passions and talents.

Setting Fundraising Targets

There is no minimum fundraising target for Walk to Welcome. You might aim to raise:

£50
£100
£300
£500
£1,000
£5,000 or more

Every amount makes a difference! Of course, the more you raise, the more churches can be equipped and trained, and more refugees will be welcomed in their neighbourhoods. But remember, your event is about more than raising money. It is also an opportunity to:

Raise awareness about the experiences of refugees and people seeking asylum.
Start meaningful conversations in your church and community.
Encourage people to learn more about welcome and belonging.
Show refugees and people seeking asylum in your area that they are seen, valued, and welcomed.

So, please feel free to choose a target that feels achievable, but also motivates you.

Planning Your Event

Download the Event Planning Checklist here!

- Decide your fundraising target.
- Choose the type of challenge or event you would like to organise.
- Decide whether you will need volunteers to help. Examples include:
  - Managing registrations or donations.
  - Staffing a welcome or information table.
  - Taking photographs or videos.
  - Setting up and clearing away equipment.
- Gather any items, prizes, or donations needed for raffles, auctions, or fundraising activities.
- Choose and secure your date.
- Book and confirm your venue if required.
- Choosing a fundraising channel and creating a fundraising page.
  - If Welcome Churches is not already registered on your chosen platform, please contact finance@welcomechurches.org so we can make this possible.
  - If you opt for offline fundraising, print out a sponsorship form.
- Consider accessibility and how people of different ages and abilities can participate.
  - Can children participate (with parental supervision)?
- Tell friends, family, church members, colleagues, and neighbours about your event.
- Invite potential volunteers if you need volunteer support.
- Explain why you are supporting Welcome Churches and invite people to participate or donate.
- Share the fundraising page link widely.
- Promote your event through church notices, newsletters, social media, WhatsApp groups, and community networks.
- Tell Welcome Churches about your plans. Email us at info@welcomechurches.org!
If using a venue:
- Finalise your programme and schedule.
- Confirm audio-visual equipment requirements.
- Ensure venue agreements are completed and understood.
- Set up a safe and reliable system for receiving and recording donations, whether online or in person.
- Send reminders to participants and supporters.
  - Confirm volunteer roles and responsibilities.
  - Send attendees final details, directions, and timings.
- Test any equipment, microphones, presentations, or technology you plan to use.
- Prepare donation signs, QR codes, collection points, or fundraising materials.
- Brief volunteers and confirm everyone's responsibilities.
- Ensure donation stations and fundraising information are clearly visible.
- Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the event.
- Take photographs and videos where appropriate.
- Keep track of donations and attendance if needed.
- Enjoy the day and celebrate what you are achieving together.
- Share photos and stories from your event on social media, while being mindful of privacy and safeguarding considerations.
  - Tag #WalkToWelcome and @WelcomeChurches so we can celebrate with you.
- Thank everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, or supported your event.
- Record the total amount raised.
- Transfer donations to Welcome Churches using the guidance in this pack.
- Let us know how your event went - we would love to hear your story.

Planning your own fundraiser? Whether you're looking for fundraising ideas, promotion tips, or advice on running a fun and safe event, our Walk to Welcome Info Pack is here to help. Download it below and start planning your challenge today.

Download Info Pack here