Lending A Helping Paw to the Humane Society
Need tips for how to get the most out of your Doggie Dash page? You are in luck as Oregon Humane Society has tons of tips and tricks on their FAQ page! Just scroll down until you find the topic you would like help with.
In person fundraising can be a lot of fun if you are prepared and have a positive attitude. Be ready to hear "no" a lot, but don't let it discourage you. It makes the "yes" feel even more rewarding when you hear it. :)
Safety First! When you go out to fundraise, whether it's to chat with business owners, set up a donation table at an event, or knock on doors... Please keep these safety tips in mind.
Dress appropriately. You are representing Cause for Paws and the Humane Society. Please have a groomed appearance and dress according to the occasion. Wear an animal themed shirt or "business casual" attire to ask people for money.
Speak confidently. Be prepared to speak clearly, get your initial point across quickly and answer questions. It's okay if you don't know all the answers, just do your best with a positive attitude. Small children should do as much of the asking and talking themselves as possible, so parents might want to have them practice a few times before you go out.
Offer receipt confirmation. We recommend printing out our Fundraising Form, putting a few copies on a clipboard and taking a pen. This way you can offer to have the Humane Society send a receipt directly to the donor for their tax deductible contribution. Not everyone will want a receipt, but most people will appreciate the offer. All checks should be made out to the Humane Society.
Stay positive. Most people will be polite even if they say "no" but there is a possibility that you will come across some people who do not understand what you are doing and can be very rude. Do not take it personally. Just thank them for their time and move on.
Be respectful. If someone has a "No Soliciting" sign, please do not knock on their door or go into their business. They have those signs up for a reason. If the lights are off at a home, assume they are not there or sleeping. And please do not go to homes after 8pm. That's when many families are putting children to bed.
Have fun! Once you get the hang of it, you will gain confidence and you may even discover that you have a new talent that you really enjoy!
Cause for Paws is an annual benefit pageant that helps to support Oregon Humane Society shelter abandoned animals, fight cruelty and neglect, and work to build a caring, compassionate community. For more information about the Oregon Humane Society, please visit www.oregonhumane.org.