IMPACT ON A SHOESTRING

Muscular Dystrophy NSW Sugar Free September

High Commendation

Team Zan Schmidt SBJ Studios

Charlotte Sangster MFIA CFRE

With just one dedicated part-time employee managing the campaign, and a small group of volunteers to help make activation phone calls and engage prospective sponsors, MS NSW were able to raise $215,124 (above the $200K target) and engage more than 1,400 people to participate in the challenge of going ‘sugar free for MD’ for the month of September.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, MDNSW’s usual kids camp programs were unable to be held, leaving a major income gap in the budget. The money raised from Sugar Free September helped to keep the organisation afloat. It is their largest income generating fundraising activity. People can choose how seriously they want to take the challenge, by going zero sugar or just giving up one bad sugary habit. It’s up to them! Resources and tips are provided to help fundraisers. The campaign attracts many new audiences to the community and therefore helps attract new fundraisers and donors. It’s also very effective in raising awareness about muscular dystrophy, with many joining the campaign because they like the sound of the challenge, but not knowing anything about MD. Most people upon learning about the condition are very moved by the lives of those with it and return year upon year to the challenge to show their support.