COVID has created huge challenges for fundraisers by seriously limiting the types of fundraising efforts most schools, preschools & daycares can run. Traditional activities like school fairs, movie nights, and bake sales have been on hold since last year and it's not clear when they can resume as usual.
So PACs will need to get creative for this year's fundraising, and the simplest way to start is by signing your school up with existing fundraising programs through businesses where parents already shop, with a percentage of sales being given back to the school. We've rounded up a list of great options below for you to share with your school PAC! Once your school is signed up, all the PAC needs to do is spread the word about the list of businesses to parents so they know what steps to take to support their school.
pandemic-friendly fundraiser ideas
Whole fruit frozen bars made in North Vancouver. They do traditional in-school fundraisers, and they're now offering a brand new option to buy by the case with home delivery, with partial proceeds going back to the school. Email for details on home delivery options.
See details here
Well Fed is a boutique food studio nestled in the heart of the beautiful North Vancouver mountains. Just have your school added to their fundraising list, and all orders placed through that link will have 15% of the money sent back to the school.
See details here
Stylish, personalized labels that stay stuck to clothing, food containers & gear for school, daycare & home. Double your impact by supporting a Vancouver-based business! 20% commission is given back to your school on all purchases. No minimums.
See details here
Truffle Pig Chocolates are on a mission to sweeten the world with their beyond organic chocolates! Make a difference with ethical chocolate! Easy fundraising for your school made simple and fun. Up to 50% profit and free shipping to most areas within BC.
See details here
Tru Earth helps schools attain their fundraising goals, and families feel good about using their eco-strips laundry detergent to reduce plastic waste. Easy for schools to set up & good for the planet. It's a win-win!
See details here.
Few fundraisers are as easy as partnering with your local COBS Bread bakery. Simply reach out to your local COBS store and register your school. If parents mention their school's name at the time of purchase, a percentage goes back to the school.
See details here
Fundraise for your school by registering as a fundraising partner with this local North Vancouver samosa business. Delicious samosas, butter chicken sauce packs, chutney and other single serving dishes are available. 30% commission goes back to your school on all purchases.
See details here
Indigo has 2 fundraising options for schools. When you buy Indigo eGift Cards, Indigo donates 20% in store credit back to your school. Or, fundraise for 15% back in the form of a cheque.
See details here
Mabel’s Labels fundraising program is an easy and practical way to raise funds for your school, daycare or team while ensuring kids’ belongings stay out of the lost and found. 20% commission back to your school on all purchases with no set end date needed and no minimums.
See details here
One of the most COVID-friendly ways to organize a bottle drive through your local Return-It Depot is to set up a Bulk Account for your school. Then anytime a member of your community returns containers, all of the money goes into your school fundraising account!
See details here.
Pedro’s Organic Coffee is a family-owned and operated BC company with a long history in the coffee-roasting business. They're a micro-roaster focused on producing a high-quality, delicious cup of coffee from only organic beans. Their coffee fundraising program will supply your family & friends with small-batch organic artisan roasted specialty coffees, and a portion of the proceeds will support your child's school!
See details here.
Meraki Artisan Teas was born 4 years ago from the increasing demand for high quality, Canadian-produced whole leaf tea at an accessible price. Buy a box of tea for a brighter future! Their tea fundraising program will supply your family and friends with locally manufactured & ethically-sourced artisan teas, and raise much-needed funds for your child's school!
See details here.
We've also heard rumblings that hot lunch programs should be able to resume in many schools this fall, and this is GREAT news considering how much they used to contribute to school fundraising efforts pre-pandemic. In terms of hot lunch food providers, The Lunch Lady checks all the boxes with online ordering and payment processing, on-time delivery, and no parent volunteers or staff assistance required. They offer a streamlined approach for school hot lunch programs with pre-sorted meals by classroom and labeled for each student, and it can even be integrated with your school's existing online ordering platforms such as Munch-A-Lunch or hotlunches.net accounts that you may be using. We love that they're able to modify their meals to accommodate allergies, sensitivities, and food preferences so that everyone can participate. The Lunch Lady has been supporting healthier school environments across Canada since 1993, and their menus are designed by their in-house Nutrition Team to comply with all school food guidelines. Connect with The Lunch Lady team to learn more!
Wondering what to do with the kids in Metro Vancouver this weekend, or what to make for dinner? You can find it at HealthyFamilyLiving.com! From the Sunshine Coast to the Fraser Valley, we’re the best online resource for busy parents looking for practical tips for healthy, active, sustainable living. For the latest on family events, outdoor adventures, birthday parties, camps & classes and kid-approved recipes, follow us on Facebook and sign-up for our parent-approved e-newsletter!
