Stampin' Up!® Day Of Service

Stampin' Up!® are holding a Day Of Service on May 16th and for a while I had been thinking about a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Ronald McDonald House Charities have accommodation attached to major women's and children's hospitals in major centres all over. Not only that, but there are professionals and volunteers to make these houses a home away from home for families. My family are fortunate enough to live close enough to the city, and my son says the recliner chair in his son's room is adequate for their overnight stays at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. So we haven't personally needed to avail ourselves of that service, but imagine a country-based family with a premmie or a child needing ongoing treatment?

When my paper situation seemed out-of-hand, after more than 7 years as a Stampin' Up® demonstrator, I began making up little quick and easy card packs. They fit nicely into a narrow basket and contain the basics for a card. You need to add a stamp, some ink and adhesive, so in many ways, my fund-raiser was semi-prepared when I made the decision.

The next steps were to approach my school Principal, and she readily gave permission. We then needed to find a place in the busy school calendar. Next week is national testing of our students, which makes it crazy, hectic and stressful for everyone, so it was decided to slot it in after the kids Mother's Day stall on Thursday morning. That is a non-working day for me so the only fair way that it would be a Day of Service. Samples were made at home, and stamps selected and added to my craft cart.

I was totally blown away by the experience! Our beautiful Business manager had made scones and provided jam and cream to go with them, the Principal announced the event over the PA system and a flood of people descended!!! I was flat out through that 30 minute session, and was very glad to have some time to sort and tidy once the teachers returned to class.Then I realised I'd forgotten to take any photos. I took a couple of pictures of the table and a partly-made project, in case I forgot again at the lunch-time session.

Mike was very pleased with his first ever card-making experience and agreed to share with you, while enjoying the delicious scones.

Carmen made a lovely Mother's Day card for her mother-in-law and has conceeded that she might try making some more cards. I hope she'll come over in the next school holidays for a fun session with another friend, who already loves to craft. Mother's Day cards and this retired sentiment were probably the most popular on the day, so maybe I'll need to think it through and hold it a week earlier next year. We've raised nearly $70, with a few more donations to be given on Monday.

I did not really market my business at this event, although I have left several Occasions and about-to-expire Annual catalogues in the staff room. At least people will be aware that I am available to do parties or purchase from.  It seemed fun for my colleagues. I hope it was.