‘tis the season to be jolly and spend our hard earned lolly!

My daughter already has her Christmas gift list in circulation, and many people are crossing off what they are going to be giving her this year. I am sure that it’s not going to leave much for Santa to fill her stocking with as despite the recession I know that friends and family will spoil her rotten because that’s what they do!  

So how can this festive season help the RSPB well there is eBay for Charity – buying and selling. With Christmas fast approaching you may be thinking of clearing out the cupboards to make space for those new gifts.  If you are selling on eBay why not donate some or all of your earnings to the RSPB.  Just select “sell for charity” when listing your items and choose the RSPB.  eBay will give you credit on your listing fees equal to the percentage you donate. We currently have two volunteers who sell donated items for us.  So if you are looking to buy pin badges please choose to buy direct from us – we get 100% of the money!

Looking for something different to put in those stockings or perhaps you are making your own crackers?  We have two cheeky robin pin badges that make an excellent gift and if you don’t want to leave home they are available from our eBay volunteer.  And if you want to get out then visit any of our reserve sites to see the full selection. We have lots of pin badges available – not just for Christmas!  If you are planning a family party or are looking for something different as wedding favours we can help.

Are you going away for Christmas and don’t want cards or gifts?  Why not set up a Just Giving page in lieu of Christmas gifts and ask your friends and relatives to make a donation to RSPB instead?  It’s easy to do and if your friends are tax payers they can Gift Aid their donation as well. 

Are you going to a ‘works’ Christmas party this year and dreading having to sit next to the bloke from finance? How about setting up a distraction to break the ice.....  You could have a small quiz or guessing game and raise money for the RSPB through In Aid of Fundraising at the same time.  If you are lucky enough to work for a large company – perhaps they would let you run a raffle or auction.  Whilst the bosses are in a seasonal mood it could be just the right time to persuade them to donate themselves for sale.  Just imagine having the Head of Marketing doing your ironing or cleaning your windows.

So I am going to be stuffing myself on turkey and mince pies and will be dreading getting on the scales come the New Year - doesn’t help that I have just given up smoking so I’ve been gaining gradually over the last 4 months. I’m going to let me hair down over Christmas but intend to make some New Year resolutions. I’ve found something that will test my new found lung capacity and will be good for strengthening my dodgy leg.

We are part of the Gold Challenge initiative in support of the 2012 Olympics.  You can choose to take part in five or 25 sports and raise money in the process.  All the activities can be done as a beginner and are organised by professionals in your area. Why not start planning your resolution now! 

Our Gold Challenge volunteer, Cosmo Blake says “The RSPB needs people like you and me to be a voice for nature and help them do the massively important work they do.” To find out more follow his blog. I quite fancy fencing!

Now that everyone is using email, twitter and facebook to keep in touch, Christmas is probably the only time of the year that we actually write a message in a card, put it in an envelope and use a post-box.  So don’t let all that effort go to waste – keep the used stamps that you receive and send to us, help us save the albatross by saving your used stamps.  Just keep the UK and Foreign ones separate as we get more money that way.

So that’s it really, Christmas all wrapped up with fundraising at the RSPB. If you want to get involved with us as a fundraising volunteer there are always roles such us local group treasurers, pin badge minders, Love Nature collectors and much much more.

Wishing you a very merry 'hic' Christmas.