Ground Control to Colonel Tom

Posted by Tim Stansbury on 1 May 2020

Well. That just happened!

The amazing story of a now 100-year-old WW2 veteran who by the simplest of messages raised over £32 million (and counting) for the NHS, is now a household name and gave us all in the Giving Sector something to think about.

Colonel Tom’s message was highly visible, simple and transparent. It gave people a route to giving, to support the action of one man, but crucially at the very same time allowing us all to feel involved. Technology was the medium that united a WW2 veteran’s actions with these incredible results. His voluntary message was unassuming but direct. He did it (brilliantly) and technology delivered it.

Once again we have learnt individuals and society want to help, and we are seeing this all the time in both small ways; paying for a nurses petrol, and big; switching a production line from hoovers to ventilators.

But what really is at the core of the incredible things people are doing to help each other?

When the feeling of giving is stripped right back to its philanthropic roots, it is about individuals within a complex society believing that they can make a difference, that they can help. That the power of their individual giving is going to be counted.

This thought, along with various others, made me re-consider many things. The techniques we use here at Givergy are all essential to help our clients maximise funds raised:

• Online fundraising platforms
• Auctions
• Direct donations
• Raffles

But above all, now is an opportune time to consider what we are saying and what we are asking. Strip back your message to the fundamentals, and see how it will change. Perhaps now is the time to have a good look at expressing your brand in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic. Examine the cause and effect of crisis giving and how you can use this positively to reset your business plan for 2020/21/22. These are uncertain times but we can all adapt and learn from them. Technology has been the fundamental connective infrastructure during this crisis and it shows just how important it will be in the future.

Congratulations Colonel Tom from all the employees at Givergy

Julian Sykes

CEO – Givergy

Tim Stansbury

Director and Fundraising Consultant

Tim joined Givergy in 2010, overseeing the early stage growth of the business to 50 employees across five international regions, supporting over 4,000 events worldwide. With a passion for leadership, business growth and exceptional standards, Tim is at the heart of all clients needs both in the UK and worldwide.