Hi all,
Im still trying to figure out a way to raise funds for charity on my trip.

Ive spoken to both local and national news papers and most will give me some publicity on the trip.

The question is will local biker groups want to do a run with me to raise funds. In the UK a lot of groups do runs for charity so the answer for the uk is probably yes. What about other parts of the world developed countries ie Europe, USA Canada ect.

Every time I mention doing the trip the first thing people ask is "is it for charity" so clearly there is support out there for raising funds for charity.

What about gaining sponsorship from companies if they give funds to charity its tax deductable in the UK or if they pay UK tax. If they help with the costs of the trip then they will get some publicity, but how many actually do this. I have seen alot of sites where the people get free gear for their ride this clearly saves alot of money as clothing ect isnt exactly cheap and neither is bike mods.

To do a full on charity run clearly takes alot of organising before the actual trip almost as much as the trip itself. I can delay my trip to do this as it would actually mean leaving at a more sensible time of the year for the Europe leg as well as what follows. It would also give me 4 months for full on fundraising and extra organisation.

So guys any advice from those that have done this or do you know any motorcycle clubs that may be willing to meet up for a run? Or even magazines where I could try to get the word out so other bikers will join up.

PS. A guy just offered his back as a walking billboard for 1 million pounds[may have been dollars] by getting a tatoo on it. For 100k pounds or more ill get ewan and charlie done on my bum cheeks any offers

The first question to ask yourself is:

1) Is the goal of the trip to raisi money for charity - something close to your heart or

2) Is the goal to take a great trip, use a charity as front, only to raise money to
help subsidiize the trip.

If goal is really philanthropic, I am sure you will find a way. It will take a lot and time effort as you point out. But your reward will be the charity work.

However, if you are simply trying to subsidize your trip (sounds like it to me), I think you are better off working some overtime, getting a second job, doing some odd jobs for cash, etc, etc. in order to raise the funds you need for your trip. You can probably make more on a few Saturdays, painting someones flat rather than chasing a bunch of people around for a 10 pound note. For example, I trim trees on weekends and often make $250 - $500 on a Saturday afternoon.

First of all any money actually raised/donated on the trip as in cash would 100% go to the charity selected. I am aware that some charities allow you to subsidize your trip with fund raising in fact some voluntary agencies for eco projects ect. encourage it and then take a huge cut for the "organising" ,ripping off both the volunteer and where they are working.

The trip was already happening the only thing that changed in the last 6 months was the addition of a motorcycle instead of bus,train fly. Why I changed from the original plan 2 reasons one I get travel sick on 4 wheels, two I get nervous to the point of panic attacks when Im in an enclosed vehicle not sure why comes and goes and im fine in other enclosed spaces.

With regards to the chasing people around for 10 pound note well if I chase 100 people around thats a thousand pounds which if I do that in 2-3 countries or more through europe it all adds up.

The rescue centre/education centre where I am intending on working recently had to buy all their buildings which they rented- their vet clinic, local workers housing and the volunteers area and that cost 17000 pounds . So even a thousand pounds is a good sized donation[its the same amount they would recieve for a volunteer staying there for almost 2 years without any of the costs of feeding them].

If I recieve equipment that allows me to save that cash and work there longer.A pair of cheaper boots say at 125 pounds is the cost of working there for 2 months. I have no problems taking equipment from companies or getting items at a reduced price but I would not use funds raised/donated by people to pay for the cost of a trip I am already taking.

Yes I am aware theres always selfish reasons for volunteering in 3rd world countries or even your own. But if it takes picking up animal poo, cutting trails in the jungle to exercise big cats and working with disadvantaged kids and adults [which I have done before and enjoyed] to make me happy and feel like a human again then so be it. I will take that lable but at least I will be able to look at myself in the mirror and be happy with what I see, something since I became a prison officer I havnt been able to do for a long time despite all the creature comforts it has brought me.

Sorry if it comes accross as a rant on my 4th coffee of the nightshift and if theres any spelling mistakes blame the government they have blocked the spellchecker apparently its subversive.