Discover unique and impactful fundraising event ideas to support SecondBite in our purpose to end waste and hunger. Your donations play a vital role in empowering communities and ensuring that surplus food reaches those in need. Whether it’s hosting a bake sale, organising a community food drive, or planning a charity gala, every effort counts. Start your journey by setting up a personalised charity fundraising page and rallying support for SecondBite.
Celebrate your next big event by asking guests to donate to charity in lieu of gifts, compete in a fun run with SecondBite as your chosen charity, or host your own event to raise funds.
Once you’ve registered, invite friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.
Thank you for your support!
Siblings Mackenzie, Tegan and Harvey have a wonderful holiday tradition to make a difference for people in need.
“We wanted to do something nice for our community and raise funds so that everyone can have a meal at Christmas” said Mackenzie.
The Schanssema family’s Christmas lights display is a beacon of light every holiday season, creating happy memories and spreading joy for the local community. Parents Aidan and Jen have tried every year to go bigger and brighter but in recent holiday seasons, the whole family has been inspired to do even more.
After donating to a fundraiser while on a family holiday, the Schanssema family, started brainstorming all the ways they too could raise money for those in need. As Christmas 2023 approached, they decided to sell Christmas cookies, with all funds going to SecondBite.
“We chose SecondBite because not only are you feeding people who need food, but you’re helping to stop good food going to landfill.”
The siblings had hoped to raise one or two hundred dollars, but word soon spread throughout their neighbourhood, and beyond, and they ended up raising an amazing $1,485 for SecondBite. $1,485 provides up to 7,425 meals to Australians in need.
One of the unique aspects of their fundraising journey is how the whole family got involved. Parents Jen and Aidan baked late every night while Mackenzie, Tegan and Harvey set up shop in their cubby house, beautifully wrapping and packaging their cookies in cellophane and gift boxes and selling them to people visiting their Christmas light show each night.
Teachers Jen and Aidan promoted the SecondBite fundraiser at their staff meeting and the siblings spread the word with their classmates. It worked. Lots of local teachers and friends came along and word even started to spread online about the family with the amazing lights who were selling Christmas cookies for a worthy cause!
“I thought it would just be a few people from our street but it was much more than that. I thought maybe two or three teachers would come but pretty much the whole school came,” said Aidan.
The Schanssema family kept this cookie fundraising tradition going during the 2024 holiday season. The kids expanded their cookie menu to nine decadent varieties and managed to sell 550 of them, raising an incredible $2,125 for SecondBite. That’s up to 10,625 meals for people who need them most.
“I think my favourite part this year was seeing the kids take on something and run with it,” says Jen. “They’re so driven to give back.”
The Schanssema family intends to keep this holiday tradition going for years to come. Their commitment to raising funds for SecondBite illustrates the power of community and the impact of individuals can make when they unite for a cause they believe in.