The situation as it stands

Year after year we have been extremely lucky to have wonderful fundraisers raise thousands of pounds to enable us to do the work we do. It is thanks to the amazing efforts of individual fundraisers that our income has grown to a point that we now have a small team of staff members (rather than relying solely on volunteers as was the case for the first 10 years).

We’ve been able to expand our services and resources but there is still so much more that we want to introduce to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia.

But many of the fundraising activities that normally bring in money to Alopecia UK are still not able to take place, a year after the first National Lockdown. For the time being, there are still no marathons, half marathons, 10ks, Colour Runs, Kiltwalks, cake sales, coffee mornings, dress down days, parties, balls, family fun days. And we still not sure when everything will get 'back to normal' (or if fundraising will ever be what it was pre-pandemic). The future of Alopecia UK’s fundraising income remains uncertain. Our 2.6 Challenge and '15for15' campaign last year helped us to recover lost income but it has been a pretty chilly Winter for fundraising... 

Ways to support Alopecia UK in a time of COVID-19

There are still some ways that you can support Alopecia UK in these socially distanced times. And we REALLY need lots of you to get involved in the weeks and months ahead if you’re able to (pretty please with a cherry on top!)

Celebrating a birthday? Set up a birthday Facebook Fundraiser

Birthdays in socially distanced times can be pretty rubbish. Most of the AUK staff team have experienced lockdown birthdays. If you want to put a positive spin on a birthday, when you can’t meet with large numbers of family and friends, consider setting up a Facebook fundraiser. Facebook Fundraisers are very easy to set up and most pages average about £100 of donations. That might not sound like a lot but these amounts add up quickly. And the best bit? Facebook do not deduct any fees meaning we receive every penny donated!

Set up your Facebook fundraiser here

Contemplating a head shave? Consider making it a sponsored event!

This is one that we know is a very sensitive subject for many with alopecia. A head shave, particularly a first one for someone with alopecia, can be a very emotive experience. We’re certainly not wishing to be flippant or insensitive when promoting head shaves as a way to raise funds (Amy has discussed this in a separate blog post here) but we recognise that sponsored head shaves are a significant source of income for Alopecia UK, whether that be those who have alopecia shaving what’s left of their hair off, or someone without alopecia shaving their head in support of the charity. Up to now we’ve not actively promoted head shaves as a way to support Alopecia UK but given it’s a form of fundraising activity that can be done in times of social distancing AND that hairdressers will be closed again during a 2nd lockdown, we’re keen to let people know that this can be a brilliant way to raise much needed funds for Alopecia UK.

Set up your head shave fundraising page here

Give it up!

Whilst many fundraising challenges are off the cards right now, challenges involving giving something up can still be done. Perhaps you’re a chocaholic and can pledge to go a month without a mouthful of chocolatey goodness! Or perhaps you can knock the booze on the head for a few weeks? Or in the past we’ve had men give up shaving and grow their beards out for us? Lots of possibilities for ‘giving it up’! The harder the challenge, the more you might be able to raise for Alopecia UK.

Set up your ‘Give it up’ fundraising challenge page here

Start a regular donation to Alopecia UK

We recognise that this is a financially challenging time for lots of people. With many furloughed or out of work, it’s hard for us to ask for cash. But if you are someone who is in a position to be able to make a monthly donation to us, we’d be very grateful. No amount is too small or too big. It only takes a couple of minutes to arrange. And we promise never to pester you to increase your donation (we’re not that kind of organisation!).

Set up your monthly donation here

Leave Alopecia UK a gift in your will

You can make a difference to the lives of those affected by alopecia by leaving a gift in your will to Alopecia UK. A gift in your will, no matter the size, will help us to continue to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia through our aims of Support, Awareness and Research. Further details can be found here.