UK Christian charity raises £30,000 in 30 days

BBQs, parties, support from friends and a football pledge worth its weight in goals helped one UK charity smash its £30,000 fundraising target in just 30 days.

Mission Direct, which works alongside communities in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, launched its first-ever Mission Maker Month in June: a 30-day challenge inviting people to join a nationwide fundraising campaign rooted in faith, generosity and action. 

Wil Horwood, Chief Executive of Mission Direct – whose headquarters are in Hitchin, Hertfordshire – said the range of activity had stood out as much as the total itself.

“Mission Maker Month has shown what’s possible when a community comes together,” said Wil. “Every fundraiser was different, but every one of them mattered. It’s easy to think one small act won’t make a difference, but this campaign has proved the opposite. Hundreds of small acts of generosity have combined to create opportunities that will change lives for years to come.”

Staff got involved too. Wil, along with Relationships and Volunteer Manager Jackie Johnston and Senior Administrator Louise Archer, each took on a ’30 for 30′ challenge – asking 30 people to give £30 – and all three beat their £1,000 targets. Jackie, marking her 60th birthday this year, asked friends and family to donate in lieu of presents, turning her celebration into extra support for the campaign.

Trustee Obi Abuchi, of Frimley in Surry, raised more than £1,700 through a barbecue fundraiser after seeing Mission Direct’s work in Uganda first-hand.

Fellow trustee Chris Knight, of Northamptonshire, also got involved – hosting a cake afternoon with a tombola and a Promise Sale. Chris has seen the charity’s work firsthand too, having helped build a school in rural Cambodia last November.

“I support Mission Direct because I’ve seen what it does,” he said. “Short-term trips make a practical difference in some of the world’s neediest communities, and when you’ve been there and seen it yourself, you can’t help but want others to be part of it too.”

Chair Paul Holbrook, who lives in Glasgow, has been banking on goals to do the fundraising for him. His challenge was to ask 30 people to pledge at least £2 for every England and Scotland goal at the World Cup, which he has then matched pound for pound. So far this has netted £400, and with England still in the tournament, there could be plenty more goals, and pounds, still to come.

“Scotland gave it their all, and now it’s over to England to keep finding the back of the net,” said Paul. “Every goal still means more support for children and communities who need it.”

Susie Ryan, of St Albans, a longstanding volunteer and donor, also rallied her own network of supporters.

“I love what this small charity does – giving children in some of the world’s poorest communities the chance of an education,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to volunteer with Mission Direct in Zambia and meet children whose lives were being transformed through school. This isn’t about me – it’s about the children and families who need opportunities many of us take for granted.”

Since 2004, Mission Direct has helped support more than 305,000 children through locally led projects across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. The charity has contributed to the building of 55 schools and sent more than 600 volunteer teams overseas. It is funded entirely through voluntary giving, enabling it to respond flexibly and work alongside local partners to deliver projects shaped by the communities themselves.

With Mission Maker Month complete, Mission Direct’s attention now turns to the volunteer teams heading out this summer and to planning for 2027.

Wil added: “Mission Maker Month may be over for this year, but the work certainly isn’t. The generosity we’ve seen over the past month will help create opportunities for children and communities for years to come. As we look ahead to future projects and volunteer teams, we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this campaign such a success.”

Supporters wanting to stay involved are encouraged to pray, give regularly, take on a volunteer trip, or simply spread the word. More information is available at missiondirect.org.