The Power of Cents
The success of The Power of 10 campaign reminds me about another fundraising campaign I was involved with over 2 years ago.
We raised about $100,000 over 2 months period for cyclone victims in Irrawaddy delta, Burma. The campaign is very labor intensive as we collect coins and small notes from passerby in a shopping mall. We obtained a permit to collect donations in the premise of a university and a shopping mall. I guess we are the only student group which has managed to obtain such a permit as S'pore is very strict with public soliciting of donations, and requires strict guidelines in auditing - especially so after a big charity scandal.
I still remember my logic that time to work on the campaign, instead of starting with a job and donating my salaries. The logic is to get people involved with the process of actually doing stuff - instead of complaining, or feeling helpless about the aftermath of the cyclone. Along this process, we learn about each other, bureaucracy, crisis management, and especially about ourselves. In addition to helping people in need, we built trust among ourselves and confidence in ourselves.
The most beautiful part I have observed throughout this process is The Power of Cents. People contributing cents - spare change for some, a big saving for others. We even collected old clothes and make sure these get delivered over air. One could ask about the efficiency of this - I agree too. However, the realization of the power of everyone contributing bits by bits to achieve a common goal via this campaign is simply invaluable.
