About CLIC Sargent
CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading charity for children and young people with cancer and their families.
When cancer strikes young lives CLIC Sargent helps families limit the damage cancer causes beyond their health. The charity provides specialist support, to help and guide each young cancer patient and their family. CLIC Sargent fights tirelessly for them, individually, locally, and nationally, so that the children and their families can focus on the important things.
Last year, CLIC Sargent helped around 7,100 young cancer patients, and their families – more than ever before. The charity’s vision is that everyone under 25 with cancer, and their families, will get the support and help they need during their cancer treatment and beyond, including bereaved families living with emotional pain. CLIC Sargent wants them to thrive, not just survive, and for everyone to join in that mission.
Fundraising Need
CLIC Sargent relies on voluntary donations to fund its vital work, so a high-profile auction exposes the charity’s cause to new supporters who help fight tirelessly for young cancer patients and their families. High-profile auctions are an effective alternative channel for the organisation’s existing supporters to get their hands on unique items and experiences, so it’s an additional reward for their loyalty and commitment to CLIC Sargent.
eBay for Charity Solution: High Profile Charity Campaign
An auction generates excitement and energy amongst supporters, particularly if the items are one-of-a-kind and the auction is backed by engaging communications and PR strategy. CLIC Sargent’s yearly ‘Get in Character’ auction provides a unique opportunity for supporters to donate to the charity. It also widens supporter reach to those in the reading community, who may not otherwise engage with CLIC Sargent.
CLIC Sargent has involved and engaged with over 150 best-selling authors since the launch of this campaign gaining many loyal advocates for the brand, and therefore the potential for longer-term income generation.
Impact
The Get in Character auction has successfully run for five years, generating an income of over £42,500. CLIC Sargent has gained many new supporters and advocates of the CLIC Sargent brand. From CLIC Sargent Nurses who provide clinical care to children at home to Homes from Home, which accommodate families for near to hospitals, the income from the charity auctions fund vital services for families affected by a child’s cancer diagnosis when they need help the most.
Learnings
Auctions work well when you have at least a handful of more high-profile items that can add weight to your promotional activity for the auction. As with any auction, timing is key. Try to link the auction with a related national activity to leverage your reach, and look to start and end the auction at the weekend when eBay activity is at its highest.
