If you've walked through a New Zealand town centre on a Saturday morning, you've seen them — volunteers in high-vis vests with collection buckets, raising money for causes they care about. Street appeals are one of the most visible and effective forms of fundraising in this country.
How street appeals work
A charity applies to their local council for a permit to collect on specific dates. They recruit volunteers — usually needing anywhere from a handful to several hundred — to stand at key locations and ask passers-by for donations. Most appeals run for a few hours on a Saturday morning.
The charity provides everything: bucket, vest, float (starting change), receipt book, and a briefing. You just need to show up, be friendly, and be willing to stand in one spot for a few hours.
Why they still matter
In an age of online giving, you might wonder why street appeals persist. Three reasons:
First, they work. A well-run street appeal with enough volunteers can raise tens of thousands of dollars in a single morning. The Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal, Daffodil Day, and Poppy Day are among the biggest fundraising events in the country.
Second, they build awareness. Street appeals put a cause in front of people who might never seek it out online. That visibility matters, especially for smaller charities.
Third, they're genuinely social. Ask any street appeal volunteer what they enjoy about it, and most will mention the people. You meet your neighbours. You have brief, warm interactions with strangers. You feel part of something.
Getting involved
Browse our street appeals page to find upcoming appeals in your area. Many charities struggle to recruit enough volunteers — especially in smaller towns — so your help is always welcome.
A typical shift is 2-3 hours. It's a great option for first-time volunteers, families, and teams.