Find out how Taunton Military Wives Choir are raising money through online shopping with easyfundraising
Eleanor Pullen • October 27, 2020
Fundraising this year has been hard. And as it looks like local lockdowns and restrictions will be with us for some time, we know many choirs are wondering how they can keep funds coming in through the winter and into 2021. That was our reason for partnering with easyfundraising
this year, to give our choirs an alternative way of funding themselves, through shopping online.
When choir members and supporters use the easyfundraising
website or app to shop online with over 4000 leading retailers including Amazon, eBay, John Lewis, M&S, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s & Argos, the retailer they shop with sends their choir a free donation at no extra cost.
Taunton Military Wives Choir started using easyfundraising
in August and have already raised almost £50. Here’s their story:
How has the coronavirus crisis affected your funds?
For the first time ever, we had been fully booked for 2020 by the end of January. This would have ensured a steady income from events throughout the year. Our bread and butter is performing at small local churches - the average age of our audience is 70+ so this cohort may never return and our income could be affected for several years. We are also unable to access our free rehearsal space so are having to pay rent to use a local hall and our volunteer accompanist stepped down due to self-isolating so we are now paying for that role.
What made you register to raise money with easyfundraising?
We saw something about easyfundraising
on the Military Wives Choirs Facebook page.
What do you think of easyfundraising
as a way for choirs to raise money?
It’s a fantastic way to fundraise as it requires minimal effort on our part. It’s worth joining as even if you only have a few members signed up, their regular online shopping habit will raise significant amounts! Would definitely recommend!
How do you get members involved and raising free funds when they shop?
We advertise easyfundraising
via our choir WhatsApp support group which we set up at the beginning of lockdown.
What will you do with the funds you raise through online via easyfundraising?
We will be using the income towards our general running costs which have increased considerably during lockdown.
To benefit from free donations when your choir members shop online, register your choir as a good cause with easyfundraising
– it’s free to register and use so you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Military Wives Choirs Bids Farewell to Hilary Davan Wetton and Appoints Joanna Tomlinson as the new Artistic Director
A Royal Performance to Remember
We are delighted to have received a letter of thanks from The King, expressing his appreciation for our new single, ‘November Sunday’, a song presented as an early birthday gift to celebrate His Majesty’s forthcoming birthday on 14th November. In the letter, The King said: “I am writing to express my warmest possible gratitude for your very kind early birthday present, in the form of your new single, ‘November Sunday’. While those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am none the less deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute. “I also wanted to thank you for your steadfast support not only for your loved ones serving in our Military, who sacrifice so much time away from you and your families to protect us, but also for one another. “Having sung in a choir myself when I was at school, I know the joy of performing together can create close-knit friendships and support groups, and I remain a firm believer that music has a unique power to unite and inspire us all. My wife joins me in sending you all our blessings and kindest wishes.” ‘November Sunday’, released on 1st November, is a tribute to His Majesty and reflects the strong ties between the Royal Family and the Armed Forces. The song’s evocative lyrics reflect the joy brought to post-war Britain on 14th November 1948, marking the birth of the future King and celebrating the enduring bond with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.  The piece was recorded by 100 singers from the Military Wives Choirs, drawn from the network in the UK and overseas, alongside the magnificent sounds of The Band of the Household Cavalry. With music and lyrics by John McLaren, the track brings together the nostalgia of the 1940s, enhanced by the artistry of platinum-selling producer Sean Hargreaves (Sigala, Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre) and arranger Steve Turner. This cross-genre production offers both the formality of a military ensemble and a bright, pop-influenced appeal. ‘November Sunday’ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube: all links to the project can be found here .
