In the fantasy world we all wish we lived in, money grows on trees. In reality, $4,500 is a challenge to get. My parents told me I could go on the trip if I earned the money, so I did. Here are a few things I did to get the money to go to the UK. Here's an obvious fundraiser, get a job! It's a quick buck and you'll have a source of income when you come home. With just making $70 a week, I was able to earn about 1/4 of the total cost. If you're too young or just don't want to commit to a full time job, do odd jobs around the house and neighborhood: mow grass, rake leaves, or shovel snow. This may not seem like much, but it adds up and by the time you leave, you'll have more money than you'd think. Another great fundraiser is just to ask for money. Write up letters to friends, family, and businesses asking them to sponsor you. Tell them what People to People is and promise them something small in return. I promised friends and family a postcard and I promised businesses that I would make a shirt with their names on it. This worked very well and I earned almost half my tuition this way. Two words--Bake Sales. Well actually 6 words--lots and lots of Bake Sales. The baking takes a little time but the income is worth it. I got anywhere between $200 and $500 every time I had one. Wal-Mart or K-Mart will gladly let you set up a table so the question of where is taken care of. Candy bars are also a big item to sell. These were just a couple of the things I used to get to the UK. I recommend trying a little bit of everything to get to your goal quicker. *Check the People to People Handbook for more fundraising information and People to People loans. 
Above is Windsor Castle. This view is from the bus stop. |
