As part of our Summer of Supporters, we look back at some of our amazing fundraisers who have worked tirelessly to raise vital funds for Open Arms Malawi
This month, as part of our Summer of Supporters, we’re taking a short break from celebrating physical challenges to shine a light on the many supporters who have raised funds for Open Arms Malawi in wonderfully creative, less strenuous ways.
From tea rooms and bake sales to crafting, quizzes and art, our supporters have found imaginative and generous ways to help Open Arms. We wanted to look back on just some of their achievements and say a heartfelt thank you.
For many years, Dr Edmund Marshall ran his hugely successful and much-loved quiz. Each year, Edmund created cryptic, thoughtful questions that were enjoyed by people across the country, raising more than £20,000 for Open Arms Malawi. Sadly, Edmund passed away in 2024, but his quiz legacy lives on, and we could not celebrate our supporters without first honouring him.
Staying with quizzes, next month, Natalie will host her first quiz for Open Arms at her local pub, and we have loved helping her develop questions and themes for the event.
We’ve also got our Quizmaster for Open Arms' annual quiz night later this year. Hamish did such a good job at the Darley quiz organised by Sarah-Jane and Liz that we’re delighted he’ll be hosting our event in October!
If you are interested in running a quiz for Open Arms, or if you could support us by helping to create quiz packages, please do get in touch.
After all that thinking, there is nothing better than relaxing with a cup of tea and a slice of cake — and we have a long history of supporters raising funds through coffee mornings, garden and tea parties and bake sales.
The Rotary Adventurers have held two such mornings already this year, serving the people of Harrogate with hot drinks and an array of delicious home baking. Liz and Sarah-Jane also held two last year and they were a great success. It’s a lovely way to raise not only funds, but awareness of the work of Open Arms.
We are always impressed by the talents of our supporters and the generous ways they use them to fundraise for Open Arms. Our long-time supporter Clive paints beautiful pictures, kindly donating the profits from his sales. He has also written several books, which we are often lucky enough to sell at our stalls and events.
Ed also published his "ED-ventures" in Malawi, very generously donating all profits from his books to Open Arms.
In 2022, a group of students from King’s College London created Open Generation and held an art gala in Kitzbühel, Austria. The project was initiated by Marie, who had previously raised money for Open Arms Malawi by designing and selling hoodies while at school, and who continued to find creative ways to support us. Open Generation raised more than €15,000 through the event, which showcased the work of four young international artists.
And back in 2014, Eira and her friends set up a “Knit and Natter” group, creating and selling Easter chicks and little Christmas stockings. We loved hearing how a simple hobby could bring people together, build community and raise vital funds. Eira raised more than £1,000 simply by spending time with her friends, and we remain incredibly grateful.
We’re really lucky to attend some of our supporter events in person, and it does lead to a very varied life!
We’re looking forward to the return of the Softball tournament this weekend and we were wowed back in 2024 by a group of local magicians who put on a real show!
In summer 2023, Omar hosted Afrika Moto, a fundraising day celebrating the culture and people of Africa in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddie. We were delighted to attend and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere, food and music. With an art exhibition and craft stands too, it was a fantastic day and a brilliant example of supporters bringing people together for Open Arms.
Finally, sisters Serena and Alexa worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 to fundraise. Not only did they complete a marathon using various modes of transport, but they also created an Online Advent Calendar for their family and friends singing songs and creating Christmas cheer. What fantastic efforts and such a lovely way to fundraise!
We are always delighted when someone chooses to fundraise for Open Arms, and we love how ingenious and creative everyone is in their efforts to raise both support and awareness for vulnerable children in Malawi.
Thank you to all our amazing supporters, past and present.
We'll end with some beautiful words from Eira back in 2015. We don’t think we could say anything better...
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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