At Caps & Cans, there was one rule. Bring a donation, any tin, packet or amount of money, and you get a free go on the games. We called it Give to Play, and it shaped the whole day.
Why games
People are more likely to give when it feels like part of the day, not a separate ask. Games add energy, laughter and a reason to stay. They also bring in people who came for the fun and ended up giving.
The games
Spin the wheel. Spin and see what you win. Prizes included free caps and extra discounts.
Roll the dice. Two big foam dice. Common totals paid out smaller prizes. Rare totals paid out bigger ones.
Beat the clock. Stop the timer at exactly ten seconds, without looking. All or nothing, and a perfect hit wins a free track jacket.
Everyone chose their own game and had one go per donation.
Why one go per donation
We kept it simple. One donation, one go. Not one item, any donation counts, whether that is a tin or a few pounds. It keeps the rule fair and easy to explain, and it keeps the focus on giving.
What made it work
- A clear sign explaining the rule
- Friendly people to run each game
- Prizes people actually want
- Music and a good atmosphere
Protecting the cost
If you run something like this, plan the prizes with care. Set limits on the most valuable ones and keep costs in line with what you can afford. A game should add to the day, not threaten the budget.
The result
Together, everyone collected 148.2 kg of food for Manchester Central Foodbank, which the foodbank says is 22 three-day emergency food parcels or 198 meals.
Try it
You can copy this at a school fair, a church event or a work fundraiser. Pick a simple game, set a clear rule and make giving feel like fun.
Read our recap of Caps & Cans on our blog.
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