Week 2: Discussion of Plans

During the second week, the focus was on discussing and finalizing our fundraising strategies. The team met to refine our plans, assign roles, and establish a timeline for execution. These discussions were crucial for aligning our efforts and ensuring everyone was on the same page as we prepared to reach out to potential supporters.

Week 3: Execution of Fundraising Strategies

In the third week, we began by reaching out to local bookstores in Chengdu. Our approach involved identifying and contacting these stores to present our fundraising and workshop plans. The responses were mixed; while some bookstores were very supportive, others were hesitant. However, we achieved a significant milestone when two bookstores agreed to host both fundraising events and workshops for rural children, which was an exciting development for our team.

Simultaneously, we launched a social media fundraising campaign using platforms like WeChat and Weibo to extend our reach. By creating engaging content that highlighted our cause, we were able to increase awareness and engagement with a broader audience. This dual approach helped us connect with both local communities and the online groups.

one of the bookstores which we contacted successfully :)

Challenges and Reflection

One of the main challenges we faced was the perception of fundraising in China, where it is often seen as "commercial." To address this, we focused on emphasizing the community and educational benefits of our initiatives, striving to distance ourselves from any commercial connotations. Despite these challenges, there were positive outcomes. Securing the participation of two bookstores was a significant achievement, as it allowed us to expand our impact and boost team morale. This experience underscored the importance of persistence and adaptability in our fundraising efforts, and we came away with valuable insights for future initiatives.