What is Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Open Gardens? Expand Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Open Gardens is a joyous fundraiser to bring family, friends and community together while raising funds for their local air ambulance. Open Gardens is open to all and very simple to get involved in. From visiting a local garden to hosting your very own event, there are so many ways to support us! We want everyone to take part, no matter the size of their garden. By hosting an Open Garden, you’ll help to raise awareness for your area’s local air ambulance charity, while enjoying an afternoon out, eating cake and walking around beautiful gardens.
When can I host my Open Garden? Expand Please feel free to host your Open Garden whenever you like! There really is no limitation. Maybe you have seasonal splendours, or rich autumn colours; whatever time of year you wish to host your event, we would be happy to have your support.
Ways to increase funds at your Open Garden Expand What are the best ways to increase the funds I raise at my Open Garden? Ask us for literature and promotional material about our life-saving service, we'd be more than happy to post some out to you Charge an entry fees/on-the-gate donations Serve refreshments Selling plants, cuttings and bulbs Collection tins (request a collection tin) Set up an activity such as guess the number of sweets in the jar or make up your own quiz on helicopters Ask local craftspeople and businesses if they'd like to host a stall at your event For even more ideas and tips register for your Open Garden pack. Register for your pack
How can I promote my Open Garden? Expand So you’ve set the date for your Open Garden and made all your plans, now it’s time to start thinking about who you would like to invite and how to promote it if you’re inviting the public. Word of mouth - this is one of the best ways to spread the news! Make sure you tell everyone you know about your event. Download our poster - you can print this out and put it up in your local area to promote your Open Garden. Download invitations - you can print this out, fill it in and use it to invite friends, family, neighbours and colleagues. Another good idea is to invite groups such as your local gardening club, church group, Women’s Institute or even sporting groups. If you're on social media then that is also a great way to share the news of your Open Garden. Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn using the handle @dsairambulance and use the hashtag #DSAAOpenGardens. Create a Facebook event Log into your Facebook account Click “Events” in the menu on the left of your newsfeed Click “Create event” on the top right. Select either “private” or “public” event Fill in your event details, location and time Click “Create” and your Facebook event will go live Invite your connections as guests, upload photos and share posts to get people excited about it Please include the wording “raising funds in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Registered Charity Number 1078685” and our 'in aid of logo' when promoting your event. Contact [email protected] to request our in aid of logo.
Can Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance help promote my event? Expand We will promote your open garden on our website if you selected yes when asked 'Would you like us to display your event on our website?' on our registration form. It is up to you to promote your event locally, with the support of our resources and if you request we will add your event to our website under our ‘Find a garden’ page. Some places that can help you promote your open garden: Parish news Village noticeboards Shop windows Community noticeboards Local websites and publications Facebook groups such as 'What's On' Cafes and pubs
Safety, risk assessments, security and insurance Expand Please ensure you take reasonable measures to make your garden safe. Risk Assessment Once you have registered, we will send you a risk assessment that you must read, sign and send back to us. Insurance Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance cannot be held responsible for any accidents or incidents as your fundraising activity is not covered by our insurance. You do not legally need to buy insurance for your open garden but having public liability insurance may give you peace of mind. Security We recommend you keep your house and shed doors locked, keep valuables out of sight, and do not leave your takings unattended. Refreshments Ensure you list allergens on all refreshments and prepare and handle food safely.
Do you already open your garden and want to use it as an opportunity to raise funds for DSAA? Expand If you already open your garden to the public, but would like to donate some of your proceeds to us, please let us know. We could even send you out a collection pot and fundraising materials to help. Get in touch with our fundraising team for details by emailing [email protected]
What should I do about car parking? Expand Please think about the best place for visitors to park and bear in mind all types of weather and disabled visitors. We have a car parking sign available for you to download to make it easy for visitors to find it. It might be worth letting your local authority, neighbours and community know that there may be extra traffic and cars parking in the area.
How can I set up an online page for donations? Expand It's a good idea to give your guests a way to donate online. An online donation page also gives your friends and family a way to support you if they are unable to attend on the day. Set up your own Open Garden fundraising page We can create you your own personalised QR code poster for visitors to donate online. Request your own “donate online” poster
Paying in funds raised Expand After you’ve held your Open Garden event, it’s time to reflect on a fantastic day and your fundraising efforts. Below are a few ways to transfer any funds you may have raised. If you have an online fundraising page then this will come directly to the charity without you having to do anything. Online You can pay any funds raised directly through our website - www.dsairambulance.org.uk/donate/open-gardens-dsaa By cheque Please make your cheque payable to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and post it to the address below, along with a note to say you’ve hosted an Open Garden in aid of us and include your name and contact details: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance HQ, Landacre House, Castle Road, Chelston, Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JQ By cash If you live in the local area then please feel free to swing by our Wellington or Wimborne office with the cash and coins in an envelope, along with a note to say you’ve hosted an Open Garden in aid of us and include your name and contact details. We love meeting the hosts of our Open Gardens! BACS or a bank transfer You can pay money directly into our bank account. Please contact us for details by calling 01823 669 604. Don’t forget to Gift Aid it By gift-aiding your fundraising, we could get 25% more! We can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. If you are a UK Tax Payer and would like to Gift Aid your donation, please complete our Gift Aid Declaration.