Holding a collection​

 

You can order an MHC Collection Box and we will send you a Letter of Authority to permit you to fundraise on our behalf. This letter is only valid if you have the correct permissions to hold your collection, see below for more information.

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Collections on private property

If the collection is to take place on private premises, (e.g. shopping centres, car parks, train station forecourts) it is your responsibility to obtain written permission from the site holders or owners.

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Collecting on public property

With street, ‘house to house’ collections or those held in a public place, such as the pavement outside a station or store, you are required to obtain permission from your local authority.  ‘House to house’ collections also refers to pubs, offices and factories.

Councils will have details of how to apply for permissions on their websites. This process can take time, so it’s important to plan ahead.

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Other guidance

• Maidstone Homeless Care does not supply ID badges for collectors. Please take your Letter of Authority with you to collections.

• Anyone collecting money in public must be over 16

• You can only collect using closed tins

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Raffles, lotteries and prize draws

 

Raffles, prize draws or lotteries are a great way to give your event a real boost, but they are subject to gambling legislation. Depending on what you’re planning, you might need a license. 

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For small, simple raffles on the day of your event you do not have to get a special license. Just make sure you follow these rules:

• All tickets should be sold on the same premises and on the same day as the raffle is drawn

• You must draw the name of the winner before the end of your event
   

If you’re holding a larger raffle or lottery and plan to sell tickets at more than one venue, or over several days, you will need to purchase a local lottery license from your council. For more information, please consult your local council. Below are some legal guidelines that you should be aware of when holding a large raffle or lottery.

• You should charge a standard price for each ticket

• You may not sell tickets on the street or house to house

• Anyone under the age of 16 may not sell or purchase tickets

• Tickets must state that the lottery is in aid of Maidstone Homeless Care and they include your name and address and date of the lottery draw

• Prizes that involve alcohol should only awarded if the event is being held on licenced premises

• Any prizes that are purchased should be worth a total of no more than £250. Donated prizes can be of unlimited value.

 

The Institute of Fundraising provides more guidance about organising raffles for charity.

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Safety and insurance

 

If you’re organising an event, you should think about any special licences or insurance you might need, and investigate whether the venue you are using is covered. Think about potential risks to your supporters and carry out an assessment to ensure that you’re keeping everyone safe.

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We cannot accept responsibility for the safety of your event or anyone who participates in it.

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Food and drink

 

If you're serving or selling food then it's vital you follow Food Hygiene Regulations. 

You need an alcohol licence for any event selling alcohol. You can apply for one through your local magistrates court.

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Get permission

 

Depending on where you're planning to fundraise, you should check if you need permission to do so. 

If you’re holding a big event or collection and it’s in a public place, you might need to get consent from your local authority. If you’re collecting on private property, make sure the owner has approved it.