Make 2026 the year you give something back; the year you do something totally amazing - like hosting a charity book club evening - for your local cancer and bereavement charity.
Each month, we’re giving you a fun, easy and impactful fundraising idea that you could take on in aid of CancerCare. There’s something for everyone!
The concept of fundraising can be daunting if you’re new to it, but CancerCare’s friendly and experienced team of fundraisers are here to help you every step of the way.
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February: host a charity games night
Do you love playing games? Whether you enjoy board games, card games, or computer games, turn your knack for gaming into a fundraiser for CancerCare.
A games night could include friends and family gathering around a table to play a single game, or several games set up around a room or venue. There are many ways you could run a charity games night, and CancerCare is here to help you.
How do I host a charity games night?
Decide on the format of your games night. This will depend on the types of games you enjoy playing. Are you a tech-savvy gamer who loves the thrill of online or digital games, or do you prefer a good old-fashioned board game such as chess or Monopoly? Perhaps you’re confident with a pack of cards and could offer attendees a range of different games to try. Other ideas include tournament-style games nights or themed events such as an escape room or murder mystery.
Choose a venue. This could be a local library, pub, garden centre, café, bookshop, or tearoom, or even your own living room or kitchen at home. Always contact the venue ahead of your planned date and time, as you may need to book. Consider whether there will be a cost to hire the venue, and let them know your event is for charity, as this may help to reduce costs.
Decide when you will host your charity games night by setting a date and time. A weekend is often ideal, as people may be able to stay for longer and fewer attendees will be restricted by working hours.
The most important aspect of your evening will be the games! Consider how many games you will need and where you will source them from. Friends or family may be able to lend games, props, or equipment to support your event. The type of games you choose will affect how you plan the evening. For example, if you are hosting a murder mystery, you will need to inform attendees well in advance so they can arrange costumes. If you are running a Mario Kart marathon or racing simulation event, consider whether guests will need to bring their own devices.
You will also need to plan and structure the evening and provide clear ‘rules’ for everyone to follow. Decide whether participants will play in teams or as individuals. Try to avoid long periods where people are waiting to play by keeping breaks between rounds short and ensuring everyone stays engaged.
Once you have answered these questions, email fundraising@cancercare.org.uk to let our team know you’re holding a charity games night for CancerCare.
How do I get people to attend my charity games night?
You will need to market and promote your event. Create and distribute a poster within your local area, ensuring all essential details are clearly displayed, including the date, time, location, and contact information. Make it clear that you are raising money for CancerCare so people understand it is for a good cause.
Share the event details on social media and encourage everyone you know to share, share, share!
Personally invite friends, family, and colleagues via text message or word of mouth.
A homemade flyer can also be an effective way to spread the word.
Ensure all your event materials have a consistent look and feel so people in the local area become familiar with the branding.
How do I fundraise?
You should decide whether you would prefer to sell tickets to your charity games night or host the event in return for a donation. This decision will determine how you raise funds.
If you choose to ticket your charity games night, set a fixed price and ask attendees to pay either in advance or on the evening. You could accept payment in cash or via BACS.
Pop into your nearest centre and pick up some branded CancerCare collection tins — they do love an outing! These can be placed around the venue in case your guests have spare change to donate or are attending on a donation basis.
You can also take some of our Gift Aid envelopes with you. If any of your attendees are UK taxpayers, they can Gift Aid their donation. This provides an extra boost to the funds raised at no additional cost to the donor.
You could put your baking skills to the test and whip up some cakes or biscuits for people to purchase on the evening. If baking isn’t your thing, you could buy items to resell instead. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also great options to provide.
You could also host a raffle, either by asking for prize donations or using items you already have at home. Unwanted Christmas gifts or brand-new items you no longer need are ideal.
What do I need to make my charity games night a success?
Planning is essential. Avoid leaving things until the last minute and give yourself plenty of time to organise your event.
This is your chance to fun, welcoming games night for the local community that will attract like-minded people who love playing games while supporting a local charity.
A determined attitude also goes a long way. When fundraising, you may encounter a few setbacks, but it’s how you handle them that really matters.
Of course, CancerCare’s team of experienced fundraisers is on hand to help make your games night a roaring success. We’re here to support you by answering questions, supplying collection tins, and providing other useful resources. We may even be able to share your event on our social media channels to help generate more interest - just ask!
One of the great benefits of a games night is that it can be relatively low maintenance. With a selection of games and a welcoming space, you’ll have everything you need to host a successful event.
I’ve held my charity games night! Now what?
Get in touch! You can pay in online or drop into one of our centres — we would love to hear all about your event and see some photos. We can then arrange to count the money, and an official thank-you will be sent to you. We encourage you to share this thank-you with attendees and let them know how much was raised!
Click below to download our Fundraising Pack for handy hints and tips on hosting a charity games night. To get in touch, call 01524 381820 or email fundraising@cancercare.org.uk.