Mayday resources guide
It’s time to paint the town yellow!
Here’s your guide for running a Mayday fundraising event, which includes all the useful resources you’ll need, and where to find them.
In May, RNLI lifesavers are getting ready to face their busiest season, summer, where calls for help more than double. By taking part in or hosting a fundraising event, you can help answer their Mayday call – so that they’re always ready for the next rescue.
If you’re wondering how to get started, you're in the right place for everything you need to run a smooth, safe, and successful event – from event planning resources, to Mayday materials for spreading the word about your fundraising.
No matter how you choose to raise money in May, every penny or cent will help make a lifesaving difference. You could get a team together for a fun sport activity. Or ask friends and family to whip up their favourite sweet treat and put on a bake sale. And if you’re looking for an extra challenge throughout the whole month of May, you could even have a go at running a mile a day as part of the Mayday Mile.
Event planning essentials
Our event planning essentials will help make planning your event smooth sailing. From templates for event timing schedules and budget spreadsheets, to guidance for creating your own risk assessment, here you'll find all the resources you need for planning a safe, fun, and legal event.
Please let your branch or group-designated event volunteer know if you’re planning a fundraising event or activity. They can register it and make sure you get the support you need.
Mayday materials at your fingertips
It wouldn’t be a Mayday event without a splash of yellow, so we’ve created some specially branded materials to help promote your event and bring it to life – including posters, banners, and flyers. Head to the MyStore site and search for ‘Mayday’, where you’ll find everything you need.
If you don’t have a login, please get in touch with the Volunteer Experience Team to find out how best to place an order in your area.
Keep things simple with contactless payments
To make it quick and easy for people to donate during your event, opt for a contactless payment unit. Not only will it make it effortless for donors to give generously, but it will help future-proof your fundraising in a cashless society. For more information, please contact your Community Manager. Have a look at the resources below to find out how to set up and use contactless payment units at your May event.
Contactless payment unit guide for volunteers - PDF 377KB
Contactless payment FAQ for branches - PDF 173KB
Are you ready to raise money this May?
With resources, materials, and guidance at your fingertips, planning your event will be easy and enjoyable, so that you’re ready to raise lifesaving funds for our incredible volunteers.
We’re here to help
For queries about event materials, contact your Community Manager or email the Volunteer Experience Team at [email protected]. If you need help with MyStore or placing orders, please call 0300 300 9913 (UK) or 01 511 9835 (Ireland).