A car wash is a great idea for raising funds and raising awareness about a topic for any school, charity or organization. It's a great project for a religious youth group or for Scouts.
Steps
Step 1. Determine how many people in your group want to join
It is better that they are at least 5.
Step 2. Choose a date and time
It is always better if the weather is good because people don't want to wash their car when it rains.
- Make sure your chosen day works for everyone, as you will need all the help you can get.
- You can also decide to organize work shifts.
Step 3. Choose a place to wash your car, such as a parking lot
Make sure you explain to the managers why you are organizing a car wash (for example for school or for a charity)
Step 4. Make sure the date and time you have chosen are suitable for them as well as for your group
Try to find a place on a busy street so more people will see you and your signs, but don't go too far from your neighborhood
Step 5. Decide on a washing rate
Usually 5 euros is a fair price, but be sure to adjust the price if there are any extras, like waxing, or if you need to wash a large SUV or van.
Step 6. Sell tickets to friends and family in advance
You will get some money up front. Many of them will buy a ticket as a donation and won't even show up at the car wash.
Step 7. Create signs and posters
Include the fee and be sure to write down why you are raising funds. People will be more willing to have their car washed by you if they know the money is for a good cause.
Step 8. Welcome passersby with signs on the day of the car wash
Have people stand on street corners with signs so everyone can see what you are doing.
Step 9. Wash the cars
Do your best to keep the wash under 15 minutes, for the convenience of the driver.
- Rinse the car with the garden pump.
- Lather the sponges and wash the entire car, including the wheels, windshield and license plate.
- Rinse the car again.
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(Optional) Put the wax and polish the car.
Organize a Charity Car Wash Step 9 Step 10. Make your car wash environmentally friendly
The cleaners that run down the drains are not filtered and end up polluting rivers and lakes. There are some steps you can take to conserve water and protect waterways.
- Wash cars with water only. Many cars are just dusty and need a good flush. You can use a sponge or tea towel if you need to scrub a little.
- If you have to use soap, wash your cars on a lawn instead of the pavement. The herb will help filter cleaners before they mix with groundwater.
- Mount a spray nozzle on the water pipe. It is not expensive and allows you to wash more cars with less water.
Organize a Charity Car Wash Step 10 Step 11. Thank your supporters
Remind them that all proceeds will go to the charity or school.
Advice
- Make bright and colorful posters.
- Hand out flyers to your neighbors and tell them about the beneficial car wash.
- If customers leave their car keys with you, don't confuse them at rush hour. I suggest you have a whiteboard on which to write the license plate numbers and the owner of each car.
- Practice washing cars and see how fast you can be.
- If you're not doing a gas station car wash, you can sell snacks and drinks to customers while they wait. Also put some chairs and create a relaxed atmosphere. If there are no trees nearby, see if you can rent a marquee, or even better find a sponsor.
- A petrol station on a busy street is the ideal location. People will want to wash their cars and refuel at the same time.
Warnings
- Make sure all windows, roof and other openings are closed before washing a car.
- In case your city hall doesn't allow you to organize car washes for charity, contact your local car wash to see if they offer a charity car wash program (and usually more profitable with less effort).
- Don't put yourself in the street to advertise. Stand on the sidewalk or behind the cordon.
- Check with town hall that charity car washes are legal. Some states, provinces and cities discourage this type of activity because dirty water ends up in manholes and from there into local waterways, rivers and lakes, polluting the water and endangering local marine life.
