Aim High & Hit the Target for Life-Saving Journeys Across the East Midlands
Do you fancy yourself a sharp shooter? East Midlands Freewheelers (EMF) Blood Bikes invites you to organize a Charity Darts Match or Tournament!
This highly competitive and engaging fundraising idea is perfect for local pubs, social clubs, and community halls. It’s a brilliant way to bring people together for a fun night out while raising essential funds to keep our Blood Bikes on the road across Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester.
The Cause: Why East Midlands Freewheelers Needs Your Skill
The East Midlands Freewheelers are a team of dedicated, unpaid volunteers who provide a free, urgent courier service to the NHS across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.
We are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather. Our volunteers transport vital medical supplies that hospitals need immediately, including:
- Blood products for emergency transfusions
- Urgent samples for time-sensitive testing
- Donor breast milk for premature and sick babies
- Essential documents and medical equipment
We receive no government funding, relying entirely on the generosity of the public. Your darts event helps cover the operational costs of our vehicles, fuel, and essential gear.
Host Your Own: The EMF Charity Darts Guide
Hosting a successful darts tournament is all about managing the sign-ups, securing a great venue, and keeping the energy high.
Step 1: Venue and Format
- Secure the Venue: A local pub or club with existing darts boards is the ideal choice. Make sure the space is available for the duration of the tournament.
- Choose the Format: Keep it simple and exciting. A single-elimination knockout tournament (e.g., 501 or 301, best of 3 legs) works best for quick play and building tension towards the final.
- Equipment Check: Ensure you have multiple working boards, plenty of chalk/markers (or an electronic scorer), and a reliable set of rules for the night.
Step 2: Structure Your Fundraising
The most reliable income will come from player entry fees and spectator donations.
- Player Entry Fees: Charge a clear, mandatory entry fee (e.g., £5 to £10 per player). This should cover a small prize pot for the winner, with the majority going to EMF Blood Bikes.
- Fun Fines: Introduce optional, humorous fines for fundraising:
- £1 fine for missing the board completely (a ‘fish eye’).
- £2 fine for failing to score any points on three darts (‘a white wash’).
- £5 ‘bonus’ for anyone who hits a bullseye or a 180 (optional donation).
- Half-Time Raffle & Auction: Announce a break in the matches to run a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. This attracts non-playing spectators to donate.
- Spectator Donations: Provide clear donation buckets/QR codes for spectators who want to support the charity but aren’t playing.
Step 3: Promote and Score Big!
- Promotion: Use posters in your venue and share the event widely on social media. Clearly state the date, time, entry fee, and that all proceeds go to the East Midlands Freewheelers Blood Bikes.
- Sign-Up Sheet: Start taking names and entry fees early to guarantee numbers.
- The Cause: During the event, take a moment to explain the work of the Blood Bikes and how the money raised will literally fuel life-saving journeys.
Step 4: Final Tally
Once the champion has been crowned, count your funds! Our dedicated fundraising team is available to help you transfer the proceeds safely and easily to the East Midlands Freewheelers bank account.
The Difference Your Dart Night Makes
Every entry fee and every fine paid translates directly into operational support for our volunteer riders and fleet.
- £30 covers the fuel costs for a single life-saving journey between two hospitals.
- £150 helps fund vital maintenance and insurance for one of our Blood Bikes for a whole month.
- £500 could purchase new high-visibility and protective gear for a volunteer rider, ensuring their safety on the road.
Ready to start aiming? Need some help or guidance? Reach out to our Fundraising Team today.