For the first time in 11 years, due to the Covid crisis, the fundraising seminar that usually brings together the member associations and partners of the International Federation of Petits Frères des Pauvres for 2 days, had to be held in video. It brought together people from the 4 corners of Europe and North America (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Canada, United States of America and Mexico).
Since 2009, the fundraisers meet for two days of work. This time allows for the exchange of ideas and experiences so that everyone can put them into practice in their own country. This year we had to adapt because of the sanitary measures linked to the Covid crisis and the difficulties to travel. It was therefore proposed to hold three three-hour video sessions at the end of the afternoon, so that participants from Canada, the United States and Mexico could also attend.
Nevertheless, this new formula allowed to welcome more participants (28 in total) and to associate new associations partners of the Petits Freres des Pauvres-France. Sub-working groups were organized, according to the themes and the needs of the countries in relation to fundraising. Among the topics that were discussed: promotion of legacies, commitment of companies, digital fundraising, psychology of donors…
It is clear from these discussions that while the pandemic has had disastrous effects on the morale and health of the elderly, it has had at least one positive effect, that of highlighting the cause of our organizations: the fight against the isolation and precariousness of the elderly, which has generally had a positive impact on fundraising results.
By 2050, one in four people living in Europe and North America could be 65 or older. In 2018, for the first time in history, there were more people aged 65 or older than children under five worldwide. The number of people aged 80 or older is expected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050. As the population ages, the number of isolated elderly people will increase. As a result, Petits Frères des Pauvres organizations will still need to expand their activities and fundraising.
Photo Credit: Federation Internationale Petits Freres des Pauvres
