Thursday, November 18, 2010

Card Aid: Donate More at Christmas With Charity Cards & E-cards

Nov 15, 2010 Carol Finch

Card Aid Christmas Cards Donate More to Charity - Photo by whitesja

Card Aid Christmas Cards Donate More to Charity - Photo by whitesja

If you, or your business, wants to use charity cards, then you may be able to donate more at Xmas by using Card Aid products. The organisation sells cards to the public for home use, customised business Christmas cards and both still and animated e-cards. Why does Card Aid donate more and how can you buy its products?

Card Aid Gives All Profits to Charity

Card Aid is a not for profit organisation set up by the UK's Charities Advisory Trust with the aim of giving charities an easy way to bring in money from the sale of Christmas cards. All of the organisation's products are made in the UK from sustainable forests and envelopes are made from environmentally friendly materials.

Profits will give back 40-60% of the cost of a pack of general cards, one-third of the cost of customised corporate cards and 30% from the sale of e-cards. Retailers that sell charity cards, on the other hand, may donate much less. Research into the retail sector by the Charities Advisory Trust in October 2010 showed donation levels of between 4.2-25%.

Buying Charity Christmas Cards With Card Aid

You can use the Card Aid website to buy cards or, in some areas, you can visit one of the organisation's shops to buy direct. These stores open on a temporary basis each year, usually between October and December. There are various locations in London and a few outside the capital (i.e. Bromley, Ely, Cambridge, Guildford, Oxford and Sedburgh).

If you opt to buy charity Christmas cards online, then you simply need to choose a design that you like and/or a charity that you would like to support. Each card is associated with a particular organisation. You can pay by card via the Worldpay payment processing system or you can send in a cheque if you prefer. If you want to create personalised cards, then you can also use Card Aid's customised service.

Using Card Aid to Create Customised Corporate Christmas Cards

Businesses and individuals can also use Card Aid to customise Christmas cards. This service allows you to choose any charity (as long as it is UK registered). You can also use your own own image (or one provided by the site), add a logo and put a personalised message in the template. Cards can be printed in up to four colours. The minimum order cost is £195 (excluding VAT). Orders for corporate cards need to be made online.

Using Still and Animated Christmas E-cards for Business and Home Use

Card Aid also has an e-card service (still and animated) that can be used by businesses and individuals. This may suit those that want to cut down on environmental waste and to give a 'greener' Christmas card. You can choose the charity you wish to support with e-cards and they can also be customised.

Although Card Aid's e-cards are priced individually, there is a minimum spend for both still (£22.50) and animated (£75) cards. Some will also come with minimum order levels. Adding a logo costs an additional £10. Once you have paid for an order, you will be sent a personalised link which you then use to mail out your card.

You, or your business, can donate more at Xmas by buying cards through Card Aid. If you want to find out about other ways to send charity cards and gifts or to give seasonal donations, then the following articles may be useful:

Sources: Card Aid; Charities Advisory Trust; The Guardian ("Charity Christmas cards still offer stingy donations"); Card Aid. Accessed online 13th November 2010.

Copyright Carol Finch. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

  • Card Aid Christmas Cards Donate More to Charity - Photo by whitesja

    Card Aid Christmas Cards Donate More to Charity - Photo by whitesja

  • Giving Charity Cards Can Help Others at Xmas - Photo by alicja_sto

    Giving Charity Cards Can Help Others at Xmas - Photo by alicja_sto

  • Why Use Charity Corporate Christmas Cards? - Photo by flaivoloka

    Why Use Charity Corporate Christmas Cards? - Photo by flaivoloka

  • Charity Christmas e-cards Help the Environment - Image by acidum

    Charity Christmas e-cards Help the Environment - Image by acidum

  • How to Email Christmas Cards - Photo by Egilshay

    How to Email Christmas Cards - Photo by Egilshay

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