Showbag Drive Fundraiser

Showbag Drive Fundraiser

At a recent school fete, a parent was overheard lamenting the absence of showbags. She had been hoping to pick some up for her children so she could avoid the expense of taking them to the Royal Show (insert what your city or town calls it here), in the coming weeks.

For the first time, the fete organisers had decided against running a showbag stall, believing the timing was too close to the Show and wanting to spare parents from overload. Yet, with a little creativity, the opposite approach can actually do families a favour and raise valuable funds.

Why Showbag Fundraisers Work

The truth is, many families find the cost of attending the Show prohibitive. A day out at the show can quickly run into hundreds of dollars, which isn’t always realistic. Some families choose to attend only every second year, while others skip it altogether.

That’s where a mini-show showbag fundraiser comes in. By organising a showbag drive through pre-orders, schools and clubs can give children a taste of the show without families having to fork out for the full experience. These showbags are generally simple and affordable, making them an inclusive and parent-friendly option.

• For parents heading to the Show – they can hold off and save their dollars for the deluxe showbags on the big day.

• For everyone else – they can still enjoy the fun and flavour of a showbag at a fraction of the cost.

This makes showbag drives a fantastic equaliser. They’re also especially popular with kindergartens, where parents often prefer not to brave the chaos of the show with toddlers in tow.

(Tip: check out the trusted showbag suppliers listed in our directory.)

Alternative Fundraiser: A Show Day Tuckshop

Another creative idea is to run a “Show Day” themed tuckshop. Schools can send order forms home and prepare simple lunch packs for the big day. For example:

• Ham sandwich

• Chopped apple

• Popper (juice box)

• Mini fairy floss bag (divide larger bags into small serves for a cost-effective treat)

To add excitement, include an entry token for a sideshow game. School leaders or senior students can manage simple activities such as:

• Milk bottle knock-down

• Basketball hoop shots

Instead of prizes, students can earn house points, class points, or merit awards. For extra motivation, the winning class could receive a mini showbag.

The Big Takeaway

Showbag fundraisers are more than a novelty, they’re a smart, affordable, and inclusive way to bring joy to families while raising funds for schools and clubs. Whether it’s through a mini-show showbag drive or a themed tuckshop day, these fundraisers capture the spirit of the show without the hefty price tag.