Taking a bold “it’s now or never” decision, Sarah Hamilton, the founder of the Just A Card campaign, recently launched an ambitious Crowdfunder to raise much needed funds for the grassroots volunteer-led initiative which supports independent shops, designers and small businesses, enabling it to improve the resources it provides.
“I am totally overwhelmed by the phenomenal support,” a delighted Sarah told PG Buzz, having smashed its £10,000 target in just one day, meaning it can now provide new and updated posters for retailers, as well as a website revamp and pitch in towards the running costs.
With eight days of the Crowdfunding period still to go, Sarah has now set her hopes on reaching a second target, which she says in some ways is more important than the first: “We’re SUPER keen to get to 1,000 backers! JAC is so much about people, that the more actual people who get behind it, the happier we’ll all be.”
While Sarah acknowledges that this may not be the best time to fundraise, as she explains to would-be pledgers on a recording (https://soundcloud.com/yeshen-venema/sarah-hamilton-founder-of-just-a-card) accessed via the Crowdfunder page (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/justacard) that “Just A Card is a call to action! By using cards as an example, the message reminds people that all sales however small, just a card, just a book, just a gift keep independents in business – and they are so worth it and enrich our lives.”
In the five years since it began, the campaign has made such a big impact because it goes further than simply saying ‘Shop Local’ – it makes people think. Now some 17,000 shops and galleries all over the world display the Just A Card sticker in their windows helping to increase awareness and its Indie Week activity has received widespread acclaim.
The campaign extends way beyond shopping. “It’s about thousands of people across the world uniting to celebrate creativity, imagination and sheer hard work. It’s about shops, markets, fairs, fetes, art groups – anywhere in happier times – where people enjoy being part of a shared community,” adds Sarah.
The Crowdfunder is open until June 24, with pledges of any size most welcome.
“We do know times are tight, but if you are lucky enough to have diamonds on the soles of your shoes, send one our way!” urges Sarah, whose passion and tenacity for this campaign makes her something of a priceless gem herself.
Top: Through crowdfunding, the Just A Card campaign can continue to grow and support independent shops and designer makers.
