Street collection (bucket appeal) checklist: before, on the day and after

Get council permission to use the public space.The rules
Apply for the council permit, leaving several weeks for it to come through.The rules
Write a one-page safety plan: hazards, who is in charge, first aid, what to do if it rains.
Check your group’s insurance covers this.
Check you qualify: most councils want a registered charity number (Auckland Council; NPDC). If not, ask an umbrella charity or use private sites.
Avoid clashes with national appeals such as Daffodil Day (August), Red Nose Day (July) and SPCA Fill the Bucket (30-31 October 2026); Auckland asks you to email to check clashes.
Apply to your council with dates, sites and collector numbers; allow at least 4-6 weeks.
Pick sites with foot traffic: main streets, supermarket and mall entrances (with the owner's permission), transport hubs.
Recruit collectors in 2-hour shifts; pair under-18s with an adult.
Give every collector ID, a branded sealed bucket and a simple script: who you are, what the money does.
Add a QR code or tap-to-pay card reader for cashless givers.

Brief the helpers: who does what, when, and where the cash box and first aid kit are.

Collect buckets at the end of each shift; count in pairs, record totals by site, and bank the next working day.
Thank collectors and the public, and publish the total.

Street collection (bucket appeal): checklist