🎃 Trick-or-Treat for a Cause: 5 Creative Ways to Collect for Charity This October

Halloween isn’t just for costumes and candy, although I think we can agree, it is a lot of fun. Its also a perfect opportunity to rally your community around a cause. Whether you’re a sole trader, small business or part of a local network, October offers a playful, high-energy window to raise awareness and funds for charities that matter to you and your company. It's also a perfect PR opportunity and enhances your corporate responsibilities, so take pictures and get a marketing bulletin or news article out there..

Here are five creative ways to turn spooky season into a force for good:

🧁 Host a “Treats for Charity” Bake Sale

Swap the tricks for treats by hosting a Halloween-themed bake sale. Think ghost-shaped cookies, pumpkin cupcakes and spooky brownies.

• Where: Your office, local café or online via pre-orders

• Proceeds: Donate all or a portion to your chosen charity

• Bonus: Offer branded packaging with your logo and a QR code linking to the charity’s donation page

Tip: Partner with other local businesses to expand your reach and share the baking load.

👻 Launch a Virtual Costume Contest

Invite your followers, clients and/or team to share their best Halloween looks on social media.

• Entry Fee: £2–£5 donation to enter

• Prize: A gift card, free service or branded goodie bag

• Platform: Instagram or Facebook using a custom hashtag like #CompanyCaresCostumes

Tip: Use Canva to create branded contest graphics and voting polls.

🧺 Create a “Boo Basket” Raffle

Put together a Halloween hamper filled with themed goodies—candles, snacks, stationery and maybe a voucher for your services.

• How to Enter: Donate to your chosen charity and submit proof

• Promotion: Share sneak peeks of the basket on social media

• Draw Date: Halloween weekend for maximum engagement

Tip: Include a branded thank-you card explaining the cause and your company’s mission.

🧡 Trick-or-Treat Donation Drive

Encourage clients, followers and local contacts to donate physical items (food, toiletries, warm clothing) to a local shelter or food bank.

• Collection Point: Your office or a partner location

• Visuals: Create printable flyers and social media graphics

• Engagement: Share photos of donations coming in and tag contributors

Tip: Use your blog and newsletter to spotlight the charity and share impact updates.

At CordisVA, we hope you have a Spooktacular Halloween!