Who would’ve thought that a humble Aussie tea towel could make such an impact and raise millions of dollars for charities? That’s exactly what happened when mum of three, Emma McNeilly, came up with the idea of printing kids’ artwork onto tea towels to help raise money.
McNeilly’s business Expressions helps schools and community groups raise funds for their local, bespoke causes. She has now sold more than two million tea towels and has helped 18,000 organisations with their tea towel fundraisers.
Incorporating children’s artwork into fundraising products is a winning formula―lasting memories are made, special gifts are created and money is generated for worthy causes.
“We can create a design using hand drawn self-portraits, handprints, a sketch, school crest, logo and text, photographs, class lists or signatures. Our success is due to the high quality products that can be found in thousands of homes across the country. These are products that everyone uses and values.
“[It’s] a win for everyone, at every stage of the process. Projects are easy to run, organisations raise valuable money, parents adore the products, children love seeing their own artwork in print and our customers return year after year―completing what I like to call our circle of happiness.”
Expressions designs are printed on 100 per cent cotton and include items such as the tea towel, sturdy cotton tote bags and adult aprons, and make great gifts.
As one mum said, “I have six years of tea towels put aside for my children when they get older. I love seeing how their drawings change over the years and having this as a keepsake for them. Raising funds for the school is an added bonus.”
By Marion Gerritsen
