By Rory Piper (aka SUPER RORY)
Fundraising is often one of the greatest challenges for patient advocates and grassroots organizations. In this practical feature, Rory Piper (ICT Support professional and creator of the alter ego SUPER RORY) shares his key lessons on how to build consistent, meaningful support for your cause.
In 2014, I created my alter ego, SUPER RORY, as a way to step beyond my day-to-day role in ICT Support and give back to the community in a meaningful and creative way.
While Rory Piper works behind the scenes solving technology problems, SUPER RORY became something different. He became a symbol of hope, positivity, and making a difference. Like many superheroes, I wanted an identity that was separate from my everyday role, allowing me to inspire others and support causes close to my heart.
Over the past eleven years, I have fundraised for two charities and raised close to $45,000 AUD. It has been an incredible journey, but one that certainly did not happen overnight. Fundraising is rarely about one big moment. It is about consistency, authenticity, and building genuine connections with people over time.
Start With Your Community
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that fundraising starts with the people closest to you.
Your workplace colleagues, friends, family, and existing social networks are often the first group to support your cause. Whether it is through a friendly conversation, an email, or a social media post, these connections form the foundation of your fundraising efforts.
Many people focus on reaching a large audience immediately, but I have found that grassroots fundraising begins with creating meaningful connections within your own community. These early supporters often become your strongest advocates.
Grassroots First, Corporate Later
Successful fundraising is a combination of grassroots and corporate engagement.
Grassroots fundraising is about people supporting people. It is built on trust, personal stories, and genuine relationships. Over time, as your profile grows and people understand your mission, larger opportunities can emerge through workplace networks, corporate sponsorships, and professional connections.
For me, LinkedIn played an important role in expanding my reach. By sharing the evolution of SUPER RORY and explaining why my fundraising matters, I was able to connect with people who believed in the journey. The more authentic your story is, the more people will connect with it.
Corporate support can be valuable, but it is often your grassroots supporters who sustain your fundraising year after year.
Tell Your Story Consistently
One of the most practical pieces of advice I can give is simple: keep showing up.
Posting once or twice a week on social media helps keep your cause visible. More importantly, it reminds people why you are fundraising and who you are helping.
People are more likely to support a cause when they understand its impact. Sharing stories, milestones, challenges, and successes helps create an emotional connection with your audience.
And remember: every donation matters.
A small donation is just as important as a large one. Sometimes a five-dollar contribution represents a person’s willingness to support your mission just as much as a larger gift. Every contribution helps move the cause forward.
Creativity Helps People Connect
One unique aspect of my fundraising journey has been using creativity to make my content stand out.
Rather than relying solely on photos of myself, I created cartoon versions of both Rory Piper and SUPER RORY. This approach allowed me to create engaging and imaginative content without limits.
A superhero character can appear in situations that would be impossible in real life. SUPER RORY can fly, inspire, teach, and help others in ways that capture attention and tell stories visually. It adds fun and personality to my fundraising while making the content memorable.
Most importantly, it allows me to focus on the message rather than myself.
Keeping Volunteers and Supporters Engaged
Fundraising is not only about raising money. It is also about building a community.
People stay engaged when they feel appreciated and connected to the cause. Celebrate achievements, thank supporters regularly, and share the difference their contributions make.
Volunteers and donors want to know they are part of something meaningful. By showing gratitude and keeping people informed, you create lasting relationships rather than one-time donations.
My Biggest Lesson
After eleven years of fundraising, my biggest lesson is this:
Bring joy to the journey.
People are naturally drawn to positivity, passion, and purpose. If you genuinely enjoy what you are doing and share that enthusiasm with others, supporters will follow.
You do not need to perform outrageous stunts or create viral moments. You simply need to be authentic, consistent, and committed to your cause.
For me, SUPER RORY was never just about wearing a superhero cape. It was about creating hope, inspiring others, and proving that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.
And if a tech support professional can transform into a superhero for a good cause, imagine what you can do too.
About the Author
Rory Piper, also known as SUPER RORY, is an ICT Professional, community volunteer, fundraiser, digital creator, and advocate for charitable causes. Through his superhero alter ego, he combines technology, creativity, and community spirit to inspire positive change and support charities that make a difference in people’s lives.