Simon Campbell is one of our current fundraisers. Here's what he thinks of the work.

"I have to admit that I'm pretty suspicious of charities. While homelessness has upset and angered me for as long as I can remember, I didn't suppose that Shelter could make much difference. Then I lost my own accomodation in a fire and Shelter helped me back on my feet. So when TLFC advertised in 1997 for people to raise money for the National Campaign for Homeless People, it seemed a perfect opportunity to put something back to the pot I'd taken from. (That and my girlfriend wanted some hot wage-packet action.)

Before I started fundraising I had a picture of how the booty would be won:

1) Harangue people with shock tactics and cheesy smiles.
2) Deceive them with 101 sales techniques, and if that didn't work,
3) Threaten them with the words 'There but for the grace of God go you'.

Fortunately you don't have to be slimey or monstrous to raise money. You just have to ask in the right way. And that's the beauty of the job and the training you get.

The main ethos of the company is support. Take the first week; there you are with your tongue all tied up, your body the consistency of rice pudding and you find yourself singing, forlornly, 'Send In The Clowns'. But when you come to the weekly support meeting you'll be with other people who will know exactly what you've been through. So there's listening, advice, visits and lots of other valuable stuff. But what gets me the most, what truly ices the cake is relaxation.

Relaxation exercises. MMMMmmmmm, yes. Love 'em. Did you ever hear of another job where this was part of the training?

So it's six years on and what have I learnt?
That you're always learning in this job - you never stop. That there are some sound people out there who care about homelessness. That Shelter is expanding it's operations (check out Millenium Plus). That the money we raise - one million pounds last year - is as badly needed now as it ever was. That group discussions about sensible footwear and winter woolies become more entertaining with age. And I'm not ashamed to say it - I'm looking forward to the works Christmas do. Finally, my girlfriend is very cosy about my wage packet.

Give it a try."