# How to turn a button into cash

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/08/07/how-turn-button-cash/
- Published: 2009-08-07T13:24:18+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

I reckon this is the most innovative fundraising idea I’ve seen all year – and it’s
not even from a charity or (sorry folks) a fundraiser.

 

Writer and film director Graham Kitchener is trying to trade a bright blue button
up in value as high as possible to raise money for a charity – yet to be chosen.

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Starting with his bright blue button, he wants to swap it for another item of higher
value, then that item for another even more desirable item and so on…. and he is
filming the whole experience.

 

His philanthropy was inspired by reading about the hard times charities are experiencing
in the current down turn. And the book One Red Paperclip by Kyle MacDonald.

 

As well as objects, activities or experiences can also be suggested as potential
exchanges. And each and every swap will be carefully considered to make sure they
are maximising the value and interest.

 

Ultimately he’s not fussed what the final item is: “it doesn’t matter…. every single
penny will go to charity, and for that reason, I hope we get something fabulous”.
And so say all of us!

 

There is a great article on the project in [the Scotsman](http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Button-up.5505660.jp)

 

and for charities wanting to work out how to get their hands on the bright blue 
button – or rather the ultimate swap object (the one red paperclip ended up as a
house!) visit [the website](http://www.brightbluebutton.com).

 

In fact I’m trying to work out if partially house-trained children might make for
a potentially desirable exchange…. Wonder what I’d get in return?!

 

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