Q&A with Hannah Spence: A Gather Campaigns Face-to-Face Fundraiser
- Amy McGeever
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
At Gather Campaigns, our fundraisers are at the heart of our mission. We sat down with Hannah Spence, a dedicated face-to-face (F2F) fundraiser now based in Southampton, to hear about her journey, experiences, and passion for making a difference.
Q: Hi Hannah. How did you get started with a career in F2F fundraising?
Hannah: I started with Gather Campaigns in March 2024 in Belfast, where I’m from. Before that, I was in retail management, but I wanted a job that involved more human connection. After the pandemic, I craved meaningful conversations and wanted to support charities directly. Fundraising gave me the chance to do both.
Q: How did you come to work in Southampton?
Hannah: I had the opportunity to travel across the country and be part of a new team when, in October 2024, a colleague from Belfast opened an office in Southampton. I love being here and getting to meet new people. Plus, the weather is better!
Q: What do you enjoy most about face-to-face fundraising?
Hannah: That’s a difficult one, because there’s so much I love! First and foremost, I like knowing I’m making a difference to others’ lives. Some people don’t get to speak to anyone else during the day, and I get to brighten their day with a human conversation. Also, charities rely on our work. Knowing that my efforts directly support amazing causes keeps me motivated. I get to meet new people every day and, being a sociable person, that’s ideal for me. I love what I do, so it never feels like work.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your fundraising career journey?
Hannah: A moment that stands out was when I was fundraising for a charity that supports terminally ill and vulnerable children. I met a woman who had experienced similar struggles and told me that without fundraisers like me, her family wouldn’t have received the support they needed. It was an emotional moment that reaffirmed why I do this job.
More recently, while representing a different charity, I met a lovely lady who became a long-term donor because of my passion and enthusiasm. She said she wouldn’t have signed up without our conversation, which made my day!
Q: How do you stay motivated on tough days?
Hannah: I remind myself how fortunate I am. I have a home, food, and warmth — things not everyone has. If I stop, people in need might not get the help they rely on. That thought keeps me going, even when the weather is bad or I face rejection.
Having said that, there’s nothing I don’t like about my job. When you’re excited to get up every day and go to work, you know you’ve found the perfect career. There's never been a day I haven’t felt like that.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in F2F fundraising?
Hannah: Just do it! There’s no greater feeling than coming home knowing you’ve helped people and supported important causes. Every conversation you have has the potential to change lives. There's no other feeling like it in the world when you come home at the end of a day knowing you’ve had educational conversation with people, without which, children wouldn’t have food and water and families wouldn’t have the support they need. It’s an enormously rewarding career.
Q: What are your future career goals?
Hannah: I hope to open my own office with Gather Campaigns and represent even more charities. This job has given me so much, and I want to continue making a difference on an even larger scale.
Q: What has fundraising taught you about people and society?
Hannah: That you never know what’s going on in someone’s life. Behind every door is a unique story, so I always treat people with kindness and respect. I also see the difference people want to see in society. Sometimes people even call their children to the door to hear me, so they can understand more about what’s going on in the world. They want to make sure the next generation remembers the importance of being charitable.
If it weren’t for Gather Campaigns, I wouldn’t have learned so much about the impact charities have. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to make a difference every day.
Feeling inspired?
Hannah’s passion and dedication embody what F2F fundraising is all about. If her story inspires you, why not consider joining Gather Campaigns and making an impact yourself? Contact us if you’re interested in a F2F fundraising career with us.
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