We are always impressed by the creative ideas our fundraising community comes up with to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research, and this Parkinson’s Awareness Month was no different. One creative idea was Puzzles for Parkinson’s, a live-stream of our young supporter Jude solving Rubik’s Cubes for as long as possible and encouraging donations for Shake It Up.

Jude ended up solving cubes for over three hours straight and raised over $600 in the process!

We spoke with him all about this creative fundraising idea and what was involved.

Tell us all about Puzzles for Parkinson’s! What was involved in the live stream?

Puzzles for Parkinson’s was my idea for raising money by solving Rubik’s cubes for as long as I could without stopping. I participate in speedcubing competitions here in Perth, and it’s something I really enjoy doing so I wanted to find a way to raise money by doing something I enjoy. I decided to livestream through Twitch. I tried to get word out through Reddit, the speedsolving forums and I also got support from Speedcubing Australia, who promoted the event on their Instagram page. My mum also promoted it on her social media pages. On the day I solved cubes for about three hours and fifteen minutes and raised over $600. Some of my family members watched the livestream and made encouraging comments to keep me going.

How did the idea first come about?

My mum talked to us about Shake it Up and their campaign to raise money during April. I had other ideas first, but then because I love cubing I decided to go with that one.

Jude’s Puzzles for Parkinson’s live stream

What drives your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s?

My granddad (who we call Papa and lives over east) has Parkinson’s. He has had it for over ten years now. I wanted to help raise money that could go towards research that helps him and other people with Parkinson’s.

Why did you choose to raise funds for Shake It Up Australia?

I chose to raise money for Shake it Up because it’s an Australian organisation where 100% of donations go to research for Parkinson’s. I think it’s important to support local research that could help people.

What is your advice for someone else wanting to come up with a creative fundraising idea?

Just choose something you like to do, and find a way to raise money with it!

You can support Jude and his family’s fundraising for Parkinson’s Awareness Month here.