Some runners swear by this method of fundraising, but you need to take care. It must be your charity that applies for a bucket-shaking spot, not you the individual, and it is illegal to ask members of the public for money without the right permits. However, in private areas such as out-of-town shopping centres or in the immediate entrance areas to big stores, you can avoid this bureaucracy as long as you have the business owner’s permission to be there. But you’ll need to plan ahead, as such coveted shaking ‘slots’ are often rationed.