Fundraising Tips
Follow the links below for some great tips and tricks to help reach your $250 minimum fundraising goal.
The MS Society provides a quick, secure and easy tool to help you fundraise online called the Online Fundraising System.
Why should I fundraise online?
- it’s quick, easy and secure
- your friends and family can sponsor you anywhere, anytime
- you can personalize your page with photos, YouTube videos and share you story
- eliminate the paperwork or chasing your sponsors for their pledge after your event
- your page is available 24/7 and will stay open up to eight weeks after the event
- all donations are collected automatically and a tax receipt is issued immediately
As a registered participant in the RONA MS Bike Tour a personalized web account has been automatically created for you. You can use this account to ask for pledges, keep track of your fundraising, create a team, track your team etc.
We have created a guide to show you how to use the Online Fundraising System. Click here to download the OFS Guide.
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To assist you with your fundraising, the MS Society has developed tools to help you spread the word with your online community. Use images and tools on your blog, website, e-mail signature or social networking pages. Show your support for the RONA MS Bike Tours and make your click the one that ends multiple sclerosis! Click here for more information.
| Fundraising Tips: Getting Started |
Every rider in the RONA MS Bike Tour must raise a minimum of $250 in pledges to participate in the RONA MS Bike Tour. Here are some tips to reach your goal.
Make a List and Check It Twice
Make a list of potential donors. Include everyone you know – Doctor, Dentist, hairdresser, mechanic etc.
Start it Up
Start by sponsoring yourself on your pledge sheet or by making a donation to yourself online. Your gift will set the tone for others to give. (You can print a pledge sheet from your online account).
Email your Friends, Family and co-workers
Send emails to everyone you know. Attach the link to your online account. Soon, credit card donations will start rolling in. Log into your online account, select the fundraising tab then the Preview web page tab. Copy the URL into your email.
Facebook Friends
Facebook is a fabulous market to obtain pledges. Reach out to everyone in your Friends list to sponsor you for the RONA MS Bike Tour. Create a group page or an event and send to all your friends. Don’t forget to include your personal web link to each. Also ask your friends to send your link to all their friends.
One a Day
Ask one person each day to make a contribution. If you get four $25 gifts, you will have raised $100 in less than a week. Don’t be afraid to ask for larger gifts.
Double Your Money
Many employers offer matching funds programs. Your $50 donation could turn into $100. Inquire with your personnel/HR department and remind your supporters about matching gifts.
Talk It Up
Ask for a few minutes on the agenda of any meetings you will be attending. Explain why you are riding and ask for everyone’s support. If you are dedicating your efforts to someone you know, tell their story. Pass around your pledge sheet to all attendees.
Offer Food
Offer healthy treats to your friends, family and co-workers who sponsor you. The best way to most people's wallet is through their stomach.
Clean House
Clean out your garage or home and have a garage sale. Ask your friends and neighbors to donate their stuff to you, explaining that all proceeds go to the RONA MS Bike Tour.
Celebrate
If a birthday or holiday is coming up, tell your family and friends that in lieu of a gift, you would like them to sponsor you instead.
Pin It Up
Post your RONA MS Bike Tour poster on the bulletin board at church or temple, in the office, at the gym, or at school. Make sure to highlight your name, phone number, email address, and Web page address.
Send the Message
Change the recording on your voicemail or answering machine to mention the Ottawa to Kemptville RONA MS Bike Tour and how callers can make a donation. Then, when you call people back, ask them to sponsor you. When emailing friends, add a “PS” asking for their support. Add a link to your web page in your signature block of your emails.
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| Templates for Fundraising Success |
Here are some tips and templated correspondence to help you reach out to potential donors and team mates.All documents are in Microsoft Word format. Please email Michelle if you would like a PDF copy.
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It adds up fast! You'll see how easy it is to raise $500 in only 9 days! Double the contribution and you will double the funds available to help beat multiple sclerosis!
Day |
What to do? |
Total |
1 |
Pledge yourself |
$25 |
2 |
Ask 2 relatives for $25 |
$75 |
3 |
Ask 5 friends for $20 |
$175 |
4 |
Ask 5 co-workers for $10 |
$225 |
5 |
Ask 5 neighbours for $10 |
$275 |
6 |
Ask 5 members of your social group for $10 |
$325 |
7 |
Ask your employer to contribute $25 or match your total pledges |
$250 |
8 |
Ask 5 local merchants for $20 |
$450 |
9 |
Ask 2 of your service suppliers (doctor, dentist, stylist, mechanic) for $25 |
$500! |
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Congratulations and a sepcial thank you to our Top 10 of 2010!
2010 Top Individual Fundraisers
Fern Landry |
$14,091.00 |
Mark Freedman |
$10,855.00 |
Richard Jurewicz |
$8,115.00 |
Mark Bazerman |
$7,798.50 |
Paul Bernards |
$6,844.05 |
Richard Louch |
$6,525.00 |
Gregg Weston |
$6,516.67 |
Melvin Porter |
$5,169.00 |
Pauline Pinaud |
$4,705.00 |
Leanne Anderson |
$4,225.00 |
2010 Top Team Fundraisers
Gluteus to the Maximus |
$41,026.50 |
Celtic Tigers |
$13,555.46 |
Team De Gagne/Weston |
$12,285.00 |
The Chain Gang |
$12,267.00
|
Wheelie Awesome |
$11,595.00 |
Ride DMC |
$11,474.50 |
Blood, Sweat & Gears |
$10,930.00 |
Kanata Nepean Bicycle Club and Friends |
$10,716.01 |
Team CDIC |
$9,730.00 |
The Old Fart's |
$9,664.00 |
