BENEFIT ACTIVITIES
Event Calendar
If you would like to join one of our scheduled events please contact us at (514) 866-9944 for more information.
April 18, 2010 Scotiabank 21K run or walk
9 a.m. Ile Sainte-Hélène
October 10, 2010 Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony
-------- Hyatt Regency Montreal
Organize a Benefit Event
Anyone can organize an activity to benefit the YWCA: schools, associations, businesses, friends or family.
Whatever the size of your activity and the amount you raise, each dollar is important to the 16,000 girls and women who each year participate in YWCA programs! Here is some information on possible activities and how to proceed.
For further information or questions, please contact:
Stéphanie Légaré
Coordinator, Fundraising Events and Activities
(514) 866-9941 ext. 239
slegare@ydesfemmesmtl.org
Benefit Activities
Many types of activities are possible, depending on your interests and those of your target audience. Here are some ideas:
- All “o-thon” activities : walk-o-thon, swim-o-thon, bike-o-thon, dance-o-thon, carwash-o-thon;
- Shows: concerts, theatre, dance;
- Art exhibits, vernissage, guided tours, fashion shows;
- Sports events or tournaments : golf, bowling, soccer, basketball, hockey, walking, running, cycling, skiing, stair climb at the office, rally;
- Benefit meal: barbecue, spaghetti dinner, picnic, coffee break, breakfast, wine and cheese, cocktail party;
- At home: each guest gives a donation to the Women’s Y Foundation in lieu of a gift to the host or hostess;
- Theme days: activities to mark International Women’s Day (March 8th);
- Sales: food, crafts, books, jewellery, garage sale
Procedure
Whatever the size of the activity you wish to organize to benefit the Women’s Y Foundation, the key to success is careful and thorough organization.
Click here for the registration form which you can complete and send to the Foundation.
Before the Activity
1. Form an advisory committee.
- Surround yourself with dynamic and enthusiastic people;
- Have a brainstorming session to organize an activity that has impact!
- Prepare a precise timeline of your activity;
- Clearly establish each person’s role and responsibilities.
2. Set a financial goal.
- Establish a concrete and easily measurable financial goal;
- Be realistic about your expectations and don’t forget that each dollar is important to the Foundation!
3. Choose the right activity
- There are countless activities you can organize, but it is important to choose one that will be attractive to your target audience which will give you the best chance for success;
- You have to take into account the number of people on the advisory committee and each person’s abilities and available time.
4. Determine your target audience.
- Who will be participating? Your family, neighbours, clients, employees, the general public?
- Will this activity attract them?
- How many people would you like to participate?
5. Contact the Foundation
- Call Stéphanie Légaré at (514) 866-9941 ext. 239 to discuss your project. We are here to help you!
- Click here for the Benefit Activity Form and send it to the Foundation for approval.
6. Prepare a comprehensive budget
- Carefully identify all the expenses related to the organization of your activity;
- Find sponsors, call your suppliers, negotiate price reductions, ask to borrow equipment or venue sites to reduce your costs to the max.
7. Set a date and reserve the venue for your activity.
- Choose a date which is convenient for the members of your organizing committee and your target audience.
- Give yourself enough time to properly organize your activity;
- Reserve the venue for your activity well in advance and make sure you are certain of all your logistical needs.
8. Obtain all necessary permits and insurance.
- Depending on the activity you choose, it is possible that you will need a permit or insurance;
- The Foundation can advise you, call us!
9. Promote your activity to reach your target audience.
- Inform your target audience of your activity;
- There are many ways to reach them: posters, emails, brochures, word of mouth, invitations, publicity in local media, etc.;
- Follow-up on your invitations to maximize the number of participants.
During the activity
10. Inform us in advance if you would like a Women’s Y Foundation representative to be present.
11. Make sure that someone is taking pictures of your activity.
After the activity
12. Make a financial report.
- It could be useful when you organize your next activity
13. Send the proceeds of your event to the Foundation without delay.
- Send the amount raised by your activity within 45 days;
- If your participants request a tax receipt, please include their full address along with the amount of their donation at the same time. We will send them a receipt according to Revenue Canada standards.
14. Send your pictures or videos to the Foundation so we can publicize them.
15. Say thank you.
- Thank all the participants, sponsors and volunteers who were involved in your activity;
- Inform them of the amount raised and the activity’s success.