Great fundraising tips!

The event is just around the corner, but that doesn't mean that you can't raise a whole lot of money in a short amount of time.

Be optimistic.
Excitement is highly contagious and it is important for potential partners to feel how enthusiastic you are about their partnership.

Be committed.
When you raise funds for the MS Society, you are directly helping people with MS and funding research about this mysterious disease. Try making the first pledge yourself. When your friends, colleagues and family members see your name and a contribution, they will see how serious you are.

Ask anyone and everyone.
Ask family and friends first. Once you've tackled the "easy ones," branching out is simple. Next, ask clients, co-workers, clubs, anyone and everyone. One top fundraiser asks everyone he knows to either join his team or make a pledge. He has a huge team, but many more people make pledges!

Raise $500 in just 9 days!

Day 1 - $25: Sponsor yourself $25. Day 2 - $75: Ask two family members to sponsor you $25. Day 3 - $175: Ask five friends to contribute $20. Day 4 - $225: Ask five co-workers to contribute $10. Day 5 - $275: Ask five neighbours to contribute $10. Day 6 - $325: Ask five people from your social or sports group to contribute $10. Day 7 - $350: Ask your boss for a company contribution of $25. Day 8 - $450: Ask five local merchants to sponsor you $20. Day 9 - $500: Ask two businesses you frequent (doctor, health club) for $25. It's that simple!

Use technology.
Our online fundraising system is a powerful web-based tool designed to help you raise funds. All registered Walk and Bike participants get an online account.

• Send personalized emails to friends, family, co-workers from your personal account.
• Share your photos and stories about why you support the work of the MS Society.
• Track the total raised in real time.
• Donors get tax receipts instantly. To learn more.

Don’t know your user name or password? Call us 1-800-268-7582 or 604-602-3221 or your local chapter office.

Ask for a specific amount.
Consider keeping a separate pledge sheet for small and large donors. Tell donors your average pledge and ask them to beat that amount.

Ask for donations on pay day.
Timing is very important. "When" you ask is almost as important as "who" you ask.

Make a list of places where you spend money.
Donations to the MS Society are tax-deductible and we will be glad to provide receipts. Don't forget doctors, dry cleaners, dentists, mechanics and your favorite restaurants! And, don't forget all those friends who have asked you to buy candy bars!

Send letters.
Send an announcement of your plan to participate to friends, business associates, company and church, college or high school newsletters. Ask for their support in writing!

Are you a member of a service club?
Ask to be placed on the agenda at the next meeting. Ask the group to vote to sponsor you, join your team or be volunteers!

Get matching gifts.
Contact your Human Resources Department to find out if your company has a corporate matching gift program. If they do, secure and complete a form to turn in with your pledges. This is an easy way to double your total. Encourage your team members to do the same. Many people are not aware that this is an option. Often, even if a company does not have a matching gifts program, they may still support you financially.

Save your spare change everyday.
You'll be surprised how much you have saved for your own pledge by event day.

Ask vendors at your business.
Coffee, paper, delivery service, management company, copier technician, many of the folks you do business with are generally more than willing to contribute, especially since their contribution is tax-deductable.

Learn as much as you can about the MS Society and MS.
Call the MS Society or go online mssociety.ca.

Stay motivated.
You earn some fabulous prizes for raising more than the minimum donation. More importantly, you'll feel good knowing that you made a difference in the life of someone with MS.