iRun to get to know myself, my strength and my spirit – Lisa Groulx, Ontario

iRun but not enough – Michael Shaw, New Westminister, BC

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons – Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphins – Liliana Plava, Calgary, AB

iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s body – Chris Baker, Etobicoke, ON

iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings me – Michelle Jordan, Ottawa, ON

iRun because I never thought I would be able to – Gary Morris, Winnipeg, MB

iRun because I love the sense of accomplishment – Amber Moase, Nova Scotia

iRun for my heart, so it runs for me! – Cathy Brzoza, British Columbia

iRun to someday win the race – Lindy Dunlop, Yukon

iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain – Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun to inspire my kids to try – Glen Johnston, Nunavut

iRun because there is no finish line – Claire Kilgour, Ontario

iRun to maintain a strong physical and mental state – Tammy Rainville, Ontario

iRun so I can eat ice cream – Sandy Bolan, Ontario

iRun because I love the solitude – Janene Tailleur, British Columbia

iRun to eat – Maureen Tritscher, Alberta

iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have done – James Sauve, Ottawa, ON

iRun because when I run I feel most alive – Meghan Lynch, Ottawa, ON

iRun because it's better than almost everything else – Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn't – Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing me – Teresa Sterling, Ottawa , ON

iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun because I can and I’m grateful – Terry SanCartier, Gatineau, QC

iRun because I can�t dance – Mario Javier, Ontario

iRun because I live – Georges Schneller, Laval, QC

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation – Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun because otherwise I�m grumpy – Alexandre Charest, Quebec

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km – Steph Mansell, Quebec

iRun because it�s better than almost everything else – Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun see where my feet will take me today – Megan Dolinskas, New York

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gain – Myra Abstreiter, Alberta

iRun to feel great – Kathryn Rachar, Saskatchewan

iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishment – Helen Kolodziejzyk, Calgary, AB

iRun because it has saved my life – John Marshall, Alberta

iRun because food tastes better afterwards – Patrick Houston, Alberta

iRun because it's a great stress release – Brooke McKenzie, Yukon

iRun so I don�t say never ever again – Linda Klaric, Manitoba

iRun away from the abyss – Charlene Thomas, Ontario

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentally – Kathleen Keenan, Brampton, ON

iRun for the cool t-shirts! – Pina Bevilacqua, Ontario

iRun because the wall is meant to be broken – Jonathan Bird, Ontario

iRun for me! – Judi Wearing, Saskatchewan

iRun to correct years of sedentary living! – Mike Scott, Ontario

iRun whenever I feel the need to escape – Iona Hillis, Ontario

iRun because it’s in me – Michael Foley, Stittsville, ON

iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live – Pascale Synnott, Qu�bec

iRun to unleash my inner athlete – Adelle Densham, Avonmore, ON

iRun because iLoves my man – Beverly Huang, Alberta

iRun because I get foot rubs afterward – Kate Howerton, British Columbia

iRun because it�s fun when it�s done – Sue Matte, Ontario

iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foods – Robin McIntyre, Ottawa, ON

iRun because I want to live to be 100! – Colette DeJean, Ontario

iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun and run, and run, and run, and nobody can stop me – Andrei Lucaciu, Ontario

iRun because i love to – Mirella Petriello, Ontario

iRun because it gets my husband out there – Tricia LaLonde, Alberta

iRun because it�s cheaper than therapy – Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because people around me inspire me – Pina Bevilacqua, Caledon, ON

iRun for overall wellbeing – Trish McCourt, Halifax, NS

iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin – Charlyn McGregor, Saskatchewan

iRun to kickstart my day – Sharon Strueby, Saskatchewan

iRun to prove to them that iCan – Catherine Smith, Manitoba

iRun because it helps me see things more clearly – Jennifer Pitts, Ontario

iRun because it sure beats the bus – Robin Robbins, Alberta

iRun for the challenge to go faster and farther – Steven Matejka, Alberta

iRun all the livelong day – Pierre Saint-Laurent, Qu�bec

iRun therefore I am – Duncan Walsh, Nottingham, UK

iRun so that I can live longer and stronger – Derek MacPhail, Ontario

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn�t – Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km – Steph Mansell, Quebec

iRun because walking is too slow – Barry Knapp, Ontario

iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Carlene Paquette, Carp, ON

iRun because it reminds me of how strong I can be – Monique Lavoie, Ontario

iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friend – Nathalie Joncas-Caissie, St-Antoine, NB

iRun to eat more, especially sweet potatoe fries – Joanna Skomra, Ontario

iRun because I�ve lost 80 lbs and running has become fun – Cheryl Kelly, Ontario

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful country – Cheryl Carter, Clearwater , BC

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn�t – Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun for the individual pursuit – Robert Pelletier, New Brunswick

iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Sarah Kallaghan, Alberta

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons – Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn't – Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun because it�s a great way to see the world – Sherry Mahoney, British Columbia

iRun for the moment when both feet are off the ground – Catherine Anderson, British Columbia

iRun because it's cheaper than therapy – Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because my heart tells me to – William Martin, Manitoba

iRun because I am not as clumsy I thought I was – Hanna Baer, Quebec

iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cake – Emily Shandruk, Vancouver, BC

iRun because running is like breathing to – Stephanie McEvoy, Ontario

iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun to challenge my perceived limitations – Cassandra Williams, Ontario

iRun to inspire my children! – Wendy Bowen, Manitoba

iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun to my happy place and some days it�s very – Doreen May, Alberta

iRun so my daughters know that they can, too – Shelley Kirkpatrick, New Brunswick

iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge – Tim Nixon, British Columbia

iRun because I want to be a role model for our six kids – Catherine Empey, British Columbia

iRun away from the negative and towards the positive – Teri Lepard, Alberta

iRun because not everyone can – Olivia Harvey, New Brunswick

iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heart – Christine Gracel, Calgary, AB

iRun for health, i Run for life – Pat Cheung, British Columbia

iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeing – Beth Neil, Lombardy, ON

iRun because it makes me whole – Denis Ladouceur, Quebec

iRun for me – Kiza Francis, Ottawa,ON

iRun because I like to be healthy – Melanie Oickle, New Brunswick

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation – Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun to prove to myself I can – Lesley McGougan, Brampton, ON

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain – Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun to challenge my mind, body and soul – Sonia Mendes, Ontario

iRun because it�s like flying, only lower – Glenn Johnson, Ontario

iRun because it gives my day a boost of energy – Sara Campbell, Nova Scotia

Cover photo from the current issue of iRun Magazine

Photo of Mark Sutcliffe's new book - Why I Run

April 2011

Back to Table of Contents

Fundraise Your Way to the Finish Line

By Kaitlyn Skinner

Runners across Canada go the distance to raise awareness and collect millions for charities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to raise more than ever this year or a rookie wanting to make your training count towards a larger cause, we’ve got strategies that will get you started and keep you on track to meet your fundraising goals as you run for a reason.

Choose a Cause that Matters to You

Begin with a charity that is important to you. Your passion for the cause will convince others that your cause is important and will motivate you to meet your fundraising goals. Tara Murphy from Halifax shaved her head and raised over $500 in May 2010 for Give to Live. Murphy’s chosen charity sponsors Camp Goodtime, a Nova Scotia camp for kids battling cancer. “There’s no one who hasn’t been affected in some way by cancer,” said Murphy. “That’s why I feel so strongly about it.” Murphy has previously dyed her hair bright pink as a way to earn donations, but promising to shave her head motivated her donors enough to help her reach her goal. “I had people offering to pay me not to shave it!”

Don’t Want to Go it Alone? Register for a Race as a Fundraising Participant

Many races have a designated charity affiliated with the event. Registering yourself as a fundraising runner with the designated charity and committing to fundraise a minimum amount may offer you rewards like a training plan and a guaranteed bib even if the event sells out. The BMO Vancouver Marathon’s Community Partners, for example are The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training teamintraining.ca and The Arthritis Society’s Joints in Motion jointsinmotion.bc. As a Team in Training participant, you will receive expert training and fundraising coaching and guaranteed entry into the Team in Training event of your choice along with other perks.

Set Your Fundraising Goals

“Be realistic. Be specific. Play to your strengths. And write your goals down,” advises Tiffany Lawson, Team in Training Campaign Coordinator. If you are fundraising with a race-related charity, there will likely be a minimum amount you need to raise to qualify as an official fundraiser.

Fundraising Takes Time

Give yourself a lot of time to reach your fundraising goals. Increase the money you’re raising the same way you increase the kilometres on your weekend run — slow and steady.

Share Your Fundraising and Training Goals Online and In Person

Here’s where gratuitous self-promotion comes in. Make a Facebook group and invite all your friends to join it. That’s an easy way for your friends to help you spread the word. Tweet your fundraising goals often. If you’re fundraising with a large charity, you will be able to direct your supporters to the organization’s website and online fundraising tools. If you’re raising money for a smaller organization like a local women’s shelter or a family you know with a child with a critical illness, consider setting up your own Paypal account so your larger online network can contribute to your cause.

Generate publicity for your cause by organizing a neighbourhood fun run or contacting your local media for a spotlight article on what awesome thing you’re doing. After shaving her head, Murphy was interviewed by the local news. Tell everyone you know that you are running for a reason. You’ll be amazed at how many people will be willing to donate $20 to your cause. After all, you’re doing something wonderful for yourself and for a charity. Go, you!

Cpl. Justin Chaisson ran the Winnipeg Police Half -maratho in 2010 and raised $600. “We’d never raised money for a charity before and thought we’d get some donations together,” he said. “I asked some family and friends to pitch in.” Pitch in they did.

Keep the Fun in Fundraising

There are lots of ways to raise money for a great cause. Choose events that you’ll enjoy. Have a bake sale beside the coffee shop at your university. Get a bunch of your girlfriends together and sell lollipops at your local pub during Happy Hour. Contact a local movie theatre and have an exclusive screening of a new film with all proceeds going towards your fundraising, ask for a minimum donation, have door prizes and invite everyone you know!

Brenda Phillips, the Atlantic Coordinator for Team Diabetes says, “It doesn’t have to be one huge event. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It is just sitting down and putting a plan on paper, then just doing it!” Figuring out what you like to do and how you spend your free time can give you some good ideas of a fun, unique fundraising event that would suit you.

Ann Whytewood from Nova Scotia raised $3000 for Heart UK and was able to guarantee herself a spot in the London Marathon in 2008. She hosted a pub quiz (a trivia game that’s popular in England) with a fish and chips dinner and a bake sale at her boyfriend’s workplace.

A Team In Training participant placed a donation box in her local sandwich shop, forgot about it and when she went to go pick it up she had raised over $100. Another Team In Training participant made Valentine’s Day cards and sold them with a bar of chocolate.

Nothing Wrong with a Little Competition

Create healthy competition between friends. Make a wager, anything from a gift certificate to a local day spa or bragging rights and see which of your friends can raise the most for the charity of your choice. Better still, if these friends are your running buddies, you’ll compete for fundraising and support each other through your race.

Put it in Writing and Ask for Support

Recruit other people to help you meet your fundraising goals. After you’ve written an introductory email about the cause you’re running for, the reasons this cause is important to you, what your fundraising goals are and how supporters can donate, it’s easy for friends and family to pass that email on to their networks and help you reach a wider audience. If you think that a particular supporter could be persuaded to offer your cause a generous donation, follow up your email with a phone call and a request for a specific amount. Have information about your specific charity and the percentage of money raised that goes towards the cause at hand. Repeat this process as many times and with as many people as needed until you reach your goal.

Thank You Says So

Much Finally, never underestimate a Thank You note. Whether you send it immediately after you receive the donation or wait until you’ve completed the race, it is a thoughtful gesture and will be appreciated. Enjoy your training and your fundraising. Best wishes, iRunNation, as you run for so many reasons. Are You Running For a Reason?

Are you Running for a Reason? If you’re raising money for charity, or raising awareness for a cause — or both — we want to hear about it. If you, or someone you know, is running for a reason, send your story to webeditor@irun.ca for a chance to be featured on our Running for a Reason blog.