|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Path: Main Street : Resources & Library : Research Articles : Feature Article |
Low-cost winter mall-walk pays off in money and morale
April 29, 1998; Canadian FundRaiserThe saying goes: "Put your money where your mouth is," but what about "Putting your feet where your heart is?" That's the concept Bereaved Families of Ontario tries to promote in its charity mall walk to raise money to support families who have lost a child to death. Each February, in malls across the province, people walk in memory of a loved one or just to support the organization and its work. Walkers from Oshawa to Oakville strutted their stuff in A Walk to Remember, which raised a cool $100,000 for the organization this year.
This province-wide event was the brain-child of John Henderson, a parent who became involved with Bereaved Families. "We wanted to find a way to raise money that didn't require a lot of resources and time from organizers or participants," says Henderson. "Many charities have walks, but this mall walk is unique. An activity that people can do groups, with family and friends, it's all done inside a mall." And on that big day, Henderson's friends and family showed up in force, as did many other members of Bereaved Families.
The perception that this event is sad is something organizers fight against. "We want to let people know that we're not a bunch of people walking around in black and crying," explains Henderson about the 11-city event. "This is not just a personal fundraiser, but also in terms of supporters of the organization who recognize that many people have benefitted from the services Bereaved Families provides. We should take the time to give something back."
Raises both awareness and funds
From Toronto to Thunder Bay, the mall walks gave families, their friends, and the organization's supporters a chance to commemorate the lives of lost loved ones in a positive way and support an organization which serves their needs. "This event is a huge help in raising awareness and the funds we need to continue helping other bereaved families," says Margarey McGovern, BFO's executive director. Last year's walk, the first for the organization, raised more than $30,000, which led to expanding the event to include other cities."We've had a tremendous outpouring of assistance in putting the walk together, from volunteers, staff, and event sponsors -- it is very comforting to know that we have their support and good wishes in the community." The organization was also able to involve local communities by inviting students from high schools and community colleges to help out on the day of the walk. "Not only did it help by providing more volunteers, but it was also a chance to let young people know about what type of work we do," says McGovern.
Brought the affiliates together
As there was so little overhead to organize this event, it was ideal for BFO. "Shopper's Drug Mart was our major sponsor, and the malls donated space for the event," says McGovern. Its walk was also a good way for the organization to bring together its affiliates in a single fundraising endeavour. "Since our affiliates are located far from each other, there is little opportunity to coordinate fundraising efforts we can do together," says McGovern. "But this walk gave us that chance, and we were also able to raise public awareness of the organization, important for small charities."For those who work hard to keep services available for families in need, it is a tremendous show of support to have crowds of people gathering to walk for the cause of Bereaved Families. "It's not that the funds we raise aren't important," says Henderson, "but its does marvels for morale, and that's something money can't buy."
For more information, call Margaret McGovern, (416) 440-0290.
|
|||
