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PLEDGE PRIZES
NEW for 2008: Fundraise BIG, Win BIG! Click here for all the details.
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Fundraise online
The easiest and most efficient way to raise funds for Giro T.O is online. Connect with family and friends all over the world and encourage them to donate via your personal Giro T.O. web page. It's fast, convenient and safe!
Set up a personal donation page, which can be customized to include a personal message and forward to potential donors. Also, send direct e-mail requests for donations with a message template that can be cut and pasted into your personal e-mail. A notification via e-mail will be sent upon receipt of a donation along with a thank-you and instant tax receipt. You can also directly solicit friends from your 'personal page' whenever you login, as well as keep track of whom you have solicited.
Online registration is now active!
Fundraising offline
Download the offline registration and pledge forms here starting in March. If
you do not have access to a printer, phone 416-789-7011 ext. 242. Leave your
name & address and a form will be sent to you.
Fundraising Tips
Remember - the top fundraiser will have the honour of wearing the prestigious Maglia Rosa - the pink jersey - on ride day. Note: All pledge payments must be received by May 23rd, 2008 in order to be eligible for the Maglia Rosa.
General tips
- Start with your most generous donors. Find someone you know will give you a large donation and have them donate first. This sets the standard for others to follow.
- Keep a print copy of the pledge form on you at all times.
- Keep a collection box or coin jar on your desk or in your home. Collect spare coins in a container you can pass around to family friends and colleagues. It adds up fast.
- Drink a lot of gourmet coffee? Give up those fancy lattes for a few weeks, and put the extra cash into sponsoring yourself.
- Always eating at the food court? Brown-bag your lunch twice a week and pledge yourself the cash you save.
- Do some research! Visit Villa Charities’ website to familiarize yourself with who we are and what we do. People will be more inclined to make larger donations if they see the worthiness of your cause.
Remember:
Be optimistic! Enthusiasm is contagious.
Who to ask:
- Family - They HAVE to support you, right? But it may require a visit or at least a phone call to get them onboard. Be prepared to for them to say 'yes', but follow-up later so they follow through with a donation.
- Friends - Same as family but in addition, e-mail will be a very effective tool for reaching your friends around the world. Send a group e-mail to your best friends, and if necessary, follow up with an individual e-mail directing them to your web page. If you have a blog or a Facebook page, ask for donations there as well!
- Co-workers - Send out a group email letting everyone know you will be coming around to ask for donations, or that you have a donations jar at your desk to accept any spare change they may have. Recruit someone from work to ride with you in Giro; have a fun competition to see who can raise the most funds.
- Club/Associations/Volunteer groups - Maximize your network! Ask for two minutes to speak at any upcoming meetings you may have. Have the Giro T.O. put on the agenda so you can tell your peers what's happening on May 25, 2008.
- Employer - Find out if your boss has a matching gift program where he or she will raise the same amount you are able to raise on your own - this is a great way to double your donations!
- Business associates and suppliers - Own a business? Your suppliers will want to maintain that friendly relationship - you'll find they'll be receptive to a donation, especially since they get a tax receipt. Ask the computer technician, the paper distributor, your accountant, anybody who depends on your business for their own business!
- Neighbours - be prepared to go door-to-door asking for support. Alternatively, strike up a conversation when you recognize someone from your block. Have a paper version of the pledge form on you at all times so that they know you are soliciting for a legitimate cause.
- Local merchants - Ask the owner of your local coffee shop, or your favourite tavern for a donation - ask at any place where you regularly spend money.
- Strangers - Set up a table in a busy hallway: have a bake sale, offer candy in exchange for a donation. You do not even have to meet face to face - if you are a member of an online forum, post a thread about the Giro T.O. in a 'general discussion' post, and encourage people to visit villacharities.com to sponsor you.
* Due to liability issues, Villa Charities cannot promote riders' individual fundraising events as official Giro T.O. events
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