Here at Teen Challenge Canada, event season is just around the corner. Our teams are busy behind the scenes, getting the details in order.
Our fundraising events not only support our crucial programs, but they are a chance for us to connect with our donors and provide an opportunity for our clients to share their stories.
We are so grateful for people that share our mission by participating in our events. While some are enthusiastic ambassadors, others may find it more challenging to ask friends and family for support.
We totally get it and that’s why we want to help take the fear out of peer-to-peer fundraising!
Take the Pressure Off
Start by reframing the idea. Instead of focusing on asking for something, consider it an invitation into a mission you’re passionate about. You’re a part of our event because the work we are doing is meaningful to you.
Fundraising shouldn’t be awkward. It’s not about hitting your “quota” and it’s not just for extroverts. When you have a genuine conversation with someone in your network, you can invite them to be part of something that is meaningful to you.
Why It Works
People give to people they trust, so personal connections amplify the impact! You have rapport with people in your network. Use it to share your heart for Teen Challenge Canada’s ministry! Instead of simply raising funds, consider yourself an advocate for the men and women helped through our organization.
For many years, Corey struggled with addiction. What started as experimenting in university ended in him losing everything he had worked hard for. He was homeless and hopeless until he discovered Teen Challenge. After completing our 12-month program, his life has been changed and relationships restored. He’s living a productive and fulfilling life with hope for the future.
Read Corey’s full story here
As a non-profit organization that does not receive government funding, we rely on our faithful supporters to help us carry out our mission. These fundraising events help us connect with our partners but also introduce us to possible new relationships; people who don’t know about Teen Challenge. You never know who may need the help and hope we offer.
Let’s Get Started
If you’re not sure where to start, we have some simple steps to help you get the wheels turning.
Step One: Before approaching anyone, take some time to articulate your “why” in a sentence or two. That will provide you with a good foundation for your conversation.
Step Two: Start with people who know and care about you. They will want to listen as you share your heart.
Step Three: Use the tools provided on our fundraising page. We’ve shared quotes, statistics, and stories to help you convey the mission of Teen Challenge. This allows you to share your sponsorship page digitally and use the built-in tools so people can easily sponsor you online.
Step Four: Set a small, achievable goal that will help build your confidence.
Step Five: Celebrate not just the donations, but the conversations you’re able to have because you’re participating.
Story of Inspiration
Paul and Karen were inspired to support Teen Challenge through one of our golf tournaments. A loved one had received healing and freedom through one of our centres after a decade of searching for help.
Liza had struggled for 15 years with addiction. Despite being blessed with family resources that allowed her to access expensive private programs, she could never get traction with sobriety. Soon after completing the 90 days, she would relapse and was right back where she started.
During Liza’s time at Teen Challenge, Paul and Karen witnessed her personality return. She had ambition and energy! The change was amazing and they only wish they had heard of Teen Challenge earlier to help Liza sooner.
When it was time for our annual golf tournament, Liza asked Paul and Karen if they would sponsor her. The couple were eager to support this organization after seeing Liza’s progress. They had the resources to cut a generous cheque on the spot, but Karen had an idea. What if they matched each donation their friends made? This provided an opportunity to share the work of Teen Challenge within their network.
Addiction may not be discussed in affluent circles, but it touches all walks of life. Many families are silently fighting an unseen battle. Peer-to-peer fundraising is an opportunity to start a conversation. We don’t know what happens behind closed doors or who needs to hear about Teen Challenge and the hope it can give.
After Karen’s “match gift” idea, the couple sent out emails to friends and family and within five days, they were writing a $32,000 cheque to match their friends’ donations.
Not everyone can give so generously, but we can all have genuine conversations that inform, inspire, and provide hope.
Join us!
If Paul and Karen inspired you, take the next step and join us as a peer‑to‑peer fundraiser — we can’t wait to cheer you on at one of our golf tournaments and welcome you to one of our galas!
*Names have been changed to protect identities.