Plan an Event

Each year, donors, sponsors and participants from across Canada help raise the important funds Willow needs to provide important information and support services. We thank you for your support.

Interested in creating a fundraising event?
Follow these easy guidelines to help you plan!
Scroll down, follow the check list and find out how Willow can help you.

#1 Choose an event - get together with your friends, family, co-workers etc. and brainstorm some ideas. Here are some suggestions:

• Tournament (Golf, baseball, basketball, soccer, the list goes on) - Plan a day of sport, including tournament, dinner and a silent or live auction.
• Organize an Ebay auction - Collect items from friends, family or co-workers to sell on Ebay. Be sure to say that the proceeds will go to Willow!
• Fashion Show - Have a flare for fashion? Organize a fashion show by either contacting local retail stores, using up and coming designers from a local college/university program or designing your own line of stylish wear.
• Local House Tour - Who doesn't like to see others home decor? Plan an afternoon event to visit interesting and unique homes in your city/town. Maybe a local architect or interior designer could act as tour guide.
• Plan a Walk or Run - What better way to stay in shape and help a good cause?
• Wedding Celebration - If you're getting married and want to honour someone in your life who has been affected by breast cancer, we invite you to make a donation to Willow in lieu of wedding favours.
• Dinner/Dance - Instead of taking a gift of wine to a dinner, make a donation to Willow in the hosts' honour.
• Car Wash or Garage Sale - Collect the money on behalf of Willow.

#2 Form a Committee - Surround yourself with enthusiastic people who are willing to help make your event a success.

#3 Set a Date - Make sure you give yourself enough lead time in order to get everything organized. Chose a venue/location and date that is convenient for everyone and doesn't conflict with other major events in your area.

#4 Set a Budget - It's important to outline what your costs will be for the event. This will help you monitor your expenses and determine whether your fundraising goals are attainable.

#5 Choose an Audience - Understanding who your target audience (who will come out and support your event) is very important when you are creating your marketing and promotional material. All materials (posters, flyers, emails) should appeal to your audience in order to generate enthusiasm for your event.

#6 Develop Your Plan - To get a better idea of the details essential to the success of your event, create a timeline with deadlines, explaining roles and responsibilities for anyone helping plan/execute the event.

Flyers, Posters, Emails and more! - Send out info you feel will create awareness for your event. Willow can provide you with information brochures, posters, and post your event on our website.

Tax Receipts - Receipts will be issued to those who donate money to your event if all guidelines of the Canada Revenue Agency are met. (CRA Guidelines) Make sure that cheques are made out to Willow and donation forms are filled out correctly.

Thank You - Don't forget to recognize everyone who helped you organize your event as well as those who participated. Let them know how much you appreciated their support and publicize the grand total raised in support of Willow.

Willow can support you:

• If you're new to fundraising, we can offer you the steps to take in order to make your activity a success.
• Provide limited promotional supplies for your event, such as posters, brochures, information etc. if required.
• Provide receipts according to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines.
• Provide information about EFFAC guidelines and privacy policy guidelines.

What the event organizer looks after:

• Recruiting volunteers to help organize and attend your event. Willow may be able to lend a hand!
• Securing sponsors for your event (if required).
• Designing promotional materials.
• Promoting a smoke-free environment for your event.
• Funding and reimbursing of event expenses. Willow can only receipt for funds that are received.

Thank you for thinking of Willow as your charity of choice, we wish you great success with your event!

For more information, please contact Willow at 1-888-778-3100.