Yes, $2000. sounds like a lot of sponsorships, but by being positive, enthusiastic and determined, you can and will get there. Here are some suggestions:

1. Set your sights high. Establish a $$ goal for sponsorships, and write it down.

2. If you’ve only ever run 5K, train for the 10K in Ottawa, and let your potential sponsors know you’re really pushing yourself on behalf of this cancer prevention fundraiser.

3. Make a list of prospective sponsors such as family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, fellow runners/walkers/wheelers, cancer survivors, clients, your family doctor, dentist, chiropractor, naturopath, insurance agent, the local storekeepers and restaurants you have frequented over the years, the realtor you bought your house from... and so on.

4. Make up a short fundraising appeal letter. Tell your potential sponsors what you’re doing and why you believe cancer prevention is so crucial. Add our PDF brochure to your appeal. Email them your letter and brochure. Personalize the message if you have time! Follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back within a few days.

5. Plan a fundraising get-together. Ask a group of potential sponsors to join you for a pot-luck supper or a beer bash, for example. Be clear that it’s a pitch for their support for you in the May 29th-30th Ottawa event and for cancer prevention. Print out extra copies of your sponsor sheets. Sign up as many as possible, and let them know at the end of the evening how much support you’ve received. Give each of them a pledge receipt, reminding them of their pending donation. Ask them to make it simple by donating on line with their VISA or MasterCard once before or after you’ve successfully crossed the finish line!

6. Ask your friends to ask their friends to support you. Contact that second cousin in Calgary you’ve always loved and adored! Multiply your efforts.

7. Ask a buddy or two to participate with you in Ottawa. We promise it will be fun!

8. Thank your sponsors when it’s all over, and remind them to pay their pledge!

9. If you want some additional information about cancer prevention or a video to show your friends and neighbours, contact us for a 35 minute presentation (VHS format) called Everyday Carcinogens: Acting for Cancer Prevention in the Face of Scientific Uncertainty, featuring Dr. Sandra Steingraber, biologist, bladder cancer survivor and author of the best-selling book, Living Downstream: A ecologist looks at cancer and the environment (1998).

10. Start training for 2005!

For general info please e-mail: Liz Armstrong
For registrations and training tips: Sarah Dobec