Participant Fundraising Booklet - a guide to all you need to know about reaching your pledge!

Can Too: A Fundraising Program

Can Too is a two-part journey and the rewards of the fundraising are as great as running and swimming in your goal event. We offer encouragement and advice in relation to your run and swim, but most importantly in relation to your fundraising, as Can Too is a fundraising program, supporting Cure Cancer Australia.

The primary goal is to raise money for Cure Cancer Australia. At the same time we will do everything in our power to enable you to achieve your goal of training for and participating in a goal event. We have committed to giving you professional coaching and a structured training program, and you have committed to us that you will raise your funds. We want you to be successful in raising at least your minimum fundraising goal. However, the sky is the limit, so reach for it!

Although a lot of people are anxious about achieving the fundraising goal (just remember you are doing it for a really good cause, you are not asking for yourself) with the tips and support we give, you do achieve it. For example, we have found the backbone of most successful strategies is your personalised email – asking friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you for the amazing commitment you have made in training for your event. You will be surprised and affirmed by the support you receive.

See the following sections to learn how to go about fundraising for Can Too:

• Fundraising Backbone
• Essential Fundraising Tools
• Hall of Fame Members
• Dollar Matchers

Many of us were raised with the notion that talking about money is bad and asking people for it is worse! Take a moment to examine your own beliefs about asking others to contribute money. Do you feel that by asking someone for sponsorship that you are asking them to make a real sacrifice? Do you feel that you are imposing on them, or putting them on the spot?

Fundraising = Support

We all have notions and beliefs surrounding the subject of money. Given this new commitment that you have taken on, it is a good time to examine and revise some of these notions and beliefs.

Let’s look at the idea of a contribution to cancer research through Cure Cancer Australia. Firstly you are not asking for money for yourself. You are asking for money for a really wonderful cause, a cause that may actually help save the lives of the people you are asking for a contribution. Every one we know, either knows or loves someone that has cancer or has died of cancer. Research saves lives!

Is the contribution really a sacrifice? Does it really make people feel uncomfortable?

How would you feel if someone you knew asked you to contribute to something that they were involved with? Would you be happy to give them support? People usually feel good supporting a great cause. Often they wish they were doing what you were doing but are unable to do so. They may even welcome the chance to support you. Do not assume people do not want to help; they may even feel offended that you felt that you could not ask. 

Funds raised support young researchers with innovative ideas, enabling them to pursue projects that are the most promising in their potential to cure cancer.