I moved to Montreal from Toronto last year & I would be happy to host anyone coming from 'home' to ride here...I'm finding the fundraising a little tough as I don't know that many people here yet & Toronto folks may prefer to sponsor their local ride? I'm not sure if that's the problem - it may just be that fundraising is hard given the economy, and I need to put in some extra effort.
-- Edited by Lynne on Sunday 26th of April 2009 08:37:02 PM
Fundraising is always a challenge, but I found that several small events/initiatives are easier that one big blow out event. Perhaps you can partner with a local restaurant and ask them to designate a day where, as an example, $2 from the sales of a certain product goes to you. They can then in-turn get a tax receipt for their donation.
I emailed some local wineries and breweries and asked them to donate product so I can host a dinner and showcase some of the wonderful local product being produced along the Toronto to Niagara route (even if I'm doing the Montreal - QC route). I was suprised by their generosity.
Something else I did was hold an online auction on my Facebook page. I ask friends, family, colleagues and businesses to donate items and I post them on my page. The auction was open for two weeks and the highest bidder won.
I've been able to raise over $3,500 so far and hope to go beyond $4,000 by June. Even in tough economic times, people are still willing to donate money to a cause that affects so many of us. Good luck!
