6 people walk in a single file line through the forest with their backs to the camera.
Photo by Alex Harris.

A meaningful excuse to plan a party: Peer-to-peer fundraising!

Ways to involve family and friends in supporting Raincoast.

By Samantha Walker 2 min. read

Hosting a wedding, milestone birthday, or just a casual neighbourhood get-together? Make it a fundraiser! 

Peer-to-peer fundraising is powerful in connecting people, from your closest friends to complete strangers, to a cause you care about. Any time is a good time to raise awareness, and not everybody needs to be an elaborate event planner to host a fundraiser. 

Here are five everyday ideas to support Raincoast:

  1. Ask for donations in lieu of birthday gifts by using social media (like Facebook or Instagram fundraisers) or directly asking friends and family to donate and support what you care about. 
  2. Set up a donation registry for your wedding or let guests know of your preference on invitations. Virtual invites can be particularly useful to include links and additional information about the cause you’re supporting. 
  3. Host your own at-home or in-office party, like a summer barbeque or holiday celebration. Choose a theme and optional incentives or activities, and make sure that a donation URL, QR code, or tip jar is easily accessible. Afterwards, you can donate to Raincoast online or send cash via mail. 
  4. Participate in a charity night at a local restaurant. For example, The Den in Revelstoke has Tuesday Charity Nights “where 10% of all food sales that night will be donated directly back to your cause.” If your favourite restaurant doesn’t advertise these events – just ask! 
  5. Create a product fundraiser if you have your own small business or create specialty items (like paintings, crocheted blankets, or baked goods) as a hobby. Donate a percentage of your sales on an ongoing basis or limited time while raising awareness to your network. (Check out Tofino Soap Co.’s Coast Candle and Puzzle Lab’s Rise Wood Jigsaw for inspiration.) 

More complex events to reach beyond your circle can include a concert, “-a-thons” events (i.e. marathon, streamathon, cookathon), or a social media challenge. If you’re planning a fundraiser like this, please see here for our brand guidelines.

We appreciate every person who takes action to support Raincoast. 

FundraisingPeer to peerSamantha Walker