Hosting a fundraiser can be a meaningful way to bring people together while helping cancer patients, caregivers, children, grieving families, and healthcare teams feel supported.
A fundraiser does not need to be large or complicated.
It can be a community supper, bottle drive, silent auction, charity photo day, bake sale, workplace campaign, or online event.
The most important part is having a clear purpose, a realistic plan, and transparent communication about where the funds will go.
Begin With a Clear Goal
Before choosing the type of fundraiser, decide what you hope to accomplish.
Your goal might be to:
- Sponsor a set number of comfort baskets
- Purchase gas or grocery cards
- Support pediatric baskets
- Create caregiver baskets
- Fund a community packing day
- Purchase approved basket supplies
- Support rural treatment travel
- Raise awareness for the foundation
A clear goal helps people understand exactly what they are supporting.
For example:
“Our goal is to raise enough to prepare 20 caregiver comfort baskets.”
That is easier for supporters to understand than a general request for donations.
Choose a Fundraiser That Fits Your Community
The best fundraiser is one that matches the interests, resources, and size of the group organizing it.
Possible ideas include:
- Community supper
- Bake sale
- Bottle drive
- Silent auction
- Charity walk
- Readathon
- Sports tournament
- Photography mini sessions
- Craft sale
- Online auction
- Workplace giving day
- Casual dress day
- Yard sale
- Raffle, where legally permitted
- Donation-based fitness class
- Restaurant fundraising night
- School spirit day
- Memorial event
- Kindness challenge
You do not need to choose the biggest idea.
Choose something your team can manage well.
Ask Permission Before Using the Foundation’s Name
Before advertising or collecting money on behalf of the Glen Adnam Cancer Comfort Basket Foundation, contact the foundation for approval.
This helps ensure:
- The event aligns with the mission
- The foundation’s name and logo are used properly
- Donation messaging is accurate
- Fundraising rules are followed
- Supporters understand where funds will go
- The event does not conflict with another campaign
Clear communication protects both the organizer and the foundation.
Create a Simple Budget
Even a small fundraiser may have expenses.
Write down expected costs such as:
- Venue rental
- Food
- Printing
- Decorations
- Insurance
- Permits
- Payment-processing fees
- Equipment
- Advertising
- Prize purchases
- Supplies
Then estimate how much you expect to raise.
Keeping expenses low helps more of the proceeds support the mission.
Ask local businesses whether they can donate a venue, supplies, printing, food, or professional services.
Build a Small Planning Team
You do not need to organize everything alone.
A small team can divide the responsibilities.
Possible roles include:
- Event coordinator
- Treasurer
- Volunteer coordinator
- Sponsorship contact
- Promotion lead
- Donation manager
- Setup and cleanup lead
- Photographer
- Foundation liaison
Clear roles help prevent confusion and burnout.
Set a Date and Timeline
Choose a date that gives enough time to plan, promote, and gather support.
Create a simple timeline that includes:
- Foundation approval
- Venue confirmation
- Sponsor outreach
- Volunteer recruitment
- Promotion launch
- Donation deadlines
- Ticket sales
- Final supply purchases
- Event setup
- Fund transfer
- Thank-you messages
- Impact update
A timeline helps the planning team stay organized.
Choose a Venue
The venue should match the event and expected attendance.
Possible locations include:
- Community halls
- Schools
- Churches
- Local businesses
- Parks
- Sports facilities
- Farms
- Restaurants
- Online platforms
Consider accessibility, parking, washrooms, capacity, weather, and any required permits or insurance.
Find Local Sponsors
Local businesses may be willing to support the event through:
- Financial sponsorship
- Donated prizes
- Gift cards
- Food
- Printing
- Venue space
- Photography
- Decorations
- Advertising
- Volunteer time
Create a clear request explaining:
- What the event is
- Why it matters
- What you are asking for
- How their contribution will be used
- What recognition may be offered
- Who to contact
Keep the request specific and respectful.
Set Clear Financial Procedures
Trust is essential.
Before collecting money, decide:
- Who will receive payments
- Which payment methods will be accepted
- How cash will be counted
- Who will verify totals
- How expenses will be recorded
- How funds will be transferred
- Whether tax receipts are available
- What documentation will be kept
Use two people to count cash whenever possible.
Keep receipts and records for all income and expenses.
Do not promise charitable tax receipts unless the foundation is legally able and has confirmed it will issue them.
Understand Fundraising Rules
Some fundraising activities may require licences, permits, insurance, or approval.
This may apply to:
- Raffles
- Lotteries
- Gaming activities
- Alcohol sales
- Public events
- Food sales
- Large gatherings
- Use of public property
Check the applicable municipal, provincial, school, workplace, or organizational requirements before promoting the event.
Do not assume an activity is permitted simply because it is for charity.
Tell the Story Behind the Fundraiser
People are more likely to support an event when they understand why it matters.
Explain:
- What the foundation does
- Who the baskets support
- Why comfort matters during cancer
- How the funds will be used
- The event’s specific goal
Keep the message compassionate and honest.
Do not use private patient stories, names, photographs, or medical details without clear permission.
Promote the Event
Promotion may include:
- Social media
- Posters
- Community newsletters
- Local radio
- School announcements
- Business displays
- Word of mouth
- Community groups
- Local newspapers
Include the key details clearly:
- Event name
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Cost or donation amount
- Fundraising goal
- How proceeds will be used
- Contact information
- Accessibility information
- Donation options
Make it easy for people to understand how to participate.
Create a Donation Option for People Who Cannot Attend
Some people may want to support the fundraiser but cannot attend.
Consider offering:
- Online donations
- E-transfer, if officially approved
- Drop-off locations
- Item donations
- Sponsorship options
- Gift-card contributions
- Volunteer opportunities
Use only payment methods authorized by the foundation.
Recruit Volunteers
Think about the tasks needed before, during, and after the event.
Volunteers may help with:
- Setup
- Registration
- Food
- Ticket sales
- Donation collection
- Auctions
- Children’s activities
- Photography
- Cleanup
- Transportation
- Promotion
- Counting funds
Provide clear instructions and a point of contact for questions.
Protect Privacy
A fundraiser may be inspired by a local person or family affected by cancer.
Never use their name, diagnosis, story, photograph, or financial situation without clear permission.
A family should not feel pressured to share private details in order for the event to succeed.
You can explain the need for cancer support without identifying recipients.
Make the Event Inclusive
Provide different ways for people to participate.
Someone may attend.
Someone else may volunteer.
Another person may donate an item.
A local business may offer a service.
A family may share the event.
People should not feel excluded because they cannot make a large financial contribution.
Keep the Event Focused
Fundraisers can become complicated quickly.
Avoid adding too many activities.
A simple, well-organized event is often more successful than an overwhelming one.
Focus on:
- A clear purpose
- A manageable schedule
- Good communication
- Responsible financial handling
- A positive experience
- Meaningful impact
Share the Foundation’s Approved Wish List
If the event includes a donation drive, use the foundation’s current approved list.
This may include items such as:
- Soft blankets
- Cozy socks
- Journals
- Books
- Activity supplies
- Reusable water bottles
- Fragrance-free care products
- Sealed snacks
- Gift cards
- Tote bags
Do not encourage donations of used, opened, expired, strongly scented, medicated, or difficult-to-sanitize items.
Be Transparent About Proceeds
Clearly explain whether:
- All proceeds are being donated
- Net proceeds after expenses are being donated
- A percentage of sales is being donated
- A set amount per item is being donated
- Funds are supporting a specific program
For example:
“Ten dollars from every ticket sold will support pediatric comfort baskets.”
Clear language protects donor trust.
Keep Expenses Reasonable
It can be tempting to make the event elaborate.
Remember that the goal is to support the mission.
Use donated supplies when possible.
Borrow decorations.
Choose affordable printing.
Ask sponsors to cover specific costs.
A beautiful event does not need to be expensive.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
The event should reflect the values of the foundation.
Aim for an atmosphere that feels:
- Compassionate
- Respectful
- Community-focused
- Inclusive
- Hopeful without minimizing grief
- Family-friendly when appropriate
Avoid messaging that pressures people to be positive or frames cancer as a battle everyone must win.
Honour Loved Ones Carefully
Some fundraisers may include a memorial element.
This could involve:
- A memory table
- A slideshow
- Candles
- Photographs
- Written tributes
- A moment of reflection
- A book of names
Always receive permission before including someone’s name or image.
Give families the option to participate privately.
Thank Volunteers and Sponsors
A fundraiser depends on many people.
Thank:
- Volunteers
- Sponsors
- Donors
- Businesses
- Venue partners
- Attendees
- Organizers
- Community groups
- People who shared the event
Recognition may include social media posts, thank-you cards, certificates, or personal messages.
Respect anyone who prefers to remain anonymous.
Count and Record Funds Promptly
After the event:
- Count all cash with two people present
- Record online and electronic payments
- Gather receipts
- Subtract approved expenses
- Prepare a financial summary
- Transfer funds through the agreed process
- Keep copies of all records
Prompt and accurate reporting builds trust.
Report the Results
Supporters appreciate knowing what their contribution accomplished.
Share information such as:
- Total funds raised
- Net amount donated
- Items collected
- Volunteer hours
- Number or types of baskets supported
- Sponsors involved
- Future impact
Do not share recipient information without permission.
Be Honest When Goals Are Not Fully Reached
Not every fundraiser will meet its original target.
That does not mean it failed.
Share the results honestly and explain how the funds will still help.
A smaller event may still sponsor several baskets, purchase gas cards, or support important supplies.
Every contribution matters.
Learn From the Experience
After the event, ask:
- What worked well?
- What was difficult?
- Were the expenses reasonable?
- Did volunteers have clear roles?
- Was the event accessible?
- Did promotion reach enough people?
- Were financial procedures effective?
- Would we host it again?
Record the lessons for future fundraisers.
Simple Fundraiser Ideas
Comfort Basket Collection Night
Ask each guest to bring one approved item and spend the evening writing cards and preparing supplies.
Charity Mini Sessions
A photographer donates part of each session fee to the foundation.
Community Supper
Local businesses donate food and volunteers help prepare and serve the meal.
Bottle Drive
Collect refundable bottles and cans, then direct the proceeds toward a specific basket program.
Workplace Casual Day
Employees make an optional donation to participate in a themed day.
Readathon
Participants collect pledges based on books or pages read.
Charity Sports Game
A local team hosts a game with ticket proceeds, a collection table, or basket sponsorships supporting the foundation.
Online Auction
Businesses donate products or services, and supporters bid through an approved platform.
Start Small and Build Carefully
Your first fundraiser does not need to raise thousands of dollars.
It may raise enough for a few gift cards.
It may fill several baskets.
It may introduce the foundation to new volunteers or sponsors.
Small events can still create meaningful impact.
Start with something manageable.
Do it responsibly.
Learn from it.
Grow from there.
The Heart Behind the Event
A fundraiser is not only about the final total.
It is about people choosing to care.
It is about a community gathering around patients and families.
It is about turning time, skills, donations, and generosity into practical comfort.
The Glen Adnam Cancer Comfort Basket Foundation was created so people affected by cancer feel remembered and supported.
Every responsible fundraiser helps bring that mission to life.
One event.
One sponsor.
One volunteer.
One donation.
One community showing that no one has to face cancer alone.
