Footsteps for Families 2021

Footsteps for Families is one of RMHCSCO's largest fundraisers of the year! Our virtual celebration provides a perfect opportunity for families of all ages to get involved, have a whole lot of fun, and play an important role in delivering our mission - providing a home away from home to families who have children receiving critical care at McMaster Children's Hospital. We know we are stronger together. Although we can’t be together, we can work together to support families with seriously ill children across our community.

You will be able to join us from the comfort of your own home by participating and fundraising in your community to show support for RMHCSCO families.

1. Register! Register online as an individual or by creating or joining a team! You will need to register in order to receive all the exciting updates that will be happening throughout the campaign - don't miss out! By registering online, you will automatically receive your personal fundraising page.

2. Fundraise! Footsteps for Families is a pledge based, fundraising campaign. Be sure to personalize your fundraising page and tell your family, friends and coworkers why you are supporting RMHCSCO families. During our Celebration Day on Sunday, June 6, we will announce the Top Fundraising Team and Top Fundraiser! Winners will receive a super-cool and fun prize. Additionally, we will also have a Celebration Day Draw which will include three winners!

• How do I enter to win a Celebration Day Draw prize? There will be plenty of ways to gain extra entries to our Celebration Day Draw! Check out the Prizing section to learn more!

3. Have Fun! The focus of this event is creating memorable family moments together! Each week, all registrants will receive an e-mail with a new, super-fun activity that can help raise funds for RMHCSCO families. Whether you try the activity once, or run with it until our Celebration Day on Sunday, June 6, be sure to snap a photo and send it to Deanna at dkulczycky@rmhcsco.ca. Not only will we share your pictures on our Facebook and Instagram stories on #FootstepsFriday but you'll also be entered into our Celebration Day Draw - just for sending us a photo!

4. Celebrate Virtually With Us! On Sunday, June 6, 2021 enjoy a celebratory walk in your neighbourhood, backyard, around your house - wherever you'd like! Be sure to tune in to our social media channels (Facebook or Instagram) to watch our Opening Ceremony, Main Event, and Closing Ceremony (the schedule will be sent out prior to our Celebration Day) to have fun and celebrate your Footsteps for Families journey. You won't want to miss our Celebration Day!

Let the fundraising begin!

Once you register to participate in Footsteps for Families, you’ll receive your own customizable fundraising page. Customize your page to your liking then begin to ask for support from your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. A great way to spread the word about your fundraising efforts is by sharing the link to your page on your social media! Let everyone know that you are participating in Footsteps for Families to help families stay close to their children when they are receiving medical care at local hospitals.

How do I win a fundraising prize?

Prizes will be awarded to:

1. Top Fundraising Individual

• The individual who raises the most funds for RMHCSCO will win a fun, exciting prize!

2. Top Fundraising Team

• The team who raises the most funds for RMHCSCO will also be awarded with a fun, exciting prize!
  

Three additional prizes will be awarded on Sunday, June 6 during our Celebration Day Draw. Here is how you can gain entry to the draw:

1. Register!

• By simply registering yourself for Footsteps for Families, you will gain an automatic entry to our Celebration Day Draw!

2. Send us pictures!

• Each week, we will send out a new and unique fundraising activity to try with your family or team. If you give the activity a shot, send us a picture and you will receive an extra entry into the draw!

3. Achieve the different fundraising levels!

• For each fundraising level you achieve, you'll gain an extra entry to our Celebration Draw Day! See below for the different levels!

4. Be the first to catch our Fundraising SurPRIZES!

• Keep an eye on your e-mail because we *may be* sending out different ways you could receive TWO additional entries to the draw. *Hint: Fundraising SurPRIZES could include the first team to send us a selfie, raise a certain amount of money... and more! Be prepared and act quickly - you won't want to miss out on our fun prizes!

Prize winners will be announced on RMHCSCO's Social Media (Facebook and Instagram) during our Celebration Day on Sunday, June 6, 2021.
Please Note: All prize winners will be based on all donations received online or in person at RMHCSCO (please call ahead to make drop-off arrangements) by Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

If you have collected any cash or cheque pledges, please use our printable pledge form to track your donor information. Click here to download a copy. Please contact our Community Engagement Specialist, Deanna Kulczycky (dkulczycky@rmhcsco.ca), to arrange a drop off time, prior to Sunday, June 6, 2021 to ensure that these donations are included in your fundraising total.

Please note that we need full names and mailing addresses to generate charitable tax receipts for any donations of $20 and more.

Who can participate?
Anyone can participate! Alumni RMHCSCO families, community members, corporate supporters - participants of all ages are welcome to join in on the fun in support of RMHCSCO! The more the merrier!

Who does Footsteps for Families benefit?
100% of all proceeds from Footsteps for Families will benefit the children and families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario.

How can I participate in Footsteps for Families?
There are several ways you can help our families:

• Walk as an individual
• Join or start a team with your immediate family, extended family, friends and/or neighbours
• Sign up as group or organization or form a team to raise more
• Donate and support our participants or teams to reach their fundraising goals
  
  

Do I need to register in advance?
Yes please! We encourage all participants (adults AND children) to register early. By registering in advance, you will be able to create a personalized online fundraising page where you can track your donations from your family and friends. Registering online will also provide you with the chance to win amazing prizes, stay up to date with the fundraising activity ideas, and exciting updates leading up to our Footsteps for Families Celebration Day on Sunday, June 6, 2021.

Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee!

Do I have to fundraise?
Fundraising is critical to the success of our event and we truly appreciate your support. Fundraising means winning fun and exciting prizes that the whole family can enjoy! Consider starting off your own fundraising journey by making a donation to yourself!

Is there a minimum amount to fundraise in order to participate?
No, there is no minimum amount to fundraise.

How do I set up my personal fundraising page?
Upon registration, you will automatically receive a personal fundraising page within the Race Roster website and an e-mail with details on how to customize your page. You can upload a personal photo, and if you wish, share why you are choosing to support RMHCSCO through this event. You will be able to share a link to your personal fundraising page with your family and friends.

What should I do with cash donations?
If you have collected cash/cheque donations towards the event, please be sure to fill out our paper pledge form. Please contact our Community Engagement Specialist, Deanna Kulczycky (dkulczycky@rmhcsco.ca), to arrange a drop off time, prior to Sunday, June 6, 2021.

Are tax receipts provided?
Tax receipts will be automatically provided via e-mail to all donors who make an online donation of $20 or more. For those who make a donation of $20 or more via cash or cheque, a tax receipt will be sent in the mail.

Can I make a donation even if I don’t register for the event?
Yes! You can make a donation to an individual, a team, or simply to the event.

My company is interested in becoming a sponsor. What do I do?
Please visit our sponsorship opportunities page or contact our Director of Development & Donor Relations, David Shea (dshea@rmhcsco.ca) to learn how to get involved.

What should I wear?
We highly encourage you to coordinate your team outfits to show off your team spirit - this could be matching shirts, tutus, colourful socks, etc. Who doesn't love a fun, matching team outfit?

Can we make our own signs/banners/etc.?
Yes! We also highly encourage you to make your own banners, signs, cheers, etc. and share why your team is proud to be walking for RMHCSCO!

On Celebration Day, where should we actually do our walk?
Anywhere you would like! Take a walk around your block, through the park, along pathways…the choices are endless! While we are super excited about this virtual walk, please be aware of the guidelines set out by the province and your municipality with respect to proper social distancing when out in the community.