Here are some ideas to inspire you

Here are some ideas for fundraising events for Ray of Hope:

• Host a trivia night: Invite your friends, family, or coworkers to join you for a night of trivia. You can use an online platform or create your own questions. Charge a small fee for each participant or team and donate the money to Ray of Hope. You can also offer prizes for the winners or have a 50/50 draw.
• Organize a car wash: Set up a car wash station at a convenient location and ask for donations from drivers who want their cars cleaned. You can also sell snacks and drinks to raise more funds. Make sure you have the necessary equipment and permissions before you start.
• Plan a garage sale: Gather some items that you no longer need and sell them at a garage sale. You can also ask your neighbours or friends to donate their unwanted goods. Price the items reasonably and advertise your sale online or with flyers. Donate the proceeds to Ray of Hope.

These are just some examples of fundraising events for Ray of Hope. You can also come up with your own creative ideas that match your passion and purpose. Whatever you choose to do, remember that you are helping Ray of Hope provide essential services and programs to people who need them most.

Tips for organizing a fundraising event

Read this article for tips and tricks on organizing a fundraising event. 

Find ideas and inspiration for your fundraising event.

Workplace Fundraising

Workplace fundraising is a great way to support Ray of Hope. By organizing or participating in workplace fundraising activities, you can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable neighbours and demonstrate your company’s social responsibility. Here are some ideas for workplace fundraising for Ray of Hope:

• Start a Coldest Night of the Year team: The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly walk that raises money for local charities serving people in need. You can register your team online and choose Kitchener – Ray of Hope as your location. Then, invite your coworkers, friends, and family to join your team or sponsor you. You can walk 2km or 5km at the main event on February 24, 2024, Everyone who raises $150 or more gets a toque!
• Host a casual day or dress-up day: Ask your coworkers to donate a small amount to wear a fun costume to work. You can choose a theme that matches your company culture or the season. For example, you can have a pyjama day, a superhero day, or a Halloween day. Collect the donations and send them to Ray of Hope.
• Organize a bake sale or lunch sale: If you have some culinary skills, you can bake some goodies or prepare some sandwiches and sell them at your workplace. You can also ask your coworkers to contribute their own baked goods or lunch items. Set a reasonable price for each item and donate the proceeds to Ray of Hope.
• Hold a silent auction or raffle: Gather some prizes from your company or local businesses and hold a silent auction or raffle at your workplace. You can sell tickets or bids to your coworkers and draw the winners at a specified time. You can also make it more fun by adding some mystery prizes or challenges. Donate the money raised to Ray of Hope.

Legacy Giving

Legacy giving is a way of expressing your lasting support for Ray of Hope, a local charity that helps people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and addiction in Kitchener. By leaving a gift for Ray of Hope in your will, you can create a legacy that will last beyond your lifetime and make a difference in the lives of your vulnerable neighbours. Your gift can be a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a residual amount after other bequests are made. You can also designate Ray of Hope as a beneficiary of your life insurance, RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA. Legacy giving has many benefits for you and your loved ones, such as reducing taxes, preserving your assets, and fulfilling your philanthropic goals. To learn more about legacy giving, please contact your financial planner or estate lawyer, or simply leave a note with your will.

Interested in organizing a fundraising event?

Email us at donations@rayofhope.net or call us at 1-519-578-8010 ext. 217

Pray

For The Community Centre, please pray for:

• Our guests to feel supported, encouraged, and safe
• The staff to demonstrate love to everyone, treating all without prejudice or bias
• Staff wisdom and discernment in difficult situations
• New monthly donors to help Ray of Hope meet the community’s needs

For our Justice Programs, please pray for:

• Wise government choices regarding new programs
• Peace and hope for youth as they work to transform their lives
• Our search for staff to find the right candidates

For our Youth Support Services, please pray for:

• The staff, teachers, and therapists to share wisdom and encouragement
• Hope and a new direction forward for the youth
• Support, community, hope, and healing for families

For our Employment Services, please pray for:

• Program changes that meet the evolving needs of the economy
• Trainees to find meaningful ways to apply their new skills in their job placements
• Employers to open their doors and hearts to partnerships