Host your own fundraiser

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I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the nerve to actually tell my teacher about my bullying problem. This has been happening for years and I’ve never had the nerve to tell anybody other than my parents. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

— Kids Help Phone service user

Do you want to help young people in your community get the support they need, but aren’t sure where to start? Hosting your own fundraiser is one of the many ways you can show up for youth mental health with Kids Help Phone!

Many of our current fundraising supporters have a deep, personal connection to the cause. By hosting your own fundraiser and spreading awareness about Kids Help Phone, more young people in every community across Canada can access the life-saving support they need, in the way they need it most.

What does it mean to host your own fundraiser?

When I was a teenager, art played a vital role in dealing with anxiety and depression. With the support of BMO Bank of Montreal, I organized an art auction this year, because I believe that the mental well-being of today’s youth is of utmost importance in shaping the future of our society. As an artist, there is no greater satisfaction than using my skills to contribute positively to a good cause and the mental well-being of our youth.

— Angelo, fundraiser in Montreal

Hosting your own fundraiser means you get to run an activity for a cause you’re passionate about. It’s the best of both worlds: you’re in control of all the details (who, what, where, when, why, etc.) AND you have support from Kids Help Phone to make it a success. By hosting your own fundraiser, you create a unique opportunity for people in your community to support youth mental health and well-being while having fun at the same time.

How do I get started?

What inspires me to host an independent fundraising event for Kids Help Phone is that when I was dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, I thought I was alone in that battle. When I finally reached out and got help, I realized that there is a vast amount of people who struggle with those same thoughts. I want and need to be a voice for them so they know that they’re not alone.

— Jack, fundraiser in Calgary

So you’ve decided to fundraise for youth mental health…now what? It’s time to rally your friends, family and community members to join you in supporting young people across Canada!

To help you spread your message and collect funds, you can create your own fundraising page that you can personalize. By registering your event with us, you’ll receive exclusive fundraising tips and tools from Kids Help Phone. And throughout the process, a Kids Help Phone team member will be in touch with you to offer support and answer any questions you may have.

When you register your event with us, you’ll select which type of fundraiser you’d like to host. Please choose from one of the following to get started:

Option 1: Ask your network to donate via an activity

For example:

  • collect pledges for every kilometre you complete in a walk, run or bike ride
  • sell tickets to an event (e.g. hockey tournament, benefit concert, trivia night, etc.)
  • agree to complete an activity (e.g. shave your head) if you reach a certain fundraising goal
  • celebrate a birthday by asking party attendees to make a donation instead of bringing a gift
  • sell handmade goods for a predetermined price

For this type of event, donors will make a personal donation directly on your fundraising page.

Option 2: Ask your network to donate in person at an event

For example:

  • set up a bake sale
  • run a garage sale
  • coordinate a dress-down/pyjama day at work or school

For this event, the host (that’s you!) will collect all funds raised and then submit them through a one-time donation.

How do I support someone else’s fundraiser?

Do you know someone who’s hosting their own fundraiser for Kids Help Phone? You can support their initiative by searching for their name or fundraising event here.

*We want to let you know these types of fundraisers are ineligible for tax receipts.

Thank you for supporting young people across Canada by hosting your own fundraiser! If you have any questions about running your own event or donating to someone else’s fundraiser, please contact us.