Fundraising during a pandemic

After postponing its largest annual fundraiser last year to help prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Farley Foundation is once again holding its annual Fundraise for Farley Month campaign in October. Many clinics are busy with full appointment books, but there are many ways to fundraise that don’t take a lot of time or effort and keep safety in mind. Here are some ideas to help get your creativity flowing:

Raise money online. Raising money online is an easy and safe alternative to in-person fundraisers. The best way to fundraise online is through the Canada Helps website. By creating a fundraiser through the Farley Foundation’s giving page, clinics can easily collect donations while the platform handles the details, including providing instant tax receipts. To learn how you can set up a Canada Helps fundraiser, view the foundation’s event booklet at bit.ly/3x9Xuvk. Facebook has also evolved to incorporate online giving, allowing users to raise money on their personal pages for charities they’re passionate about. By selecting “Add a Donate Button,” clinics can generate donations through their posts, with all proceeds funneled directly to the Farley Foundation. 

Get outside. Moving your event outside is a great option to ensure everyone stays safe while having fun. Some great options for outdoor fundraisers include a fun run/walk, an outdoor pet photo shoot, or a car or dog wash. There are many creative ways to host an event outside—just be sure to mandate mask-wearing, set up sanitizing stations and maintain social distancing.

Maximize your client’s invoice. Just like many retail stores, you can use your client’s invoice to help raise money. When it comes time for your client to pay, ask them if they would like to add $5 or $10 to their invoice in support of Farley. In exchange for their donation, when you return their pet using curbside care, you can also gift them this year’s grocery bag fundraising item stuffed with a bunch of goodies. To request a free fundraising kit, visit bit.ly/2U9qwNc.

Stick to the basics. Classic fundraisers, such as donating proceeds from pet nail trims, grooming and microchips, are simple and effective, and since clients don’t need to be in the room with you, it won’t affect your clinic’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. If your clinic has previously had success with these types of fundraisers, try them out again this year.

Host a virtual event. Virtual fundraisers, such as online auctions, trivia, paint nights and raffles, are great ways to get numerous people involved without stepping foot into the clinic. To spread awareness about your virtual fundraiser, add a special note about it on your invoices, send an email to all your clients, post about it on social media, and tell everyone in your network. 

Run a low commitment fundraiser. If your clinic is simply too busy to host an event or prepare goodie bags for clients, try implementing a low commitment fundraiser such as an electronic recycling program, 50/50 draw or a bottle and can drive. These types of fundraisers require very minimal time and effort but can garner great results.
‍
Whatever you choose, don’t lose sight of the goal of Fundraise for Farley Month: to help people and pets in need. Regardless of the amount of money you raise, your support will be used to help a beloved companion animal live a happy and healthy life.

For more tips and advice on how your clinic can participate this year view the event booklet at bit.ly/3x9Xuvk or contact info@farleyfoundation.org.

‍