A rainy day fund can help maintain peace of mind, so you can be confident that you can manage unexpected events without impacting your mental health.

From home repairs to medical bills, unplanned expenses can crop up when you least expect them. So it’s best to be as financially prepared as possible—in other words, making sure you have good financial well-being and can weather any storms that may come your way.

Don’t worry if you don’t have much (or anything at all) in your emergency savings pot at the moment. According to Bankrate’s 2025 Emergency Savings Report, 3 in 5 Americans (59%) are uncomfortable with their emergency savings. That’s why we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you start putting money aside for your future.

The good news is, you don’t need to be a personal finance expert to start building an emergency fund. Here’s everything you need to know to meet your financial goals.

What is an emergency fund?

An emergency fund is a financial safety net to cover unexpected expenses or sudden loss of income, as a result of job loss or illness.

The fund can be used for a variety of financial emergencies, from car repairs to cash flow issues.

What is a good starter emergency fund?

It’s generally advised to have three to six months’ worth of expenses in your emergency fund, but how much you save depends on your situation. For example, if you’re the main provider or you have multiple dependents, you may decide to have more in your pot.

This is sometimes known as the 3-6-9 rule:

• Three months is recommended for those with a stable income and little to no debt.
• Six months is a good middle ground for an emergency fund, suitable for those with some debt and dependents.
• Nine months might be wise if you’re the main provider, have higher debt, or have complex financial situations.

We know it might sound like a lot of money. But don’t be put off if that feels too much. Anything you can put aside is beneficial, and everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to savings.

Why do you need an emergency fund?

There are many benefits to having an emergency fund.

If you suddenly find yourself in a financially unstable situation, it’s important to have enough money to cover a few months of expenses. This will help secure the safety and happiness of yourself and your loved ones.

Having an emergency fund will also provide you with financial security and stop you from making hasty financial decisions and potentially racking up unnecessary debt when you suddenly need some cash.

Where should you put your emergency savings?

There are plenty of options for where to put your cash. It will depend on your circumstances and how quickly you might need to access money in an emergency, as some lock money away. You can also use a few different options to help you get the best balance between accessibility and interest-earning potential.

• A high-yield savings account will pay high interest rates on your savings. Do your research to find the best deals, and be ready to switch providers if interest rates drop. These bank accounts sometimes also offer welcome bonuses to new customers, which means you can add more to your pot.

• A money market account is essentially a mix between a checking account and a savings account. They tend to offer good interest rates and limited withdrawals from your savings. So if you can be confident you won’t need immediate, easy access to your savings, this might be a good option.
• A certificate of deposit (CD) account offers a fixed rate of return in exchange for locking your money away for a set period (e.g., 18 months). Often, there will be penalties if you need to make early withdrawals, but these will differ between accounts, so do your research.
• An easy-access checking account is a good option if you want to be able to access your money quickly. Some banks have savings pots within their checking accounts to help you separate money for different uses. These will often have smaller interest rates than other options.

Wherever you decide to put your money, make sure it’s safe. Opt for banks and credit unions that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

6 steps to build an emergency fund

1. Understand your current finances

To make smart financial decisions, you must understand your current finances. That includes the amount of money you currently have in your checking account balance and other bank accounts, as well as any debts you owe, including credit card debts.

It’s also crucial to audit your monthly expenses. This way, you can fully understand what your outgoings are each month and understand what you can cut back, if needed, such as streaming subscriptions or gym memberships. It’s also useful to understand how much you spend on miscellaneous transactions, including ATM withdrawals.

If you’re in a relationship, be sure to include your partner in your calculations, too.

2. Determine how much you can save

It’s important to set a savings goal, so you know what you’re working towards. But equally, it’s wise to be realistic about how quickly you can get there.

Think about the 3-6-9 rule to set out an ideal amount to aim for. Then work out how much you can realistically save each month to meet that target.

This will mean assessing your outgoings and expenses against your monthly income, considering what you can cut back on, and how much you can put aside.

3. Choose saving strategies that work for you

There are lots of ways to save money, from strict budgeting to paying off debts. When it comes to emergency funds:

• Set a budget—and stick to it. Be disciplined and share your goals with others, so they can support you.
• Set up automatic transfers from your regular salary to your savings accounts. Do this as soon as you get paid, to avoid the temptation to spend it.
• Monitor interest rates and, if you can get a better deal elsewhere, move savings accounts to maximize the return on your savings. Make sure you won’t incur any penalties or fines before moving money, as this could undo any benefits.
• Commit to saving windfalls, which means unexpected income such as a tax refund, bonus, or inheritance. Save as much for any windfalls as possible, and immediately.
• Save any small change by putting physical coins in a jar or saving digitally.
• Pay off any outstanding debts, starting with high-interest credit cards. This might seem counterintuitive, but it will free up money for you to put into your savings.

4. Find a good place to keep your savings

We outlined bank account options earlier in the article. Personal finance is personal, and what works for one individual might not be the best option for you.

Whatever you decide for your savings plan, it’s wise to keep your emergency fund in a separate account or savings pot, so you aren’t tempted to spend it. And remember to use an FDIC-insured bank account for your savings to protect your money.

5. Stay accountable

Saving takes time and, let’s face it, can be frustratingly slow.

Keep the momentum going by celebrating milestones such as completing six months of consistent saving or reaching a specific figure. You can celebrate these yourself, or share your wins with a loved one who can also share your successes.

6. Planning when and how to use it

Once you’ve built up a decent-sized emergency fund, it will be tempting to dip into your savings. However, remember how long it took you to save the money. It’s much easier to spend money than to save it.

Try setting some ground rules for yourself that will help you spend the money wisely. Perhaps there are only certain situations you want to use the money for. This is especially important if you’ve got a family and dependents, when everyone agrees what reasonable living expenses look like, it will help keep spending decisions harmonious.

Do remember to be flexible as well as disciplined. Stuff happens, and it may not be an unexpected expense you’d bargained for, but have the confidence that you can always get your emergency fund back on track with a little hard work and determination.

How you can use crowdfunding to start an emergency fund

Crowdfunding is an excellent way to boost an emergency fund and help reach financial security. Setting up a crowdfunding campaign is easy on GoFundMe and can complement the other saving techniques you’re using to hit your emergency savings goal.

Start by setting up a fundraising campaign with a compelling fundraising story and share it on social media to reach as many people as possible. This will allow friends, family, and your network to support you and contribute to your emergency fund.

The post Your ultimate guide to starting an emergency fund appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Beyond just satisfying a sweet tooth, a bake sale fundraiser is the perfect way to support vulnerable Canadians and strengthen community spirit. 

In this article, we’ll explore bake sale ideas for fundraising and top tips for the big day, so you have all the ingredients to make your event a sweet success. Preheat your ovens and grab your aprons!

Bake sale fundraiser tips

Before you start baking tasty treats, there are a few things you’ll need to consider when organizing your event to ensure it’s a success. Let’s take a look at some of our top bake sale fundraiser tips:

• Ask for help: You can’t do everything by yourself, so make sure you recruit some volunteers to help organize the bake sale, promote the fundraiser, set up on the day of the event, bake some goods, collect money, and clean up.
• Consider a theme: Think about possible bake sale idea themes, whether it’s tailored towards a particular time of year, such as Easter or Christmas, or a specific event like World Book Day.
• Finalise event details: Consider the date, time, and location, so you can start to spread the word about your fundraiser. When deciding on these details, make sure you try to make it convenient for as many people as possible.
• Check your local health codes: Canadian states have different health codes, so make sure you do your research beforehand.
• Set up an online fundraiser: To maximize the amount of funds you raise, use an online fundraising platform to help boost donations leading up to and after the event. It’s a great way of increasing awareness about the fundraiser and topping up the funds you receive.

Bake sale ideas for fundraising

Canadians love a sweet treat, but there’s more to bake sale preparation than meets the eye. For ease, you want baked goods that are simple to hand out as individual portions and prioritize tried and tested bestsellers to maximize the funds you raise.

Here are our favourite bake sale ideas for fundraising:

1. Brownies

Rich, gooey, and universally loved, brownies are easy to bake in large batches and distribute individually. 

• Classic fudge brownies
• Salted caramel brownies
• Peanut butter swirl brownies
• Blondies

2. Cinnamon rolls

Soft and sweet with a slightly crisp and flaky exterior, cinnamon rolls are a decadent option that caters to the tastebuds of adults and children alike.

• Classic cinnamon rolls 
• Apple pie cinnamon rolls
• Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls
• Chocolate hazelnut cinnamon rolls

3. Cookies

Who doesn’t love cookies? Classic and versatile, they can be tailored to suit any flavour preference and are perfect for grab-and-go sales.

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Snickerdoodles
• White chocolate macadamia nut cookies
• Maple cookies

4. Pies

Appropriate for fans of both sweet and savoury goods, pies appeal to a wide audience and can be sold by the slice.

• Classic apple pie
• Lemon meringue pie
• Pumpkin pie
• Chocolate Whoopie Pies

5. Bars

Incredibly easy to portion and pack, this handheld tasty treat can be baked on a big scale and allows bakers to get creative with different flavours.

• Lemon bars
• S’mores bars
• Nanaimo bars
• Peanut butter chocolate bars

6. Bread

Loaves of banana, zucchini, or sourdough bread always go down a treat and can be sliced up before your cake sale for convenient distribution. Also a good choice for those seeking a slightly healthier alternative. 

• Banana bread
• Zucchini bread
• Cinnamon swirl bread
• Pumpkin bread

7. Cakes

Beautifully decorated and crowd-pleasing, cakes can be the perfect showpiece at your bake sale – helping to elevate your table of treats. They can be sold whole as smaller versions or in slices.

• Vanilla layer cake with buttercream
• Red velvet cake
• Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
• Chocolate ganache cake

8. Cupcakes

Miniature, individually portioned cakes are easy to decorate and tailor to a particular theme, offering customization opportunities and variety.

• Funfetti cupcakes
• Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting
• Lemon cupcakes with raspberry frosting
• Vanilla cupcakes with sprinkles

9. Scones

Ideal for savoury lovers, scones are a slightly less sweet option and pair really well with coffee or tea should you wish to offer drinks. 

• Blueberry scones
• Cheddar and chive scones
• Maple pecan scones
• Chocolate chip scones

10. Muffins

Easy to handle and wholesome, muffins are a popular baked item at any time of day. A light and fluffy treat for people of all ages.

• Blueberry muffins
• Chocolate chip muffins
• Pumpkin spice muffins
• Banana muffins

Start a bake sale fundraiser with GoFundMe

Have our bake sale ideas for fundraising whet your appetite and inspired you to get creative in the kitchen? Bake sales are an excellent method of raising money for a worthy cause, bringing members of the community together to bake, eat, and be merry.

However, don’t just rely on sales on the day to hit your fundraising goals, make sure you create a fundraiser online to help promote the big day and maximize your donations.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of Canadians and raise as much funds as possible, GoFundMe is here to help – Canada’s leading crowdfunding platform. We offer market-leading tools to enhance your fundraiser and boost the amount you raise at your bake sale fundraiser.

We’re here to help generous Canadians looking to raise money and support vulnerable communities.

The post Bake Sale Ideas for Your Next Fundraiser appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to raise money for your chosen cause without breaking the bank in the process. Here, we explore our favourite inexpensive fundraising ideas, including starting a GoFundMe fundraiser.

1. Volunteer for a good cause

Volunteering for a nonprofit organization is a brilliant way to fundraise for them without incurring a large cost first. Volunteering means giving your time and it also helps to raise awareness of the cause you are supporting. There’s plenty of opportunity to volunteer for local good causes, such as food banks or thrift shops.2. Clear out unwanted belongings

Giving your house a little spring clean by getting rid of extra clothes, ornaments, and books, and selling them at a garage sale or online, can also be a great way to raise money. It’s good for the planet and gives items another lease of life whilst giving you a clearer home.

3. Take on a running or walking challenge

A fitness challenge is a brilliant way to raise money for a good cause. It gets you out of the house and fit in the process and there’s also no limit to how far you can go – ultramarathons anyone? The great part about a walking challenge is that taking to the pavements around your home is free, all you need is a good pair of shoes. 

4. Host a skills workshop

Maybe you’ve got a skill that people covet around you. From DIY to make-up, photography, arts and crafts, or even computer skills – get a group together and offer to share your wisdom for a small donation towards that cause you’re raising money for. You can spread the word on social media and arrange regular sessions.

5. Give something up

A simple way to raise money – but not necessarily easy –  is giving up something for charity. This could involve giving up smoking for National Non-Smoking Week, which can benefit your health as well, or honouring Meat Free Monday for a whole year. There’s also a growing popularity of calendar monthly events like Dry Feb, where you don’t drink alcohol for February.

6. Start a crowdfunding campaign

A really simple way to raise money is to start a crowdfunding campaign, either for a charity close to your heart or a personal charitable cause. You just need to start one and tell your story about why you want to fundraise and then share it on social media, email, with posters up at your local school, or local businesses. 

You can start your fundraiser here and take a look at our handy tips on how to use social media to promote it – ideal for those interested in cheap fundraisers for schools.

7. Use your creative skills

Are you a budding arts and crafts person? If so, you can create something to sell and put the proceeds towards charity. Even if you’re not crafty, something like carpentry or hairdressing can be offered in return for donations.

8. Sponsored trash pick

A cheap fundraising idea that benefits the community and is very easy to organize is sponsored trash picking. Choose a day and get family members and friends to join you in the local parks, playgrounds, and streets to pick up some trash. Organize a few weekends and spread the word, getting people to sponsor you for your good cause whilst you do it.

9. Grow a mo

Every November, thousands of Canadians grow a moustache (or try to) for Movember, a global foundation that aims to address mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer among men. It’s an inexpensive fundraising idea – but shows that you are committed to the cause. Why not make an event of it by posting daily photos of your progress on social media or get people around and video the big moment you shave it off?10. Community coffee morning

An all-time favourite cheap fundraising idea is the coffee morning. There are so many different formats you can do it in and it can be done with colleagues, friends, school mums, and more. For example, the Alzheimer Society has a scheme called Coffee Break, where friends and family can get together to learn more about dementia and make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee.

The post 10 Cheap Fundraising Ideas appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Thankfully, excess skin removal surgery can eliminate 15 pounds or more of weight and help you conquer all of your weight loss goals. Below, you can find out how to get skin removal surgery covered by insurance, as well as other ways to pay for the expensive procedure.

Create a fundraiser

What is excess skin removal surgery?

Excess skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring, involves various procedures which include lower and upper body lifts, thigh and buttock lifts, panniculectomy, and more. These procedures are performed after major weight loss to target the extra skin folds on the body such as the legs, stomach, and arms. 

Eliminating extra skin after weight loss can improve your comfort and the way clothes fit on your body, as well as make exercising easier.

Facts to know about excess skin removal

• 161,948 tummy tuck procedures were performed in 2022.
• In the same year, the demand for upper arm lifts grew 23% and lower body lifts increased by 28%.
• 9,421 thigh lifts were recorded.
• Eyelid surgery, which removes excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper or lower eyelids, was in the top five procedures. 
• 48% of all tummy tuck procedures were on people aged between 40 and 54. 
• The second most in-demand procedure for men is a tummy tuck.

*Statistics are from a 2022 report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which represents plastic surgeons in the United States and Canada.

Excess skin removal surgery costs

So, exactly how much does skin reduction surgery after weight loss cost? These are the average costs for the most common plastic surgeries for loose skin after weight loss, according to the 2022 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report:

• Tummy tuck: $7,215
• Lower body lift: $9,449
• Upper arm lift: $5,490
• Thigh lift: $6,378
• Breast lift: $5,817
• Buttock lift: $6,372

There may also be other costs to consider, such as anaesthesia fees, facility and material costs, and prescription costs. 

 3 ways to pay for skin removal surgery 

Surgery isn’t cheap. However, there are several ways to save money or even get your surgery paid for in full. Here are some methods of paying for skin reduction surgery.

Insurance

Not every insurance company will pay for skin removal surgery. You need to be able to prove that the surgery is medically necessary and will significantly improve your health and quality of life.

1. Talk to your doctor: Speak to a doctor about why the surgery is medically necessary and document the steps you’ve taken to overcome your medical issues to show surgery is truly a last resort. To qualify for insurance, your doctor will need to provide a record that states your excess skin has caused skin rashes or skin ulcers, back problems, or is generally inhibiting you from participating in normal, daily activities.
2. Decide which type of surgery is best: Most insurance companies consider an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, a cosmetic procedure and will not cover it. On the other hand, a panniculectomy is usually labelled as a reconstructive procedure, which insurance companies are more likely to pay for. Speak with your doctor about which type of surgery is best for your needs, taking into consideration what your insurance company is most likely to cover.
3. Work with your insurance company: Find out if your insurance will pay for all or a portion of the surgery. Have the correct insurance code for your surgical procedure handy so there’s no confusion about the procedure you’re asking about.

Bundle surgeries and pay in cash

Some hospitals and plastic surgery clinics offer small 5-10% cash discounts for paying in cash upfront. Also, many clinics offer discounts if you get more than one procedure done at the same time. Always do your research to find out if there are any other ways to save money.

Crowdfund to cover costs

Thousands of people have turned to crowdfunding to get help paying for out-of-pocket medical expenses or to avoid medical bankruptcy. When insurance coverage fails or you need to raise funds quickly, crowdfunding can be a lifeline.

You might be hesitant to share your weight loss story publicly and ask for financial support. But if you’ve worked hard to shed extra weight and live a healthier life, you’ll likely find that your family and friends will be excited to support you through this final leg of your weight loss journey.

How crowdfunding has helped fund skin removal surgery

These are just a few people who asked their networks to help them pay for skin removal surgery and received an outpouring of support:

Miss_itty_britty skin removal fund

At 23 years old, Brittany embarked on an incredible weight loss journey that changed her life. But after losing over 300 pounds, she was left with folds of extra skin that caused her pain, discomfort, and limited her ability to lead a fulfilling life. After her claims for insurance coverage were denied, Brittany turned to crowdfunding and raised over $11,500 to remove her excess skin.

Jesse’s excess skin removal surgery

Jesse weighed 700 pounds and hadn’t left his house in years when he came across a bodybuilding website that sparked something in him. He decided to change his life and lost nearly 400 pounds. The quick and dramatic weight loss left him with pounds of excess skin that caused pain when exercising and gave him serious rashes. Unable to afford the $20,000 surgery, Jesse launched an online fundraiser and smashed his goal, raising $20,755 for the life-changing procedure.

Help Casey fund his skin removal surgery

Casey was on the show My 600-Lb Life and has lost over 595 pounds, but he now wants to take the next step in getting all of his excess skin removed. Ethan started a GoFundMe on Casey’s behalf and has raised over $18,000 to help Casey with the cost of skin reduction surgery.

Find financial relief for weight loss surgery today

You’ve worked hard to lose weight and get healthy—and you deserve to feel confident and healthy in your new body. If you don’t know how to pay for your skin removal surgery, GoFundMe can help. You can create a fundraiser in minutes, and our sharing tools make it simple to reach out to your network. 

Sign up today and complete the final step of your weight loss journey

Start a fundraiser

The post The complete financial guide to excess skin removal surgery appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

5 ways to get team sponsorships

1. Create packs to send sponsors 

One effective way to get a sports sponsorship is by creating a one-pager/packet of detailed information to send to potential sponsors. Make sure to be specific in your explanation of what you’re looking for to get the attention of sponsors. Whether you’re seeking financial help to cover sport equipment costs or funds to pay for tournament fees, companies might be able to help in several different ways. Below are some examples of things to include in your packet:

• Explain what’s in it for them.
• Highlight the importance of the cause.
• Add real-life examples to form a connection.

2. Write an outreach letter 

Consider writing a letter to individuals and companies asking for financial support for your team. Just like the previous tip on creating a pack, you’ll want to be specific with your ask and needs in your letter. Explain to them the benefits of supporting your team. It may also be helpful to add a deadline for when you need to have raised the money to create a sense of urgency. An ideal deadline would be the start of the upcoming sports season. To help you get started, here’s a basic template that you can customize:

Dear [Name],

As the new season approaches on [date], [team name] is writing to ask for your consideration in giving either a sponsorship or a monetary donation. Our team heavily relies on the generous support of local sponsors like [you or company name]. The money we raise will go directly towards overall team costs such as travel fees, uniforms, and other equipment.

We believe a sponsorship could benefit [you or company name] by:

• [Make a bullet-point list of ways to collaborate together]

We are also open to any ideas you may have for achieving a sponsorship that will work for both of us. 

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Sincerely,

[Team name] 

3. Reach out to existing contacts

If you’re not sure who to reach out to for a potential sponsorship, start with who you know first. Approach parents of teammates or your team members themselves who may be business owners. Even if they aren’t business owners, they could work for a local company that might be open to being a sponsor. The benefit of tapping into these existing connections is that they are already emotionally invested in your team which will make them more likely to support.

4. Ask for sponsorship from your local community 

Beyond contacting your team members, connect with your community for local team sponsorships. Try to communicate your needs through local newspaper ads, online forums, and community groups. Some businesses in your community will cater to the same audience as your team. For example, a local restaurant where your team goes to eat after every home game. Chances are that these local business owners already know of your team so a relationship might already exist. This will make it easier to ask them about a sponsorship. Since your team and the local business are part of the same community, a sponsorship with them could be mutually beneficial.

5. Research corporations that offer sponsorship

Besides your local community, try expanding your reach to national corporations that offer sponsorship opportunities. There are many corporate sponsors throughout Canada that may be able to offer financial help. Make a list of grocery store chains, banks, hotels, etc. that are in your area so you know who to contact. Going to their websites and attending networking events are great ways to connect with corporate sponsors. Be sure to share your sponsorship pack with them so they have all of the information they need. By associating with a national brand, your team has the potential to attract other businesses that might be interested in sponsoring. A big company benefits from a sponsorship because they’re able to promote their business and reach new audiences.

Online fundraising for your sports team

Even after trying all of these tips, securing a grassroots team sponsorship can still be a challenge. Or, maybe your team still needs additional funding for certain costs. Whatever the case might be, sports fundraising on GoFundMe can help you reach your goals. Crowdfunding on GoFundMe makes it easy to reach people outside of your network. There are also no long wait periods to receive your funds. Build a fundraising team, create a fundraiser, and start raising money today.

Tips for running a successful fundraiser

When you start a fundraiser on GoFundMe, there are a few different ways you can really make it shine.

Tips for running a successful fundraiser

When you start a fundraiser on GoFundMe, there are a few different ways you can really make it shine.

• • Fundraiser story: Once you’ve set up your GoFundMe and thought of a title and goal (which can be changed at any point), you need to write your fundraiser story. This is the place where you set out why you’re fundraising and why it is a cause that is important to you. Go into as much detail as you feel comfortable with – it’s these personal touches which may encourage people to donate. You can also personalise your fundraiser story with pictures and video.
  • Share on social media: Sharing on social media is a great way to get as many eyes as you can on your fundraiser. Post on your socials when you’ve set up the fund, but also when you have any updates too. Make sure to utilise those family and friend group chats to get the word out there!
  • Post updates: Posting updates is a really important way to keep your donors updated on what your doing, but also to keep your fundraiser looking active. Post an update each time you reach a fundraising goal, host an offline event or just have something you want to shout about.
  • Thank your donors: This is a really important one. Make sure to say thank you to your contributors. You can do this through your GoFundMe account or even better, by sending a personalised email or letter saying what their contribution means to you and your fundraising.

Sponsorship takes time 

Obtaining a sponsorship can take time, so don’t be discouraged if your team isn’t sponsored right away. If you’re looking for immediate help, consider starting a GoFundMe. Whether you’re interested in football fundraising or any other sports team fundraising, crowdfunding is a simple and quick solution. Take a look at other sports fundraisers on GoFundMe for inspiration, then sign up to start fundraising for your own team.

The post Getting Team Sponsorship: Tips To Get Going appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Following a familiar cliche, “Walk In Her Shoes” is an annual event in the Cayman Islands. The area’s male community members wear elegant pumps and strappy heels to walk down Market Street. Their small parade raises money for the Cayman Islands Crisis Center for abused women.

“It’s not easy walking in these shoes, but it’s fun and it gets the community to talk about […] gender relations and violence against women,” wrote organizer Michelle Lockwood. In a fundraiser called 2018 CICC Crisis Center Walk In Her Shoes, the community raised more than $22,000.

A charity walk is an effective way to raise both money and awareness for a cause. Here are some tips on how to mobilize your community for a good reason.

How to plan memorable charity walk events

“Walk In Her Shoes” isn’t only a fundraiser—t’s also a social event that captures the attention of the entire community. Charity walks are special because of their ability to shine a spotlight on a worthy cause for a day.

But keep in mind that there are a lot of charities out there looking for support. That’s why a successful charity walk isn’t simply about promoting a good cause. It also needs to be fun. Just like high heels in the Cayman Islands, a theme can make your event stand out.

Here are a few fundraiser walk ideas that include a memorable theme.

Act out the cause

When most of us want water, all we need to do is walk to our sink. Not everyone is so fortunate. Globally, 200 million women and children must walk daily (spending up to five hours) to retrieve fresh water. The Water 1st Carry 5 Walk For Water shows participants what it’s like. During the walk, everyone carries a gallon of water for five kilometers. It’s an exercise in raising awareness as much as raising money.

Take it all off

Of all the ways to raise awareness for a cause, few are as eye-catching as Cupid’s Undie Run. Runners raise money and visibility for neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder, by jogging in their underpants. “If you saw a group of people running down the street in their underwear, you’d want to know why,” race organizer Crystal Rains told Washingtonian Magazine.

Help others give thanks

Thanksgiving is a day for being grateful and over-indulging, but for many people, it’s just another day without enough food.. The YMCA Turkey Trot has participants donate canned food while trotting off a few of those Thanksgiving calories. Americans have been holding turkey trots since 1896. It’s a cause that clearly resonates with a lot of people because it’s still the most popular race in America.

Other creative charity walk ideas

• Encourage walkers to show up in costume
• Make it a dog walk and have participants bring their pets
• Sell original charity walk t-shirts
• Offer food or beverages at the finish line
• Make it trickier by pairing it with an obstacle course
• Create a kid-friendly version of the walk for families

A checklist for your charity walk

Like any major fundraising event, charity walk events require a lot of upfront organization. But the right technology can make fundraising easy, even for smaller organizations.

CrowdRise is one of the most successful tools for organizing charity walks. This social fundraising platform helps charities organize events while fundraising. It has helped raise more than $500 million for great causes so far. It could help your organization raise more, too.

Organize your next fundraising event using CrowdRise

Get the word out

Create a CrowdRise account and start a fundraiser. A fundraiser will give donors information about the event, and raise awareness for your cause. Be sure to use social media to amplify your fundraiser. And consider spreading the news of your event through word of mouth, or by relying on promoting your fundraiser offline,  like through email or on a local bulletin board.

Develop teams

Competition for a good cause makes things more fun. On CrowdRise, organizers can create fundraising teams for their fundraiser. Teams can compete to see who can raise the most money for a charity event.

Find corporate sponsors

If you’re not sure how to raise money for charity walks, focus on a compelling story for your fundraiser. This may attract the interest of corporate sponsors willing to match team donations. Sponsors may also be willing to help fund activities that will make the event more fun. For example, they could provide t-shirts, food, or photos at the finish line.

Stay in touch and share results

CrowdRise is a social platform first. A fundraiser can help a charity organization stay in touch with participants. You can use it to share photos of the walk, announce the winning team, and send email updates to participants. That way they’ll know when it’s time to sign up next year, too.

Ready to launch your own charity walk? Launch a CrowdRise fundraiser today.

Start a charity walk fundraiser

The post How to Raise Money With a Charity Walk appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).