e-News: Mar 12, 2008
CONTENTS
1. We’re Well On Our Way….
2. Fundraising – Up Close and Personal
3. Special Offer – Spin Classes for Bike Rally Participants
4. Media Relations – Who Do You Know?
5. Bike Rally Merchandise for Sale!
1. We’re Well On Our Way….
To date, we’ve registered over 280 Riders and approximately 100 Crew members! We’re well on our way meet our goals! If you haven’t yet registered, what are you waiting for???? Seminars have already started, training rides are coming up in a few weeks, and we already have money in the bank. Check www.bikerally.org regularly for updates and information. Keep up the good work!
2. Fundraising – Up Close and Personal
E-mail blasts are a great way to get the word out, but nothing beats the personal approach. There’s an old saying in fundraising - “People don’t give to causes. People give to people with causes.” Since the 10th Anniversary of the Friends For Life Bike Rally is the best cause going, you are the best person to help us reach our goals for 2008!
“You” are the important part in this equation. Whenever you are talking about this event, or asking for money, be sure to personalize it. Use “I”, “me”, “you” and “us”, and use them together. Your inspiration, passion, persuasion and perspiration will guide you in your fundraising efforts. You can make the “ask” seem more natural when you subtly work it into a conversation. Why are you doing the bike rally? What first inspired you to sign up? In most cases this will be your best approach. It’s amazing to see the reactions when people grasp the enormity of what you are embarking on. During a business lunch, make special requests from the waiter, and let slide that you are in training, and let the conversation flow.
Everyone talks about the weather. Next time it comes up, join in with something like “I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer so I can train outdoors” or “hope it doesn’t rain this weekend, I’m cycling to Kleinberg”. Leaving bike rally material on your desk or coffee table is another great conversation starter. Showing up at the office or meeting friends wearing a helmet, (or those tight cycling shorts and jerseys) sure gets the conversation going. Helmet hair is another great opening! I’m sure you get the drift.
Be prepared, know why you are doing it, and be specific - “I need to raise over $2,200”; “I need your help”. Have a pledge card handy, and when someone offers to sponsor you, get their business card or e-mail and follow up with the link to your pledge page. On average, people will donate 50% more when giving on-line.
For fundraising questions or advice, e-mail
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Next Fundraising Seminar is on Monday, April 7th at 8:00 PM at the 519 Community Centre – check www.bikerally.org for details.
3. Special Offer – Spin Classes for Bike Rally Participants
Are you itching to get out on the bike, but the snow is keeping you from doing it? We have a solution for you! Former Bike Rally Co-Chair Bruce Mayhew will be conducting spin classes (at no charge – thanks Bruce!) for Bike Rally participants. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:15 at the Bloor Park location of GoodLife Fitness (8 Park Road). Classes will be held for four weeks beginning on March 18th, 2008.
The class is limited to 15 participants and priority will be given to new riders. Register by sending an e-mail with your contact information (including how many years you have been on the Bike Rally) to
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4. Media Relations – Who Do You Know?
What’s your story? Has it been years since you were last on a bike? Are you new to Toronto and volunteering to meet new people? Will the Bike Rally be passing through your hometown on the way to Montreal? Personal stories are the heart of media coverage – please consider sharing yours.
If you, your friends or family know people who work in media, please pass along their contact information! Good relationships are vitally important to public relations and by putting us in touch with media personalities; we can help spread the word.
Contact Darren Cooney (
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) for more information.
5. Bike Rally Merchandise for Sale!
This year we are pleased to be offering 10th Anniversary t-shirts and hoodies for sale! Don’t miss your opportunity to get this limited-edition merchandise. Purchases can be made from the PWA office. Stop in to 399 Church Street, 2nd Floor, or make a request by e-mail to
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. Hoodies are $35 and t-shirts are $20.
Also, for those who missed out on last year’s event, the 9th Annual Friends For Life Bike Rally jerseys are also for sale. A steal at only $45, this jersey would make an excellent addition to anyone’s wardrobe.
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General Info 
