The Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer

OFlaherty · Senior Member

Conquer Cancer Lottery

SilverFox · Senior Member

Welcome to the wonderful world of fundraising. "Thank you for your donation. May we have some more?" PMH is by no means unique in having many high profile fundraising events.

To put things in perspective, the lottery is a long standing PMH fund raiser. The ride is a new event - this is just the 3rd year. At least with the ride you can offer the donors the guarantee of an tax receipt instead of a dream of winning.

OFlaherty · Senior Member

I didn't realize that. I thought their Heart and Stroke Lottery was the long lasting one and all. I keep getting emails and calls from people I know, remarking on the timing.

But that's good to know.

Phillh · Veteran Member

I too am not sure about this Lottery, if it has been around for a long time they've definitely upped the marketing budget for it this year as it's much more visible. I totally agree with your point though, this ride continues to raise huge amounts of money and it does seem crazy to run a lottery at the same time that people are raising funds for it. We live in Canada so a ride in the winter isn't an option, but you can give away a house any time of the year.

So add my 2 cents to yours and now we have 4, won't change a thing... it won't change my support of the cause either, but might be worth an email to the organization vs. a post on an unmonitored bboard.

Cheers,

Phill

tstrawbridge · Veteran Member

I would say that a large portion of the country does not know someone doing the ride. They won't get your money if you don't have anyway to donate it. People love the chance to win. It makes perfect sense.

rlholohan · Newbie

Hi OFlaherty and others,

My name is Rebecca and I work at PMHF and on behalf of the Foundation, thank you SO much for your commitment to the Ride and for fundraising for The Princess Margaret. Know that your fundraising and hard work is having an impact and is changing the way cancer is diagnosed and treated, around the world.

I certainly appreciate and hear your concerns about having various fundraising initiatives going on at the same time. Raising an average of over $60 million annually takes a lot of work, time and people, which includes Riders, Walkers, monthly donors, lottery ticket purchasers among others.

Because of the incredible support we have from our donors and supporters (like you) tied with the excellent research and care taking place here, The Princess Margaret has achieved an international reputation as one of the top five cancer research hospitals in the world. And, the funds required to support The Princess Margaret, are significant.

For example, the lotteries have generated over $200 million (going on for MANY years now!) and the Ride has generated over $28.5 million (in just two years) to date... all funding that is crucial to cancer research programs at The Princess Margaret. Patients are benefiting from accelerated access to the cutting-edge technologies and new therapies developed at PMH as a direct result of lottery and Ride proceeds... we are so proud and grateful for both!

We certainly appreciate your feedback and take it into consideration as we look for the best way to raise funds to support breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care for The Princess Margaret.

Thanks again and I hope that this provides some context to why there were lottery commercials playing, while we are gearing up for another incredible year for the Ride.

Of course, if you have any further comments please do not hesitate to share. You can also email me directly at Rebecca.Holohan@pmhf.ca

Rebecca

OFlaherty · Senior Member

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you very much for explaining it so that I have it for future times. I have tried to explain to potential donors on my own that research costs money. You explained it best.
I am proud to be riding in an event to sponsor the PMHF, know my brother thought this was a great cause, and I'll carry the yellow survivor flag with pride.

Thanks for explaining. I just had so many people corner me and bark angry comments I was not in a great mood posting the thread opening post.

My apologies. I will save your explanation, happily.
Frankly, some people will use any excuse NOT to donate,and others surprise me with their generosity.

Here's hoping the PMHF exceeds the 60 million needed.
Chase