Across Canada and the U.S., smaller charities often operate with limited staff and resources, making it challenging to raise the funds they need. That’s where Blue Sea Foundation comes in.
Jennifer Taylor, National Director for Blue Sea, says the organization’s mission is simple: empower other charities to fundraise successfully.
“We exist to help charities do what they do best by giving them the tools to reach donors through peer-to-peer events,” said Taylor.
Empowering organizations through peer-to-peer fundraising
The foundation, which started in 2004, works with a variety of charities, big and small, helping them to engage their communities.
“It began with an event called Ride for Refuge, and we’re still running that each September. And then in 2011, we wanted to add a winter event, and our CEO had this fantastic idea that we would give people a very small taste of what it’s like for somebody who’s experiencing homelessness. And so the Coldest Night of the Year kind of mimics that night on the street and all across the country.”
She said when the Coldest Night of the Year started, they only had two locations. This year, they have 222 across the country on track to raise $15 million.
Taylor says participants form teams, reach out to friends and family for donations, and in doing so, give small organizations visibility and fundraising capacity they might not have on their own.
“We have charities who, in their first year, raised $10,000, and now they’re raising $200,000,” said Taylor. “That money goes to feeding thousands of people every year, keeping shelters open, and supporting vital programs in their communities.”
Real change in local communities
The support also helps provide a sense of connection, as most charities involved are small and volunteer-led.
“Many charity leaders are working alone,” Taylor said. “Knowing there are 221 other people across the country doing the same thing builds relationships that are essential to keeping their work going.”
Taylor says it’s an honour to be a part of something so awesome.
“I personally love connecting with people just generally. I love to hear the stories, and I love to do whatever I can to help,” said Taylor. “And so when we have those early conversations with charities, which for coldest nights start way back in August and September, and we’re kind of sharing with them like this is what you can do with this and let’s do this together and to see them actually rally and raise the funds. Usually, there’s a moment in time when they do not believe it could happen because all the money comes in at the very end. And so when it does actually happen, there’s just such a celebratory feel. It’s the opportunity where we’re all just Canadians coming together, supporting each other. It’s pretty magical.”
Blue Sea is always looking to partner with new chathatwho are are looking for some support on the side of fundraising. Interested charities can find out more at bluesea.org.
