Thank you for your interest in hosting a fundraiser in support of the Women's Centre of York Region! Your efforts are crucial in empowering and uplifting women in our community. Our Fundraise for WCYR Toolkit is designed to guide you through planning a successful fundraiser, ensuring your event makes a meaningful impact.

ABOUT US

WCYR is a community-based charity that supports women and their families to break barriers, overcome challenges of trauma and abuse, and build brighter futures.

Through group education, workshops, counselling services, peer support, and case management, we support over 900 women and their families with employment, mental health support, and housing. We also support over 4,000 community members with education, workshops, training, and public engagement each year.  

A woman In Canada loses her life to gender-based violence every 48 hours, with intimate partner violence reaching alarming levels throughout Ontario. The need for action and support has never been more urgent

FUNDRAISER IDEAS

 
 

Workplace Events: Host a casual event at your workplace.

  • Casual Dress Days at Work

  • Photo Contest

  • Bake Sale

  • Free Lunch Day

  • Workplace Raffle – donate for a chance to win a prize

  • Walk, Run, or Bike-a-thons

 

Fundraising at Home: Encourage attendees to donate in lieu of a gift.

  • Holiday Party

  • Wedding or Baby Showers

  • Birthday Party

  • Anniversary Party

  • Start a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser - Use the ideas below or create your own!

 

Community Fundraisers: Organize a public event at a community space.

  • Events such as speakers, dancers, book signings and more!

  • Online auction

  • Music, Talent or Comedy Nights

  • Sports / Fitness Challenges

  • Community Garage Sale

  • Bake Sale

 

PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Encourage donors, volunteers, and supporters to fundraise by making it easy and interactive!

 
 

"Help Keep Her Safe" Challenge

(Social Media Fundraiser)

  • Participants pledge to raise $250 each (enough to provide mental health and financial literacy support to a woman in crisis).

  • Challenge participants to post a video or photo explaining why they support #HelpKeepHerSafe and nominate 3 friends to donate or start their own fundraiser.

  • Offer a small incentive for top fundraisers (e.g., feature top fundraisers on social media).

  • Hashtag: #HelpKeepHerSafe #SafetyStartsHere

 

"A Night Without Safety" Virtual Event

  • Supporters commit to sleeping somewhere uncomfortable for a night (e.g., floor, couch, car) to raise awareness of women forced to stay in unsafe conditions.

  • Participants share updates on social media and raise funds from friends and family.

  • Goal: Each participant raises at least $100, funding a mental health session and hygiene kit.

 

"Give Up to Give" Challenge

  • Supporters give up a small luxury for a week (coffee, takeout, rideshare) and donate the savings.

    Example: “Skip 2 lattes this week = $15 towards a hygiene kit for a woman in need.”

  • Provide a unique donation link for tracking so participants can see how much they’ve raised together.

 
 
 
Fundraise for WCYR

STEPS TO STARTING YOUR FUNDRAISER

1.     Choose Your Event: Decide on the day, time, location, or timeframe of your campaign.

2.     Organize a Team: Gather volunteers and assign roles.

3.     Set Your Fundraising Goal: Choose a realistic target (e.g., $1,000, $5,000).

4.     Promote Your Event: Use posters, social media, and personal networks to spread the word.

5.     Host the Event: Set up, engage with guests, and share your experience.

6.     Send Donations to WCYR: Submit your raised funds online, cash or cheque.

 

HOW WE SUPPORT YOU

 

What All Fundraisers Receive:

WCYR Brand Toolkit: Access these guidelines for approved logo use, colours, social media templates, key messaging and more, to assist in promoting your fundraiser.

Recognition: Shout-outs on WCYR’s social media.

Fundraising Link: A unique link for donations as requested.

Impact Reporting: Updates on the total raised.

 

Recognition Tiers:

Individuals and groups fundraising on behalf of WCYR are entitled to additional recognition and promotion based on the giving amount outlined below. 

  • Community ($0 - $999): One thank-you post. 

  • Bronze ($1,000 - $4,999): One shout-out post and thank-you post. 

  • Silver ($5,000 - $9,999): Social media story, 2 posts, and thank-you recognition post. 

  • Gold ($10,000 - $24,999): Custom thank-you video, 3-4 post campaign, email newsletter feature, and visit to WCYR for a photo with your team.  

  • Platinum ($25,000+): Continuous posts and social media stories throughout the campaign, email newsletter feature, dedicated blog spotlighting your business and campaign, thank you recognition post, and visit to WCYR for a photo with your team. 

 
 

THIRD PARTY FUNDRAISING FAQ’S

 

How WCYR can support your event 

  • WCYR logo (transparent background or white background). 

  • Social media promotion. 

  • Promotional material (flyers or brochures). 

  • A WCYR representative to provide a short speech about WCYR and what we do. 

  • A custom online donation link (cannot be used for ticket sales, see FAQ). 

 

Unfortunately We Can’t… 

  • Assume any legal or financial liability associated with the event. 

  • Incur expenses or provide funding for third party fundraisers.

  • Assume any responsibility for selling tickets or items for the event. 

 
 

Charitable Tax Receipts for your Event

  • Any donation over $20 can receive a charitable tax receipt. 

  • Receipts can only be issued if the fundraiser provides WCYR with the donation amount, full name, phone number and address of the individuals who made donations.  * Donations made online through CanadaHelps will automatically receive a tax receipt.

  • In-kind tax receipts can only be issued when someone has not received an advantage in return for their item / donation. For example, a product or tangible item, business marketing, etc.

  • WCYR can work with you to create a custom online donation link which will track the donations for your event, directly deposit the funds raised to WCYR and provide all donors with an option to choose an instant tax receipt. Please note that this does not include ticket or other sales for your event. Contact Niv Bala (info@wcyr.ca) to discuss a custom link for your event. 

  • WCYR cannot resume any responsibility for selling tickets or items for third party fundraising events.  

 

QUESTIONS? WE CAN HELP!

Niv Bala | info@wcyr.ca