Already registered? login | register | sponsor a participant

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT ANYTHING FOR ALZHEIMER’S

1. Q: What is Anything for Alzheimer’s?

A: Anything for Alzheimer’s is our third party event program. Use your creative ideas, talents and passions to host a fundraising event in support of people living with dementia and do Anything for Alzheimer’s. By registering your event through our Anything for Alzheimer’s website, we will help make it easy for you to fundraise and your donors to give. You will get an online fundraising page that you can customize and share to promote your event. Remember that sharing your story online will help to inspire others to do Anything for Alzheimer’s too! Your donors can donate to your online page and will receive a tax receipt automatically. Call us to find out other ways we might be able to support your fundraising efforts.

2. Q: How is my fundraiser different from events organized by the Alzheimer Society of B.C.?

A: Events that are officially hosted by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. are referred to as signature events. Events organized by community members from which funds raised are donated to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. are called independent fundraising events or third-party events. Independent fundraising events are conducted by volunteers in the community who take on all aspects of the event organization including all logistics, volunteers, promotion and financial management.

3. Q: How do I apply to fundraise for Anything for Alzheimer’s?

A: Simply click REGISTER, complete our online form and you can begin fundraising today. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. reserves the right to withdraw our support at any time from any third-party event which we believe conflicts with our mission, guiding principles and/or policies. If you are not sure if your event fits with our goals, objectives and guidelines, feel free to call us with any questions or to explore your idea further.

PLANNING YOUR EVENT

4. Q: How do I recruit volunteers?

A: Depending on the size of your event, you may need to organize an event committee. A committee can help oversee the organization and management of the event. Recruit a committee that consists of enthusiastic volunteers, each possessing their own set of skills and bringing with them unique experiences. Make sure to delegate tasks according to their area of expertise and ensure that no one member is overburdened. You may just need a little help from some friends, family or fellow employees on the day of the event. To recruit volunteers for the day of the event, consider posting on a community message board, in a local paper, social media or through word of mouth. Unfortunately, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is not able to join your committee or provide volunteers for your event.

5. Q: Will a representative of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. attend and/or speak at my event?

A: We appreciate invitations to attend and speak at independent fundraising events but unfortunately we can’t promise to be involved in all events due to limited capacity. Requests to attend events will be considered based on the amount of notice provided, the size and type of event and the event location. We must also take into consideration the Society’s current schedule of signature events and other Society campaigns and activities. We don't like to disappoint our supporters so if there is anything we can provide, such as fundraising materials, to ensure your event is a success please let us know with enough time to get resources to you.

6. Q: I have a fundraising idea, but I don’t have the capacity to carry it through right now. What can I do?

A: Community members have shared many wonderful fundraising ideas with us, but we are unable to carry out an idea for you. If you have an idea but aren’t quite ready to move ahead at this time, feel free to contact us to talk about how to turn your idea into a reality. If we are unable to provide the guidance that will help you to host your fundraiser in the short term, we suggest you hold onto that idea and perhaps look to your personal network to find other like-minded individuals who could offer you the help you need to get started. We also invite you to take a look at our Fundraising Tips and Tools where you’ll find ideas and templates that may help you with your event. Find inspiration to help you put the final touches on your own event and if not, consider supporting an existing third-party event or one of the Society's signature events by visiting our Events page on the Alzheimer Society of B.C. website.

PROMOTING YOUR EVENT

7. Q: How does the Alzheimer Society of B.C. help to promote my event?

A: By registering your event through Anything for Alzheimer’s, you will have an online fundraising page that you can personally customize with a link to share to promote your event. Your donors can make donations online that are automatically tax receipted and will count towards your personal fundraising goal. Anyone can find your event through the event search feature on this website. The top ten fundraising events are also listed on this page based on revenue generated by the event. Top individual fundraisers are also listed here. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of events and campaigns, we are not able to promote independent fundraising events in our newsletters, or send information to our membership list. To assist with your solicitation of prizes, donations and/or sponsorship, we can provide a letter of support to be used to validate the authenticity of the event and its organizers. Although we can’t send out media releases or share our media contact list, we can provide a news release template. We can also offer advice on effective ways to promote your event such as through social media.

8. Q: What is the best way to sell tickets to my event?

A: We advise that you and your organizing committee evaluate your collective networks, promotional strategies and provide ample time to conduct sales for ticketed events. Unfortunately, we are not able to sell tickets to your event or help with any other sales.

9. Q: Can I add the Alzheimer Society of B.C. logo to my promotional material?

A: The Society must approve of all promotional materials before they are presented to the public. It is never permissible to use the “Alzheimer Society B.C.” logo for independent fundraising events. Only our “Proud Supporter Alzheimer Society B.C.” logo can be used. Please contact us to ask permission to use our logo. You may refer to our Logo Use Guidelines document for more information on these policies and the approval process. You'll find this document in your participant centre once you are registered and logged in.

MONEY MANAGEMENT

10. Q: How will my donation be used?

A: Your donation to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. ensures crucial programs and services are available in communities throughout British Columbia. Your donation also supports research into the causes and cures, and influences public policy to reflect the issues and realities of people living with dementia. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is a federation partner of The Alzheimer Society of Canada. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is run independently of the Alzheimer Society of Canada and donations made via the Alzheimer Society of Canada website are not redirected to the Alzheimer Society B.C. unless specifically requested. If you would like your donation to stay in British Columbia, make sure to share the link to your personal fundraising page with your supporters.

11. Q: I’m hosting a fundraising event. Do I also have to have an online fundraising page?

A: Your registration will include the creation of an online fundraising page. It’s up to you if you’d like to make use of it but we recommend that you do, as there are many benefits to having an online fundraising page as an accompaniment to your actual event. Friends and family who are not able to attend your event will be able to support your fundraising goal with an online donation. You can digitally promote your page to supporters locally, nationally, and all over the world! You can also customize your page with details of your event and explain why you have chosen to fundraise for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. What's more, it's fast and easy for your supporters to donate and all donations made online are instantly tax receipted. Funds raised at your event can also be tracked on your online fundraising page. Funds raised for your event are tracked and displayed and will inspire other community members who want to make a difference. Also, did you know that online donations are, on average, double the amount of offline donations!

12. Q: How do I pay my event expenses?

A: Once you are registered to host an event, you will find a budget worksheet in your participant centre. List the various possible sources of revenue for your event (such as donations, ticket sales and sponsorships) and then list all possible expenses related to your event. Ensure that your event revenue makes hosting the event worthwhile. Please note that event expenses may not be paid by donations that can be tax receipted. Consider scaling back event expenses or trying to boost revenue through additional revenue streams or by getting sponsors for your event. Any company, individual or group organizing a fundraising event or campaign must demonstrate that they are using satisfactory financial controls. The financial records for the event must be available upon request.

13. Q: How do I submit funds after my event?

A: You’ll find an Event Summary form in your participant centre. Please complete this form and return to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. along with your event revenue. Please record all donations with donor names and complete addresses on our Pledge Form and send to us as well. Cheques should be made out to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. The Society requires post-event accounting for revenue and expenditures, any gaming activities and to receive funds within one month after the completion of the event. You can drop funds off in person or mail them to Alzheimer Society of B.C. 300 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1E2. Please remember to include the name of your event as well as the name and contact information for the event organizer.

14. Q: How do I ensure my donors receive a tax receipt?

A: Tax receipts are issued for donations of $15 or over. We provide tax receipts in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines. A full name and complete mailing address must be provided in order for us to issue a tax receipt. Please use the Pledge Form to track your donations. Please be aware that not every contribution received will qualify for a tax receipt. Receipts can only be issued to people making an actual donation. Legally, they must not be given to anyone who will be receiving something in return for their money, such as a raffle prize or sponsorship. If you have any questions or concerns regarding tax receipting, please see the Canada Revenue Agency website or contact the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

FUNDRAISING POLICIES

15. Q: What’s involved if I want to have a raffle, 50-50 draw or a bingo at my event?

A: Raffles, 50/50 draws and bingo are all gaming activities and require a license from BC Gaming. Gaming License applications can be made online at https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/licences/ . All funds raised through gaming activities must be reported separately from other revenue raised at your event to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

 

16. Q: What other kinds of licenses, permits or insurance might I require?

A: Other activities, such as the sale of alcohol, require a permit. Check with the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, Parks Board and Municipal Hall in your city to determine if you need any licenses, the time it will take to obtain them and the processing cost. Depending on the kind of event you are planning, you may also need insurance. The Society shall not incur any costs or legal liabilities associated with your event. The Society’s insurance policy does not apply to independent fundraising events.

Please note: The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is not able to act as an applicant or co-applicant for liquor and gaming licenses for third party events.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please refer to the Anything for Alzheimer’s Fundraising Policies for more information. If you have questions, feel free to contact us at the below details:

Felipe Lisboa
Development Officer, Community Events
Alzheimer Society of B.C.
300-828 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1E2
Ph: 604-742-4947
Fx: 604-669-6907
Email: flisboa@alzheimerbc.org

Privacy statement

Charitable registration number 11878 4891 RR0001

©2016 Alzheimer Society of B.C.

Imagine Canada Ethical