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After you register, be sure to customize your personal page. This is where you can tell your own story, post a photo, and set your goal! Inspire your donors with your customized message about why Power of Movement™ is important to you. Encourage your donors to give online - they receive an immediate thank you note and charitable receipt via email! Get started by creating a list of names of people you know that could be potential donors. You never know who will support your efforts!

Be sure to follow up and send reminders to those you have approached for a donation. Often times, people simply forget. Make a quick phone call or send a quick email reminder. Make sure you keep details of everyone who has supported you or shown interest. This will make it easier to track for follow up and to find likely donors for Power of Movement™ next year.

People won't donate if you don't ask them. Everyone is a potential donor. Don't think of fundraising as asking people to give you money. Think of fundraising as giving people an opportunity to be a part of something wonderful!

Set a goal and believe you can reach it! There are literally hundreds of ways to raise money. In fact, if you set your goals, create a plan and follow through, you can blow that minimum out of the water! Remember, there are amazing prizes for top fundraisers. Think of it as a personal challenge. Think big and be bold. The worst anyone can say is no. More often you'll find you get exactly what you asked for.

Do a little fundraising every week. Before you know it, you will have reached your goal. By getting the word out early, you leave yourself enough time to follow up with potential donors. Be sure to give your contributors a deadline for when funds must be entered. Wherever possible, try to secure funds on the first contact.

You don't have to do it alone! By asking friends and family to help you raise funds, you can multiply your donations. Make copies of your pledge form and distribute them to willing recruits or ask friends or family to help you plan a fundraising event. Even asking people to talk about the event and your participation will help raise awareness. Every little bit counts.

It is good practice to thank your donors once your fundraising campaign is complete. Follow up with an email or phone call to let them know how much you raised and how their pledge helped you to achieve your goals. You'll be surprised how much donors appreciate the effort and will be more willing to donate the next time.

Tell people about Power of Movement™ and why it inspires you! Let them know why you are involved and about your personal fundraising goals. Give them the opportunity to help make a difference for millions of Canadians affected with autoimmune conditions. The more people know about the cause, the more they are willing to give.

Remember that when asking for donations, you may hear "no" often but every "yes" will make your efforts worth it. Don't be discouraged. Every road to success is strewn with potholes.