COVID-19 has challenged EMI's "tried and true" methods for project delivery and volunteer engagement. The changes we've implemented to continue providing project deliverables have altered how and how much revenue comes to EMI. We are thankful that good stewardship of funds provides us with a financial cushion. However, long-term uncertainty is unhealthy for any organization, and so the need to successfully pivot fundraising efforts in this new reality is more critical than ever.
Two of EMI Canada's signature fundraisers, The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon and the Ride for Refuge, have typically been large scale, in-person events, but both have shifted to virtual formats. In order to keep our cross-Canada EMI network engaged, and to ensure that we maintin these crucial fundraising streams, we introduced the 4 Hope fundraiser series.
This summer, we launched our first-ever EMI Canada Walk/Run 4 Hope, a virtual running and walking fundraiser, in which participants could choose how far and when they completed their walk or run. The event was a great success, with participants in 9 different locations across Canada and the USA joining us to run, walk, and hike. Thanks to the generosity of many donors, we raised over $11,000!
We celebrate and thank each one who participated and donated! Your partnership makes a difference in our ongoing work.
This fall, we invite you to join us for Freestyle 4 Hope, which is the 2020 version of the Ride for Refuge, reimagined for our physically distanced, COVID-19 reality. Participants can choose from a wide variety of activities - from biking to walking to reading to baking to crafting and more - and complete the activity anytime on or before October 3. You can sign up to join Team EMI; create your own team in support of EMI; or donate to one of our particpants.
Click here for more information on Freestyle 4 Hope.
In a season when it's become necessary to explore new ways of coming together, all of us at EMI Canada thank our community for staying engaged with us and participating in your own way as, together, we continue to design a world of hope!