All About Fundraising

Ride for Sight is Canada's largest motorcycle charity fundraiser in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Participants of Ride for Sight are required to raise a minimum amount to be part of the weekend festivities. You can collect donations using the Ride for Sight Pledge Sheet or online fundraising (click on header to get started).

Fundraising Awards

Ever wonder what all those patches and pins on every riders' vest represents? Well, Ride for Sight rewards you for aiming high and raising as much as you can for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.The more you raise, the more you get. Check out the awards we have this year!

Fundraising Level Fundraising Award
$50 or $75 Year bar and patch1
$250 Ride for Sight Pen Set
$500 Ride for Sight Stop Watch
$1,000

Ride for Sight Canada Back Patch OR
Ride for Sight Pocket Watch
$2,500 Ride for Sight Fleece Jacket2
$5,000 Ride for Sight Fleece Jacket2 & $50 Gas Card2
$10,000 Free Hotel Stay for Ride for Sight Weekend*

1 All Ride for Sight participants will receive first level awards while supplies last
2Award will be mailed after the event
* Rider must notify Ride for Sight 2 weeks prior to event date to receive credit for free hotel stay. Only applies to Ride for Sight approved hotels.

 

Fundraising Tips

Raising funds online:

Online fundraising via www.rideforsight.com offers a simple, quick and secure alternative for donors who are web savvy and/or not easily reachable. Once you have registered as an online participant you will quickly see how easy it is to reach out to everyone in your electronic address book and ask for support.

  • Personalize your page - Our riders have said that their supporters are really touched by the lovely photos and messages.
  • Set a fundraising goal - the default is set at only $250, however, feel free to make your goal as high as you like. Many have set a goal of $1,000 or more. 
  • Let people know that time is tight and give a gentle nudge to all those who said “of course” but haven’t made a pledge yet.
  • Ask friends, family and colleagues around the world to make an online pledge, to make our walk a truly international affair.
  • Use your paper pledge form for those who would prefer to give you cash or a cheque payable to Ride for Sight
  • Ask at work if your company will match the donations you raise
  • AND please ask all the special people in your life to join you, and if you haven’t already, form a TEAM
  • Customize your email address to add a line about your participation in the Run and include a link to your personal web page.
  • Send out an email letting your friends and family know how you are doing in relation to your fundraising goal; it may coax potential donors to click on your link and boost your totals!

Raising funds using a paper pledge sheet:

  • Always keep your pledge sheet with you.
    • It makes it easier to ask for donations anywhere you go.
    • Ask for payment immediately to reduce collections post-event.
  • Bring your pledge sheet to work with you.
    • Ask your boss and colleagues to sponsor you (and time it for pay day!)
  • Start a pledge sheet for your child or pet.
    • Often donors like a different “take” on who they sponsor.
  • Set an achievable fundraising goal.
    •  It will make your effort feel more attainable.
  • If you have never used a pledge sheet before, start by asking 1 or 2 friends first and you will build up your confidence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Online Early Bird Fundraising Awards

As they say, the early bird gets the worm. In this case, the earlier you fundraise, the better your chances are to snag one of these amazing prizes. All you have to do is raise the amount by the date indicated and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win. It's that simple!

Raise $150 by April 1, 2012

Winner: Mark Pederson, Spruce Grove, AB

Motorcycle Communication Headset for 2: Valued over $150

Motorcycle Communication Headset

Raise $250 by May 1, 2012

Win 1 of 2 Ride for Sight Multimedia Players: Valued over $400 each

Winners: Wendell O'Blenis, Caledonia, ON and Michelle Heglin, Calgary, AB

Ride for Sight Multimedia Player

Raise $500 by June 1, 2012

DEWALT DCK955X 18-Volt XRP Cordless 9-Tool Combo Kit: Valued over $1,000
Dewalt 9 piece took

Fundraising Ideas

If you are not the type to ask your peers for donations, consider hosting a fundraising event or activity that will generate some donations. Here are some ideas that you can do at home, at work or in your community:

Poker Run – Each bike/snowmobile pays an entry fee and then stops at 5 locations to receive a playing card, best/worst hand and other prizes and awards.

Bike/Car Wash – Everyone appreciates a chance to get a hand wash once in a while. Ask a local grocery store or retailer to sponsor the car wash in their parking lot. Even combine with a BBQ - $2 hot dog and pop, sponsored by the establishment.

Bake Sale/BBQ – If you are a baker or a griller, get the items donated at your local supermarket and sell these food items at your workplace or event.

Paper Airplane Toss – Good entertainment at local events. Procure a space at local craft shows or fairs, or in your local mall. Secure prizes from local retailers. Ask for a donation from passersby ($2) for a chance to win the prize. You give them a sheet of paper which they make into the paper airplane and try to get it into a specific area (box, cart, cage).

Dance or Social events – hold a dance or a Euchre tournament at your local legion (choose a location that you can make money on the Bar as well as the entry fee or coat check).

Garage/Rummage Sale – Great opportunity to get rid of old stuff for a good cause.

Tournaments – Set up a special evening with a local billiards hall (darts works well), bowling alleys, local legion or community centre. Establish an entry fee and prizes. Incorporate other fun raffles.

Retailer Day – Approach a local restaurant or retailer to make one day Ride for Sight day and donate proceeds from the sales of a specific item(s), or meal(s) to Ride for Sight.

Helmet Drive – Ask a busy local retailer (LCBO and Beer stores are ideal, as well as grocery stores) if you can fundraise in front of their store. Park a couple bikes strategically, put up some posters, and use your helmets (like Fire Fighters use their boots) to collect donations.