Sunday, February 22, 2015

#25 - Participate in a fundraiser that involves a physical activity

Well, I never dreamt this would be the next item completed on my list... After all, it's the middle of winter!

You just never know what will happen and maybe, just maybe you (and especially I) should say yes to new and interesting opportunities before we over-think them too much. That's what I did with only a week's notice for a fundraiser called The Coldest Night of the Year (https://coldestnightoftheyear.org/home).

A friend from a walking group I occasionally attend invited me to participate and I jumped in with both feet. Each participant could choose to pay a small entrance fee or commit to raising $150 each. I chose to fund raise and committed to raising $200. With less than a week left prior to the event I thought it might be a long shot to raise any money, but I reached the $200 mark in just a few days. The fundraising continued right up until the walk, and I was surprised to not only get more donations the day of the race but even had one come through after I had returned home. My total raised through online efforts was $400!

It was a bitterly cold day! In fact, out of 80 locations across Canada, we were the coldest - not that that's something to brag about though. Some precautions were taken to ensure everyone would be safe, but the walk went off without a hitch. We had a halfway stop at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission for coffee/tea and cookies and then a yummy chili supper was waiting for us when we returned.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the entire experience and although I do not look forward to the cold, I am already anticipating next year's Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk in support of the homeless in our city.