This June 24, join Team BC SPCA and run for the animals!

The New Year has arrived! This year resolve to better yourself and be a hero to animals. Achieve your fitness goals while fundraising for the BC SPCA, helping abused, neglected and abandoned animals find their second chance at a safe, loving home.

Start training now to run or walk for the BC SPCA in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge Half-Marathon and 5k on June 24, 2012.

Registration is easy and we will support you every step of the way!

Register and join Team BC SPCA

Register early to save up to $35 in fees!

Step 1: Register for the half-marathon or 5k.
Step 2: Choose to fundraise for the BC SPCA.
Step 3: Decide to run as an individual, create a new team or join us on Team BC SPCA.
Step 4: Follow the link in your confirmation email to set up a personal fundraising page. We have great tips on creating a successful fundraising page below.

Why fundraise for the BC SPCA?

The BC SPCA’s mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C. Funds raised go towards providing shelter, medical care, spay and neuter services, adoption and foster care facilitation, advocacy and education programs as well as the rescue and protection of animals in need. The BC SPCA helps almost 35,000 animals a year by re-uniting them with their families or giving them a second chance at a forever home. With less than 2% of our funding coming from the government, we rely heavily on donations from the public.

Get into action and put the “fun” into fundraising!

• Have fun setting up your personal fundraising page:

o Tell your supporters your personal reasons for running or walking. Let them know how the lifesaving work of the BC SPCA touches you.

o Just like training for races, it’s best to set an ambitious and achievable goal. Be sure to share it! Everyone wants to see you realize your goals, setting the right fundraising target will encourage your supporters to give that little bit extra.

o Post inspirational pictures illustrating your reasons for supporting the BC SPCA.

o If running or walking the half-marathon or 5k is a big commitment and challenge to you (like it is for most people), or if this is your first time, tell your supporters. It’s impressive that you are willing to put so much hard work into providing helpless animals with a second chance and it will inspire them to help you with your mission.

• E-mail your personal fundraising page to friends, family and coworkers and include it in your automatic e-signature. Those who use the online tool fundraise up to of 20% more than those who do not. We can help with templates for e-mails or an electronic signature!

• Kick start your social media networks. Facebook and twitter are great tools to get your word out. Remember to add the link to your personal fundraising page.

• Ask someone you know will be a generous supporter to give first (even if it’s yourself). This will inspire others to donate more and is also an encouraging way to start your fundraising.

• Hold an event! If asking your contacts for a donation isn’t right for you, there are lots of different ways to get people involved in your fundraising. When holding your next dinner party or get-together, ask your guests to bring donations towards your goal instead of wine or dessert. You can also put together a pub night, bake cupcakes for your book club and ask for a small donation in return or hold a jeans day by donation; the possibilities are endless!

For more tips, email us.

On your Mark, Get Set, Start your Training!

• Set intermediate goals. The months before a race will fly by if you are not constantly monitoring your progress.
• If you are new to running, get your feet into a good pair of runners. This will improve performance and prevent injury.
• Team up with a training partner and keep each other motivated.
• Remember to stretch after every run.
• Work your way up to long runs to avoid injury.
• Do your research. Find local running clinics, ask fellow runners for tips and visit the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge website for free training programs.

Stay tuned, we will have regular updates on this page including fundraising advice, running tips and prizes you could win.

If you would like more information, please email us or call 604-709-4651.