Great Fundraising Ideas - Terry Fox Foundation

Great Fundraising Ideas
Over the years we have had the pleasure of watching some of the wackiest, bravest and most
dedicated teachers, staff and administrators accept the craziest of challenges all in the name
of cancer research. These amazing Terry Foxers recognize the impact their involvement has
on their students, cheerfully rising to the occasion and leading the way to the most successful
Terry Fox Runs ever!
To motivate students, teachers displayed outstanding commitment, energy, and humour —
all of which you need when you allow your students to put you to the test! Teachers have
subjected themselves to having their hair creatively styled, coloured and shaved off! They
participate in pajama days, cross-dressing and even “inside-out” days!
Teachers switch roles with students, and some commit some outrageous acts such as kissing
pigs during school assemblies. Other not-so-shy teachers share their unique talents by dancing,
singing or playing various instruments.
Not to be outdone, many principals get into the act by auctioning and raffling off principal
duties for a day. They also dress as superheroes, have pants and ties cropped to encourage
fundraising goals, and even allow themselves to be duct-taped to walls by enterprising and
enthusiastic participants!
This year challenge your staff to think of new ways to get students excited about your event!
terryfox.org – 1 888 836-9786

TEACHER’S PET
“Stop monkeying around” may have new meaning at your
school this year!
Animals of all shapes and sizes have been making their
way into Terry Fox assemblies and are giving educators and
students a new perspective on the term “Teacher’s Pet”.
One teacher promised his students that he would kiss a pig
if they raised a certain sum of money. With that offer on the
table, the students collected well over his set number… and
he sure didn’t break his promise to plant one on Charlotte!
Another brave teacher didn’t know what she was in for when
she volunteered to get a hug from “IT” after students reached
their fundraising goal. Much to the student’s delight, “IT”
turned out to be a giant snake – a hug she could have done
without!
Year after year, it has been proven that teachers,
administrators and school staff who willingly participate in
fun, silly or down-right outrageous events are more successful
at motivating students to participate in a Terry Fox event.
Set a school-wide fundraising goal and provide fundraising
incentives and updates every day over the announcements.
What would you be willing to do if your students exceed
expectations
FREE FALLING FOR FOX
Do you have the right stuff for this
challenge One brave principal decided
to fulfill a personal dream and tie it into
the school’s Terry Fox fundraiser. He told
students that he was willing to attempt a
parachute jump for the first time if they
raised a record revenue total for their
school. He then contacted a skydiving
organization who were delighted to take
part in the activities. In the end, the students
rose to the occasion and the principal made
a very successful “Fox Free Fall”.
GET STUDENTS IN ON IT

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, FUNDRAISE!
Teachers at an elementary school raced to raise funds
for Terry Fox. Leading up to the big event, posters were
displayed in the halls featuring each racer with their
racing name, costume and strategy. Only one piece of
information was missing — the mode of transportation
the teachers would be using — which remained a secret
until the actual event! Students were encouraged to
make a donation to receive a V.I.P. pass which would
allow them front row viewing on the day of the big race.
On event day, loud music played as the racers were
introduced and climbed onto their lean, mean racing…
tricyle They took their place at the start of a huge track
that was drawn in chalk and the flag person waved her
flag and they were off!
Thorel Beckett, Terry Fox School Organizer, said, “We
raised twice as much money as we usually do. Mostly,
we experienced such wonderful school spirit. We still
call our teacher racers by their racing name!”
MMM, MMM, GOOD
One school had a
bubblegum contest
where teachers vied
for the title of the best
bubble blower. Students
loved it!
CANADA’S
GOT
TALENT
For your next
Terry Fox event,
consider staging
a staff talent
show (you can
set a voluntary donation amount),
an activity day that includes a sports
tournament, a teacher versus student
tug-of-war challenge, dunk tanks,
teachers being pied in the face, and
other fun and wacky activities.
Or take a page from these teacher’s
book and spend the night on the roof
of your school (don’t forget the tent
and sleeping bags—it can get cold up
there!)
Another contest had
teachers compete for
the title of “Quickest
Consumer” of jello
topped with whip
cream. The catch The
teacher could not use
his/her hands while
another teacher, blindfolded,
stood behind
and fed him/her the
best they could. These
types of contests/shows
greatly entertain students
and help motivate them
even more!

WHERE GOES THE HAIR
A Wishing Well: Have students design a wishing well
and place it in a prominent location. Encourage students
to drop coins into the well and make a wish for someone
they know who is battling cancer.
An Annual School Poster Contest is a great way
to promote and enhance your school’s event while
showcasing student creativity.
A Theme Dance such as disco, swing, salsa. Why not
have a competition – best disco or tango dancer in the
school How about a karaoke, variety or comedy show
Preferred Activity Time for one period for all students
who collect pledges for Terry Fox.
Top Pledge Getter in each class will earn a student
council representative as a servant for one day.
What About a Movie Day To acknowledge your
students’ efforts try approaching a local theatre and
ask if it would be able to donate an afternoon matinée
for students who remit pledge sheets. All participating
students can be invited to attend this special viewing.
How about organizing one Run for students
during the day and one for parents in the
evening Make it a challenge: who can run the farthest/
longest – parent or child!
To help your awareness campaign along, how
about each classroom housing a ‘signpost’ for Terry, each
one indicating a city/town Terry ran through during the
Marathon
Extra recess - One school offers an extra recess when
certain levels of their fundraising goal are met!