Organize an Event

Community Events in Support of Hospice

Do you have an idea for fundraiser that you would like to organize to benefit Chatham-Kent Hospice? We welcome third-party events that raise funds to support the care we offer and also provide community awareness for our programs and services. There are many ways to show your support for Chatham-Kent Hospice, and organizing an event on our behalf is guaranteed to be the most fun!

If you would like to plan an event, please contact us in the initial stages of planning (at least six weeks before your event) and complete a Community Fundraiser Proposal form. This helps us better understand your event, what you hope to accomplish, and how we can help you. Our Special Events Coordinator is happy to help you fill this out in person or over the phone and can provide information on how we can support your initiative.

Below you’ll find additional information to assist you in planning.

Community Events Toolkit

Community Fundraiser Proposal Form

Community Fundraiser Agreement

To discuss your idea, please contact:

Katherine Stinson, Special Events Coordinator at 519-354-3113 ext. 2409 or kstinson@chathamkenthospice.com

Chatham-Kent Hospice extends a BIG thank you to everyone involved in organizing a Community Fundraiser!

Spencer, a 10-year-old with a BIG heart, spent his summer fundraising for Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation to honour the memory of his late Grandpa Grant. He was inspired by his Grandpa’s desire to have a positive impact on the community and wanted to help however he could. His goal was to raise $1,000, but in the last week before his swim, he surpassed his goal to raise $1,645 for Hospice families in CK! Thank you Spencer!

The Poker Ride for Hospice, organized by Ashley Sykes in memory of Roberta Dunlop, took place at the Humble Homestead just outside of Blenheim. A first time event, the ride raised a fantastic $4,875! Participants enjoyed an afternoon of riding, or walking, through three local bushes and properties for the opportunity to win a cash prize, which was kindly donated back to Hospice this year. Thank you to Ashley and everyone who participated in this fantastic event!

A number of Tilbury District High School Students in Mr. Meechem’s Grade 12 Business Leadership class wrapped up the school year by raising money for Chatham-Kent Hospice. They worked together to host a barbeque, bake sale, a freezie and pop sale, and a pie-to-the-face sale that raised over $900! Thank you to everyone that was involved in this wonderful fundraiser!

FAQs About Third-Party Fundraising

A third-party event is an event or initiative organized from start to finish by community volunteers (individual, community group, service club, or business) to raise funds to support the Chatham-Kent Hospice and our families. These can range from large-scale events, such as a golf tournament, fashion show, or gala, to small-scale events, such as a car wash or bake sale, and everything in between!

Third-party events play an important role in generating revenue for Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. The Foundation is responsible for raising funds and awareness to support the Chatham-Kent Hospice as the Hospice receives only partial government funding and relies on donations to cover approximately 62% of its operating budget. For this year, we must raise an average of $121,000 per month to meet this need.

In addition to raising essential funds, third-party events also raise public awareness of the role that Hospice plays in providing compassionate end-of-life care to residents and their families. These events broaden our support base, increase awareness about the care and services we offer, and inspire people within your network to support something you are passionate about.

There are many reasons why people choose to host a community event to raise funds for Chatham-Kent Hospice:

In memory of a family member or friend
Because you or someone you know has benefited from Hospice care or services
Because you feel motivated and inspired to give back

Whatever your reason, we are grateful for your support. Whether you’re planning a small event or something on a larger scale, every dollar you raise helps us to provide care to members of our community.

Your imagination is the limit, but be SMART and set Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely goals and create a plan.

Here are just a few ideas of events you can organize. You can find more in the Tool Kit:

Donate a percentage of proceeds from the sale of an item
Host a sale (bake, yard, craft, etc.)
Host an A-Thon (walk, run, swim, bike, dance, etc.)
Organize a tournament (golf, baseball, bowling, fishing etc.)
Pancake breakfast
Car wash
Fashion show
Poker night
In lieu of accepting gifts on a special occasion, ask your friends and family to donate to Hospice
Engage students, co-workers or employees in sale or sporting game

While we graciously accept proceeds from events that take place without our knowledge, we do ask that you let us know about your activity or event by completing the Community Fundraiser Proposal form so we can support you the best we can. If we know about your event ahead of time, we can provide guidance, resources and promotional materials. We can also promote your event on our social media channels, website and internally to staff and volunteers, if appropriate.

The money you raise will directly support the programs and services that Chatham-Kent Hospice provides to our residents and their families, as well as to the larger community.

Your donations make a big difference to our families. Donations help to provide meals to residents and snacks to visitors, keep the residents comfortable by covering the cost of utilities, and cover other costs associated with running the Hospice. It also helps to provide the support people need when caring for a loved one or going through their grief journey.

Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation is unable to provide insurance coverage for third-party events and it will not assume any legal or financial liability of third-party fundraising events. The event organizers are responsible for obtaining any necessary permits, licenses or insurance required. Proof of insurance with CKHF listed is required if the event is being held at a location owned by a public entity.

Once a completed application form has been accepted, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation will provide a logo for use on promotional materials for the event. The logo can only be used and reproduced with prior written approval from Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. The logo must not be modified, this includes colour, size and clarity. Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation must review and approve all promotional materials and all promotional materials must clearly state that the event is raising funds for the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.

Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation will issue tax receipts for individual donations of $10 or more in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for fundraising activities. The issuing of receipts must be approved by Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation prior to the event. Receipts may only be issued for the actual amount of the donation and donations that do not receive a tangible item or benefit in return. For example, a ticket purchased to attend a dinner or a silent auction purchase is considered a tangible benefit. Event sponsors also receive a tangible benefit and are ineligible for receipts.

To process receipts for individual donors, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation must receive a list including the donor’s name, mailing address (including postal code), phone number, email and donation amount along with the funds. An Event Donation Record to record this information is available upon request.