Breast cancer fundraisers and events look different these days—and will continue to adapt and change in the coming months as we collectively work to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Even as we practice safe social distancing, women and men are still living with and being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now more than ever, research is critical.
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If you have held a fundraiser to support breast cancer research in the past or are interested in hosting one this year, below are five ideas to make an impact.
Get active. While many organized races and fitness events are on hold, you can still set your own personal challenge to fund research. Pick a day to walk, run, ride, or swim a specific distance and ask family and friends to support your efforts leading up to it. Encourage others to complete a similar challenge on the same day to increase your impact. If you’re a fitness instructor, consider hosting a virtual class and asking participants to make donations to join.
Highlight milestones. Ask for donations on your birthday, wedding day, or any special anniversaries. Even though gathering opportunities are limited, your loved ones still want to show their support. Raising money for research can be a meaningful way to celebrate when your family and friends can’t physically be with you.
Game for a cause. Online livestreaming is more popular than ever. Try your hand at hosting a charity stream on Twitch (Tiltify or Softgiving allows you to collect donations) to support research and have fun playing video games. More of a traditional game night person? Pick one from this list of board games that that can be played online—including Monopoly and Scrabble. Gather a group of friends, set-up a tournament, and ask for donations to play.
Bring your event online. Many in-person events have pivoted to virtual experiences on video platforms including Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Zoom. While you may have to rethink your usual approach, there are many opportunities to engage your audience in a new way. You might, for example, host a silent auction or raffle, or ask a local singer or band to perform online.
Embrace hobbies. As people spend more time at home, many have picked up old hobbies and refined new skills. Whether you’re knitting, making jewelry, woodworking, painting, or doing something else, share your talents with those around you. Offer a homemade treasure in exchange for a donation to your online fundraiser.
Have another idea in mind? Whatever your passion, you can probably turn it into a fundraiser to support research.
Looking to get started? Click here to set-up an online fundraising page on BCRF’s website. Show your commitment to research by making the first donation and then share your link with family and friends so others can join you in being the end of breast cancer.
If you have any questions or need help organizing your fundraiser, we’re here to help by email at fundraising@bcrf.org.
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