Events

Believe. You make it possible.

Q: I have an event idea but need help pulling it together?

A: SickKids Foundation has many resources available on our website to assist groups in organizing fundraising events for SickKids. From how to pick a date, to what type of venue you require, to how to manage your finances, our resources will be able to help you get started in planning your event. Once you have decided that you would like to host a fundraising event for SickKids we ask you to please fill out our event proposal form. Once we receive your form at the Foundation we will review your event and get back to you within 7-10 business days. Once the event is approved, you will have access to our members only website containing many valuable tools and templates to help you plan your event.

Q: I heard about an event, where is it and how do I partake in it?

A: Please visit our event listings to find out about the events that are happening at SickKids and to benefit SickKids. If you are not able to find the information you are looking for please contact Jade De Ciccio at jade.deciccio@sickkidsfoundation.com

Q: I have a lot of questions about receipting for my event.

A: We receive more questions about receipts than about almost any other matter. In order to ensure our status as a charitable organization with the Canadian Revenue Agency, it is imperative that we all handle matters around receipting in an appropriate, timely, efficient and legal manner. Please read our Top 10 Answers to Common Questions section.

Q: How do I organize an event?

A: Many resources are available on this site to help you organize your event. Once you have decided on the details of your event, the first step is to complete the event proposal form. Once your event is approved, you will receive member access to even more resources and templates to help you organize and execute your event.

Q: Can you mail our event information out to your donors?

A: Unfortunately, SickKids Foundation cannot mail event information out to our existing donors.

Q: Can you find sponsors for our event?

A: SickKids Foundation can work with you to help you brainstorm about appropriate sponsors for your event but we cannot approach corporations for you. We have a large amount of information on how to secure sponsorships on our website including a sample sponsorship package. This information is available to groups who have completed their event proposal form and been given approval.

Q: Can you promote our event for us?

A: SickKids Foundation can promote your event on our events listing page. Once your event is approved you will be given members access to our site and will be able to enter in your event information to appear on our listing.

Q: Can you get media to come out for our event? Can you put out a press release for us?

A: Unfortunately, SickKids Foundation/The Hospital for Sick Children cannot promote or generate publicity for your event. The hospital contacts media only for news about treatment, research and care initiatives only. We do however have resources available to you on how to generate media interest for your event as well as a sample press release template you can customize for your event. This information is available to you once you've submitted your event proposal form and received approval.

Q: Can you help us find a venue for our event?

A: SickKids Foundation unfortunately cannot help source an event venue for you. There are some great resources on-line such as www.toronto.com or www.charityvillage.com to help you look for suitable venues.

Q: Can you forward me some $$ to pay for my event expenses?

A: Unfortunately SickKids Foundation cannot make an up front payment to cover your event expenses.

Q: What do I have to give back to SickKids?

A: At SickKids we try to ensure that a minimum of three times our expenses are returned in revenue or a ratio of 3:1 (If the expense is $100.00 we expect to raise a minimum of $300.00). It is our expectation that all Community Event Organizers will uphold this as a minimum standard as well when raising funds on our behalf.

Q: Can I issue tax receipts for my event?

A: SickKids Foundation is proud to be a leader in fundraising in Canada and is committed to following all rules and regulations regarding tax receipting set out by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This is also important to protecting our charitable status. It is very important that you understand the rules about tax receipts BEFORE you plan your event. Please read our tax receipt information. If you intend on offering tax receipts, this must be approved by your SickKids Foundation representative who will be assigned to you when your event is approved.

Q: How do I get supplies for an event?

A: Once your event has been approved by us you will be able to order supplies such as posters, stickers, and donation boxes.

Q: Can we have your logo to put on our event material?

A: Once your event is approved we will provide you with our logo if your fundraising goal is over $5,000. If it is below that amount, you are more than welcome to use the Foundation name on your event material. Please be aware that all of your materials will need to be approved before distribution. The SickKids Foundation logo is a registered trademark and cannot be used without the permission of the Foundation.

Q: I would like to fundraise in the workplace.
How can I get started?

A: Workplace fundraising is a positive, rewarding and fun way to motivate and further engage employees in an organization. Through workplace fundraising, your organization will help SickKids Foundation further our vision of "Healthier Children. A Better World.", and will provide your fellow employees with an enriching experience. For more information on ways to fundraise at your workplace, please read our Workplace Fundraising Guide.

Q: I never received my tax receipt for an event I attended.

Can you reissue?

A: We're sorry you didn't receive your tax receipt. Please email Foundation Donations at foundation.donations@sickkidsfoundation.com and include your full name, correct mailing address and gift amount and we will send out a receipt.

Q: You made a mistake on my tax receipt and I need a new one.

A: Please email Foundation Donations at foundation.donations@sickkidsfoundation.com. Include your full name, correct mailing address and gift amount and we will send out a receipt.

Q: I would like to donate merchandise to the kids in the hospital.

A: The hospital is happy to accept donations of new items and they may be left at the Main Information Desk 24 hours a day. The desk is located on the main floor of the atrium and is accessible through the Elizabeth Street entrance. For infection control reasons we are not able to accept used toys. For more information about donations to the hospital please contact the Donations Co-ordinator at 416.813.8787.

Q: I would like to donate merchandise to a fundraising event and get a tax receipt.

A: We would be pleased to accept donations of merchandise once they are approved by a SickKids Foundation Representative. Once we have received the item and you have provided us with the cost of the item, we will issue a gift in kind letter to you. Businesses can deduct the original cost of the inventory as a business expense. The SickKids Foundation gift in kind letter can be used to verify the write off of the item. We cannot provide tax receipts for wine or artwork unless the donor provides an independent appraised to verify the value of the item. This independent appraisal must be paid for by the donor.

Q: How are you going to recognize me for hosting an event?
What is in it for me?

A: The Foundation recognizes groups hosting events in a variety of different ways including thank you letters, certificates, and recognition on our donor hall at certain levels. Many of our groups feel a great sense of satisfaction when they see their event come to life and are able to raise funds to help children at SickKids and around the world.