The power of fundraising events reaches far beyond the immediate fundraising and awareness raised.
According to Sarah Wiley, Partnerships and Community Engagement Manager at the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA (MNDAWA), charitable events can be a cathartic experience for people on a disease journey, including carers.
“Fundraising events have a profound emotional impact on individuals facing challenges, providing them with solace, support and a sense of community,” Ms Wiley said.
“By creating meaningful experiences that resonate emotionally with participants, we can foster the creation of supportive communities where participants can find belonging and solidarity, and we can empower individuals to take action and make a difference, instilling a sense of agency and hope for the future.
An MNDAWA charity event.
“If we get this right, it will lead to long-term engagement, meaning that participation in fundraising events can create sustained engagement with the organisation, resulting in ongoing financial support.”
Ms Wiley, who has a 25-year career in the not-for-profit sector, said her passion for making a difference has taught her that fundraising events can achieve more than just raising money and awareness.
Charity events can have profound effects on reducing psychological distress during a disease journey and can “help heal hearts”, she explained. “These events serve as catalysts for healing and resilience and, in turn, lead to long-lasting support for your organisation,” she said.
Access to a community fostering a supportive network can significantly impact how individuals cope with the myriad emotions and challenges they face during a disease journey.
“Charity events serve as sanctuaries, offering a multi-faceted approach to psychological well-being. They create a sense of belonging, provide a platform for shared experiences, offer access to support networks, and ignite a flame of hope through collective participation,” Ms Wiley said.
Volunteers and staff at an MNDAWA charity event.
Charity run supports disability, inclusion
The Chevron City to Surf for Activ is one of WA’s longest-running community events, seeing thousands of people take to the streets to walk, run, or roll every year, while raising much-needed funds for people living with disability.
The City to Surf fun run is one of the biggest fundraising annual drives for Activ Foundation, but it is also an opportunity to bring the community and corporate teams together.
Participants at the Chevron City to Surf for Activ, one of WA’s longest-running community events.
“Not only is it great to see people of all abilities come together to take part in such a large-scale community event but bringing awareness and education around disability and seeing what the money raised goes towards is truly heartwarming as people’s involvement directly impacts and better the lives of others,” Activ CEO Michael Heath said.
“We operate as a profit-for-purpose model where all money raised is injected back into the business of providing the integral range of services Activ offers around the state that gives customers choice, control, and independence to live the life they choose.”
Chevron City to Surf for Activ draws in corporate teams and individuals.
Chevron Australia Managing Counsel and Team Chevron Captain Peter McNally added, "The impact goes far beyond our participation on the day. By matching workforce donations in the months leading up to the event, our people are reminded of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion and the tangible difference our support makes for Activ clients and their families.”
Register now to get involved in this year's City to Surf at perthcitytosurf.com and find out how you can get involved in the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Western Australia (MNDAWA)'s charitable events.
