In 2018, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland (HFHN) celebrated its 20th anniversary with the launch of their anniversary fundraising campaign. Positioned like a no-gala gala, this virtual event started with a few sponsors helping to meet a goal of $20,000 in 20 days for the 20th anniversary. Every year the fundraising target is increased, and the sponsors have been up for the challenge. This year the campaign will be for the 24th Anniversary and will recognize sponsors starting October 30th, in the 24 days leading up to National Housing Day on November 22nd. The campaign has traditionally started or ended around National Housing Day, to highlight the need to address the affordable housing crisis here in Northumberland County.
Habitat Northumberland has raised over $86,000 with this campaign over the past four years. With this year’s goal of $24,000, they are hoping to move that fundraising needle past $100,000 and reach $110,000. Meaghan Macdonald, Executive Director explains that this was really a big ask when they first architected the idea of the fundraiser. “We weren’t sure how the community would respond to this, as it’s not an event or a team build. It was different and sometimes that can be scary. The pandemic really helped to solidify this as a major fundraiser for us. We could do it virtually which was so crucial over the last two years.”
Sponsors can be individuals or businesses. There are a variety of price points for the campaign, and they can choose between Elite sponsorship at $2,500, Full day sponsor at $1000 or Half Day Sponsor at $500. All sponsors are recognized on the Habitat Northumberland website, in the ReStore, as well as on their social media channels. “We are reaching out to the community now, to help us raise $24,000 for our anniversary. These funds will go towards our build in Hastings, which we are planning to dedicate in time for Christmas,” according to Melissa Cranston Community and Fund Development Coordinator.
For more information on this campaign, please contact Melissa Cranston (mcranston@habitatnorthumberland.ca, 289-252-0999 ext. 29).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
