Senobe Aquatic Club has decided to take on a new approach to fundraising.
"This year, our paddlers and their families will be approaching local homeowners to see if they can arrange for two to three quotes for projects around their homes," says John Leahy, Senobe's commodore. "Our paddlers will be approaching people with a list of about 90 different categories of work that can be quoted through our program, and if any jobs go forward as a result of our efforts, the local businesses have agreed to pay Senobe a referral fee."
Money raised will be used to help offset capital expenditures, as well as to help athletes raise funds to attend the National Championships in Regina later this summer.
In addition to an order form/brochure that will be circulated through club members, homeowners can go online at SupportSenobe.com and complete the electronic version of the order form.
Upon submission of the form, contractors will make contact with the individual homeowners to arrange an appointment to discuss the
renovation/maintenance project envisioned. Projects such as roofing, windows, siding, landscaping and driveways are among the 90 items on the list.
Through a relationship with local companies Unique Fundraising and ServiceNow, Senobe is able to refer reputable businesses with proper WCB coverage, and ServiceNow's Double-Backed Guarantee.
Other years, Senobe fundraisers have included things like bottle drives, canteens, teen dances and sleepovers (sleep-a-thon or rock-a-thon).
"We've done all the traditional things," said David MacDonald, chairman of SupportSenobe fundraising campaign. "This (new fundraiser) is where the majority of the emphasis is going to be this year, of course things like the dances will still happen, because the kids have fun doing them, so those types of things won't be cut out."
Funds raised will help send 28 paddlers to nationals, as well as help with improvements around the club, such as new locker rooms.
"With this fundraising campaign, Senobe feels they are not going "cap in hand", and they feel they are truly offering a valuable service to local homeowners, through the efforts of their young athletes. It's a win-win situation for all participants," says John MacDonald, a Saint Mary's University business student, who is managing Senobe's Campaign this summer on behalf of the Unique Sport and Community Fundraising Initiative. - Staff
