One alternative to the traditional charity walk is a treadmill charity walk
Almost anyone can participate in a charity walk. That is one of the characteristics that is so appealing for this type of charity event. However, not everyone will be able to participate in your charity walk.
There are some people who aren’t physically able to walk the course you have planned. There are others who won’t be able to attend because it is not convenient.
Putting a twist on your charity walks by adding options can help include some of those who are unable to participate in your basic charity event.
Consider some of these add-on options to increase participation, awareness and fundraising:
Virtual Participation
The name virtual charity walk typically refers to a charity walk event being conducted in a virtual world via computer. Second Life is one of the online virtual worlds where this is becoming popular. That is not the type of virtual participation I am referring to.
For some potential walkers, the location or the date/time of your charity walk will not allow them to participate. Why not allow them to do their walk at a convenient location or date/time of their own choosing? Although they would not be a participant at the main event, they would fundraise and walk with the same passion and spirit. Each of these virtual participants would receive the great feeling that comes from supporting a great cause and the nonprofit organization would reap the benefits of reaping additional active volunteers and money to further the cause.
Treadmill Walk
Some participants are physically unable to participate in a traditional charity walk. Westchester Square Physical Therapy (WSPT) of the Bronx is holding a Treadmill Walk-a-Thon as an alternative. Physical therapy patients and others in the community will be timed as they walk on treadmills. WSPT’s treadmills to be used includes a therapy pool treadmill.
Aquatic Walk
An arthritis aquatics class conducts an aquatic walk each year in support of a charity walk in my local area. The aquatic walk is performed by participants “walking” laps around the pool. Although it would be extremely difficult or impossible for them to participate in the traditional charity walk, the aquatic walk allows them to participate in a charity walk with a group of friends while benefiting the nonprofit organization.
Consider augmenting your charity walks with options that allow additional walkers to participate. It can help those who have felt excluded from being able to participate in the past. It also can mean additional support and funding for your nonprofit organization.
Thanks,
p.s. Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and take advantage of the free signup at the Charity Walks Network. Learn additional ways to make your next charity walk event more successful.
photo credit: Mr. T in DC
More From charitywalks
- Charity Walks – Use Incentives to Hook Sponsors
- A Unique Charity Walk Benefit
- What is a Charity Walk?
charitywalks Recommends
- 10 Best Ways to Improve Your Venue Event Staff (Venue Insider)
- How to Use Foursquare to Promote Your Venue (Venue Insider)
[...] http://www.charitywalksblog.com/476/a-twist-on-charity-walks-to-…; http://www.mysouthborough.com/2009/12/15/your-chance-to-be-north…; [...]
This is a very good idea. We were trying to do some fundraising for my daughters dance team (maybe not as noble as other charities, but important to us none the less) and a walkathon had come up. This article answers most of the big objections. Will use at least two of these ideas. Thanks and regards.
Dave Harris recently posted..Glossary Of Cigar Terms
Dave,
I am glad the post helped. Did the possibility of a dance-a-thon come up? That might be a perfect match for raising funds for a dance team…
A dance-a-thon would be a great idea too Roger. I’ll put that on our list of options too when raising funds. Great suggestion there!
Hi Roger, these are creative ideas to increase participation and help raise funds. A treadmill walk and virtual participation will definitely add up to an event’s marketing value plus it allows people from all walks of life to participate especially for causes they value. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for sharing this post. It means a lot to everyone specially me. You have a kind heart. Keep the good work.
Thanks Ellen.
Hi Roger,
These are creative outputs that can transformed to some hard cash. Thank you for sharing this post to us. It’s worth the time reading and learning from it.
Mike Stewart recently posted..Reason For Failure in Cake Making