The Rotaract Highlanders Club of Markdale recently launched an online fundraising campaign for the local hospice house that has already raised over $10,000.
“We started an online fundraiser on May 1 and it goes on until May 19. It is basically 19 days of fundraising during COVID-19,” says Aakash Desai, deputy mayor of the municipality of Grey Highlands and Rotaract Highlanders Club member. “As a group we have raised $11,410 so far.”
Rotaract clubs are generally sponsored by a parent Rotary Club and are open to membership for young people aged 18 to 35.
When the Rotaract Highlanders of Markdale got wind that the local hospice chapter was potentially losing out on fundraising dollars in a major way because of COVID-19, they took action.
“Due to COVID-19, Chapman House is looking at having to cancel their two biggest fundraisers, which is the Hike for Hospice and the annual dinner gala,” says Desai.
He explains that seven members of the group have volunteered to participate and are competing to raise the most amount of money, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Chapman House.
“Whichever of us raises the least amount of money has to produce a music video,” explains Desai. “If you go onto Facebook, there is a poll on which song the person will have to sing. Right now, Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer is in the lead.”
For the fundraiser, the club has created a Song for Hospice’ Facebook group.
“All of us have been producing videos as to why you should donate to their campaign, which are pretty hilarious and fun,” Desai adds. “This has been a time of change and news that isn’t always positive, so I just wanted to share some positivity.”
The group started out with a goal of $10,000, which was quickly reached by day eight.
“At this point, we are trying to raise as much as we can, especially because it is for a tremendous cause,” he says. “As a club, there is no cost for us to run this, so any donations that come in go straight to Chapman House.”
The Song for Hospice fundraiser will run until May 19.
