Saturday, October 25, 2008

It may seem like hiatus - but its not!

So it seems like nothing has been accomplished since last post. That is not at all true. Sure, Meg and I lead extremely busy lives, but that doesn't mean we still aren't working on this goal.

We found out that due to my continuing involvement with Winters College at York University, the end of February is not feasible anymore. So, it looks like the date will be pushed back to the first weekend in March. Which day of the weekend has yet to be determined.

We also found out that it in fact takes 12 ponytails to make one wig... so the goal for two wigs might seem unfathomable to reach. In any event, we were originally looking for 12 ponytails anyway.

A budget is beginning to take form. We know the areas we will need to pay into (venue, food, publicity, and contingency) and the areas we hope we get completely donated. Meg and I are keeping our fingers crossed that we can accomplish that - I have complete faith.

We also started compiling a list of names for a team of people to help us get the event even further off the ground. We know we need someone to look after our money, someone to help us with PR and someone to organize all the artwork and entertainment. As much as Meg and I would like to do it ourselves (and I know we are completely capable too), that would involve us quitting our jobs and doing this full time. But alas, there are bills to pay and rent to maintain... but I'm sure when we approach these talented folks they will not disappoint us and help us come out on top!

Legalities are still a bit of a concern. The way I'm thinking we need to be headed looks long and dreary - but that can't be our only hope. This is what I found so far:

www.bloombergs.ca/non_profit.php There is a wealth of information on this site for Charity/Non-Profit. It recommends that it should be done through incorporation to provide "Limited Liability" protection to the Officers of the Charity. (UHG - sounds very much like what I just got out of with WCC - no thanks, I need a break from all of that)
And how to register: www.cra.gc.ca/charities

I'm sure all it takes is deeper looking. Meg is going to be checking out the Canadian Cancer Society's website when she gets back from her vacation.

Friday, October 3, 2008

We arrive on Facebook!

Yeah, as much as some people despise Facebook, you have to admit it does help spread the word.

We made a group page that put our mission statement and listed all the ways we need help:

"In this day and age we all know someone who is either a survivor, diagnosed or has lost someone to some form of cancer and all the more reason why we should support the groups, organizations and medical centres who are trying to find cures. Support does not only need to come in the form of monetary donations, there are many things individuals can do to help this cause. And that is why we (Meg and Steph) have decided to take action in organizing our own fundraiser. Besides the obvious support we want to give to cancer research, it also gives us an opportunity to show the community the various talents we embody as inspired individuals but from our friends and family as well. So that is why we have turned to you, to help us in our goal to raise funds and cut our hair to be contributed to wigs for those undergoing cancer treatments (it takes 6 hair donations to make a single wig).

Our vision for this fundraiser is to culminate at a single large event in the new year (end of February). There will be a hair cutting ceremony followed by silent auction of artwork, and an all night party with fantastic entertainment of all forms. We want to provide food and drinks at this party which will allow us all to further network in our fields. All this aside, its going to take a lot of work to get there and we need to find people that are just as committed and serious as we are to help us actualize this goal.We are coming to you in hopes that you can help us in the various fields below:

-people willing to make the cut for wigs (an 8 inch ponytail is all we need, but more is even better!)
-people willing to make the cut as symbol of support (if you don't have 8 inches to give, sometime the act of cutting your hair is just as powerful)
-people to canvass for donations (as much as we'd love to give all proceeds to cancer research, this baby is gonna cost us some big bucks to get off the ground!)
-people to find larger donors (woo hoo shwag - if you know any companies or organizations willing to donate their products/services every little bit counts)
-ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, PERFORMERS, DESIGNERS (this is just obvious)
-volunteers to help with the organizing (you know who you are and we can't do it alone)
-donations from you!!

And this list will be ever growing!!

Please know that this event is not just some fantastical idea we came up with over a night of bar hopping! We are extremely serious about this and will be making it entirely legally legit. Making a difference in the community, for someone you know or even just for yourself is incredibly satisfying and self-rewarding. The sense of accomplishment is definitely worth it and we encourage you (and anyone you know) to get involved with us today - our contact is below."

So, if you need to contact us for anything:
cuttin.it.for.cancer@gmail.com