| Frequently Asked Questions
Donations | Incentives/Fundraising Rewards | Matching Gifts | Registration
Resource Fair | Sponsorship | The Day of the Walk | Volunteering | Walker Tools
Donations
Do I have to send in my donations? Can I bring them with me to the walk?
While you can always bring your donations to the walk, it is preferable that you mail them in as soon as you can to:
Autism Speaks Canada
1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9
What if people want to give me cash?
It is safest and best for record-keeping that you convert all cash received to cheques or money orders. If you are able, the safest option is to send a personal cheque covering the full amount, along with the corresponding donation forms, to Autism Speaks Canada. We will be able to credit your friends and family for their generosity. If this is not possible, you can also always bring the cash donations and appropriate donation forms to the walk.
What if my donors don't want to donate online?
Autism Speaks online donation system is secure and online donations show up immediately on your team/personal page. If donors are still uncomfortable using the online system, they may phone in a credit card donation to 888-362-6227.
You can always have your donors mail their donations directly to our national office:
Autism Speaks Canada
1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9
Please have them submit the corresponding donation forms with their cheques so you will be credited for your fundraising efforts. If this is not possible, please have them indicate which walk they are supporting and your name on the memo section of the cheque.
Do I have to fill out one donation form for each cheque?
Yes. This is the best way to ensure that you receive the credit you deserve for all your fundraising efforts.
Can I continue to collect donations after the walk? Where do I send the cheques?
Absolutely! Please mail donations with the appropriate donation forms to:
Autism Speaks Canada
1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9
Will the money turned in at the walk show up on my web page and my donation report?
Absolutely. If the corresponding donation forms were filled out and submitted along with your donations at the walk, then you should see your fundraising efforts reflected on your web page and donation report within four weeks of the event.
I turned in a packet at the walk and do not see all the cheques processed yet?
All donations to Autism Speaks Canada should be deposited, processed and posted to your web page within four weeks of the day of the event. If a month or more has passed and you still do not see your donations on your web page, please contact Autism Speaks Canada by e-mail at autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org.
How long will it take before the cheques I mailed show up on my page?
Donations sent in before the Walk should processed within 4-7 business days.
After Walk day, and depending on the number of events taking place, we ask that you allow four weeks for your donations to be deposited, processed and posted to your web page.
Where do I get donation forms?
Donation forms can be printed from each participant's individual webpage. The link (make a donation offline) is just under your goals. You may also contact the office to receive forms via email. Call 1-888-362-6227 or email autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org
Can I enter donations received via cheque to my webpage?
There is no way to enter these yourself. Please send all donations directly to:
Autism Speaks Canada
1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 504
Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9
Please submit the corresponding donation forms with cheques so you will be credited for your fundraising efforts. Once processed, the donation will show on your webpage.
Are donations tax deductible?
Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
Donations $20 and over will be issued a charitable tax receipt.
Autism Speaks Canada is a registered charity #869420208 RR0001.
Who should cheques be made payable to?
Please ask your supporters to make checks payable Autism Speaks Canada.
How will my donation to Autism Speaks Canada appear on my credit card statement?
Depending on the credit card, it might be listed as Kin*, Kintera, or KIN* AUTISM SPEAKS
Are there any additional fees in addition to the donation amount?
There are no transaction fees incurred by the donor. If you want to donate $100.00 you will be charged $100.00. If any additional fees are indicated on your credit card statement please contact Autism Speaks Canada at 888-362-6227 so that we can work to address this issue with you.
Incentives/Fundraising Rewards
Are fundraising incentives going to be available in 2010?
Our participants continue to tell us they want to ensure that as many dollars as possible raised through Walk Now for Autism Speaks go directly to provide critically needed research and family services. We have listened and we agree. Walkers and donors will know that more of their pledges are having a direct impact on our mission.
For those individuals interested in Autism Speaks apparel and other items, our eStore will continue to add new items on a regular basis throughout 2010.
Matching Gifts
I think my company matches. How do I get this started?
Every company handles its own matching gift program differently. Please contact your company's Human Resources department for instructions on how to double your fundraising efforts through matching gifts.
I don't know if my company does matching gifts. How do I find out?
Please contact the Human Resources department at your company and inquire if they have a matching gift program. If you need assistance or guidance, please contact us at 888-362-6227 or autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org
I submitted a form for matching gifts but do not see the donation on my page. Where is it?
Sometimes there is a delay as Autism Speaks Canada cannot post a matching gift until the corporation involved approves it. Unfortunately, corporations match gifts on a different timetable during the year. If you have questions regarding your matching gift, please contact your company to see if the donation has indeed been matched. If it has, please contact Autism Speaks Canada by e-mail at autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org, and we will do everything we can to ensure that the donation appears on your page.
Registration
Should I start a team or join as an individual?
If you have a friend or family member joining you, please start a team. If you are attending alone, please join as an individual.
Should I register my kids?
Yes, please register everyone who will be attending (even toddlers in strollers). This helps us plan for the day of the event.
I have a family member who wants to join my team but may not be able to attend the walk. Can they still join my team?
Yes, family members can still support you by joining your team and fundraise as a team member even if they are unable to attend.
Can I start a team with 2 people?
Sure. There is not a minimum requirement for team size.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. There are no registration fees, but we encourage each person to reach out to their friends and family for support.
What is the cut-off to register or join a team?
You can register online up to the day of the event. Please have everyone register as early as possible to give us a good headcount so that we can plan for a better event. Registration is also available on site the day of the event.
Some of my family would like to come, but not walk. Do they need to register?
Please make sure to register each person that will attend (even if they do not walk). It helps us know how many people to plan for.
If I am registered, do I need to do anything else to be pre-registered?
No, if you are already registered online, you are all set.
Is it better to register online or register the morning of the walk?
There are many advantages to registering before the walk. Here are just a couple.
1. Knowing how many people to expect will help us plan for a better event for everyone. We order all items based on how many people we have pre-registered for the walk.
2. Each person that registers will receive a webpage within the Walk Now for Autism Speaks website. This will give friends and family a place to go where they can donate directly to you online or get a donation form and mail a donation directly to us that will be credited to your page. You can also customize this page with a photo and special message.
Resource Fair
What is the Resource Fair?
Our Resource Fair is made up of booths for local service providers who are there to talk to you and your family about products and services offered.
I know a local service that would be a great fit for the Resource Fair, how do I get them involved?
We are always looking for new information for our participants. Please talk to them about the event and ask them to visit the walk website to learn more about the Walk Now for Autism Speaks program. They can click on Resource Fair to learn more about becoming a vendor, some benefits and filling out an application. Once the application is received, a staff person will reach out to them.
Booth Vendor Questions:
What is considered a "Child-Friendly Activity"?
Below is a list of activities that have been offered in the past. Or get creative and offer something new
- Face painter
- Bean bag toss
- Coloring books
- Playdoh table
- Bubbles (please check with us for venue rules and regulations)
- Arts and crafts projects
- Carnival style activity
- ** We can help you come up with an activity.
Can I get a booth with electricity?
Depending on the restrictions of the venue we may offer booths with an electrical connection for an addition fee. Please call the office at 888-362-6227 to see if electricity is an option at the Walk you are enquiring about.
Sponsorship
Is Corporate Sponsorship tax deductible?
Funds given in exchange for sponsorship deliverables can be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please check with your company's accounting and tax experts to get an accurate accounting of what can be declared charitable and what is a business expense. Autism Speaks Canada is a registered charity #869420208 RR0001
Can sponsorship money be credited to a personal or corporate team?
Funds earmarked to a personal or corporate team are considered donations. Corporate donations credited to a team cannot be double booked as sponsorship and do not qualify for sponsorship deliverables.
For questions regarding sponsorship or starting a corporate team please e-mail autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org.
The Day of the Walk
Are pets allowed at the walk?
Apart from service dogs, we try to discourage pets from coming to the walk events. Many affected children have a fear of animals and even the sweetest pet could negatively affect another participant. Please be sensitive to this issue and leave your pets at home. Only service dogs are permitted at the walk.
Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed at the walk?
Yes. Strollers, wheelchairs and even wagons for the little ones are all welcome.
Are bikes, rollerblades, scooters or skateboards allowed at the walk?
For everyone's safety, we can not allow any of these items.
I may not make it to the walk when Check-In/Registration opens. Can I arrive late?
Yes. Check-in will be open until the walk ends. Please go directly to the check-in area when you arrive.
How much do I need to raise to receive a t-shirt on Walk day?
Volunteers will distribute t-shirts to those walk participants who have turned in a minimum of $150 through walk day (both pre-event and day of event donations will be counted).
If I don't pickup my t-shirt at the event, can I get one mailed to me?
To reduce costs, ensuring that more dollars are directed to the mission of Autism Speaks Canada, t-shirts will be available on walk day only and not mailed to participants who are unable to attend the event. Autism Speaks Canada will do its best to ensure that those participants who are receiving shirts will receive a shirt in the size of their choice. However, when this is not possible, another size may be substituted.
What happens if it rains on the day of the walk?
All walks will be held on the date scheduled "rain or shine".
What do I need to bring with me on the day of the walk?
If you received a check-in envelope in the mail, please bring it with you on walk day. Donations, along with a donation form for each, can be placed inside. Seal the envelope and bring it with you. You can save time on walk day by sending in your donations ahead of time.
If you register within 2 weeks of the walk, we may not have time to send you an envelope - please click here to print a check-in sheet that can be used the same way. If you have donations, please place them, along with a donation form for each, inside of any envelope and staple the sheet to the outside.
How do I find my supporter ID number?
There are a few ways to find supporter ID numbers for yourself or for your registered family members. If the suggestions below do not help, please contact us at autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org.
1. When you register, you will receive an email to confirm your registration. Your supporter ID number will be listed in this message.
2. From your webpage - click to open the Offline Donation. The link is listed just under goals. The ID number is listed in the top corner under the participant's name.
3. On your personal webpage - your ID number is at the end of the URL.
Volunteering
Please call or email the office at 888-362-6227 or autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org to receive a volunteer sign-up form so that we can match your skills and what you would like to do to our list of what we need!
Can I volunteer and participate in the walk.
Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities on Walk Day that will allow you to help out and walk.
Can I get a community service sheet for the hours that I volunteer?
Yes. At the end of your volunteer shift, please go back to the volunteer tent and speak to the Committee or Staff member in charge. We have forms available on letterhead that can be used.
What time should I arrive and where should I go?
All registered volunteers will receive an email about a week before the walk with detailed information (directions, parking, where to go and what time be there, etc.).
Can my children/teenager volunteer with me?
Of course! Please fill out a form for each person volunteering.
Walker Tools
Thank you for registering for the Walk! Get started now - Download the following materials to jumpstart your fundraising efforts!
- The Participant Instruction Guide - Everything you need to get started with you fundraising including a sample email letter, fundraising tips and autism facts.
- 10 Easy Ways to Fundraise- Download tips on other fun ways to fundraise.
- Walker Cards - What an easy way to share your personal page! Personalize these cards and be sure to carry them with you everywhere! Hand them out to friends, family, even people you meet along your journeys!
- Team Captain Booklet - Do you want more information about what it takes to be a team captain? It's not too late to start your own team even if you've already registered!
- Sample Emails for Walkers - Don't know how to get started? Here are some quick E-mails to send to potential donors.
- Donor Tracking Form - Use this list to track your donations as they are received. This will provide you with a quick reference when it comes time to acknowledge your donors. This is for your records only.
- Fundraising Ideas from A to Z - Easy and fun ideas no how to fundraise.
Some other tools/information you may find useful:
Donation Form - A donation form ensures that donations are properly credited to your account. A donation form needs to be completed for EACH donation. To print out your pre-populated donation form, log into the Walk Event. Once logged in, you will automatically be in your Personal Headquarters. Next, click on Tools and then Print Donation Form.
Benefits of Corporate/Organizational Team Participation - Here are some reasons to start your own team at work/school!
A quick and easy way to reach your goal is by writing letters! Need Help?
For any questions or concerns, please contact your local office.
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