+ Share the URL everywhere – Send an email, put it on your website or social media pages, create a QR code to put on posters or printed event materials.  The more you share the link, the opportunity people have to take part in your VFD. 

+ Add a video – This can be linked on your personal Virtual Food Drive page or your Teams page.   

+ Make a personal donation to kick off your fundraiser – It's important that you make your own personal donation to kick start your campaign. Lead by example, the amount of the first donation will set the bar for others to follow. Others generally feel more comfortable donating if they see that someone else has. 

+ Ask – Make a personal appeal to your friends and family. Use the tools inside the Participant Center to send emails or just share your page link via your own personal email. 

+ Make sure donors share their support – In your requests, ask donors to click the 'Share' button on your personal page. When donors share their donation, about 20% of the time it results in a new donation of $15 on average! 

+ Get a match – Ask your employer if they would make a generous 'matching gift' of the total amount or portion raised.  Use this handy tool to find out if your employer will match your donation and what process you need to follow. Each organization is different, but we're here to help. 

+ Leverage the reach of social media – Post your campaign on all your social media platforms - share your Virtual Food Drive on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and any other social media you use. 

+ Include everyone in your campaign – Be proud to raise funds for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and invite everyone to help. Include friends, family, work colleagues, teammates, club members – anyone. Most people understand how important the work of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is, and some may even know someone who has used a food bank before. You may be surprised at who will donate to support you. 

+ Come for a Tour – The best way to learn about the GVFB and what you are supporting is to come in and see it for yourself.  If you want a tour, we'd love to show you around.  Please email [email protected] to set something up.  - subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. 

+ Tell Our Story... and Yours  – Share what you know about the GVFB and why you've chosen to support our clients.  People give to causes they believe in and often when someone they trust shares their own connections to a cause someone is more likely to support the same cause. 

+ Follow up – It is easy for people to overlook emails. They are probably not ignoring you. Send at least one follow-up email and repost on your social media to keep your campaign in front of followers. 

+ Stewardship – Thanking your donors in a timely manner will show them how much you appreciate their support to your fundraiser. They might be likely to make a second gift as well!