Tara MacCormac

OCISO Charity Fundraiser: Sales Strategies and Charity Event Organization

March 19th, 2024 | Tara MacCormac

Recently, I had the honor of hosting a charity event with my colleagues from the University of Ottawa in support of The Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO). This rewarding experience showcased the community’s ability to come together for a common cause and taught us valuable lessons in practical selling and community impact.

An Overview of the Event

This event, held at Ottawa’s own Rainbow Bistro, was a celebration of unity and support for immigrants and refugees in Ottawa. Bands including Chris Zimmerman & The Weather and Rock Wave Radio graciously contributed their talent and time, adding a vibrant touch to the evening and helping us raise almost $6,000. These donations will go a long way in empowering newcomers to Canada through OCISO's programs and services.

As a part of a fundraising competition organized by the Telfer School of Management, specifically ADM 4329 Personal Selling, this event along with other various fundraising efforts provided us with an opportunity to apply what we've learned in class about promotional and sales strategies into practice. Moreover, this experience was not just about raising funds; it was about honing our skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Practical Selling Strategies: Lessons Learned

Organizing a charity event isn't just about gathering donations; it's about effectively selling the cause to potential donors. Through this experience, I learned several key selling strategies that were instrumental in pulling off a successful fundraising event for OCISO.

Here are some strategies to employ when planning a fundraising event big or small:

• A Clear Message: One of the most crucial aspects of selling any cause is crafting a compelling narrative. We ensured that our messaging clearly communicated OCISO's mission and the impact of their work on immigrant communities.
• Marketing Campaigns: A successful fundraising event starts with effective marketing campaigns. We utilized a multi-channel approach, including social media, email marketing, and traditional advertising, to reach a diverse audience. By creating visually appealing content and leveraging strategic partnerships with local and big businesses, we maximized our event's visibility and engagement.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with businesses to secure discounted or donated products and services played a significant role in our fundraising success. We approached businesses and organizations aligned with the cause, offering them meaningful opportunities for brand visibility and community engagement. These partnerships not only provided financial support but also expanded our reach and credibility within the community.
• Event Execution: On the logistical side, pulling off a fundraising event requires meticulous planning and execution. We utilized event management tools to streamline registration, ticket sales, and attendee communication. A well-coordinated team ensured that every aspect of the event, from logistics to entertainment, ran smoothly, creating a memorable experience for attendees and maximizing fundraising opportunities.

Incorporating these selling strategies and technical elements into our fundraising efforts not only helped us achieve our fundraising goals but also strengthened our skills in communication, marketing, and event management. These lessons will undoubtedly guide me in future initiatives to support worthy causes and make a positive impact in the community.

Take Action: Continue the Support

On a personal level, this event was a joy to host and demonstrated how practical skills such as event planning and effective communication can be a catalyst for positive change. I am grateful to my colleagues, the Telfer School of Management and most of all OCISO for trusting us to represent and support their organization.  

As we continue to support OCISO and other organizations dedicated to immigrant empowerment, I encourage everyone to explore ways they can contribute to making their communities more inclusive and supportive. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy, each of us has the ability to make a difference.To learn more about OCISO's impactful work and how you can get involved, visit their website and social medias.

Stay connected for updates on new blog posts, marketing insights, and trends. Let's keep the conversation going and explore exciting ideas together!

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