Since we began in 1911, Women’s College Hospital has been at the forefront of groundbreaking advances in women’s health. We collaborated in the invention of the Pap Test. We opened the first Cancer Detection Clinic in Ontario to screen healthy women for early signs of cancer. We were the first hospital in Ontario to use mammography. We began Ontario’s first regional Sexual Assault Care Centre and delivered the nation’s first test-tube quintuplets. We launched Canada’s first Multidisciplinary Osteoporosis Program and established the country’s first Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative.

Now, Women’s College Hospital is doing what no one else has done before. We are creating the hospital of the future.

Imagine a hospital that helps you manage your disease at home. Imagine a place that focuses on prevention, healthy living and survivorship, as much as it does on medical and surgical interventions. Imagine a hospital that is built not around in-patient wards and bedrooms, but around specialized ambulatory operating suites and clinic spaces that combine treatment, education and research.

Building on our proud history of innovation in women’s health, today we are once again focusing on what women need most: research, treatment, care and medication that are designed for their distinct biological, emotional and social needs. And we’re building an entirely new, state-of-the-art ambulatory hospital that will be responsive to the lives of women and their families.

On September 27th, TAKE ACTION – Run, Walk or Wheel for Women’s College!

Women’s College has joined the 2009 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge as an Official Charity in the 2009 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge!

You can support Women’s College on Sunday September 27th as part of the full or half marathon or the 5K walk. Register to join us as a runner, walker or wheeler and create your own fundraising page to collect pledges online; select Women’s College as your charity/team; or make a gift to sponsor Team Women’s College or an individual Team Member.

However you choose to participate, you will be helping to shape the future of health care for women and their families:

• Take the Charity Challenge and register to Walk, Run or Wheel for Women’s College
• Sponsor a runner or team fundraising for Women’s College.
• Encourage others to join Team Women’s College

Great Reasons to Join Team Women’s College!

• FREE Team Women’s College t-shirt and SPF lip balms for all registrants
• The top 10 fundraisers for Team Women’s College will have their registration fee refunded
• For every $100 you raise, you will be entered into a draw to win fabulous prizes!
• Team Women’s College e-letters and race updates
• FREE online training programs through www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
• All the features and support of the 2009 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

To Register and Start Fundraising:

• Go to the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon web site at www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
• Sign up for the Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K as a Charity Challenge Runner
• Select Women’s College Hospital Foundation as your charity/team
• Enter PIN code DISCCHARITY to receive your discounted registration fee ($60 for the full or half marathon; $30 for the 5k)
• Once you have registered, set up your own personal fundraising page
• Collect pledges from family, friends, and co-workers. All donations over $10 will receive a charitable receipt. [Check out our Fundraising Tips below!]

For More Information:
Susan Wellington
Director, Special Events & Sponsorship
Women’s College Hospital Foundation
416-813-4711
susan.wellington@wchospital.ca

Fundraising Tips:
1. Ask for Support – Everyone is a potential Donor
The old adage is true – if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Get into the habit of asking for a donation and you’ll be surprised to find how many people are more than willing to give! 

Start with the people you know and feel comfortable around -- family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers -- to guarantee you some early sponsors and boost your confidence.  Using the online system you can easily ask for support from friends and family – near and far – via email and online social networks.  

You can ask for sponsors in lieu of gifts for birthdays and holidays. Also, try adding your personal page link into your email signature, and let people know why you are fundraising!

2. Update your online Personal Page
It’s a great opportunity to share your story.  You can update your personal page with your own picture and message to let everyone know you are fundraising.  You may also be surprised to find that your friends, neighbours, and co-workers may also have their own stories to share.

3. Set your Personal Goal! Set a clear personal goal and a time frame for achieving your target.  Consider the amount of money you want to raise.  Can you help us raise $100, $200, $500, $1000 or even more?  Try sponsoring yourself to kick-start your campaign.