The Ontario Science Centre team’s goal for the 2023 Federated Health Charities campaign was to raise $9,000. Instead, they raised over $11,400 — more than 2.5 times the amount raised in 2022! This is the story of the little campaign that did.
The Ontario Science Centre opened in 1969, a gift to the people of Ontario to mark Canada’s centennial, and for more than 54 years has worked to create a lasting passion for discovery among visitors of all ages. Since 1969, more than 54 million people have visited the Science Centre. Today, young minds continue to be inspired by world-class exhibitions, award-winning educational programs, and innovative science experiences.
Lindsey Lin, Director, Human Resources, had only been with the Science Centre for three months when she became the volunteer chair of the Science Centre’s 2023 Federated Health Charities campaign.
“I started with the Science Centre in November,” Lindsey says. “I didn’t really know what I could expect to raise.”
Fortunately, her executive sponsor, Yoke Chung, and her campaign executive team — Pat Sacchetti, Alessia Caravaggio and Richer Lucban — came to the rescue with their fundraising experience, insight into the organization, and support.
The campaign team had an initial brainstorming session and identified several possible events, including a samosa sale — a feature of Ontario Public Service fundraisers since the 1990s — the famous Science Centre Bake and Merchandise sale, and a final closing event to raise awareness and generate momentum around the Federated Health Charities campaign. The team also considered how to reach people across the organization, from frontline staff to people working behind the scenes.
The Science Centre campaign launched in April at an all-staff meeting. The team followed the launch with a series of weekly all-staff emails to promote their upcoming events and encourage people to make payroll pledges by providing specific directions on how to donate. Their first stand-alone event, the samosa sale was a hit, selling out completely. By early May, the campaign was only $500 away from their $9,000 goal, thanks to the generosity of people making payroll pledges.
Ontario Science Centre designers volunteered to help create posters
As the team geared up for the Bake and Merchandise sale, they were excited and felt confident this much-loved tradition at the Science Centre would be a success. People from across the organization answered the call for volunteers. By the day of the sale, it had grown to include a bake sale involving more than 20 bakers, a plant sale, a craft and merchandise sale, and a raffle of over 20 items ranging from collectable books to handmade jewelry. The overwhelming support from the Science Centre community meant the team could add a 50-50 draw their closing event in June.
More than 20 bakers contributed their talents and their sweets to the bake sale
On the day of the sale, volunteers arrived early to set up. By 8:30 a.m., they were already busy. By the end of the day, they had raised over $1,700, exceeding their $9,000 goal, making the Ontario Science Centre campaign the first campaign in the 2023 Federated Health Charities campaign to meet their goal!
Altogether, the Ontario Science Centre raised just over $11,400 — more than two and a half times the amount raised in 2022.
Lindsey gave all the credit to her sponsor, executive team, and volunteers.
“I was the new kid on the block,” Lindsey says. “Pat, Alessia and Richer were great. Working with them on the Federated Health Charities campaign helped me learn a lot about the organization as well as the dynamic talent we have at the Science Centre.”
Staff donated prizes for the raffle
If there was a secret to the success of the Science Centre’s campaign, Lindsey says it comes from ensuring everyone had an opportunity to participate.
“We really tried to engage all our staff members, from frontline staff, like our visitor care, host, and security staff, to those that work behind the scenes in marketing, education and more. The Science Centre is a small organization, but we believe in the work we do.”
On behalf of our 21 charities, Federated Health Charities congratulates Lindsey, Pat, Alessia, Richer and everyone at the Ontario Science Centre on the success of their 2023 campaign. Your contributions go directly to support the work of our member charities to improve the health and well-being of people in communities across Ontario.
We couldn’t do it without you.
You can learn more about the Ontario Science Centre and plan your visit at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.
Donate to Federated Health Charities today at FederatedHealth.ca.
