What is Craftathon?
Craftathon is LGBT Youth Line’s annual fundraiser. For one afternoon a year, friends and supporters of Youth Line come together to make one-of-a-kind crafts, learn new crafts, and have fun!
This year, we will be hosting our 4th Craftathon. We are hoping to raise $20,000 for Youth Line and the important work we do to support 2SLGBTQ youth across the province.
Why crafting?
Crafting is an important community builder! Although it can be done alone, crafting is even more enjoyable with others. That makes it a great way to build relationships while learning something new. Crafting is also something that all can participate in with just a little bit of guidance (don’t worry, we take care of that part)! These are just a few of the reasons why we decided to focus our annual fundraiser on the magical hobby of crafting!
Why should I participate in Craftathon?
Because you appreciate and value the work of LGBT Youth Line! LGBT Youth Line is the only organization dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQ youth in Ontario supporting over 5,000 Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit youth each year. In our current political climate, LGBT Youth Line is needed more than ever to support queer, trans, and Two-Spirit youth and help create safer spaces. As LGBT Youth Line’s only fundraiser, your participation will enable us to continue the work we do year round.
Craftathon is a family-friendly event with activities for people of all ages and varying degrees of crafting skills. We are hosting the event at Sketch Working Arts, an organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for marginalized youth through arts-based programming. Many of our crafting activities will be facilitated to help attendees learn new crafts.
Our priority is to make sure everyone that attends has a great time, goes home with new skills, creates something with their own hands, and feels great knowing that they helped LGBT Youth Line in our mission to support 2SLGBTQ youth across Ontario.
What can I make at Craftathon?
Last year, we had paper crafts, screen-printing, button-making, clay figurine-making, salsa dancing, and even a food craft! There will be Craft Leads on-hand to teach you to how make each craft, help you with your projects, and give you words of encouragement. Expect to use different kinds of paper, beads, fabrics, washi tapes, stamps, magazines, stickers, and more!
How do I participate in Craftathon?
To start, sign up HERE! . You can sign up as an individual, create your own team, or join a team!
How do I sign up as an individual for Craftathon?
To sign up as an individual, click here and select “Join as an individual”. On your fundraising page, share a personal story about why Youth Line is important to you and share photographs if possible. From there, you will be given a personal link to share your page with your friends, family, and on social media to get started on your fundraising mission!
What is a Craftathon team and how do I create one?
A team is a group of people who want to fundraise together. Each team member must raise a minimum of $100 to attend.
To create a team, click here and select “Create a team”. From there, you will be able to invite folks to join your team and start reaching your fundraising goals!
I want to join my friend’s Craftathon team. How do I do that?
To join an existing team, click here and search for the team’s name. If you can’t find the one you are looking for, there will be a list of teams at the bottom of the page. Once you find the one you are looking for, go to the team’s page and click on the “Join Team” link. You will then be asked to make your own page for all those lovely folks that want to donate directly to your campaign.
I’m having trouble signing up for Craftathon. Can you help me?
Of course! Email us at craftathon@youthline.ca and we can guide you through the process.
What happens once I sign up to participate in Craftathon? Are there resources that can help me out?
We know that signing up to raise money can be scary. That’s why you will receive a welcome email with a Crafter Support Package once you sign up. This will provide you with some tips on how to fundraise for Craftathon!
Is there a minimum amount that I have to raise to participate?
Yes, we are asking all folks to raise at least a $100 per person.
What’s a Master Crafter?
A Master Crafter is someone who raises over $300 in support of Youth Line. All Master Crafters will have their names entered to win some amazing raffle prizes on the day of the event.
I don’t think I can participate but I really want to support LGBT Youth Line. How can I donate?
We’re sad you can’t join us, but really appreciate your support! You can donate to a specific team or individual member by clicking the “Donate” button on their page. You can also donate generally to our Craftathon page!
You will be given the option of donating publicly or anonymously. All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt through Canada Helps.
I want to share my Craftathon experience on social media. Are there specific hashtags I should use?
Before, during, and after Craftathon, we would love for you to share your pictures, stories, and experiences on social media. Our official hashtags are #craftathon and #craft4YL.
Please be sure to also tag LGBT Youth Line on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @lgbtyouthline so we can follow along with you.
