How to Donate

Host a Fundraiser for YouthLine!

Whether you’re on your own, in a group, or organization, hosting a fundraiser event for LGBT YouthLine is a great way to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Ontario. 

We are a small organization with a big impact, run by and for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and with the support of many volunteers.  Community fundraising allows us to continue working for the hundreds of 2SLGBTQ+ youth who access our anonymous peer support service every year. 

If you believe in helping youth survive, thrive, and make our world a better place, then we hope you’ll organize a fundraiser for us! Check out the FAQ below for event ideas and answers to questions you may have.  

You can also email admin@youthline.ca with your questions! 

Social Media Toolkit

Let us help you create an impactful fundraiser with this social media toolkit. Here you have everything you need to successfully advertise your event.

Posters

Customize your own poster on Canva with these templates. Simply click on the design and size you wish to edit and it will generate a copy of these editable posters on Canva for you to use.

Social Media Graphics

Customize your own social media graphic on Canva with these templates. Simply click on the design you wish to edit and it will generate a copy of these editable graphics on Canva for you to use.

Logo Package Downloads

To help promote your fundraisers, please use one of our YouthLine logos on your promotional materials to mark that it is a fundraiser for YouthLine.

FAQ

Q1. I don’t identify as a 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Can I still run a fundraiser for
YouthLine?

Yes, please! We appreciate the commitment of our accomplices to the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and we know that the impact of our work extends well beyond those we officially serve, since our communities become safer and happier when everyone has the support they need to survive and thrive. Thank you for considering us!


P.S.: If you have loved ones or community members who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ youth,
consider asking them how you can make your fundraiser more inclusive. You can also always email admin@youthline.ca with questions.

Q2. I don’t have any event ideas! Can you give me some examples?
  1. Sales: Sell something you create and donate the proceeds
    From school bake sales to small businesses, we have seen many dedicated
    community members organize in support of YouthLine!
  2. Events: Dance party, ultimate frisbee game, movie-watching session, lecture or panel
    discussion, crafting hang-out, trivia night, poetry slam, comedy open mic, group gaming!
    One-off events can be done virtually too! Whether you’re considering a virtual
    event for convenience, reach, or as a COVID safety precaution, there are plenty of
    ideas!
  3. Fundraiser: Simply put out a pitch for funds
    Ask people to donate to YouthLine for your birthday or another personal
    milestone.
    Include a personalized message in your pitch explaining what YouthLine means
    to you or those you care about!
    Facebook offers an easy way to do fundraisers: click here for instructions.
Q3. I’m not sure how to make my event as accessible as possible. Can you
provide any support?

Thank you for considering this! We believe your event will be better the more people that have
the ability to safely participate in it. Accessibility Canada’s guide to facilitating an accessible
event
has some things for you to consider. Remember that all of us have different accessibility
needs, so the best way to facilitate an accessible event is to ask prospective attendees what they need to maximize their participation and enjoyment.

Q4: Do you have any social media that I can share in the lead up, during,
and after my event?

On your promotional materials, you can share our:

Q5. Can I use the YouthLine logo when promoting my event?

Yes, you can use the YouthLine logo when promoting your event. We have provided a downloadable logo package above.

Q6. I’m worried that I won’t raise a lot of money!

Fear not! We truly appreciate all of your support, regardless of how much your fundraiser raises. Every dollar means a lot to us, and the proceeds from fundraisers accounted for about 10% of our fundraising in 2022! So, whether you identify as a 2SLGBTQ+ youth or consider yourself an accomplice, and whether you are representing an organization or just yourself, your support is important and valued. Even if you don’t meet your fundraising goals, you’ll have sparked conversation about the work we do at YouthLine. That’s important too.

Q7. Can someone from YouthLine support me with event logistics?

Unfortunately, we don’t have the staff capacity to provide individual support to fundraising events. That being said, we’d be happy to help you brainstorm and to answer questions about donating. Email us at admin@youthline.ca!
If it is a public event, we can also send you service cards and posters to spread the word about
our HelpLine. Simply fill out the request form linked on this page:
https://www.youthline.ca/mailouts/

We also have customizable posters and social media graphics via Canva that you can find linked above.

Q8. What are my options for getting the money I raise to YouthLine?

There are a few ways to do this:

  • You can direct people to our online donation form on CanadaHelps, and funds will go
    directly to us with no middle step
  • If you are running a fundraiser through Facebook or other platform, you should be able to
    connect your fundraiser to our online donation form
  • Your donors can also donate cash or e-transfer funds directly to you, and you can forward
    the collections to YouthLine through our online donation form or by cheque
  • We accept cheques mailed to the following address:

LGBT YouthLine
P.O. Box 73118, Wood Street PO
Toronto, ON., M4Y 2W5
Please make cheques payable to Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line
Make sure to keep track of the funds and donor contact info, both so that donors know where
their money is going and so that you can thank them later!

Q9. Okay, I’m sold! I want to run a fundraiser for YouthLine. Now what?

Once you come up with an event idea, and a date/time, consider who will be invited to your
event and how you’re going to reach them. Think about how your event will be made accessible
to those you’re inviting.
YouthLine is committed to public health guidelines in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, those most impacted by COVID are those who have long been marginalized in
society, and this includes 2SLGBTQ+ youth. We urge everyone who is hosting and attending a
TPF to observe physical distancing and other recommendations to maximize health and safety
during this pandemic (click here for a federal government webpage on prevention measures).

If you have any other questions, please contact us at
admin@youthline.ca

Thank you for supporting LGBT YouthLine!