Dear runners, walkers, donors and ACAS supporters,
Are you ready to run for a great cause and raise money for Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) to support East and Southeast Asians living with HIV in Toronto? Join us as a runner or walker on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at this year at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k Run/Walk (STWM) Charity Challenge! This is ACAS’ 5th year at the STWM Charity Challenge, and our fundraising goal is $20,000. We invite each and everyone of you to take part of the challenge either as a runner, walker, fundraiser, donor or supporter!
Last year, ACAS had 26 runners/walkers in five teams to rasie a total of $24,811at the 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5k, exceeding our $20,000 fundraising goal. This year, we are hoping to once again achieve or surpass our $20,000 fundraising goal as a way to finish celebrating our 20 years of community building and activism for the East and Southeast Asian HIV and LGBTQ communities in Toronto.
The funds raised will help ensure that our East and Southeast Asian service users living with HIV/AIDS can continue to receive the much needed culturally and linguistically appropriate services, to access emergency client funds to cover medication or emergency housing costs, and to apply for education allowance for education and training opportunities. The money raised will also help support the Ontario Positive Asians (OPA ) network that aims to bring all Asians living with HIV across the province together where they can connect with one another in a culturally-safe space and identify the needs most relevant to their well-being.
Please watch this space, http://run4acas.tumblr.com, and our ACAS website (http://www.acas.org) and ACAS Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/AsianCommunityAIDSServices) for news and updates.
If you would like to register to become a runner and raise money for ACAS, you can register as a runner at https://secure.eventsonline.ca/reg/crs/. As a runner/walker for ACAS, you can use the special Charity Pin Code15TSCC when you register after which you can choose Asian Community AIDS Services as your designated charity. This special Charity Pin Code allows you to register at the preferred charity rates: $40 for 5k; $50 for 5k with a single baby stroller; $80 for Half Marathon (21k) or Marathon (42k). Please make sure that you utilize the15TSCC code when you register as ACAS will not be able to reimburse you after you have registered. The only exception is for the top 10 fundraisers whom ACAS will reimburse the amount of the registration to you after the race. Free Registration fee will be waived for first 3 PHAs to register with ACAS, and the top 10 fundraisers will have their entry fee refunded after the race. Also, there will be a prize for the top fundraiser, so start training and ask your network to sponsor you!
As the registration system has changed, please IGNORE the “DISCOUNT CODE” area on the top of the first page of your registration form; this is NOT where you put the Charity Pin Code. Also, as the registration system has been updated,all registrants MUST create a NEW username (the system will NOT allow you to use a username you have used in previous years). After you have inputted your information and agreed to the release waiver, you will be taken to the second page on the registration site. For the question “Would you like to participate in the Scotia Charity Challenge, please select “Yes.” Under the Charity Pin Code, enter15TSCC. Under “I would like to,” please select “Create a Fundraising Account.” Under Charities, please select “Asian Community AIDS Services.”
If you are a PHA interested in running, please contact Andrew at support@acas.org as the first 3 PHA will be eligible for free registration. If you are a youth (age < 29), please contact Euan at youth@acas.org and let him know you are interested in registering and/or might need assistance with the registration cost.
After your finished registering, you will receive an email sent to you with a link to create your Fundraising Account and Page. When you press the link in the email, you will be directed to the Fundraising Page where you can log in with the same username and password you have used during your race registration process. Please feel free to personalize your fundraising page with your personal message, photos, videos as these personal touches will allow you to fundraise more effectively!
If you would just like to fundraise for ACAS without becoming a runner or walker, you can go to https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?locationID=164339, click “Sign Up”, then click “Create New Account” under “I Need to Create An Account” to create a fundraising profile without registering to become a runner or walker at the race.
If you would just like to make a single, one-time donation to Team ACAS at the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k Charity Challenge, you can donate directly here by clicking on the following link:https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=2781968. Tax receipts will be issued for amounts over $20.00.
Race kit will be available for pick-up on Friday, Friday, October 16th (11:00am to 8:00pm) and Saturday October 17th (10:00am to 6:00pm) at the Runner’s Expo at Hall D, Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place. You (or a friend) can pick up your race kit (Bib, Bib tag, T-shirt and goodie bag) at the Race Expo. To pick up your race kit, you MUST bring 1) your Bib # is (will be emailed to you on October 14 and posted on the online confirmation list and will be available for look up at the expo), and 2) you Photo ID OR a printout of your registration email confirmation (or have it on your smart phone to show the volunteers). If a friend/family member is picking up for you, they need to have: 1) Your Bib #; 2) an email or written permission from you (can be shown to volunteers from your smart phone); 3) A printout of your registration email confirmation (or have it on their smart phone to show the volunteers) OR a copy of your photo ID.
Thanks for supporting ACAS and taking part of our ACAS 2015 Scotia Run Fundraising Challenge. If you have any questions regarding the run, please contact Christian Hui at community@acas.org after August 3rd for further assistance.
