Maybe I'll ask my GP on Saturday for a prescription for those little suckers... Maybe they would do the trick!In the mean time, I have to vent a little, yet again. April was a "windy" (vent) month for me, wasn't it? Oh well. Earlier today I received an email from the Canadian Cancer Society. As you may remember, I'm doing this Relay for Life thing in a month or so, and our team (VIGILANT) is doing great. We are 5th among the top ten for our district (Montreal-Centre). I'm happy about that.
When I decided to put together a team it was because one: I wanted to do it (again) because who among us hasn't been touched by cancer in some ways, and two: because I wanted to contribute to cancer research. It might be utopian of me to think that the money given actually goes to research, but hey... I did put a team together and we're 12. I'm trying to keep the focus on the fact that first and foremost this is a fund raising activity, not only a "fun night" walking. The Society "expect" each participant to raise a minimum of $100 (in addition to the $10 fee to sign up, which entitles you to a T-Shirt, breakfast, soup, etc.) That's cool, it's a fundraiser, remember. Today when I got that email stating that each participant is “also encourage" to sell/buy at least 5 luminaries (at the cost of $5/ea.) it rubbed me wrong. What's next? Already a member of the team wants to quit because she doesn't feel worthy because she's not bringing in that much money and can't really afford to buy luminaries... This is not sitting well with me. I will let them know, on Tuesday night during the Captains' meeting that I don’t agree with their way of doing this, and that most likely next year I won’t be raising money for them.
Yes it is a fundraiser, but it shouldn't be about pressing people to sell. Not many of us are really comfy asking others for donations and to add the luminaries... I don’t want this experience to be all about money. There’s more to it than that. Granted without luminaries the path would look completely different and it wouldn’t be as touching. That was one of my favourite moments last year. To think that each of those little candles is burning in honour or in memory of a person touched by cancer is moving to say the least…
I think I'm done for now... Time for bed & to catch my breath a little.
9 comments:
I must say, as a team member, I too am thoroughly disappointed in the latest occurrence with the Canadian Cancer Society. That being said, I'm thrilled you're our captain and even though we'll still have to buy those luminaries....at least they'll will know their tactics make one feel somewhat "rail-roaded" with guilt for something that is intended from the heart. Above and beyond the money, most participants will have worked a normal Monday-Friday work week with all the other stress in life...and then stay up and walk for 12 hours overnight ? Thanks for being there for us !!! Good Luck, Mousse xoxox
It's a shame when a good thing strays into dubious territory. I'd be willing to bet that those who came up with the idea are absolutlely oblivious to the reality of how sh*tty this request is. Hopefully you won't be the only one to point that out, and a truly wonderful event won't be sullied by stupidity next time. My only regret is that I'm too far away to participate.
mousse: I'm happy to have you on the team, and I will let you know how the meeting went. That said, I had already purchased a few luminaries (for Gitta and Johanne), so I'll start "asking" more... Everyone knows at least one person who died of cancer... sadly enough. You'll see you won't feel like you've worked all week, the adrenaline will make you forget it all and truly enjoy the experience, despite the "luminary incident", trust me.
skippymom: Thank you so much for wanting to help. I did send you an email (thru me "real" identity, so keep an eye out for a French name, ;-) You are very kind and I'm touched. Thank you.
marius: Isn't it always the case though, things turns ugly... argh. And you've already helped, despite the distance, thank you for that!
Ugh, I hate it when things like this become all about the money. Granted, I know why they're asking but the way they're doing it sort of bites.
it's not about money...it's about using your precious free time to walk to raise awareness for their damned cause. and to carry a spiked water bottle. yes. it's glorious. i've done it two years in a row.
Don't forget to remind me....
Bless you all for doing this, and I know how frustrating it can be.
xo
I need that pill. Actually a truck load of them :)
m red: It's how they're doing it that bugs me...
kara: I don't mind the time, did it last year, and our spiked bottle got tossed out with the water bottles by a "clean-freak" on our team!
atm: I will, no worries! ;-)
pink: Don't we all!
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