Fundraiser Profiles
Peter James
Occupation: Retired
Status: Team Captain - Walking Girls Boys / Top Individual Fundraiser for 2008!
Number of Members in Team: 3
Fundraising Total for 2008: $8,240
Why do you support MS Australia?
MS Australia does wonderful and valuable work in supporting all MS people including myself with services across a wide range of needs MS people can have. Importantly MS Australia also coordinates and funds research projects in finding the key to the diseases cause/s. MS Australia has specifically aided me since diagnosis in 1995 with advice for both myself and my family that has proven very valuable to us all.
How did you go about reaching your team fundraising goal in 2008?
I fortunately have a wide network of friends and former work colleagues after a 40 year career both in and outside Australia in the oil & gas industry. They very kindly responded generously to my e-mail about MS Australia's work and importance to people living with MS, the event itself and my personal goal to complete the 40 kilometers on my tricycle.
How easy and rewarding did you find your fundraising?
It was very rewarding to see the generosity of my friends, read their comments on the website and exchange e-mails with some who I have not had contact with for some time. The website established by MS Australia really was just fantastic in enabling me to manage all these contacts efficiently; there were 95 individuals who donated in support of the team.
Do you have any tips for other fundraisers?
Prepare an email/notice which tells people succinctly about the disease, some facts and importance of MS Australia, a non profit organization who provide a wide range of services to many MS people who suffer the affects of this mystery disease. If you have MS or perhaps have a family member or friend with MS who you are riding for perhaps share this with potential donors and appeal for their kind support.
How did your ride go on the day?
I was rapt I managed to complete it on my trike with the support of 2 great friends who stuck with me to make sure I was okay and we shared a couple of coffee's at the rides end. The event itself was well organized with drink and comfort stations placed strategically along the route.
Will you be back bigger and better in 2009?
I will again participate and fundraise in 2009 and will have a stretch goal for time to complete. I have continued to ride every day since the 2008 ride and have benefited greatly in my general health having lost about 12 kilo's, improved my strength and endurance for physical tasks!