skip to content
Search
English
Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on YouTube
west
close
Donate
menu

Host an Event

When you partner with Second Harvest for your event, you’ll be creating more than a splash – you’ll be making a difference.

  • Home
  • Events
  • Host an Event

Host an event with a purpose

Second Harvest is so grateful to benefit from many fundraisers and events. Whether it’s an in-person or virtual event, big or small, your partnership with Second Harvest will create a positive impact in your community.

Can I host an event to support Second Harvest?

If you’re a business or an individual… if you’re passionate about giving back… if you love hosting events in your community, then yes you can! And if you want to help put food on plates, not in landfill, you’ll want Second Harvest to join in.

By hosting an event, you’re responsible for the planning of all aspects of the event. While Second Harvest is happy to support where possible, we’re not the hosts – that title belongs to you. 

In return, Second Harvest is proud to offer a variety of partnership benefits to committed businesses and individuals who host an event or campaign in support of our organization. These are available based on committed fundraising thresholds. Our partnership benefits focus on five key pillars:

  • Corporate engagement: Your employees, staff or members will love being involved in support of a great cause.  
  • Brand recognition: We’re one of the most respected charities in the country, and your brand will benefit from your support. 
  • Marketing and promotion: As your partner, we can help market and promote your event through all our digital channels. 
  • Volunteer opportunities: Need help? Our team of committed volunteers can assist at the event. 
  • Impact tracking: You’ll know you’ve made a difference with our help to track the impact of your fundraising initiative. 

Testimonials

format_quote

The Bloor-Yorkville BIA is proud to have partnered with Second Harvest for Icefest 2021, with all proceeds from the event going back to this incredible charity. Along with training and educating the community about their food rescue and delivery initiatives, Second Harvest provides immediate hunger relief through school programs, shelters, and food banks.

Rick Kaczmarek
Director of Marketing at the Bloor-Yorkville BIA
format_quote

For us, Second Harvest embodied everything we hoped for - a solid, respected community partner, an organization that assisted and added value to the lives of people less fortunate while showing respect for the environment. We are very pleased with the partnership, and wish Second Harvest all the best.

George Hubbard
The Longboat Runners

Your guide to hosting a successful event with Second Harvest

Thank you for considering hosting an event in support of Second Harvest. If you are looking for a great way to make a big impact in your community, hosting an event is the opportunity for you. 


Here are some tips and tools to start your event planning process.


  1. Consider the five W’s  
  • Who is hosting this event?  
  • What kind of event are you hosting?   
  • Where is the event taking place?  
  • When is the event happening?  
  • Why have you chosen Second Harvest as the preferred charitable partner for this event?  

2. Determine Your Fundraising Model  

How you fundraise during your event will determine how impactful it will be. You can fundraise online, in person or both depending on your audience. Here are some examples of each to help you determine which is best for you and your event goals:  


Online: Fundraising through an online ticket platform or online donation page that is linked on event website or social platforms.   


In-Person: Fundraising through on-site entry fee, donation-based coat check, on-site door prize or raffle*, token donations, beer/wine bottle collections.    

*Gaming and lotteries including bingo, 50/50 draws, gambling, raffles, or games of chance often have special considerations that require licenses. Please visit  www.agco.on.ca for more information.  


3. Connect with us about your event

Once you’ve determined your five W’s and fundraising model for your event register with Second Harvest and a member of our events team will contact you to get the planning process started. Our Second Harvest team will walk through your event plan, answer any questions you may have and share marketing resources you may need. 



Get Started

We have lots of ways you can fundraise at your event. Check out a few below or get in touch to discuss your idea with our team.

ECHOAge

Give back and get spoiled at your next birthday party, baby shower or other celebration. 
Be a Second Harvest Hero 

Companies, community groups and schools can become Second Harvest Heroes, or fundraise with the Hero Sweepstakes. 
Register your event now

Already have an event planned? Get Second Harvest support by completing this form
Create something unique

We’ll work with you to create an event that exceeds your wildest dreams. 

Still have questions? We have answers!

Please register your event and a member of the Second Harvest Events Team will be in contact for more information.  
If you don’t have all the fine details yet, that’s okay! Please provide us with a general overview of your event vision to help us get started and fill in all required fields as best you can. This information can be updated as you finalize the event with a member of the Second Harvest event team.  
Absolutely! Second Harvest is happy to offer a wide range of marketing and promotional benefits that correspond with your event size and reach. Your event will be listed on our website, you’ll have use of our name and logo and be eligible for a Charitable Acknowledgement Receipt in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.  
Though we wish we could attend every event in support of Second Harvest, we cannot guarantee a Second Harvest representative will be there. If you would like a Second Harvest representative, please submit a request on your event registration form and we will try our best to accommodate.
Second Harvest is not able to provide any funding to event partners. However, when possible, we are more than happy to provide advice or guidance that may help you save on event costs.  
The Second Harvest Event Team is happy to explain the best way to approach sponsors however we can’t reach out to potential event sponsors on your behalf. If you need help developing the tools or resources to approach potential sponsors, please connect directly with your Second Harvest event team representative.  
If you have additional questions, please reach out directly to your Second Harvest events team representative or send an email to rachelc@secondharvest.ca.

Let’s get started!

Ready to learn more about hosting a Community Event? We’d love to hear from you!
Email us