Volunteer Canvasser Guide April Residential Campaign General Information How to Canvass Your Streets Answering Questions
Thank You for Being Part of the Canadian Cancer Society Volunteer Community You are making a difference by helping us: fund vital cancer research that saves lives provide reliable information on all aspects of cancer, including support services within your community work with government and community leaders to advocate for public policy improvements increase awareness of cancer screening programs provide a home away from home - The Lodge That Gives - for cancer patients and their families during cancer treatment and in Sydney - the Cape Breton Accommodations Program at The Holy Redeemer provide peer support through Cancer Connection, a program that matches cancer patients with volunteers who know first hand what it s like to live with cancer
Canvasser Checklist Have you made your donation? Please make your donation first Wear your volunteer identification button Make sure you have your unofficial tax receipt books Make your door to door visits early in the evening Don t forget to complete the required information on the front of the cash envelope Leave a bookmark behind at every home you canvass, whether they give or not Use the callback form to keep track of homes that you ll be re-visiting General Information
What Should I Say? Consider the following options: Hi, my name is (your name). I m a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. I m canvassing as part of our annual campaign in support of cancer research, and programs and services for people who have been touched by cancer. It s people, like you, who help make a difference. Would you like to make a donation or know more about what the Canadian Cancer Society does? If the person donates: Thank you so much. Your donation will make a difference. Please accept this bookmark with information on how to contact the Canadian Cancer Society. If the person does not donate: Thank you for your time. Please accept this bookmark with information on how to contact the Canadian Cancer Society. If you receive a question you can t answer, direct them to 1 888 639-3333 or www.cancer.ca
When Someone Gives Encourage the donor to provide a cheque, although we do accept cash and credit card. Cash or Cheque Fill out a receipt. Cheques are to be made payable to The Canadian Cancer Society. Credit Card Use the Credit Card donation tracking sheet and fill out a receipt. Writing the receipt Place the cardboard flap under the receipt, to prevent transferring to next receipt. Date and sign the receipt and give the donor the top copy. This is not an official tax receipt. Receipts will be sent by e-mail/ mail before the end of the year. Please ask for an e-mail address, it will help us save on postage! If you spoil a receipt, DO NOT tear it out. Write VOID and leave both copies in the book. How to Canvass Your Streets
Questions you may get at the door C. I ve already given (at the office by mail etc.) A. Thank you. Your donation will make a difference, thank you for your support. C. I don t give cash donations. A. We actually prefer cheques because it s safer for everyone. Cheques are payable to The Canadian Cancer Society. Q. Where does my money go? A. Your donation helps to support people and their families touched by cancer through programs like The Lodge that Gives, a home away from home for people undergoing cancer treatment; Peer Support programs like CancerConncection that connects cancer patients with a volunteer who knows first hand what it s like to live with cancer; and vital research, among other programs and services. (refer to your impact report if donor is interested in knowing more) C. I just bought daffodils. A. Thank you. We appreciate your donation.
Where Does the Money Go? Research The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national charitable funder of cancer research in the country and it s making a difference. That research has and continues to lead to improved methods of cancer screening and diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Cancer Information and Support The Cancer Information and Support program provides the most up-to-date and reliable information on cancer: 1 888 939-3333 Our Peer Support program connects cancer patients with volunteers who know first hand what it s like to live with cancer Nearly 1200 Nova Scotians benefit annually from The Lodge That Gives, a home away from home for cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment and theirfamilies. Patients are also supported through the Cape Breton accommodations program when they must travel to Sydney for treatment. Government Policy We work with government to reduce the economic burden of cancer and improve access to care. Our efforts have contributed to healthy public policy including a ban on youth using tanning beds, cancer warning labels on cigarette packages and legislation that reduces the use of pesticides. Answering Questions
When You re Finished After canvassing, please remember to: Mark your name, address and phone number and the area you canvassed on your cash envelope Write the total for each receipt book on the front cover of the book Count all of the donations, and write the amounts in the appropriate spaces on your cash envelope Place cash, cheques, credit card information and receipt books in the cash envelope and seal it Return all of your materials to your volunteer leaders as soon as you finish canvassing, or follow the instructions on how to make a direct deposit to the CCS, if you do not have a local captain If you have any questions about canvassing, please contact your captain or phone 423.6183 or 1 800 639-0222 Thank you again for your support!