June Benashack on getting comfortable as a fundraiser

We often have SuperWalk walkers who are anxious about raising funds, setting goals and reaching them.

June Benaschak was one such walker but in 2015, she exceeded her fundraising goal by 50%. At the start of her 2016 campaign, we talked with June about her keys to SuperWalk success:

Q: What was your fundraising goal last year?
JB:  I set it at $500. I think that was the smallest  amount you could set online.

Q: What would you say to someone who says, “I could never raise that much money”?
JB: You would be surprised at how people are willing to help you out. You just have to be brave and ask them.

Q: What were some of  the challenges you faced?
JB: I am not very computer savvy so I had to phone the Saskatoon office a few times (Michelle was very helpful). I mostly fundraised through emails and was sometimes nervous the email didn’t send. I also asked family and friends and was sometimes nervous, not wanting to bother people.

Q: How did you overcome these obstacles?
JB: I just tried the online website and figured it out with some help.

Q: How much did you raise in 2015?
JB: $760 in total -- $650 online and $110 offline.

Q: What was your secret to raising this amount of money?
JB: No secret, I just asked family and friends. I could have gone out and asked neighbours but just didn’t get around to it. When you have a full plate to begin with, finding time to do the fundraising is a challenge.

Q: What is your connection to Parkinson’s and how long have you been a part of the SuperWalk event?
JB: Frank was diagnosed in 2012, so 2015 was the third year walking.

Q: Have you set a fundraising goal for 2016?
JB: I’m going for $1000 this year!

Q: Anything else you would like to say?
JB: I really appreciate the support I received from the staff. Thank you for recognizing me for raising money for such an important cause.