You are invited to participate in Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) 2024, an EAFWR event that will raise money and awareness to support the inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and their families in Waterloo Region.

This year, we are challenging everyone to participate in WOW 2024! Regardless of your fitness or activity level, the format is flexible and sure to be a hit with everyone.

We are asking you to collect pledges/donations in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.

As a registered participant or team member, you will receive a WOW Activities Passport which will include a number of different activities and challenges for you (and your team) to participate in. Choose how you participate, when you participate and how often!

So grab your family, Direct Support Provider, friends and neighbours or participate on your own – get involved and have some fun while knowing you’re making a difference!

It’s easy to participate!

1. Register online as a WOW 2024 Participant or Team (Registration is FREE)
2. Start collecting pledges from your family, friends, neighbours, etc
3. From Sept 21 – Oct 4, 2024, participate in WOW 2024! Check out your WOW Activities Passport – complete them all or just complete a few – it’s whatever works for you!
4. Join us for our WOW Kickoff Event on Saturday September 21 from 3:00-4:30pm at Kingsdale Community Centre.
5. Drop off your cash/cheque pledges from Sept 23 – Oct 4, 2024 at the EAFWR Office at 91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener. All pledges MUST be dropped off by Oct. 4, 2024.

As always – we will have some amazing prizes for our top individual fundraiser and our top team fundraiser!

We are thrilled to be able to gather together in-person at our WOW Kickoff Event on Saturday September 21 from 3:00 – 4:30PM at Kingsdale Community Centre! connect with old friends, make new ones and walk, run and wheel in support of inclusion and belonging! Featuring activities for all ages and abilities.

All fundraised dollars will support EAFWR community development initiatives that focus on partnership development, education and awareness and creating opportunities for people with a disability in our community.

There are TWO ways to register!

Online – Register online on our online PLEDGE website! Sign-up as an individual or join a team to participate. Set up your personalized fundraising page and then spread the word and start collecting pledges!

Offline – Offline – Download a Registration Form & Official Pledge Form. Collect your pledges and submit the cash/cheques from Sept 21 – Oct 4, 2024 at the Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region office (91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener). All pledges MUST be dropped off by Oct 4, 2024.

How To Register

How To Personalize & Edit Your Fundraising Page

Activities & Challenges

This year for Walk-or-Wheel 2024, you’re invited to our in-person WOW Kickoff Event on Saturday, September 21 from 3:00 – 4:30 PM at Kingsdale Community Centre! Attending our kickoff event is not required to participate in WOW, but we encourage you to join us! We’ll have activities for all ages and abilities.

We challenge you to collect pledges and complete as many challenges as you can! Be sure to check out our Resource Section and share your adventures with us on Facebook and/or Instagram @eafwr using #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR for your chance to win a $25 gift card.

❐ Join us for our kick-off event on Saturday September from 3:00 – 4:30PM at Kingsdale Community Centre

❐ Go for a walk/roll/wheel in your neighbourhood

❐ Explore one new trail in Waterloo Region

❐ Play at one of our local accessible playgrounds

❐ Go Forest Bathing

❐ Do some gardening

❐ Go for a bike ride/scooter/skateboard

❐ Kick a soccer ball, throw a baseball, shoot some hoops, play frisbee golf, tennis or golf

❐ Hit the Grand River and go for a paddle

❐ Go Geocaching! Download the app here.

❐ Collect $50 in pledges

❐ Do a virtual fitness class on YouTube (check out our Virtual Choice Board and Accessible Activity Board)

❐ Dance! Check out the Virtual Choice Board for some dance options.

❐ Post your WOW participation on social media – be sure to share with @eafwr and use the hashtags #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR

Resources

Cambridge

• City of Cambridge Trails* - https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/Trails-List.aspx#
• Riverside Park* - https://facilities.cambridge.ca/home/detail?id=cb9a600c-a4f1-4bb5-a1c4-af70aaaa2266
• RARE Trails - https://raresites.org/trails/

Kitchener

• City of Kitchener Trails* - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/trails.aspx
• Victoria Park* - playground, trails, outdoor exercise equipment - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/victoria-park.aspx
• McLennan Park Playground* - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/mclennan-park.aspx
• Huron Natural Area* - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/huron-natural-area.aspx
• Downtown Kitchener Art Walk* - https://issuu.com/dtkownit/docs/field_guide_for_web
• Kitchener Make Tracks 5KM Challenge: https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/make-tracks.aspx

North Dumfries

• North Dumfries Trails* - https://www.northdumfries.ca/en/play-explore/trails.aspx#

Waterloo

• City of Waterloo Trails* - https://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/trails.aspx
• Waterloo Park - https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/waterloo-park.aspx
• Hugh’s Art Lane Walk* - https://explorewaterloo.ca/2020/11/explore-uptown-waterloos-hughes-lane-art-walk/

Wellesley

• Wellesley Trails* - https://wellesleyma.gov/399/Trails
• Wellesley Playground - https://facilities.wellesley.ca/Home/Detail?CategoryIds=&FacilityTypeIds=115&Keywords=&ScrollTo=google-map-trigger&CloseMap=true&HasAdvancedSearch=false&Id=2882c8d3-42ef-4325-b145-feb1c3afd060
• St. Clements Community Centre Playground* - 1 Green Street, St. Clements, ON
• Wellesley Playground - 1004 Catherine St., Wellesley, N0B 2M0

Wilmot

• Wilmot Trails* - //bit.ly/38Z4a63
• Wilmot Recreation Complex Playground*

Woolwich

• Woolwich Trails* - https://bit.ly/2LP5TC8
• Kate’s Place Playground* & Outdoor Fitness Equipment @ Gibson Park, Elmira
• Kissing Bridge Trail* - https://www.kissingbridgetrailway.ca/

More Fun Resources

• Forest Bathing - https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/guide-forest-bathing/
• Frisbee Golf - https://www.grandriverdiscgolf.com/
• Geocaching - https://www.geocaching.com/play
• Adventure Lab - https://www.geocaching.com/sites/adventure-lab/en/

Small Group Activities (Virtual)

Group activities and online registration will be posted in May, but will occur during WOW 2021 (June 1-14).

Pre-registration will be mandatory. There will be a limited number of spaces available in order to ensure adherence to local COVID-19 protocols

We rely heavily on the support from our community sponsors to bring you Walk-or-Wheel and this year is no different! 

We have the following sponsorship opportunities available for 2024.

Community Ambassador – $2000+

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Large logo with sponsorship level and link to your website

Social Media Promotion:

• Business name listed as a sponsor in paid social media advertising
• Post with details about your business’ support of community
• Individual post about your sponsorship and level
• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

Event Promotion:

• Named in media communications, if applicable – print/radio
• Logo on event poster

At the Event:

• Opportunity to speak or submit a 1 minute event support video
• Logo on event materials: printouts
• Business cards or business brochure on event tables, if applicable
• Banner and/or table at event with materials about your business
• Logo on sponsorship boar showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

If you have any questions, please email Lisa at fundraising@eafwr.on.ca

Champion of Belonging – $1000

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Medium logo with sponsorship level and link to your website

Social Media Promotion:

• Post with details about your business’ support of community
• Individual post about your sponsorship and level
• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

Event Promotion

• Logo on event poster

At the Event:

• Banner and/or table at event with materials about your business
• Logo on sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

Relationship Builder – $500

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Small logo with sponsorship level and link to your website

Social Media:

• Individual post about your sponsorship and level
• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

Event Promotion:

• Logo on event poster

At the Event:

• Logo on sponsorship screen showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

Event Equity Sponsor – $250

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Name of business with sponsorship level/link to your website

Social media:

• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

At the Event:

• Logo on sponsorship screen showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

You can also consult our WOW 2024 Sponsorship package. For more information and to make arrangements to sponsor WOW, please contact Lisa at fundraising@eafwr.on.ca

One of the things we love most about Walk-or-Wheel is being together, getting caught up with friends, the smiles and the laughs. We are thrilled to be able to gather together in-person at our WOW Kickoff Event on Saturday September 21 from 3:00 – 4:30PM at Kingsdale Community Centre!

Here are some great activities you can also participate in from home.

Chalk Your Walk: Decorate your sidewalk and let people know that you are participating in WOW 2023 in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. Tag @eafwr on Facebook and/or Instagram and use the hashtags #WalkorWheel and #BetterTogetherWR

Past Photos: Have you participated in EAFWR’s Walk-or-Wheel in the past? Share a photo with us of your favourite memory. We can’t wait to see them all! Post on social media and tag us @eafwr

Get Groovy: Turn up the tunes while you’re participating in one of our many WOW Passport Challenges this year! Check it out here: Walk-or-Wheel Playlist on Spotify

Have you shared with us on social media? 

What is Walk-Or-Wheel?

Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) is a pledge-based fundraiser in support of EAFWR. In the past, WOW has been a 5km walk followed by family-friendly activities. This year marks the return to an in-person WOW!

This year, we are challenging everyone to participate in WOW 2023! Regardless of your fitness or activity level, this year’s format is flexible and sure to be a hit with everyone in your family or network. Participate solo, with your Direct Support Person, or your family – everyone can get involved and have some fun! 

You can also participate from home. The WOW Activities Passport includes a number of different activities for you (and your team) to participate in, located around Waterloo Region, that will get you active, exploring, and enjoying some fresh fall air!

When is Walk-Or-Wheel 2024 taking place?

This year, Walk-or-Wheel 2024 is taking place from September 21 – October 4 over a two week period! You get to pick and choose your activities. You can choose to participate outdoors in many of our activities or from home, online. You choose what works best for you! This year we will be kicking off WOW in-person on Saturday September 21 from 3:00-4:30pm at Kingsdale Community Centre.

What are these challenges and activities you are talking about? 

This year, Walk-or-Wheel 2024 challenges you to collect pledges and complete as many challenges as you can! You can keep track of all of the challenges in your WOW Passport, which will be available for mail out or pick up from our office following completion of registration.  

You can check out our Resource Section above and share your adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @eafwr and using the hashtags #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR

Are the activities and challenges accessible?

Yes! We have done our very best to ensure that we have offered accessible activities and challenges for all! As much as we have researched our resources, we encourage participants to do their own research beforehand to ensure that the activity and/or challenge can accommodate your specific needs.

What swag and snacks will be available?

As someone who registered for WOW, you’ll get a lanyard that you can put your WOW Activities Passport in. We will have healthy snacks and water available at our kick off event on Sept 21 at Kingsdale Community Centre from 3:00-4:30pm.

What are the registration costs?

Nothing. Nada. Zilch. We have waived all registration costs this year in order to remove a barrier to participation. It’s our hope that by waiving the registration fee, we’ll have more people participating across Waterloo Region from September 21 – October 4, 2024.

How can people register for Walk-or-Wheel?

You can sign up online through the EAFWR website (www.walkorwheelwr.ca) or download a hard copy of the registration form. Registration will remain open for the duration of our event from September 21 – October 4, 2024.

What if I don’t want to register online? What do I do with the pledges I have collected?

Thank you so much for collecting pledges in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region! You are awesome! You can drop your pledges off at our office at 91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener, N2H 3S4 between 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday. 

Please make sure you drop off all pledges by end of day on Friday October 4, 2024.

How many people can be on a team?

We suggest 6-10 people. A great way to raise funds as a team is 10 people. A great way to raise funds as a team is to have a little friendly competition with another team and see who can raise the most money in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.

How can I gather pledges to support the Walk-or-Wheel?

We are here for you each step of the way here for you each step of the way! A great way to start is by setting a goal for your fundraising efforts. If you find a way to let your friends, family and neighbours know why EAFWR is important to you, they will be happy to support you. Keep it simple and heartfelt!

 

E.g. “I am participating in an upcoming fundraiser, it is in support of EAFWR, and I am going to complete a list of challenges and activities throughout Waterloo Region. All the proceeds will go towards people and families living with disabilities in Waterloo Region. EAFWR is important to me because…..

Will you please help me reach my goal of $________ for the 2024 Walk-or-Wheel? Thank you! 

 

Participants are encouraged to collect pledges. Online donations will be sent directly to EAFWR.

How will you know if I participated in the challenges and activities? 

Well, the honest answer is, we won’t, but we hope that you’ll check out our awesome list of activities, challenges and resources that we have specially put together just for you! And because we will miss seeing you at an in-person WOW event this year, we’d love to see you on social media! Guess what? Everyone who tags @eafwr and tag #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR in a Facebook or Instagram post will be entered to win a $25 gift card 

When will tax receipts be issued for donations?

When someone makes a pledge or a donation online, they are automatically issued a tax receipt. They will receive this almost very quickly after completing their transaction, it will be delivered electronically and sent to their email address. This is done through CanadaHelps, the online portal we use. Donations made in person will be issued as soon as possible after the event. Tax receipts will be issued for gifts of $10 and up. Canada Revenue guidelines require a full name and address so please be sure to collect all of the necessary information on your pledge form.

How do you afford to run an event like this? 

Great question! We rely on the kindness and generosity of our partners and sponsors to help us raise funds for the work we do to support people living with a disability in our community. Stay tuned to find out who this year’s sponsors are!