Sylvan Lake’s Coreen Spencer has come up with a unique way of raising the $2,500 needed to participate in a two-day, 230-km bike ride in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Next year will mark Spencer’s fifth time participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, which begins in Calgary, and through which she’s raised almost $25,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
A minimum donation of $2,500 is required to participate in the race, and this year, she’s raising it through what she calls ‘The Game of Thrones.’
Through the initiative, one of two colourfully decorated toilets may “mysteriously appear” on the lawn of any Sylvan Lake resident, to be removed only through a donation to the cause.
A donation of $25 will see the toilet removed, $50 will see it removed and placed on someone else’s lawn, and $75 will purchase insurance that covers the previously mentioned “plumbing policies.”
A donation of $250, however, may overrule insurance.
Spencer feels the initiative provides a fun way of raising money for an important cause.
“Fundraising is always on my mind,” she said. “The sooner I can raise the minimum requirement, the sooner I can breathe a little easier and sleep at night.”
The toilets first appeared on Sylvan Lake lawns last week, and have already made their way “across town and back several times,” according to Spencer, who moves the toilets with the help of her husband David.
“A couple of evenings we have moved both toilets, and a couple of evenings we’ve moved just one a couple of times,” she said. “People love the idea and enjoy supporting this cause with the fun added twist to donating.”
Those who find one of the toilets on their lawn can have it removed by donating to the Alberta Cancer Foundation online, or through Spencer.
The initiative will continue until toilets become worn, or until snowfall makes it difficult to do so.