Registration, donations and tax receipts

How do I register for a Team Diabetes event online?

To register for a Team Diabetes event, you must create a profile on the Team Diabetes Events website. Then you can sign up for the event of your choice, by clicking on the Register for an Event link where you will be guided through the registration process.

Does my $100 registration fee count toward my fundraising total? Do I get a tax receipt for it?

The registration fee is an administrative fee and not a donation. It covers the costs incurred by the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) in enrolling members, mailing materials, and providing training. We are therefore not allowed to issue a tax receipt for this amount.

How can I see who has donated to me?

Once you are registered for the Team Diabetes program, you will be able to log in to our participants website and go to your My Events page. If you click the Magnifying Glass button, you will be able to view your list of donors and the amounts that have been donated.

When a donation is made online, you will automatically receive an email notifying you of the donor and amount.

What is the best way for people to donate to my campaign?

Online donations are by far the best method. Our website is secure and your donors will have access to their tax receipts immediately. You will be advised by e-mail as soon as a donation has been made online, which will help you keep your records up-to-date.

You can direct friends and family to the Team Diabetes Canada website where they can donate to your campaign by clicking on the ‘Pledge a Team Diabetes Participant’

If you get donations by cheque, be sure to send them in as soon as you get them. It will help you keep your records up-to-date.

How can my supporters donate to my campaign? 

  • Encourage your donors to donate online – it’s the most efficient and secure way to send your donations. In addition, your donors can benefit from e-receipting.
  • Mail or drop off your donations to your local Team Diabetes Coordinator, who will courier them to the National Office.

What do I do with cash donations?

Do not mail cash donations. If you receive cash donations, deposit them in your chequing account and write a cheque to cover the full amount. Be sure to attach a pledge form with a comprehensive list of the donors’ contact information and amounts so that each donor is receipted accordingly.

Can I donate to my own campaign?

Yes, however, due to Canadian government restrictions, you will not receive a tax receipt for income tax purposes. If you would like more information, please contact us at 1-800-BANTNG ext. 7107.

Can my spouse or common law partner donate to my fundraising campaign?

Yes, however, due to Canadian government restrictions, they will not receive a tax receipt for income tax purposes. If you would like more information, please contact us at 1-800-BANTNG ext. 7107.

Tax receipts

What amount do donors have to give to get a tax receipt?

The staff at the National Office of the CDA will automatically issue tax receipts to all donors who have given $15 or more on your behalf. Upon special request we will issue a tax receipt for a smaller amount. Please ensure complete addresses are included for your donors and that the writing is legible. Remember, if you can’t read it, we probably can’t either and we will not be able to issue a tax receipt to your donor.

How soon will my donor receive their tax receipt?

Encourage your donors to donate online so that they can benefit from e-receipting. If you are sending cheques in, send them in as soon as possible so that your donors are receipted quickly. Receipts sent by mail are run weekly. Online donations are receipted immediately.

What should I do if one of my donors has not received a tax receipt?

E-mail us at teamdiabetes@diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464) ext. 7107.

Will donations from people in the U.S. receive receipts?

Yes, a receipt can be sent to a donor in the U.S., however, they will not be able to use it on a U.S. tax claim.

About Team Diabetes - General questions

Do I have to have diabetes to register for your program?

No. Some of our participants are living with diabetes, but most of our participants have a connection to diabetes through a friend or a family member.

What do I receive once I register for a Team Diabetes event?

Whether you register online or via fax or mail, you will receive

  1. Access to our online fundraising tools including our fundraising manual and pledge forms
  2. A letter of support on CDA letterhead, detailing the training and fundraising commitment you have made to the Team Diabetes program.

Your Team Diabetes Coordinator will contact you to set up a meeting to discuss the Team Diabetes program in greater detail and to assist you in putting together a fundraising plan that is right for you.

How does the CDA utilize the contributions?

Team Diabetes participants help lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while the CDA works to find a cure.

The CDA works hard to deliver its mission by:

  • Providing people with diabetes and healthcare professionals with education and services
  • Advocating on behalf of people with diabetes
  • Supporting research
  • Translating research into practical applications

I’ve never raised this much money before – how do I do it?

We want to help you achieve your fundraising goal as easily as possible. Your Team Diabetes Coordinator will arrange to meet with you to create a campaign that plays to your strengths.

Once you have registered, the next steps are simple: let everyone know the challenge that you have taken on. Create a fundraising calendar with key dates and plan your activities accordingly.

We do have some additional resources to assist you in raising funds in your community. Here are some examples of ways to take advantage of them:

  1. Contact your local Team Diabetes Coordinator to find out when you can attend the next Information Night. It’s a great opportunity to meet Team Diabetes Alumni and existing participants to share fundraising ideas.
  2. Sign up for Pacesetter. Our free monthly newsletter is filled with fundraising ideas and participant success stories.

Why are there fundraising deadlines?

When you sign up for the Team Diabetes program, you commit to raising the fundraising minimum and are required to complete our fundraising deadlines agreement. The fundraising deadlines have been put into place to assist you in staying on top of your fundraising and to ensure that the CDA meets the deadlines imposed by accommodation and travel suppliers. These are deadlines rather than guidelines, and you will be required to meet them. It is incumbent upon the CDA never to put donors’ dollars at risk.

What happens if I don’t manage to raise the minimum amount by a deadline?

Participants are required to meet their fundraising deadlines. If you are unable to meet a deadline you will be asked to put the outstanding difference on your credit card (or provide a certified cheque or money order). You will then have up to two months after the marathon date to complete your fundraising. Once you reach your minimum fundraising amount, we will refund you for the amount raised.

Training

I’ve never run a marathon before – what training support is available to me?

Team Diabetes offers online training support for participants. Contact your local Team Diabetes Coordinator for more details.  

If I am not comfortable doing a marathon, are there shorter races available to me?

Definitely! In addition to the marathon, many of our destinations also offer a half marathon, 10K and 5K for runners and walkers alike. 

What is included in my trip to the marathon?

  • Entry in the marathon 
  • Round-trip airfare to the marathon from one of our gateway cities in Canada
  • Shared accommodation at the group hotel
  • Round trip transportation from the airport to the group hotel
  • A Welcome Reception, Pre-race Dinner, and Celebration Dinner

Travel and accommodations

All international Team Diabetes participants receive round-trip airfare on the group travel dates and accommodations as part of their Team Diabetes package. Team Diabetes offers two different marathon options: local and international. The fundraising minimums for local Canadian events are less than the fundraising minimums for international. Even though there are no local Canadian packages that include travel, these events are open to anyone interested in participating.

Where are Team Diabetes’ gateway cities?

Team Diabetes will cover your travel out of the following gateway cities:

  • Vancouver
  • Edmonton
  • Calgary
  • Regina
  • Saskatoon
  • Winnipeg
  • Toronto
  • Ottawa
  • Thunder Bay
  • Montreal
  • Halifax
  • Moncton
  • Saint John
  • St. John’s

When are travel arrangements made?

Well before your marathon, your travel information will be collected. Once you have reached your second fundraising deadline and the CDA Travel department has received your completed form, you will be contacted to confirm your requirements and have your travel booked. 

Can I extend my time and have a vacation after the marathon?

You are most welcome to extend your time in the marathon city and travel on your own after the marathon is over. If you choose to extend your stay in the marathon destination, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations, travel, etc. In some cases, CDA Travel may be able to assist you.

Can I bring a guest?

Guests are an important part of our team and we look forward to having them cheer you on at the marathon. 

The Team Diabetes guest land package includes all the same benefits accorded to our runners and walkers (pricing will be provided on the travel form). Airfare is booked separately – you can use CDA Travel service to book your flight.

Children are welcome to join you at the marathon as long as you have someone who will take responsibility for them during the weekend.