Fundraiser Profiles
Phil Hassell
Occupation: Retired
Status: Team Captain of Lonnie Legends
Number of Members in Team in 2011: 21
Fundraising Total for 2011: $13,343
Fundraising Goal for 2012: $13,500
Why do you support MS Australia?
Before the 2009 MS Melbourne Cycle, the idea came to me to form a local team of riders to ride in the MS Melbourne Cycle and support MS Australia with the aim of helping others with MS who are less fortunate than I am (I have MS).
What do you find appealing about the Melbourne Summer Cycle?
It is an event which has given me the opportunity to get a team of local cyclists together for a fun day riding. It is not too far and we have a great deal of fun building up for it. Our team, Lonnie Legends, is made up of individuals who are all over 60 and it gives us the opportunity to keep ourselves reasonably fit as well as having a great time.
How did you go about reaching your team fundraising goal?
I set an individual target, sent emails to everyone I thought was capable of giving a donation and I asked for donations at clubs and organizations I belong to. I set a team goal and encouraged all team members to set their own individual goals. I put notices on notice boards.
How easy and rewarding did you find fundraising?
Fundraising is a lot of hard work. If you don't put the effort in you don't get the rewards. I don't find it at all easy asking for donations but when they come in, it is most gratifying seeing the total gradually growing. It is great when you reach the Top 10 but a little disappointing if you get knocked off at the end.
HOW DO YOU RAISE FUNDS AND CREATE AWARENESS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY?
As a team we decided to organise a large event and work towards one large goal with all members putting in. Last year we organised an art show held in our community as three of our members are artists. To cover advertising expenses for the art show we held a garage sale. We erected a notice board outside our house announcing the sale date and that all funds were to go to MS. This was very well received with passers by dropping in goods for sale. In conjunction with the art show one of the artists donated a valuable painting and we sold $5000 worth of tickets at the local markets and within our small shopping strip. We always wear red when we represent MS as you can spot us from a distance and we always stand out in a crowd. On our notice boards we fly MS flags and balloons.
Do you have any tips for fundraisers in the 2011 Melbourne Summer Cycle?
This year again we have held a garage sale to cover expenses, and again this was well received. Our main event has been a “Wedding Dresses from the Past” display which received a lot of media coverage and raised funds well in excess of what we anticipated. This year we didn’t wear red but dressed up as guests at a wedding.
Tips: Get an idea and run with it, get the team involved, and work hard.
HOW DO YOU ENJOY THE DAY OF THE CYCLE?
My wife and I have a motor home which we park on the east side of Princess Park. Our team met there prior to the ride so that we could all start together as a team. We all enjoy the ride itself and appreciate our efforts in crossing West Gate Bridge, and then completing the whole distance. After the ride we met back at the activities area under a huge umbrella supplied by the organisers. We all bring something to share and enjoy several hours of reminiscing.
Will you be back, bigger and better in 2012?
We will be back for 2012 and from indications so far our team will be as strong as last year. The last two years we have had 20 members in our team and hope to replicate those numbers this year with more if we can find them. With more members and our fundraising efforts to date we are hoping for a big team total for 2012.