Fundraiser Profile

Name: Kim Nguyen
Occupation: Mining Engineer
Age: 26
Status: Individual Fundraiser and Team Captain of Roche
Soft Cogs in 2006
Number of team members: 19
Individual total: $4,594                        Team total: $11,484

How did you go about raising money to reach your personal target?

I talked to everyone I knew, word of mouth helped the word spread! The spread of information through networks and affiliations I am associated with (eg Engineers Australia) got the word out about what I was trying to achieve.

I emailed everyone in my address book persuading them to 'come to the party' since I was doing the hard yards (on the bike for 90kms) then the least they could do was donate to show their support.and they did!

How easy and rewarding did you find making the effort to fundraise?

My initial target of $300 was blown out of the water immediately! I found that so many people were more than willing to support my efforts in support this great cause. I found that you can easily influence the amount of support by the way you present the idea, be enthusiastic, educate people and if you can, relate the cause on a personal level or experience.

It was easy for me to gain support as I'm an exceptionally good looking bloke so I had little trouble in this department....especially with the ladies (no, there is mot a helmet big enough for Kim's head!)!!

Having my own personal web page made it very easy not only to raise funds but so too to monitor progress on who had donated, this way I could thank them right away.

When I saw my name in the local newspaper in the list of top 10 fundraisers it was very thrilling and inspired me to surge to the end and try to raise even more!

It was also rewarding on a professional level, as I developed a stronger presence within my organisation across all levels of the corporation.

How did you go about organising your team? How easy was it?

I sent group emails to work colleagues, my triathalon club and friends. The email was easy as I simply referred them to the web page so they could go straight to our team page to join the team. I also put posters around our local gym to spread the word to the general public.

How did you go about raising money to reach your team target?

We kept everyone up to date through corporate newsletters throughout the organisation. This also assisted in creating a competitive atmosphere between rival fundraisers which is a great way to keep interest, nothing like friendly competition.

Corporate support was integral in reaching our target. Finding out the names of the big hitters (General Managers etc) and emailing first then follow up with phone call or face to face. Make it difficult for them to say no.

We made full use of the online system to promote the competition and repeatedly referred people to the page to keep them aware of how well we were going and to motivate them to keep going!

I made a list of members and sponsors who I sent regular updates via email to. The trick was to word it like a story so that people were waiting to hear about the "next chapter".

How easy and rewarding did your team find fundraising?

The team got a great thrill out of seeing the team name in the local paper and to know we were being recognised for our hard work (also on the MS email newsletters), this motivated the members to
'up the ante'.

It was extremely rewarding for the team, to gain so much support from your friends, family, colleagues and the wider community in support of a great cause is an extremely empowering experience.

We also drew our sponsors in so they felt more rewarded, we further acknowledged our sponsors donations so they felt included as real contributors toward our team total.

Why do you support people with MS - do you know much about it?

I know people with MS and how hard it can be and learned even more about it during the whole Gong Ride experience (it is an experience not just an event).

How did you enjoy the Gong Ride?

The ride itself was a challenge yet enjoyable experience. We had 2 people who never rode do the full 90kms with no training. Anyone can do it!

The whole event was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. Not only for helping others but also on a personal level as my status was given an ego hit within the organisation and amongst friends and colleagues

Coming back in 2007?

Definitely! Also have a few more ideas about gaining more funds and there is more interest from last years fence-sitters as they heard about our success and the satisfaction the whole team felt, they will be jumping on board in 2007.