somersault promotions

Somersault Promotions is an Ottawa based business that owns, and organizes the Somersault Triathlon, Duathlon, Kayak Triathlon, and Run Series as well as the Wylie Ryan Kids' Series of events.  We host and organize these events for the enjoyment of our clients, who are the participants in our events. Participants are our first priority. You can view the Somersault mission statement at http://www.somersault.ca/mission.htm .

charity policy

Although Somersault events are organized with the participant foremost in mind, the events also offer interesting fundraising and promotional opportunities for community charities, not-for-profit groups, and youth clubs/programs that are willing to make a commitment to the participant event experience.

To allow charities to participate in our events, we offer a multi-charity concept called the "Somersault FUNdraiser Program".  This program allows any recognized community charity, club, program, school, or organization to develop a fundraising pledge program within one or more of our events. Preference is given to groups that share our interest in the active health, physical activity, recreation, and sport needs of children and families - a key to a healthy Canadian society.

Organizations participating in the Somersault FUNdraiser Program are expected to contribute to the event in some way (e.g. providing volunteers). The FUNdraiser Program is open to more than one charity per event, although we reserve the right to limit the number of charities to avoid confusion and inter-charity competition.

We are proud to be contributing to the healthy physical activity needs of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario families through Somersault events, and the Somersault FUNdraising Program.

somersault 'series' charity

Somersault selects a "Charity (or Charities) of the Series" annually, pledges its support to that charity, and encourages participant donations to that charity.

The Official 2008 Charity of the Series, is "Children at Risk" - http://www.childrenatrisk.ca/. "Children at Risk" was incorporated as a charitable organization in 1979. It provides services in the Greater Ottawa area to families with children diagnosed within the Autism Spectrum Disorders. These children are “at risk” of not developing to their full potential if they do not receive early intensive intervention implemented skillfully and diligently. By developing a child’s skills to overcome behavioural, communication and social problems at the onset, they stand to achieve their full potential. This will enhance family life and community participation.

We extend an invitation to charities and organizations involved in supporting the healthy physical activity needs of children and youth - particularly the disadvantaged - to contact us at terry@somersault.ca to discuss your organization's fit with our FUNdraising Program.

somersault 'event' charities

Our multi-charity model, allows us to involve more than one charity in each of our events. However, one charity, or community youth club, may be selected to be the "official charity of an event".  This selection provides a bit more profile for the organization, but comes with an expectation of a stronger commitment to the event itself.  This commitment may be in providing volunteers, attracting a larger number of participants, or other contribution.

We are proud to be helping to support the good work of many charities and community organizations again in 2008. The list below outlines those charities with whom we have a commitment at present. Please check this list regularly as charities will be added as they come on board in a Somersault event.

In 2008, "Charity of the Event" status has been given to these charities:

• Cumberland Duathlon - Children at Risk
• Place d'Orleans - Cumberland-Orleans Community Resource Centre
• Early Bird - Bytown Storm Triathlon Team
• Ottawa Riverkeeper - Ottawa Riverkeeper
• Emilie's Run - Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation
• Smiths Falls - RedHawks Athletic Program
• Greater Napanee - Hospice Lennox & Addington
• Graham Beasley - Lanark Community Health Services
• Carleton Place Heritage - CP & District Memorial Hospital Foundation
• National Capital - Camp Quality
• Canadian Iron 226 - Children at Risk
• Ottawa Fall Colours - Children at Risk           

If your organization is interested in becoming a "Charity of the Event", please contact us at info@somersault.ca.

charity recipients - 2007-2008
We are proud to be helping to support the good work of many charities and community organizations again in 2008. The list below outlines these charities and groups with whom we have a commitment at present. Please check this list regularly as charities will be added as they come on board in a Somersault event.

Children at Risk - Donations
Ottawa Riverkeeper - Pledge Program and Proceeds from Team Challenge
Carleton Place Youth Centre - Fee for Facility
Carleton Place Lifeguard Association - Fee for Services
Canadian Ski Patrol - Fee for First Aid Service
Brockville Kayak Club - Fee for on water services
Dovercourt Recreation Association - Donation for use of facilities
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum - Fee for facilities and services
Cumberland - Orleans Resource Centre - Donation of food items
Ottawa Food Bank - Donation of food items and event pledge program
Bytown Triathlon Team - Entry fee support, Donation and pledge program
Top Speed Racing Team - Fee for Services
Search and Rescue Global 1 - Fee for services
Camp Quality - Donation for volunteers
Team Diabetes - Donation for volunteers
Iron Cops for Cancer - Official charity status
Faucons Hockey Club - Donation for volunteers
Fallingbrook School - Donation of the Event
Hospice Lennox & Addington - Donation for volunteers
Bytown Walkers - Fee for services

an invitation to your group
Somersault invites your organization to use any Somersault event to raise funds and gain profile for your programs.  Schools, clubs and non-profit organizations will find our Somersault FUNdraiser Program well designed to provide a participatory fundraising opportunity that is enjoyable and healthy. There are 2 main elements to the program.

• The Volunteers and Services Program
• The Event Pledge Program

the volunteers and services program

It works like this. You provide a minimum of 10 volunteers who will agree to volunteer at an event and we make a donation to your organization for providing them - or, you provide one or more of our events with a required service that we normally pay for and we pay your organization that fee.  Fees vary depending on the nature and scope of the volunteer force or the service provided. Please contact us at info@somersault.ca if you would like to discuss your group's involvement.

the event based pledge program

It works like this. We approve your organization with the opportunity to fund raise using one of our events.  We provide you with personalized event specific pledge forms for your fundraising use, or approve your organization's fundraising campaign.  You retain every penny you raise through the pledge program. It is a quick, easy, active, fun and risk free way to raise funds for your program needs. Please contact us at info@somersault.ca to discuss your group's interest in the event based pledge program.

The following are eligible to participate:

• Schools, children/youth clubs, and non-profit organizations
• Other non-profit organizations on a case by case basis

requirements

• Funds raised should be for the direct benefit of children, youth and families
• You must register with Somersault.
• You must have a formal organizational structure.
• You must use a personalized event based pledge form approved by Somersault.
• You must report the amount of funds raised through the event, to Somersault .
• You must agree to allow the fundraising results be communicated to the public.
• All individual fundraiser's must actually participate in the event.

procedures

• You register with Somersault to use the fundraiser.
• You develop fundraising pledge forms
• You enter your individual members in the event.
• You manage your own pledge solicitation drive.
• Your pledge collectors participate in the event
• You collect their pledge donations.
• You inform Somersault of your fundraising total.
• You keep all of the funds raised.