WORLD PARKINSON’S DAY INFORMATION

How to get involved

Dear Support Group Members,

Throughout the month of April people are getting involved in World Parkinson’s Day by raising awareness and money for Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s NSW is offering three ways for your Support Group, friends, family, businesses, communities and individuals can get involved.

1. Pitch In for Parkinson’s - Fundraising Pitch In for Parkinson’s is a Parkinson’s NSW fundraising campaign that can be held anytime during April. It’s an opportunity to hold your own fundraiser – big or small – and get your network of family and friends, and the community involved.

Examples could be: a picnic, trivia night, BBQ, movie or board games night in, cake stall, raffle at your local community markets or place a donation tin next to the coffee machine. Perhaps you can give up sugar for a month and ask your friends to sponsor you on your personal challenge, or host a simple dinner party or lunch with family and friends over the Easter break.

You can decide to set up your own online fundraising page or request an Authority to Fundraise from Parkinson’s NSW to allow you to accept any cash donations.

There are plenty of downloadable resources to help promote your activity, such as invitations, posters, social media images and more.

There are more ideas and more information on what’s involved to Pitch In for Parkinson’s later in this pack.

2. True or False Quiz Cards - Awareness This year we have created Quiz Cards that can be given to your local restaurants, bars and clubs to use during April as drink coasters. The Quiz Cards have true or false questions about Parkinson’s with a web link to the answers and more information about Parkinson’s. See image on the next page.

This is a really easy way to get involved with World Parkinson’s Awareness Month as a group or individual without holding an event.

WORLD PARKINSON’S DAY INFORMATION

Get in contact with your local restaurants or clubs, introduce yourself and ask them if they can get involved in spreading awareness in your community about Parkinson’s by using the Quiz Card drink coasters either on the day or World Parkinson’s Day, the week or month. If they are happy to take part ask them roughly how many they would like to receive. Don’t forget to grab their contact details (either a business card, or their name and their website) and forward it on to Terri at the Parkinson’s NSW office so we can send them a thank you card after.

If you would like to give these Quiz Cards to local business in your area please email or phone Terri with the best postal address and roughly how many you would like.

3. Information StandsMany Support Groups like to hold an information stand at their local shopping center or community market day during April. We can supply you with information flyers about Parkinson’s and a donation tin. It’s a great way to let your community know about your Support Group and what services are available in your area for people living with Parkinson’s and their families.

You’ll also find in this pack World Parkinson’s Day and Parkinson’s Awareness month poster to use at your information stand.

If you require more Parkinson’s NSW flyers, information brochures or a donation tin for your stand please get in contact with us so we can post these out to you.

Media Release & Media TipsAs per previous years and for past events, we have a media release for your Support Group to use to help promote your activity/event and create awareness about Parkinson’s.

In this pack you’ll also find Tip’s on getting media to cover your event and a sample media release. Please refer to the word document that was sent to your email with this pack for you to insert specific details about your Support Groups activity.

Let us knowIf you’re wanting to get involved with any or all of these options or already have plans, let me know via email at terri.herlings@parkinsonsnsw.org.au or by phone on 1800 644 189.

I look forward to hearing from all of you and please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions.

Kind Regards,

Terri Herlings

Tips on getting the media to cover your event Involving media is not as difficult as you may think. With a few tips from us, you can turn a small event into one that raises both money and awareness far beyond the scope you first imagined. To make it easier for you we have listed how to get the media involved and what you need to do to get things started. 1. How to write a media release

The aim of writing a media release is to give information to the media outlet so that they do not have to write the story themselves. Essentially you are doing the work for them. So, it needs to be catchy, informative, short, sweet and to the point. Remember correct grammar and spelling is paramount.

1. Start with a catchy headline, for example ‘Ryde Support Group Sells Cakes’, doesn’t do much to grab attention, versus ‘Ryde Parkinson’s Support Group Shakes and Bakes For World Parkinson’s Day!’ Which is a lot catchier and grabs the reader’s attention.

2. Do your research, make sure the story is interesting, factual and on point. 3. At the end of the media release, at the bottom of the page add the contact details:

“For further information, contact …..”. The contact details should include name and best contact number, and the number you can be contacted on at different hours throughout the day.

Parkinson’s NSW Marketing and Communications team can assist you with preparing a media release. Please email marketing@parkinsonsnsw.org.au or call 1800 644 189 for any assistance. 2. Which media do you choose? Which media you choose will influence how many people you attract and not all media outlets will run your story, so the more places you try, the better the chances you have of at least one outlet telling your story.

1. Have your media release already prepared ahead of time. 2. Do your research and work out which media outlets you wish to contact. These may

include your local papers, radio stations, local magazines or organisations that advertise events on social media.

3. Target specific reporters to increase the chances of having your story covered. 4. Give all print publications, such as your local newspaper, as much notice as possible

for the best chance to have your event/activity included. Some things to consider are:

• Do you have existing contacts? Reach out to the local media contacts you know. • Don’t forget the power of social media. If you don’t have a Facebook account, others

in your group may. Ask them to post the details of your event on their Facebook site and share it.

3. Contacting media Now that you have put together your list, you are ready to contact media. Find the contact telephone number for the publication's news desk. This can usually be found on their website, White Pages, Facebook page or other social media accounts. Try and target the journalist/editor personally and ask to speak to them. If not, say something along the lines of: "Hi, this is [your name] calling from [name of organisation]. It’s World Parkinson’s Day on Wednesday 11th April and [insert number] members of the local community will be attending [insert event] to raise awareness about Parkinson’s. I'm calling because I thought this would be of interest to you.” Introduce yourself and outline the key points that make your activity/event interesting. When speaking to the editor/journalist, have with you:

• A copy of the media release. Offer to email them a copy too. • Contact details of someone they can interview, who will be able to speak about the

activity/event. This can either be you, the main organiser or Support Group Leader, or someone from Parkinson’s NSW. Please be sure that whoever you nominate has full knowledge of the event/activity and can speak about Parkinson’s.

4. At the event Nominate someone at your activity/event to look after any journalist or photographers who may attend. If someone you know is handy with a camera, ask them to take high-resolution photographs (minimum 1MB and maximum 2MB) of the activity/event, record any speeches, and get quotes and contact numbers from some of the attendees. 5. After the event Sometimes journalists may not be able to attend your activity/event, but they may still be interested in receiving information about it. Select the best images from the event/activity and put together some quotes from the participants. Contact any media/journalists who expressed interest earlier and send these additional materials to them. Make it easy for them to run your story by attaching all images at and captions with clear and correct titles and names written from left to right. Correct captions and clear photos will increase your chances of getting your images in print or featured in their online publications.

6. Checklist

1. Write a short, concise media release that provides an overview of your activity/event and the importance of Parkinson’s? ☐

2. Develop a list of local publications and contacts that would be interested ☐ 3. Call each publication and send them the media release ☐ 4. Appoint a spokesperson who can complete interviews about the activity ☐ 5. Appoint a contact person for any journalists or photographers who attend

the activity ☐ 6. Appoint someone to take photographs and write captions at the activity

and obtain quotes and mobile numbers from participants ☐ 7. Send photos to any journalists who were interested in the activity,

but were unable to attend the event ☐

Who to contact at Parkinson’s NSW for assistance

Marketing and Communication - marketing@parkinsonsnsw.org.au or call 1800 644 189

WORLD PARKINSON’S

DAY

11 APRIL

www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au

www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au

PARKINSON’S AWARENESS

MONTH

APRIL 2019

Help raise money your way

What is Pitch in for Parkinson’s? Pitch in for Parkinson’s is a DIY fundraising opportunity for individuals and groups. Anyone with an idea can get involved to support people with Parkinson’s.

This can be done at home, in the community or at a work place. It doesn’t have to be an event and could simply be a personal challenge like giving up sugar for the month of April.

How does it work? You register your fundraising activity/event with us either by using the online form or a paper version.

If you have chosen to do all your fundraising online you can start fundraising straight away. If you are wanting to take cash donations, or hold a raffle or auction we will review your registration.

Once approved (which doesn’t take long at all) we will give you an Authority to Fundraise letter, name badges and a fundraising tool kit that includes fundraising tips and much more.

Start Pitching In for Parkinson’s now by visiting https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/support-us/pitch-in-for-parkinsons

Fundraising Ideas

AT HOME

MOVIE NIGHT IN GAMES NIGHT IN

DINNER PARTY

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAYask for donations instead of gifts

BBQ LUNCH

BACK YARD CRICKET MATCH

SWEAR JAR not that we think you need one

GIVE UP COFFEE FOR A MONTH

SHAVE YOUR BEARD

GARAGE SALE

PICNICPOKER TOURNAMENT

YOGA CLASS

IN THE COMMUNITY

AT WORK

BAKE SALE COMEDY FOR A CAUSE

CAR WASH

TRIVIA NIGHTwe have Q&A’s ready to go

GOLF DAY

DANCE OR SILENT DISCO

CONCERT

FOOTY OR CRICKET MATCH

BUNNINGS BBQ

MUSIC NIGHT

BUSKINGFASHION PARADE

GALA BALL

EXERCISE CLASS

DONATION TIN at the cash register

RAFFLE OR AUCTIONPrizes: day off work, prime parking

spot, extended lunch break

GOLD COIN COFFEE MACHINE

DONATION

SWEEPSTAKES

DRESS DOWN DAY

FLASH LUNCH TRIVIAwe have Q&A’s ready to go

UGLY TIE CONTEST

BROWN BAG ITbring lunch from home & donate what you would of

spent ie $15

SWEAR JAR

not that we think you need one

MORNING TEA

Can Parkinson’s NSW help in organising my fundraiser? As you can appreciate the Parkinson’s NSW team is very small and has limited resources. For this reason we won’t be able to help coordinate your fundraiser but can offer you guidance, point you in the right direction and help where we can.

We most certainly can provide you with information flyers, raffle tickets, donation tins where required. We have also created downloadable resources everyone can use, such as invitations and posters to help promote your activity. Give us a call to discuss how we can help you.

What are my responsibilities as the fundraiser? Your responsibilities as a fundraiser is to ensure that you read and follow our fundraising guidelines.

The main points from the guidelines are:

You must register your activity with us before you start fundraising

Ensure that you obtain permits, permissions and insurance as required for your activity

Keep detailed financial records

Bank any donation within 14 days of your activity and submit your financial records to us including a donation receipt request form for your supporters (we provide you with templates to use).

You can view the full fundraising guidelines here: https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Community-Fundraising-Guidelines-V0.1.pdf

Do you have more information or some handy links I can look at? Absolutely! Have a look at the Pitch In for Parkinson’s Community Fundraising Information pack here or email terri.herlings@parkinsonsnsw.org.au and she will send you a copy.

Here are some other links you may be interested in:

Fundraising Tips

Fundraising FAQ’s

Fundraising Resources

Fundraising Guidelines

Yes, I want to Pitch in for Parkinson’s!We hoped you’d say that and can’t wait to hear about your idea!

Head on over to the Pitch In for Parkinson’s website and register you fundraiser today. https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/support-us/pitch-in-for-parkinsons

For any questions contact with Terri at Parkinson’s NSW on terri.herlings@parkinsonsnsw.org.au or phone her on 1800 644 189.

More Information

Example Resources

Downloadable ResourcesTo download these resources and many more visit https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/support-us/pitch-in-for-parkinsons/fundraising-resources

Help raise money your way

Proudly supporting

Dear GuestYou are invited to my Pitch in for Parkinson’s fundariser. Let’s get together to help support the thousands of people living with Parkinson’s

Host John Smith

Where West Wollongong

Date

Time

11 April 2019

12.30pm

Details Games night at my house

RSVP by 20 March 2019

Phone 0400 000000

THANK YOUfor Pitching in for Parkinson’s

Support my fundraiser

You are invited to my Pitch in for Parkinson’s fundariser. Let’s get together to help support the thousands of people living with Parkinson’s

Host

Where

Date

Time

Details

RSVP by

Contact Proudly supporting

Invitations

Thank you cards

PostersEmail signature

Approved: Yes /

No

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Signature:

Date:

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and accepted all of th

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n that w

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nd that a

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informatio

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own is corre

ct.

*IMPORTANT*

Dispatch:

(Please circle)

12 working days from art a

pproval

28th August 2017 if a

pproved by COB 10/08

Proof # 2

Any alteratio

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roof

Product:

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Decoration: 2 colour, 1

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PMS Colour: B

lack & PMS 2

48 C

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14599

PP018 Black

1500

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10th August 2017

PMS

COLOURS

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PMS 248 C

New Artwork

Small fine deta

ils m

ay fill in

& ill

egible

100% Actu

al Size

200% Actu

al Size

WRIST BAND PEN

$3$2

Black ink writing pen

Soft rubber wrist band

MAGNETIC PIN

$5

Magnetic Pin. 2cm diameter

DRINK BOTTLE

$15

600ml drink bottle with straw

TOTE BAG

$5

Black reusable carry bag

CAP

$12

Embroidered cap with velcro strap.

www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au1800 644 189

BLANK TULIP CARDS

$10

Pack of 10blank tulip cardswith envelopes

Example Merchandise To order merchandise visit www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/support-us/merchandise-catalogue/