The Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide and Related Disorders Inc., (2021 Dress 2 iMPreSs Gala Committee Volunteer)

Organization Name: The Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide and Related Disorders Inc.,
Opportunity Title: 2021 Dress 2 iMPreSs Gala Committee Volunteer
Category: Fundraising & Sponsorship
Commitment: Less than 6 months
Start Date: December 31, 2020
End Date: September 30, 2021

Email: kimangel@mpssociety.ca
Website: http://www.mpssociety.ca/
Opportunity Description:

Overview: The Canadian MPS Society is seeking volunteers to serve on the committee for our 17th Annual Ignite Hope-Rare Gala. This year’s theme is “Dress to Impress”. We are looking for a variety of volunteers to join the 2021 committee to plan and execute this exciting virtual event!

Our Mission: Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide and Related Diseases Inc., is a national not for profit organization, serving all Canadians affected by MPS and related diseases through support, education, advocacy and by advancing research since 1984.

Time Commitment: April 15, 2021 –September2021, 3-5 hours a week

•Attend planning meetings (30 minutes to 1 hour)

•Attend the Gala as a volunteer or attendee

•Other preparation events such as brainstorm ideas, event planning and promotions, zoom session management, wrap up meeting etc.,

Activities: We would like volunteers to be interested in helping in the following areas.

Silent and Live Auction Items:

•Brainstorm ideas for exciting auction items and baskets to engage attendees and generate bidding

•Assist with reaching out to businesses and individuals to ask for and secure donations

•Assist with social media promotion

•Promotion, fundraising and ticket sales

Sponsor Management:

•Identify potential new sponsors

•Prepare correspondence, communication, and sponsor packages

•Collect sponsor logos

•Ensure sponsor agreement is fully executed

Public Relations:

•Assist with event registration and website update

•Share and create event-related social media posts to increase engagement

•Help brainstorm unique online promotions to generate excitement about the event

•Proof read event materials to ensure accuracy

•Coordinate with Artist/Designer in developing art concepts & images needed in line with Gala theme

•Develop text required for Save the Date Mailers, Tickets, Flyers, Program booklet

Logistics

•Serve as a volunteer at the Gala by providing live on-line support, monitoring the auctions and other fundraising activities, answering attendee questions, and various other assigned tasks to ensure smooth event execution

•Facilitate communication with attendees during the event, and provide live event support

•Help plan event logistics and provide input in areas such as entertainment, games, fundraisers, awards, sponsorship, and more

Benefits of Becoming a Committee Member:

•Support a great cause for MPS and rare disease community in Canada

•Network with families, industry partners, sponsors and community members on the committee

•Experience with a Canadian non-profit organization

•Reference letter from the Executive Director

•Opportunity to dress up and get over zoom fatigue!

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Motivation to serve in a charitable event, Familiarity with event production, graphic design, creativity and innovative thinking, attention to detail, team player, time management skills, Communication skills, kind-hearted and fun-loving.

Number of Positions: 8

How to Apply: Please contact Kim Angel, Executive Director at kimangel@mpssociety.ca on or before April 15, 2021 if you are interested in joining and if you have any additional questions!

MPS diseases are rare and debilitating genetic disorders, collectively affecting approximately 1 in 25,000 Canadians, most of whom are children. Because affected individuals are born without particular enzymes necessary for normal cell degradation and recycling, substances collect throughout their bodies, causing devastating progressive damage to their hearts, bones, joints, eyes, ears, respiratory systems, and sometimes brains and central nervous systems. While babies affected with MPS or a related lysosomal storage disorder often show no signs of disease, symptoms appear and intensify as storage increases, and many affected children never reach adulthood. There are enzyme replacement treatments in place which help slow the progression in some forms of the disease, but as yet there is no cure.