How can we make it BIGGER?

2010 was a good year for Returns for Leukemia, and a great year in Windsor. Provincially, we had surpassed one million dollars by a fair margin. Locally, we had several good things going for us. We got out on print, internet, radio and television and let everyone know the dates of the drive – and it helped. We had BBQs with donated foods, local Starbucks managers with iced drinks and snacks, live medieval duelists at one store, and Brian Masse, MP, at another, and – most importantly – lots and lots of volunteers and cooperation from store staff to support the cause. It wouldn't have been possible without teamwork.

It's obvious that Windsor's efforts were recognized as the two of us were invited to the 21st Annual Gala Evening in Support of Leukemia Research in Toronto in June of 2010. We met a lot of new faces, and were impressed by a lot of fresh ideas. Even at the gala, we were discussing ways to improve our efforts in Windsor. We were both in agreement. We wanted MORE.

We've continued to meet over the past year – virtually, and at a local downtown coffee shop we both like. After countless emails and many phone calls, and input from coworkers, here's what we're up to in Windsor – with a TON of support from the community:

On the evening of April 29th, Phog is hosting the first Windsor Returns for Leukemia Concert. Phog is a downtown licensee which won the much-publicized CBC Radio 3 Searchlight Contest for Best Live Music Venue in Canada. We will have 3 bands playing throughout the night for a cover of only $5 at the door! This cover will then be donated to the cause.

Thursday, May 5th, Mick's Irish Pub is hosting a Norse Dinner (we're still working out the details) before our Movie Night for Leukemia. With the support of Rogue's Gallery Comics and Palace Cinemas, at 10 pm, there will be a pre-movie event at the theatre with vendors and face-painting, and a demonstration by our friends of the Society for Creative Anachronisms. A $10 ticket (pre-purchased) gets you a movie pass (usable for the midnight show of “Thor”), a bag of swag, and an entry into a raffle.

The morning of Saturday, May 7th, after hopefully catching up on sleep from our previous event, Nick and Windsor Eats will host our Beer Trail Ride to benefit Returns for Leukemia. For $40, you can ride through the city, touring local and historic sites, stopping along the way at Smoke & Spice, Centro, and Chanosos to sample beers from Steam Whistle, Brick and Wellington Breweries along with taste-matched food.

May 12th & 13th will be our 2nd annual Jungaroo Leukemia Play Date. Once again, thanks to Jungaroo Play Centre in Tecumseh, kids can play in a fun indoor playspace while parents surf the internet and have a coffee with Stephen at the attached cafe. 50% of the regular admission for these days is being generously donated to our cause, and for an additional donation of any monetary amount, Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown will be on hand to paint faces.

Of course, May 28th and 29th is the Bottle Drive itself, and we're planning the same extras as last year, with BBQs, clowns, medievalists, Starbucks, etc.

PLUS, we weren't content with large, public events. We've also tried to think up other ways to raise a little extra. Here's what we've come up with so far:

With the permission of the brewery reps, at the Jefferson & Tecumseh Windsor store, we've begun a silent auction for the cardboard enhanced lobby display program signage. Each month, the highest bidders are called to pick up their signs, and the money they give us is being saved as leukemia donations. We've raised over $100 since December with the average sign averaging at $12.

We've organized an in-house NCAA Basketball Pool which netted approximately $85 to the winner (still to be determined) and $85 to the cause.

We've kept a media list of all the Windsor District newspapers, radio and television stations, magazines and websites we've come across. We still have our Facebook group, and our linked Facebook events. We've also started up @Return4Leukemia on Twitter, which has been gaining a following.

We've really tried to take the lead on this year's drive. We're full of energy, determination, and confidence. We've got the local support. We're hoping the rest of the province is organizing, too.