As July creeps closer to us (or us closer to it?!), this year’s Muskoka Novel Marathon prep is gearing up! That’s right, it’s now time for the writers to begin their fundraising efforts.
This is always the hard part for me! It’s a big ask, and it’s become an even bigger one in these times. And there is the donor exhaustion thing, as well. People thinking, ‘just how many times is this idiot going to keep doing this thing and asking us for money?!’
The answer is, I’ll probably keep doing it for as long as it exists. It’s an extremely beneficial event for me. I’ve probably written more words at the Muskoka Novel Marathon than I’ve written during any other time of the year ever. In fact, I know I have. It’s what gives me the right to continue to call myself a writer.
AND…I’m also passionate about the fundraising side of this event. LITERACY! It’s what writers value most. 100% of the collected funds goes right into literacy programs. 100%!
Literacy is really an umbrella word here. The YMCA literacy programs do SO much!
- Academic upgrading (non-credit)
- Literacy and basic skills in reading, writing and math
- Computer and life skills
- GED and ACE preparation
- E-learning
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Savvy Seniors
As well as helping students upgrade their basic literacy skills, they help new immigrants to Canada and seniors who are lost in today’s new tech savvy online world. Their programs are far reaching.
Small donations go a LONG way, because they add up! We can do this together! Since the inception of the MNM, writers have collected roughly $215,000.00! That is no small feat, but I guarantee you that the total was built up one dollar at a time. Nothing you donate is too small.
This year’s marathon is: July 14 – 17, 2023
If you’re a writer, you can still register to participate in the Marathon. LEARN MORE HERE.
If you would like to help by sponsoring me, I would be so thrilled! Here’s a LINK TO MY PERSONAL YMCA FUNDRAISING PAGE.
HERE IS MY MNM PROFILE PAGE, WHICH ALSO HAS A LINK TO MY DONATION PAGE.
Let’s see what our little army of writers can do with your help this year! We are writers helping you to help readers.
KEVIN CRAIG 