A. We are immensely grateful for the efforts and contributions of our donors, sponsors, volunteers and participants in support of the Walk for Arthritis. Over the past decade you have not only helped to build a tremendous community of compassion, encouragement and support, you have helped the Walk for Arthritis raise over $12 million for projects in support of our mission. Thank you!

After extensive deliberation and analysis, we have determined that 2019 was the final edition of the Walk for Arthritis and we will no longer be running this event. Going forward we will shift our focus to other more efficient fundraising initiatives in order to increase the impact that our supporters can make for Canadians living with arthritis.

A. As an organization committed to delivering impact through the donor dollars we receive, we always strive to both grow our fundraising revenues and to improve the efficiency by which those revenues are generated. This allows us to direct more of the funds we are entrusted with towards the fulfilment of our mission.

Events like the Walk for Arthritis tend to have a natural lifespan, after which their efficiency as a fundraising vehicle tapers off. After 10 years of the Walk for Arthritis and some remarkable accomplishments along the way, we feel that we have reached the point where the Walk is no longer an efficient means of generating support for the mission work of the Arthritis Society.

It’s worth noting that we are not alone in this experience this is a trend that is shared by charitable organizations across North America, as recent years have found events of this type cost increasingly more to run while producing diminishing net returns. Having reviewed the numbers with an eye to how best to fulfill our growth strategy, we determined that now was the right and necessary time to make a change to more sustainable fundraising initiatives.

A. There will be no disruption to the mission commitments we undertake on behalf of Canadians living with arthritis as a result of this decision. As we re-focus our fundraising efforts we have enhanced opportunities for individuals and corporations to donate to our cause, and are increasingly driving to be a lean organization dedicated to supporting vital research, advocacy, and critical information and support for the increasing numbers of Canadians affected by arthritis.

A. Yes. We are currently in the process of examining alternative fundraising options, with a focus on efficiently engaging not just the arthritis community but the broader Canadian population. We still believe in the importance of bringing the arthritis community and our supporters together and we know that the generosity and kindness of Canadians is the greatest force we can bring to bear to oppose this disease, so that will remain a focus of our fundraising just in a different, more sustainable form.

A. As the trusted voice for Canadians impacted by arthritis, we believe firmly in our responsibility to be transparent and accountable to the people we serve, the people who support us and the public at large. We are working to ensure that all of our stakeholders understand how much we appreciate their past support and involvement and that we remain committed to keeping them connected with the arthritis community.

We have therefore developed a comprehensive plan for communication and outreach across our channels, engaging all key stakeholders who are impacted by this decision, including updates to the Walk for Arthritis website, emails to the past three years of donors, participants and volunteers and direct outreach to strategic partners. We will continue to communicate as our fundraising strategies evolve to foster their ongoing connection to the arthritis community and provide more opportunities for meaningful impact.

A. The Walk for Arthritis was a special event for many individuals, families and communities. If you are passionate about continuing that experience, we encourage you to run your own walk in support of the work of the Arthritis Society. 

Move Your Way is a fun way to make a difference to 6 million people living with arthritis. You pick an activity that you enjoy and turn it into an engaging fundraiser that connects your family and friends. Together, you help raise critical funds for arthritis. With Move Your Way, the options are endless and can be customized to suit your hobbies, passions, and available time. Simply pick your way to participate, setup your fundraising page and off you go!

Our world is vastly different than it was mere months ago and things that were once commonplace, such as celebrating a birthday with family, cooking a meal together or catching a ballgame with friends, are simply not possible right now. With Move Your Way, the virtual options are limitless to continue to make a difference to 6 million Canadians living with arthritis.

A. While we work to create exciting new fundraising activities, you can continue to support us by making a donation, volunteering, registering for Move Your Way; our new self-guided virtual fundraiser.

A. A. Yes. The Arthritis Society's charitable number is 10807 1671 RR0003. When you donate to the Arthritis Society and the Walk for Arthritis you will receive a tax receipt. The Arthritis Society is also accredited by Imagine Canada, which means we are one of only a small number of national health charities that has been accredited for our commitment to transparency and accountability.

A. Funds from our generous donors and sponsors have given the Arthritis Society the power to raise the profile of this devastating disease and to advance knowledge of the disease and explore solutions by funding best in class researchers. These funds also allow the Arthritis Society to challenge the status quo by undertaking advocacy into public policy, and to ensure our information and support programs address patient needs that are current and evidence-based.
We will continue to support these priorities through the development of alternative fundraising activities going forward.

A. A. We are happy to help! Please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.321.1433 or moveyourway@arthritis.ca.

A. A. Yes, your username and password from last year can still be used. Having trouble logging in? Please contact us at 1.800.321.1433 or moveyourway@arthritis.ca.