The program consists of taking on a major physical challenge in honour of someone suffering, or who has suffered from cancer, by raising funds exclusively dedicated to research on all types of cancer, funded by the Cancer Research Society (CRS).
Frequently asked questions
Do you have any questions? Find all the answers here!
General questions about the program
What does the program entail?
Is this program suitable for me?
Combining a trekking expedition with fundraising for a cause can be an incredibly meaningful and fulfilling experience, but it’s important to assess whether it aligns with your interests, commitment level, and comfort zone. If you have a passion for both adventure and making a positive impact, this could be a transformative experience for you.
- Trekking for a cause adds an extra layer of purpose to your journey, as it allows you to contribute to something greater than yourself. If you’re passionate about the mission, it can be a powerful motivator throughout the trek.
- Fundraising can also be a rewarding challenge, as it requires effective communication and outreach skills. If you’re excited about spreading awareness for a cause and engaging with others to support it, this aspect of the expedition can be both impactful and personally enriching.
Why does the Cancer Research Society organize activities like this to raise funds?
More and more people wish to support organizations for which the cause touches them personally, and where they feel they can make a difference. By using the proven formula of combining fundraising with activities that push people to their limits, the Cancer Research Society can count on this method to ensure the financing of important cancer research projects.
Are minors eligible to participate in this program?
Given the physical and financial nature of this program, participation in the Challenge Against Cancer is reserved for people 18 years and over. If a participant wishes to have another person accompany them on a Challenge without actually participating in it, it is only possible for a marathon. They may make the trip as an accompanist only. It should be noted that the CRS will not be responsible for this accompanist.
What is a cancer hero? Is it important to have one?
A cancer hero is someone who has suffered from, or is currently battling cancer. A cancer hero is also someone who unfortunately lost their battle with the disease. Although having a cancer hero symbolizes the reason why you are participating in the expedition, it is not obligatory to have one.
Should you wish to honour a cancer hero, it is important that you get their consent to use their name and story to promote your fundraising campaign. If the cancer hero is someone who has passed away, consent may come from their immediate family.
If you choose a child as your cancer hero, it is important to be aware that your participation will be very meaningful to them. You will become their hero, that is to say, someone engaged in collecting funds for research while also offering hope for the future. If you choose this option, be certain that you can commit yourself fully to this Challenge and see it through to the end.
Please note that the CRS is not responsible for the use or misuse of a hero’s name.
What is the financial objective for the Challenge Against Cancer program?
Each year, the CRS sets a financial goal of $1 million for this program.
What is the group size by destination?
We generally maintain small groups of 10 to 15 people for each destination. For groups of more than 20 people, additional guides may be added. If the number of participants is less than 10, alternatives will be proposed 120 days before the departure date, to avoid cancellation of the expedition. The number of participants is only limited if the destination has limitations on local transport. Otherwise, there is no limit to the number of participants per group.
Before signing up
Are we obligated to attend an information session before registering for the Challenge Against Cancer program?
No. While it is not mandatory to attend an information session, we do strongly encourage you to consider it. At this meeting, you will receive all the details of the program, learn about the cause, and make an informed decision about whether this program is right for you!
Will there be any information sessions organized outside of Quebec?
All information sessions are held online. You will therefore be able to follow the session from the comfort of your own home!
Can I bring other people with me to the information session?
Absolutely! The number of participants is unlimited. However, we will need the following information for each person attending with you:
- Full Name
- Phone number (daytime)
- E-mail address
- The name of the Challenge of interest
- How they heard of the Challenge Against Cancer Program
You can register for the next information session by clicking on the following link.
Registration – Information Session
Registration
What is the deadline to register for a Challenge Against Cancer destination?
The deadline to register is four months before the start of the Challenge. We suggest you register as early as possible to reserve your spot. This also allows you more time to fundraise and to prepare physically for your Challenge.
How do I register?
To register for a Challenge, please complete the online registration for your chosen destination. To find a Challenge, consult the List of Challenges.
Fundraising
How much do I have to raise?
Fundraising goals vary according to the Challenge. These amounts are indicated in the list of Challenges.
How do I undertake a successful fundraising campaign?
Votre succès dans la réalisation de vos objectifs de collecte de fonds dépend de votre détermination, de vos compétences et de votre réseau de contacts. Nous vous suggérons d’envoyer des lettres ou des courriels de sollicitation, car ces méthodes ne nécessitent pas un gros investissement en temps ou en argent. Un guide détaillé sur la collecte de fonds est disponible sur votre portail de participant en ligne. Une session d’information sur la collecte de fonds est aussi proposée à tous les participants inscrits.
When should I complete my fundraising goal by?
The deadline to complete the total fundraising goal is four months before the departure date (please consult the fundraising calendar in your Participant Kit). At this date, the Challenge team has to finalize the plane tickets and lodging information for the whole group.
If you have not reached your fundraising goal by the deadline date, you have three options. Please refer to the question What happens if I do not reach my fundraising goal by the deadline?
If you have not reached your fundraising goal by the deadline date, you have three options. Please refer to the question What happens if I do not reach my fundraising goal by the deadline?
What happens if I do not reach my fundraising goal by the deadline?
Three options are available to you:
a) Pay a security deposit covering the missing funds and do the Challenge: You will have one month after the return date of your Challenge to complete your fundraising objective. This deposit will be refunded upon written request up to the amount replaced by donations.
b) Transfer the funds to another Challenge: You will have one year from the withdrawal date to register for a new Challenge. The amount you have raised will be transferred, with the exception of the non-refundable registration fees.
c) Donate the funds to the CRS: If you do not wish to pay a security deposit or transfer your funds to a new Challenge, the money raised will be donated to the Cancer Research Society.
a) Pay a security deposit covering the missing funds and do the Challenge: You will have one month after the return date of your Challenge to complete your fundraising objective. This deposit will be refunded upon written request up to the amount replaced by donations.
b) Transfer the funds to another Challenge: You will have one year from the withdrawal date to register for a new Challenge. The amount you have raised will be transferred, with the exception of the non-refundable registration fees.
c) Donate the funds to the CRS: If you do not wish to pay a security deposit or transfer your funds to a new Challenge, the money raised will be donated to the Cancer Research Society.
What happens if I surpass the fundraising objective after my Challenge?
If you have raised a minimum of $500 in surplus, two options are available to you:
a) Transfer the funds to a new Challenge: You will have two years from your return date to register for a new Challenge. The surplus will be put towards your new fundraising objective.
b) Donate the funds to the CRS: The surplus will be donated to the Cancer Research Society.
a) Transfer the funds to a new Challenge: You will have two years from your return date to register for a new Challenge. The surplus will be put towards your new fundraising objective.
b) Donate the funds to the CRS: The surplus will be donated to the Cancer Research Society.
What are the costs associated with the program?
The program includes airfare, local transfers, trekking permits, or access to the various sites, as well as accommodation and meals. However, specifics such as travel insurance, required vaccinations and/or medication, airport fees and taxes, as well as any required visas (if applicable), are payable by the participant.
Can I receive a tax receipt for the fees that are not included in the program?
The fees that are not included in the program are not eligible for a tax receipt. However, if you contribute an amount higher than the travel expenses, a tax receipt can be issued for the surplus amount.
Will the CRS help me accomplish my fundraising campaign?
When you register for the program, we are happy to provide you with the information, support and tools you need to be successful in your fundraising efforts.
- Fundraising Information Session: A fundraising consultant will provide you with tips and advice on how to fundraise. Sessions are offered two to three times a year.
- Participant Portal: Here you will find tools to help you organize your fundraising campaign.
- Personal page: This page allows you to follow the progress of your fundraising campaign, and to communicate with your donors.
- Letter of support: A letter proving that you are officially fundraising for the CRS is provided to you when you register. You can present this letter to potential donors.
- Promotional material such posters, banners and other items are available for purchase via the portal.
- Support from the Challenge team: Contact us at any time for advice or support, by email at challenge@src-crs.ca or by phone at 514-861-9227.
May we pair with another participant in order to jointly manage our fundraising campaign?
Team registration is possible under certain conditions. The CRS must be informed ahead of time of your desire to register as a team. Each participant must register under the team name, and pay his or her own registration fee. The funds collected must be proportional to the number of members on the team. At the end of the Challenge, any surplus collected can be donated to the CRS or divided equally among the team members and used towards a future Challenge.
Donations
Do the funds collected serve to “offer” a trip to participants?
Each participant commits to the Challenge to honour the memory, or celebrate the life of a loved one with cancer. This reason becomes the motivation for their fundraising and physical preparation efforts. They must invest a lot of time, effort and perseverance in order to raise the necessary funds. They become ambassadors for the cause because the funds raised by each participant contributes to making an important difference in the advancement of cancer research.
Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation to a Challenge Against Cancer participant?
When you donate online through the participant’s web page, a tax receipt will be issued automatically to your email address. For donations made by cheque, a tax receipt will be issued when the donation is processed.
Preparing for the Challenge
What kind of support does the CRS offer to prepare me for the Challenge?
The CRS offers information sessions two (2) to three (3) times a year with specialists in the fields of fundraising, physical training, nutrition and travel health. In addition, you can participate in a preparatory trek in Quebec with the accompanying guide, as well as an exclusive shopping evening where you can receive advice from equipment experts.
What type of physical training is needed to complete the Challenge?
In order for you to enjoy your trip to the fullest, you must be well prepared. It is necessary, at least 4 months before departure, to do an intense physical activity at least once a week (e.g. mountain walking of 15 to 20km, snowshoeing, etc.). Do not hesitate to take the stairs instead of the elevator, to walk regularly or to run a few times a week over shorter distances. A fitness evaluation session is offered to assess the participant’s physical condition and determine the actions to be taken before the Challenge. In addition, a training guide and tips are offered.
The trip
What is the duration of each trip?
The duration varies from one Challenge to another. Typically, trips are 10 days long on average. For more information, please consult the List of Challenges on our website for their respective duration.
What is included in the cost of the trip?
The trip includes:
- Round trip airfare or bus transportation
- Airport/hotel transfers at destination
- Accommodations during the trip
- Meals indicated in the itinerary (may vary depending on destination)
- Climbing permit, park entrance fees and evacuation insurance (if applicable)
- An accompanying guide for the duration of the expedition (gratuity not included)
- A local guide at destination, and porters if needed (gratuity not included)
- Equipment as indicated in the itinerary (e.g. tents, tables, chairs, kitchen accessories, etc.)
- Challenge information package (including fundraising, fundraising schedule, itinerary, equipment and travel documents)
- Fundraising planning materials (forms, documents, videos, emails)
- Sessions with specialists in fundraising, fitness, nutrition, travel health, equipment; offered 2-3 times per year
- A preparatory hike with the accompanying guide in a national park within Quebec (three months before departure)
- A meeting with the travel agency (one month before departure)
Do we need to supply or purchase all the required equipment?
Not necessarily. Most of the equipment is provided for you, however, personal equipment such as walking boots, walking poles, backpacks, etc., are not. An equipment list specific to your Challenge is available in the participant portal upon registration.
Once at destination, is there free time before undertaking the trek?
An acclimatization period is included in the schedule. The program advisor can provide further detail on the subject if necessary.
May we extend our trip after the Challenge?
Yes, you may! Additional administrative fees apply. Arrangements must be made with our travel agency four months prior to departure.
Do I need travel insurance and medical insurance?
You must provide proof of travel and medical insurance no later than 90 days before your departure date.
After the challenge
What activities can we expect after our Challenge is completed?
Every year, we hold a “Reunion Cocktail” to celebrate the accomplishments of the year’s Challenge participants. This is a festive evening bringing together participants, the accompanying guides and partners of the program.
The unexpected
What are the repercussions if, along the way, I have to abandon the program?
Following a withdrawal from the program, you have the option of carrying over the funds to a new Challenge, or donating the funds to the CRS. Non-refundable/non-transferable fees following a withdrawal depend on the date of withdrawal. All funds raised in a Challenge belong to the CRS and are non-refundable.
What happens if the minimum number of participants is not reached?
The cost of the trip is based on a minimum of 10 participants. If this number is not reached by the deadline for that particular destination, an alternative will be presented to registered participants.
Why do I need to turn over the amount I am reimbursed by my travel insurance to the Cancer Research Society?
The reimbursed amount must be remitted to the CRS, as it comes from donations solicited to fund cancer research for which tax receipts have been issued, and as such, does not belong to the participant. It is therefore preferable to inform your donors that the refund you receive will be paid to the CRS or applied to a future Challenge you make to support cancer research. No tax receipt will be issued for the insurer’s reimbursement to the CRS.
Concerns about the Challenge Against Cancer Program
What explanation can I give to people who believe that they are simply paying me to take a trip?
The primary reason you are participating in the Challenge program is to help outsmart cancer by supporting research to help prevent, detect, and treat this disease. You may want to mention that by undertaking a physical and financial challenge of this nature, you are helping researchers find a cure for this terrible disease that touches approximately 2 in 5 Canadians and kills 1 in 4 diagnosed. You can also mention that you must demonstrate lots of determination and perseverance in order to follow your training regimen and collect the necessary funds, and that it would have been much simpler to pay for your own trip if it was solely for personal enjoyment or leisure.