MindfulMarch Fundraiser Spotlight

Jen Whalen

Meet Jen Whalen (she/her)! Jen first learned about LoveYourBrain through the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia’s conference! Jen is one of our TOP fundraisers for MindfulMarch, having already raised over $1,000. We asked Jen to share her experience in fundraising - her successes and challenges. We hope this feature inspires you!

Jen, what inspires you to fundraise for LoveYourBrain?

I work for Landing Strong. It’s an organization dedicated to promoting resilience, and assisting in recovery from Operational Stress Injuries, and supporting individuals transitioning out of Military & First Responder roles. One of the clients I’m currently working with is affected by a TBI. His struggles with this injury, along with my strong belief in the power of mindfulness & meditation to heal, inspired me to raise funds. I want everyone with a TBI and every caregiver as well, to know about LoveYourBrain and the services you provide. I want to see people affected by TBI get curious and try mindfulness & meditation as a tool to help them in their healing journey.

Rather than hosting a donation-based class or event, you shared your passion for LoveYourBrain and asked people to make a donation. How has that been successful, or challenging?

My fundraiser has been successful for two main reasons. Firstly, I have amazing, kind-hearted and giving friends. They are salt of the earth people, and I’m so grateful to have found each and everyone of them. They have been my sole supporters thus far. Secondly I can really talk about things I am passionate about. I pushed for connection. I had conversations with those I approached to donate. I didn’t cut and paste or leave blanket cold-call requests.

It’s always challenging when you engage in conversation with a friend via text or messenger and after the ask to donate - *crickets* It hurts the heart a bit, but I just remember that everyone is going through their own ‘stuff’ especially right now with a myriad of societal pressures. I always let them know that there’s no pressure to donate, and just informing themselves about LoveYourBrain will make my heart happy, so I share the link in hopes that they will become more informed.

This fundraiser has me reaching out to familiar faces, and new friends as well. I’m very mindful of each donation and have taken the time to select a beautiful postcard for each donor. I’ve been writing heartfelt individual notes of gratitude on each one and sending the via snail mail.

What advice would you offer to other fundraisers?

Go slow and steady. Stay the course, and don’t get defeated by rejections. If someone doesn’t have interest that’s ok! Simply share the organization, you never know, maybe they’ll have interest down the road? Also encourage small donations. It’s a financially difficult time for many, but if you encourage even a buck or two, people will realize they don’t need to break bank to help. Be genuine with your thank you’s, and gentle with both yourself and others through the process. If you’re doing it right it should feel fun, and inspiring!

We’re grateful to Jen, and all of our fundraisers! Be sure to check out Jen’s fundraising page below!