Synchronizing Online and Offline Fundraising for Better Results

The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation in Australia recently launched the “Virtual Everest Challenge,” where participants are asked to do a virtual climb in teams and raise sponsorship money. Each participant receives a branded pedometer to strap to his or her belt, and everyone keeps track of how many steps he or she takes each day. The accompanying iPhone app allows participants to input their steps, as well as check on their online fundraising success. When climbers reach a certain level, the iPhone app lets them know that a funky T-shirt is on the way, and if they keep fundraising they may be lucky enough to get a mug to go with it!