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Mobilizing The Next Generation Of Fundraisers with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Laurie Benner

One of the most pressing questions facing the peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising industry is, “How do we better engage the next generation of fundraisers?”

With each generational shift, it can be daunting to understand the motivations of the emerging group and adapt to their preferences. Gen Z and young Millennials, now aged 12 to 30, are no exception. Their expectations for transparency, community and social responsibility demand that P2P programs move beyond cookie-cutter fundraising approaches, focusing instead on building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and empowering personal autonomy.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Laurie Benner, the Interim VP, Signature Programs at the Canadian Cancer Society, to chat about the organization’s fastest growing P2P campaign, Relay For Life Youth Program. Together, they discuss how and why the organization has placed a strategic emphasis on the Gen Z & Young Millennial demographic and dig into the unique lessons learned about youth volunteers, including communication preferences and messaging. 

This episode also covers:

  • Building trust with youth volunteers
  • How to harness unique skills of unique volunteers
  • Identify the right staff partners to work with this demographic

Mentioned Links

Relay For Life Canada

Canadian Cancer Society

Instagram: @YouthRelay

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Passionate about peer-to-peer fundraising? The P2P Soap Box is your platform. Join host Marcie Maxwell and industry leaders as they debate the sector’s hottest topics—from retention vs. recruitment to the battle over registration fees—while sharing actionable best practices.