FAQs
Find quick answers to common questions about fundraising, registration, incentives, and more.
Registration
How do I participate in the challenge?
- Register your team: Truck Pull Registration Form
- Assemble a team of 10 pullers (plus optional cheerleaders)
- Raise $2,500 to reserve your team’s lane—your fundraising helps provide 12,500 meals to Canadians in need.
- Get ready to pull! Compete against Toronto’s top teams in a one-of-a-kind challenge.
Is there a cost to participate?
Each team is expected to raise a minimum of $2,500 to participate. This can be done through fundraising or paid directly by the team. Once the minimum is met, there are no additional fees to register.
What happens after I register my team?
Once your team is registered, your dedicated Second Harvest contact will support you every step of the way. You’ll receive:
- Fundraising tips and tools to help you reach your goal
- Event logistics and expectations so your team knows what to expect
- Participant registration and waiver instructions for team members
- Safety guidelines and day-of details to ensure a smooth and fun experience
How do I access and use my team fundraising hub?
As a team captain, once you register your team, your Second Harvest contact will create a team fundraising page, your central hub for the Truck Pull Challenge.
This page allows you to:
- Track your team’s fundraising progress
- Invite and track team members to officially join
- Share your story and team photo
- Promote your page to supporters
You’ll receive a link to your team page via email after registration. From there, you can customize it and share it widely to help Second Harvest reach its goal of providing 1.5 million meals across Canada.
What if my team is paying the registration fee instead of fundraising?
If your team has opted to pay the $2,500 registration fee directly (instead of fundraising), you have two options:
- Make the payment via your team fundraising page
- Or pay by cheque or EFT - in which case, Second Harvest will manually update your fundraising page to reflect that your fee has been paid
Even if your team is paying the fee, your fundraising hub remains essential. It’s used to track team member registrations, and every participant must join the team via this page to participate.
How do I join a team or workplace?
All team members must officially join their team to participate in the Truck Pull Challenge. This is where you’ll:
- Sign your liability waiver
- Receive your event check-in code
- Stay updated with event communications
- Create a personal fundraising page
To join:
- Use the search bar to find your workplace or team name
- Select your team
- Click “Join Us” and follow the registration flow to become an official team member
Joining your team is required to participate in the event - don’t skip this step!
Fundraising
How do I start fundraising?
Fundraising is simple, fun, and makes a real impact. Whether you're part of a team or fundraising solo, here are some quick tips to help you get started:
- Start strong: Make the first donation to your page. It shows commitment and encourages others to give.
- Spread the word: Share your fundraising link on social media, by email, and in group chats or newsletters.
- Engage your network: Invite friends, family, and coworkers to join your team or support your efforts. Don’t forget to check if your workplace offers matching donations!
- Use your tools: Your fundraising page includes built-in email templates and social sharing buttons to make outreach easy.
- Get creative together: Host a fun activity like a trivia night, bake sale, or team lunch to raise funds and build team spirit.
- Celebrate progress: Thank your donors, recognize team milestones, and keep the momentum going with regular updates.
What are some of the best ways to get people to donate?
- Tell your story: Share why your team is pulling for Second Harvest. Personal stories drive donations.
- Add a photo: People love seeing who they’re supporting.
- Set a goal and raise it: Once you hit your minimum, aim higher! Every dollar helps provide meals.
- Use posters and email banners: We’ll provide resources you can use at work or in your community.
- Ask directly: Don’t be shy, people want to support causes that matter. A personal ask goes a long way.
- Thank your supporters: Gratitude builds momentum and encourages repeat giving.
Are there fundraising incentives?
Whether you're fundraising solo or as part of a team, there are exciting rewards to keep you motivated and celebrate your impact!
For Teams
- Early Bird Entry: Raise or pay the $2,500 registration fee by January 16, 2026 to be entered to win a team volunteering experience at Second Harvest HQ.
- Team Celebration Draw: Teams that raise $5,000 or more by May 31, 2026 will be entered to win a team celebration experience.
- Top Fundraising Team: The team that raises the most by May 31, 2026 will be recognized for their outstanding impact and receive a special team experience as a reward.
For Individuals
- Prize Draw: Win exciting rewards!
- Earn Entries: Get 1 draw entry for every $100 you raise by May 31, 2026.
- Bonus Opportunities: Stay tuned for chances to earn extra entries, like sharing your fundraising page on social media to build awareness.
Donations
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! All donations made to Second Harvest on this platform are tax-deductible. Donors will automatically receive a charitable tax receipt for their contribution.
How do I issue receipts to my donors?
Receipts are automatically issued to donors who give online through your fundraising page. If someone donates offline, please contact fundraise@secondharvest.ca with their details so we can issue a receipt.
What do I do with cash or cheques?
Please email fundraise@secondharvest.ca to arrange delivery or drop-off of cash or cheques. Be sure to include donor information so we can issue receipts and credit your team or personal fundraising total.
Can someone donate without joining a team?
Absolutely! Supporters can donate directly to Second Harvest or to a team’s fundraising page without registering.
Can companies sponsor or donate?
Yes! We welcome corporate donations and sponsorships. Please contact fundraise@secondharvest.ca to explore opportunities.
Event Day
How does the Second Harvest Truck Pull Challenge work?
Truck Pull is a high-energy competition where teams race to pull a Second Harvest delivery truck 100 feet across Nathan Phillips Square in the fastest time. Teams compete head-to-head in a tournament-style format.
There will be five wave times staggered throughout the day. Each wave includes 16 teams split into 4 heats. The winners of each heat advance to the final round to compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Beyond the competition, there are plenty of fun onsite activities to enjoy throughout the day!
How long will the event last?
Each team will be assigned a wave time. With five waves scheduled, teams should plan to be onsite for at least 2 hours. While we do our best to accommodate preferences, registering early helps us meet your scheduling needs.
What can I look forward to at the Truck Pull Challenge?
- A fun, team-bonding experience
- A chance to connect with other passionate supporters
- Complimentary food, drinks, and massages for participants
- Onsite activities, cheering zones, and photo ops
Is the event accessible?
We strive to make Truck Pull inclusive and accessible. If you have specific needs or questions, please contact fundraise@secondharvest.ca.
General
I want to volunteer! What do I do?
We’d love your help! Email Ashley Ferguson, Senior Manager, Volunteer Services, at ashleyf@secondharvest.ca to learn more.
Where do my fundraising dollars go?
Your donations directly support Second Harvest’s mission to rescue surplus food and deliver it to communities across Canada. Every dollar helps provide fresh, nutritious meals to people experiencing food insecurity, making a real impact in reducing waste and feeding those in need.
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