Frequently asked questions.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How much does it cost?
The event is free to attend. There is no entrance fee for participants, but teams that register commit to raising at least $1,000 through individual donations and group fundraisers (bake sales, yard sales, etc.). Teams that don’t raise at least $1,000 are not guaranteed an opportunity to pull the fire truck at the event.
If I don’t want to pull a fire truck, can I watch?
Yes! Watch the teams compete, cheer them on, and enjoy the other activities we have planned that day.
What else is going on?
This year, World’s Greatest Balloons is booked and ready to show off their best creations just for you! You can also find the Bytowne Fire Brigade and 501st Legion joining in on the action again this this year!
Where do the donations go?
100% of the proceeds will go to Epilepsy Ottawa to support epilepsy services in our community. About 1 in 100 people have epilepsy, but many don’t talk about it due to social stigma and discrimination. Find out more here.
Will donors receive charitable tax receipts?
Donations of $10 or more are eligible for charitable tax receipts. Tax receipts are automatically issued for donations made online. Teams and Teammates who collect cash or cheque donations must track donors’ full names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and the amount of the donation on the Donation Form sent in the Team Captain “Welcome Email” and submit this completed form along with the donations during Captain Check-in at the event in order for the donor to receive a tax receipt.
For donations by cheque, what name should be on the cheque?
Please make cheques payable to Epilepsy Ottawa.
How do I donate online to the charity or a participant?
OPTION 1 – with a URL
Follow that URL to the Event Hub or Participant Fundraising Page.
Click on the “Donate” button on the Event Hub or the “Donate to…” button on the Participant Page and follow the instructions.
OPTION 2 – Donate to the charity without a URL.
Click on the “Donate Now” button on the homepage of this website.
Click on the “Donate” button on the Event Hub and follow the instructions.
If you want to donate to a specific participant and you don’t have a URL to their specific page, follow these instructions:
Go to the Event Hub.
Click on “Our Fundraisers” at the top right of the page.
Either scroll through the list of fundraisers or type their name in the search bar.
Once you find the specific participant that you are looking for, click on them to go to their Personal Fundraising Page.
LOGISTICS
Where is the Ottawa Fire Truck Pull?
The Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is at Lansdowne Park (452 Queen Elizabeth Drive) in the Casino Lac Leamy Plaza, next to the Aberdeen Pavilion.
How can I get there?
Lansdowne Park is at the south end of the Glebe neighborhood in Ottawa, Ontario. You can bike, walk, drive, or take a bus to Lansdowne Park. As parking is limited, we recommend carpooling, walking, biking, or using public transportation when possible.
Bike or Walk: You may choose to bike or walk the paths along the canal or through the Glebe. There are over 600 bike parking spots at Lansdowne Park.
OC Transpo: The #6 and #7 buses along Bank Street stop near Lansdowne Park at Exhibition Way. You can map your route using the OC Transpo’s Travel Planner.
Driving: Lansdowne Park is easily accessible from downtown or the Queensway. You can map your route using Google Maps.
Where can I park?
There may be street parking available around Lansdowne Park, along Bank Street, or on the neighboring side streets.
There is paid underground parking at Lansdowne with two entrances:
Under TD Place near the Bank Street and Exhibition Way intersection
Off Queen Elizabeth Drive south of Fifth Avenue
Please note that parking near Lansdowne Park is limited. Arriving early and carpooling are recommended.
What if it rains?
The Ottawa Fire Truck Pull will go on rain, snow, or shine.
TEAMS
Who can enter a team?
Anyone with up to 9 teammates (so there are 10 of you total) 13 years old and above can enter a team.
How do I enter a team?
Gather a team of up to 10 participants.
Choose a team name, a theme, and a Team Captain.
Follow the steps on the "Enter a Team" page to set up your fundraising pages.
Start fundraising.
Please note that you must have all Team Members registered on your team page by Friday, October 13, 2023. Instructions to add Team Members are included the the Team Captain “Welcome Email”. Team Captains are encouraged to forward any emails from the organizers with their entire team.
Team Leaders are responsible for:
Registering the team
Acting as the team’s primary contact with the Ottawa Fire Truck Pull
Ensuring all team members are registered on their team page (details in Team Captain “Welcome Email”) by Friday, October 13, 2023.
Ensuring all teammates receive the link to complete the online Waiver Form and a Donation Form. All these forms are included in the Team Captain “Welcome Email”.
Can my company enter a team?
Yes, we encourage company teams. The Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is an excellent team-building experience for any group of colleagues. You can approach fundraising collaboratively (e.g. team bake sales) or competitively (e.g. which individual can raise the most funds), and in the end, the team will pull together as one to compete with other teams for the fastest pull, most funds raised, and most team spirit.
If your company has multiple locations, consider entering a team from each location and having a mini-competition against each other. We can help you promote your friendly rivalry on social media and on the event day.
If your company has a fund-matching program for charities, there are partnership opportunities available.
What if I have fewer than 10 people on my team?
8-10 people are the ideal number of people on a team, but we will accept smaller teams. No matter how small the team, you are committing to raise at least $1,000 to guarantee your opportunity to pull a fire truck.
What if I have more than 10 people on my team?
Only 10 people can pull the fire truck. Additional teammates can cheer you on as part of the “team spirit” competition or you can consider breaking into 2 or more teams.
What if my team doesn’t reach the $1,000 minimum?
Teams that don’t raise at least $1,000 are not guaranteed an opportunity to pull a fire truck at the event. If your team is struggling to raise $1,000, contact us for advice.
How do I manage my fundraising page?
There are several ways to find your page:
Go to the Event Hub
Click “Log in” at the top right and login. (If you don’t see the Log In option, it means you’re already logged in. Click on “Our Fundraisers” at the top right. You should then see the option to go to your dashboard.)
This will take you to your dashboard. From there, you can:
Invite people to join your team
See your donors
Track your fundraising progress
Share your fundraising page (The share icon is next to the “My Page” button at the top right)
Access your fundraising page by clicking on “My Page” at the top right to see your fundraising page.