Let's take footsteps together with our "Cousins Across the Ocean" for our shared Icelandic Roots. We will use the IR Facebook Group page along with this new Virtual Footprints website to track our footsteps, share photos, and chat to encourage each other. Register as an individual or form a team. Take part for a chance to win prizes.
Each person sets their own goals and can change them as the weeks go on. Just do what is best for you! Check out the chart for all the various activities and their estimated step count. The goal is for each person to walk 7,000 steps/3.5 miles/5.6 km per day. The heart association says we should walk 10,000 steps per day, so if you can do it, that is awesome! But no worries if you can only do a little bit each day. Come and join the fun.
1. Register as an individual and/or register for a team, which could be your social group, heritage club, family, business, or more - it is very flexible! This is a donation to Icelandic Roots. We thank all those who help support this mission!
2. Decide if you want to walk in the footprints of your ancestors or just any random route.
3. Set a fitness goal online and enjoy this adventure.
4. Get moving and track your footprints. See the chart for a list of regular activities such as sweeping, fishing, gardening, golf, yard work, and more with the corresponding number of footprints you can log into your page if you track them manually.
a. You can sync your fitness device (Fitbit, Garmin, Misfit, Strava, Google Fit, iWatch, and more).
b. Download the free Charity Footprints iOS or Android apps to track your progress and link it to your wearable.
c. Or you can simply enter your steps manually on your personal page.
5. Share your personal fundraising page on Social Media or by email to those you know. Ask them to support your footsteps for Icelandic Roots. Ask someone to join the fun with you and help one another reach your goals.
The #1 Ring Road in Iceland is 1,322 Kilometers / 821 miles. If you gather a team together and add up your footsteps, maybe you could make it around the Ring Road! Your team's total per day would need to be about 27,360 steps/22 km/13.68 miles (or equivalent from the chart) to make it around the ring road. Maybe your heritage organization would like to participate or your book club. If your team had only six people and each person walked 4,600 steps per day - you would walk Iceland together! The choices are endless.
The footsteps will continue for 8 weeks until August 15th. Track your workouts anywhere and anytime. If you can do more than this, congratulations! If you are only able to walk a little bit each day, do not despair. Come and join the fun and see how you improve by the end of 8 weeks.
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
ICELANDIC ROOTS
Ir is a non-profit, non-political, charitable organization with a mission to educate, preserve, and promote Icelandic Heritage, history of Iceland, Genealogy, strengthen the links between Icelanders and those of Icelandic descent in North America, and to inspire pride in our heritage, culture, literature, traditions, and language.
Icelandic Roots is a nonprofit and charitable organization. All proceeds of IR are given as educational scholarships, hosting and promoting cultural and educational events, to fund special projects and other activities which focus on Icelandic heritage, genealogy, literature, language, culture, traditions, and the history of the people living here in North America and around the world with Icelandic ancestors. A list of the organizations and projects we support can be found at www.IcelandicRoots.com. Visit our Scholarships page to learn about opportunities for educational funding and deadlines for applications.
None of the genealogists or the board members are paid – we all work as volunteers to make IR the best site for Icelandic Genealogy and History, with personal assistance available to any member along with very fun social media applications, webinars, and more. Giving back to our Icelandic Communities makes a difference in our lives and the lives of others.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?
Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.
Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.
What is the campaign registration fee?
Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.
The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.
How can I create my fundraising page?
Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.
If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.
How do I join a team on this campaign?
While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?
All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.
Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?
The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.
That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.
Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.
Who can I contact if I need help?
You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.
How do I change or switch my team?
If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
CAMPAIGN CHAT
Please register for the campaign to see the chat activity. If you're already registered, login here.