Category Archives: Fundraising

Posts from the Fundraising Committee

Fundraising

Power Up Community Radio 2025 Fall Fundraiser

30 October 2025 Radio Waterloo 1 Comment

CKMS Radio Waterloo Announces:

The Power-Up Community Radio 2025 Fall Fundraiser

Pledge Your Donation!

November 1^st through November 14^th, 2025

Power-Up Community Radio

Once again Radio Waterloo asks you, our listeners, to support the only true community radio in the Waterloo region. We provide the only local platform for diverse voices, music, and ideas, fostering a stronger sense of community and connectivity in the region. As a non-profit, volunteer-driven station, we rely on the generous support of our listeners, local businesses, and community members to continue delivering high-quality programming and support the creative voices of the region.

Radio Waterloo has partnered with some generous businesses in our community to thank you for your donation. Each donation gets you one chance at the prize of your choice. At the end of the funding drive, we will select a donor to receive one of each of the following gifts.

Kückt Highline 3Bike Rack (retail value $349) from ZM Cycle & Fitness

Giro Scamp bike helmet for youth (retail value approx $50) from ZM Cycle & Fitness

Pearl iZUMi gel bike gloves (retail value approx $50) from ZM Cycle & Fitness

Fox Ranger bike gloves (retail value approx $50) from ZM Cycle & Fitness

Jan Henderson professionally framed Reclining White (Siberian) Tiger Print (44″X28″) (retail value $200) from Don & Kim Janzen

Jay Turser Guitar, amp, tuner, strap, stand, cable (retail value $426) from Shaw Music Studios

Taxi vouchers (retail value $150) from Waterloo Taxi

Funko POP Moment, U2’s Zoo TV Tour (1993) (retail value $120) from B & K Collectables

Funko Pop Jakks Pacific WWE Unmatched Fury The Rock Premium Figure (retail value $75) from B & K Collectables

Funko Pop Retro Toys – Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone vinyl figure (retail value $37) from B & K Collectables

Street Hop T-shirt (retail value $20) from Carmelo Farruggio

$50 Gift Certificate from Dog-Eared Café and Bookstore from Dog-Eared Café

CKMS 102.7 FM logo white T-shirt (retail value $20) from Carmelo Farruggio

Radio Waterloo Sunflower T-shirt (retail value $20) from Radio Waterloo

CKMS-FM 102.7 Radio Waterloo

Pledge Your Donation!

You can also show your support for Radio Waterloo by:

Becoming a Member: Join the CKMS-FM family by becoming a member of the station and enjoy exclusive perks including a “Host Your Own Show” certificate.
Sponsoring a Show: Local businesses and organizations can sponsor a show and receive ongoing recognition on the air.
Volunteering: Get involved in station activities and share your talents with the community.

On behalf of all the volunteers at Radio Waterloo, THANK YOU !

Pledge Your Donation!

Fundraising

2025 Spring Funding Drive: June 9th to 15th

9 June 2025 Radio Waterloo Leave a comment

The fundraiser is over, but you can still
Donate!

CKMS wants to continue offering a place for community members to have their voices heard on the FM dial and for that we are once again asking for your support.

CKMS has more than 40 locally produced shows made by volunteer hosts from Waterloo region. We also have a professional newsroom covering stories in our community by reporters who live here.

CKMS is a nonprofit radio station with the mission of empowering Waterloo region through radio!

Help us reach our goal of $1,000 by pledging your support using the link below!

The fundraiser is over, but you can still
Donate!

Fundraising, Station

Spring 2024 Fundraising Drive

17 May 2024 Radio Waterloo 1 Comment

The Spring 2024 Fundraiser has concluded, but you can still make a regular donation!

Donate

CKMS wants to continue offering a place for community members to have their voices heard on the FM dial and for that we are once again asking for your support.

CKMS has more than 45 locally produced shows made by volunteer hosts from Waterloo region. We also have a professional newsroom covering stories in our community by reporters who live here.

CKMS is a nonprofit radio station with the mission of empowering Waterloo region through radio!

Help us reach our goal of $2,500 by pledging your support using the link below!

Leaderboard

What favourite programs have been supported?

featured, Fundraising

On-Air Funding Drive

21 October 2023 Radio Waterloo Leave a comment

Thank You!

Through your support, we are able to continue bringing community access to FM broadcasting in KW! We thank all of our donors and sponsors!

Radio Waterloo has partnered with some generous businesses in our community to thank you for your donation. At the end of the funding drive, we will randomly select a donor to receive each of the following gifts.

FREE FLIGHT FOR 2 from FLAIR AIRLINES
- From Waterloo Airport (YFK) to anywhere Flair flies.
- One (1) round-trip flight for two (2) passengers to anywhere Flair flies
- One (1) big bundle per passenger included
- Travel must be completed by May 6, 2024
- Taxes/fees included
- Subject to availability at the time of booking
- No blackout dates
Cycling Enthusiast prize pack from ZM CYCLE & FITNESS
- Continental Grand Prix 5000 tires
- Select speedometer cycling computer
- PRO storage bottle
- PRO aerofuel bag
- pwr road light
- FuelBelt bag
- Ryders glasses
A pair of tickets to see HAYDEN, Nov 29 2023 from MAXWELL’s Concerts and Events
A pair of tickets to see MONOWHALES, Dec 6 2023 from MAXWELL’s Concerts and Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CKMS-FM Radio Waterloo Launches On-Air Funding Drive to Raise $10,000 for a State-of-the-Art Digital Studio Mixing Board.

Waterloo, ON – October 20, 2023 – CKMS-FM Radio Waterloo, your trusted source for community-driven radio in the Waterloo region, is thrilled to announce the launch of a special On-Air Funding Drive, scheduled to run from November 8 to November 21 The primary objective of this drive is to raise $10,000 to acquire a cutting-edge studio mixing board that will enhance the quality of our broadcasts and empower our passionate team of volunteers.

This fundraising campaign reflects CKMS’s unwavering commitment to providing the community with diverse and engaging radio content. As a non-profit, volunteer-driven station, we rely on the generous support of our listeners, local businesses, and community members to continue delivering high-quality programming and support the creative voices of the region.

A studio mixing board is at the heart of our broadcast operations, ensuring that every show, interview, and music selection sounds its best. The new mixing board will enable CKMS-FM to elevate the overall listening experience and facilitate smoother show production. By upgrading this critical piece of equipment, we aim to enhance our ability to serve the community even better, by providing the latest professional equipment with which community show hosts can gain knowledge and experience.

“CKMS-FM has been a vital part of the Waterloo community for 46 years, connecting people, and providing a platform for local artists, musicians, and diverse voices,” says Nat Persaud, CKMS-FM’s President. “We’re excited about this funding drive, as it allows us to enhance our mission and improve our services to the community.”

During the funding drive, CKMS-FM will host special programming, live interviews, and interactive events featuring community leaders, artists, and musicians. Listeners can tune in to 102.7 FM or stream the station online at radiowaterloo.ca to participate in this exciting event and contribute to our cause.

There are multiple ways for community members to show their support:

**Donate**: Fill in our
**Become a Member**: Join the CKMS-FM family by becoming a member of the station and enjoy exclusive perks.
**Sponsor a Show**: Local businesses and organizations can sponsor a show and receive recognition on the air.
**Volunteer**: Get involved in station activities and share your talents with the community.

CKMS-FM would like to thank its dedicated listeners and supporters for their continued commitment to community radio. Together, we can reach our funding goal and ensure the station continues to be a vibrant hub for local voices and diverse content.

For more information about the On-Air Funding Drive and CKMS-FM Radio Waterloo, please visit radiowaterloo.ca or contact office@radiowaterloo.ca.

About CKMS-FM Radio Waterloo:

CKMS-FM is a non-profit, volunteer-driven community radio station serving the Waterloo region. We provide a platform for diverse voices, music, and ideas, fostering a stronger sense of community and connectivity in the region.

Fundraising, Newsroom

Support Permanent Funding for CKMS!

10 February 2023 nattyphysicist Leave a comment

Dear CKMS listener,

The federal government is currently working on the budget for April 1, 2023 to March 30, 2024. The Community Radio Fund of Canada alongside the three main community radio associations (The Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec (“ARCQ”), l’Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (“ARCC”), and the National Campus and Community Radio Association/Association nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires (“NCRA/ANREC”)) are currently doing a lot of work, demonstrating the impacts of the community radio sector and how regular financial support of the sector will have enormous impacts. We are at a critical time in the outreach efforts where your participation as a listener is incredibly important.

At this time, we are focusing on two areas of importance that will bring direct funding to CKMS alongside Campus/Community radio stations across Canada:

1) The extension and expansion of the Local Journalism Initiative (we currently have 41 stations with paid journalists on the ground), as the 5-year program is about to enter its final year without a plan after 2024 to renew the program. We are looking for that program to expand to $20 million a year and make it permanent.

2) Establish a 25 million dollar annual Community Broadcasting Fund to be distributed among all stations. This fund would support all licensed broadcasters, with core and stable funding.

Our goal is to now have as many listeners of community radio stations as possible contact their local Member of Parliament (MP) so that they are aware of the sector and this pitch for support so that we have a better chance of having this included in the next federal budget.

Attached is a letter template which we ask that you copy, add your name to, and send to our local MPs in Kitchener-Waterloo.

DOWNLOAD: Letter in support of CKMS-FM

We thank you for your support!

Nat Persaud

President – Radio Waterloo Inc.

Fundraising

Funding Drive 2022

13 August 2022 nattyphysicist 3 Comments

August 2022 – As CKMS enters its 45th year on the FM airwaves, Radio Waterloo is pleased to announce the Friends Of CKMS Funding Drive (August 14th to 27th both inclusive). The drive aims to raise a minimum of $10,270 to support the ongoing operations of our non-profit, volunteer-run, community radio station.

We are counting on your support!

Background

Radio Waterloo evolved from the Broadcasting Club at the University of Waterloo which was operating in the early to mid 1960’s. CRTC-licensed since 1977, CKMS is 45 years on the FM airwaves!

The radio station is entirely run by volunteers and does not receive any ongoing funding from the government or universities. The majority of our operations are funded by the on-air hosts and donations from the community. The station provides a unique service to the KW region by being a voice on radio for the different cultural communities and alternate content not available on commercial radio.

Radio is a resource. With most people having access to a radio, the FM broadcast is a powerful tool to connect listeners with programs. CKMS wants to enable content creators in KW to be heard on FM. We provide training and facilities for anyone to operate their own show and the freedom to choose their own content (within CRTC regulations).

CKMS is a leader in Canadian radio. We were one of the quickest stations to adapt to the lock down, enabling shows to get back on air from home studios streaming to our transmitter via the internet. And due to our cooperative funding model, our broadcast maximizes content by not depending on advertising. We also broadcast online and can do video streaming from our studio.

Why should you give?

By giving to CKMS, you ensure a solid platform on which our community can stand. You put radio in the hands of people, so that the innovative ideas and rich experiences of Kitchener-Waterloo can be expressed. You enable the alternative to a platform that is dominated by the same old songs.

Be sure to mention your favorite show when you pledge!

Fundraising

Friends of CKMS Funding Drive 2021

10 May 2021 nattyphysicist 1 Comment

DONATE!

May 5, 2021 – CKMS recently attained a significant milestone in Canadian community radio history: 40 years on the FM airwaves. Unfortunately, our world was hit by the devastating effect of Covid-19 during the year 2020. But we were resilient! We survived the worst part. CKMS 102.7FM (Radio Waterloo) is pleased to announce the Friends Of CKMS Fundraiser Drive (May 7-~~May 20~~ Extended to 24 May!, 2021 both inclusive). We are counting on your support! Starting on May 7th, 2021, the fundraiser aims to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support the ongoing operations of our non-profit, volunteer-run, community radio station. And we need your support. Programmer participation to drive this funding initiative is very important! Many local businesses have generously contributed prizes for the event to support the fundraising and help make the fundraising drive a successful event. This year, we want to make it better!

Background

Radio Waterloo evolved from the Broadcasting Club /Broadcasting Association at the University of Waterloo which was operating in the early to mid 1960’s. CRTC-licensed since 1977, CKMS recently passed 40 years on the FM airwaves. The radio station is entirely run by volunteers and does not receive any ongoing funding from the government or universities. The majority of our operations are funded by grants, programming fees paid by the on-air hosts and donations from the community. The station provides a unique service to the KW region by being a voice for the different cultural communities and alternate content not available on commercial radio.

Events, Fundraising, PSA - Public Service Announcements

Friends of CKMS Funding Drive 2020

25 October 2020 nattyphysicist 2 Comments

The Annual “Friends of CKMS” Funding Drive is on from October 25 to November 7. Please support your favorite show on CKMS as they ask for your support!

DONATE!

Radio Waterloo IS:

community run, community funded, community minded
non-profit, non-boring, non-traditional
committed to training community members in the techniques of broadcasting.
committed to serving the needs of community groups.
committed to showing the true diversity of Waterloo Region

Radio Waterloo DOES:

introduce our listeners to new ideas, perspectives, and music
broadcast shows in many languages, serving many cultural communities
emphasize exposure of issues and activities that are important to the local community
support local arts talent
play music that you won’t hear on commercial radio
broadcasts news, analysis and discussion that you won’t hear on commercial radio

Program Leaderboard

featured, Fundraising

Thank you, thank you, thank you

25 March 2018 Mr K Leave a comment

The Friends of CKMS Appreciation Event was a great success!

Huge thanks to all that came out to support our funding drive.

The donors, the performers, the volunteers, together you made this all happen.

Thank you to Descendants for hosting us. A great venue, great staff, greet food, great beer…. how many times can you say great in a sentence? As many times as it applies.

More details to come, so stay tuned. And keep it tuned to 102.7FM- CKMS! Radio Waterloooooooo!

We had tons of great prizes won last night. Check out this page for info on the fine organizations that generously donated items to makes this possible: http://radiowaterloo.ca/give/thankyou/

Events, Fundraising

CKMS celebrates over 40 years on air with funding drive

9 March 2018 Mr K Leave a comment

The Spring Friends of CKMS 2018 Funding Drive may be over however we need your help all year round. Head over to http://radiowaterloo.ca/donate/ to make your donation.

Thank you for your support.


Go to radiowaterloo.ca/give to donate now!	Limited time, order your very own CKMS 6 pack of locally brewed beer at www.descendantsbeer.com/ckms. Hurry, sales ends March 18th! The sale benefits the Friends of CKMS Funding Drive

While our 2018 Friends of CKMS Funding Drive officially ended with a great evening of celebration on March 24th, you still have time to get involved.

The limited edition CKMS 6 pack of locally-brewed craft beer can still be ordered for a few more days. Get your order in now! Link above

Donations are still being accepted via our funding page for a few more days if you didn’t get a chance to donate: radiowaterloo.ca/give.

For Immediate Release

CKMS celebrates over 40 years on air with funding drive

Kitchener, March 1st 2018 – CKMS recently attained a significant milestone in Canadian community radio history: 40 years on the FM airwaves. As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, CKMS 102.7FM (Radio Waterloo) is pleased to announce the Friends Of CKMS Funding Drive (March 10-24th 2018

Starting on March 10th 2018, the fundraiser aims to raise $2500 to support the ongoing operations of the non-profit, volunteer-run, community radio station.

The fundraiser, involving on-air requests from the various shows and programmers, will culminate in an exclusive Friends of CKMS Appreciation Event on March 24th 2018.

The Appreciation Event is held at Descendants Brewery in Kitchener, with live performances from local musicians: The Jenny Howes Duo, Crimson Breed & The Faulty Rivals.

Access to the event will be offered to donors first. Many local businesses have generously contributed prizes for the event to support the fundraising and help make the event a wonderful climax to the 2 week funding drive.

Background

Today the station is also streamed on Rogers Cable (946) and worldwide thru radiowaterloo.ca and the TuneIn app in addition to 102.7 FM.

The radio station is entirely run by volunteers and does not receive any ongoing funding from government or universities.

The majority of our operations are funded by programming fees paid by the on-air hosts and donations from the community.

The station provides a unique service to the KW region by being a voice for the different cultural communities and alternate content not available on commercial radio.

For further information, please contact: Dan Kellar Vice-President, Radio Waterloo Inc. dan@radiowaterloo.ca

PressRelease_CKMS_40years (1)

Events, Fundraising

Friends of CKMS Funding Drive 2018- Teaser

7 March 2018 Mr K Leave a comment

What???? When???? Tell me more!!!!

Events, Fundraising, Newsroom, Station

CKMS’s Annual Friends of SoundFM Funding Drive – Sept 22nd-Oct 6th

11 September 2016 dan kellar Leave a comment

From September 22^nd to October 6^th CKMS will be hosting our annual friends of SoundFM funding drive, and today I’m asking you to support Waterloo Region’s community and campus radio station as we head into our 40^th year.

If you have the means please visit soundfm.ca/donate to find out how you can financially support the station, and become a member of the CKMS radio community.

Thank you for continuing to tune in to and supporting 100.3 SoundFM!

#RadioWaterloo
#KWAwesome

Fundraising

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! A SoundFM Pledge Drive

13 September 2010 SoundFM Archive Leave a comment

SoundFM is reaching out to our community of listeners to continue our legacy of accessible community media. So, we have launched the “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!” pledge drive.

How You Can Help:

Canada Helps

If you have an interest in broadcasting, music, sales, office management, local news, computer programming or just want to bake us some cookies, your knowledge and talents are welcomed! Our programmers coop is always seeking new folks to sustain our existence.

If you are involved with a business or social organization that wants to inform this community of your services, don’t hesitate to contact us about our advertising options. Call 519-886-2567 (CKMS).

You can also help by way of financial donation Tax receipts are available for amounts of $10 or more.

Cheques can be made payable to:
SoundFM
220 King St North
Unit G
Waterloo Ontario
N2J 2Y7

You can also help us with your generous donation online!
Visit www.soundfm.ca or www.canadahelps.org and type in SOUNDFM!

Thank you for advocating for Community Media.

Our Mission:
SoundFM is committed to broadcasting innovative programming that provides an alternative to other local media outlets in the surrounding Waterloo region.

CKMS Radio Waterloo Announces:

The Power-Up Community Radio 2025 Fall Fundraiser

November 1st through November 14th, 2025

Power-Up Community Radio

Leaderboard

Thank You!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Background

Why should you give?

Background

Radio Waterloo IS:

Radio Waterloo DOES:

Donations are still being accepted via our funding page for a few more days if you didn’t get a chance to donate: radiowaterloo.ca/give.

For Immediate Release

Background

Community Radio in Waterloo Region

November 1^st through November 14^th, 2025