Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jane Goodall Hike for Hope?
The Jane Goodall Hike for Hope is a national peer-to-peer fundraiser that invites supporters to connect with nature and raise funds for the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada.
Inspired by Jane's message of hope through action, participants will hike a self-selected distance in nature while raising funds within their own communities. The Jane Goodall Hike for Hope culminates in your very own hike on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th, 2026.
What is peer-to-peer fundraising?
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a way for individuals to raise money on behalf of a cause by sharing their own personal fundraising page with friends, family, and their broader community. Each participant becomes a fundraiser, helping to expand the reach and impact of the campaign.
Who hosts the Hike for Hope?
The Hike for Hope is hosted by the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, which works to amplify community-led action so that animals, people, and the environment can thrive together. The campaign is inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall's message of hope through action.
When and where does it take place?
The official Hike for Hope weekend takes place on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th, 2026. You can choose whichever day works best for you — or participate on both days!
If you are unable to hike that weekend, you are welcome to participate on a different day that fits your schedule. While you may not be hiking at the same time as others across Canada, every step still supports Dr. Jane Goodall's mission, and your impact absolutely counts.
I'm busy on October 3rd and 4th. Can I hike on a different day?
Absolutely. While October 3rd-4th is the official hike weekend, you are welcome to participate on any day that works for you. Just be sure to share your hike with us so we can celebrate your impact!
Who can participate?
Anyone can participate! If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory, please ensure a parent or legal guardian registers on your behalf.
Can children participate?
Yes. Participants under the age of majority in their province must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.
Can I participate if I'm not in Canada?
You are welcome to participate in this fundraiser if you are not Canadian, or located in Canada.
However, please note that any funds raised would go toward the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, and donors based outside of Canada would be ineligible for a tax receipt.
Is this a virtual, in-person, or hybrid event?
This is a flexible, self-directed in-person hiking event. Participants are encouraged to hike outdoors in their own community. There is no central or official group hike location.
Where do the funds go?
Funds raised support the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada's conservation and youth programs, including:
Rescued chimpanzees: Supporting the care of more than 150 chimpanzees at Tchimpounga Sanctuary, giving them safety, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
Community-led conservation: Partnering with communities across Africa to protect forests, develop sustainable livelihoods, and implement nature-based solutions to climate change.
Youth leadership in Canada: Supporting more than 14,000 young people through Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program and A.P.E. Fund microgrants to lead environmental action in their schools and communities.
Registration Questions
How do I sign up as a team?
You can register here.
How do I register as a team captain?
You can create a team and register as a captain here.
How do I join an existing team?
You can join a team here, or use the link provided by your team captain.
Is there a registration fee?
No, there is no registration fee. We want the Hike for Hope to be accessible to everyone.
Can I register on the weekend of the event?
Yes! However, we encourage early registration so you can access fundraising tools, tips, and resources.
I didn't receive a confirmation email. What should I do?
Please contact us at events@janegoodall.ca and we'll be happy to help.
Can I switch from an individual to a team captain after registering?
Yes. Please contact your participant support team at events@janegoodall.ca and we can help convert your account into a team captain profile.
Can I join a team after registering as an individual?
Yes. Log into your participant portal, go to "Page Settings," and scroll to the team section where you can join an existing team.
Fundraising Questions
Is there a fundraising minimum?
No, there is no fundraising minimum. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you choose to fundraise or simply hike. Fundraising is optional, but encouraged, with exciting rewards available at different milestones.
How do I share my fundraising page?
Your fundraising page includes built-in sharing tools beneath your profile. You can also copy and share your unique page URL directly.
Can I donate to my own page?
Yes! We strongly encourage a self-donation at the beginning of your campaign as a great way to kick things off.
How do I thank my donors?
You can thank donors through email, text, phone, or in person — whatever feels most meaningful based on your relationship.
What if I don't reach my fundraising goal?
There is no penalty if you do not reach your goal. Your profile will simply reflect your final total, and every dollar raised still makes an impact.
When is the fundraising deadline?
Fundraising will remain open until end of day on October 13th, 2026, allowing additional donations even after the hike weekend.
What fundraising rewards are available?
You can view all rewards here.
Donation Questions
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Tax receipts are automatically issued for all donations over $5.
What payment methods are available?
Payment methods are processed through CrowdChange. Details available at checkout.
Can I donate by cheque?
Yes, cheque donations are accepted. However, they will not be attributed to an individual participant's fundraising page.
Can I donate in honour or memory of someone?
Yes. You can dedicate your donation during the checkout process.
Will donors receive a receipt?
Yes, donors will automatically receive a tax receipt via CrowdChange.
Can employers match donations?
Many employers offer matching gift programs. We encourage donors to check with their workplace to see if this option is available.
Team Questions
How many people can be on a team?
There is no limit to team size.
Can I switch teams after registering?
Yes. Team changes can be made through your participant portal or by contacting support at events@janegoodall.ca.
How does team fundraising work?
All donations made to individual team members count toward the team total. Teams can also receive donations directly through the team page, which contribute to the overall team fundraising total.
What happens if my team captain drops out?
If a team captain steps down, a new captain can be appointed or the team can continue under shared management. Support is available — please contact events@janegoodall.ca for assistance.
What does a team captain do?
A team captain recruits members, motivates fundraising, and helps coordinate participation in
the hike. Captains receive additional support and resources from the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada team.
Recognition, Sponsors, and Impact
Who sponsors Hike for Hope?
We are proud to welcome Sinking Ship, G Adventures, and GoodLife Fitness as partners for this year's campaign. G Adventures is our official Adventure Sponsor.
How does the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada choose sponsors?
All potential sponsors go through a rigorous vetting process to ensure alignment with our values and mission.
Where are the fundraising rewards made?
Participant rewards are produced in partnership with Ethical Swag, a Certified B Corp committed to ethical sourcing, responsible production, and carbon reduction. Sticker sheets are printed in-house at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada.
Who pays for the rewards?
The rewards are built into the overall campaign budget, paid for by the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada.
Do the rewards have an environmental impact?
Environmental impact is carefully considered in all merchandise decisions. We prioritize sustainable, long-lasting items and avoid overly branded products that are unlikely to be used long-term. Our partnership with Ethical Swag ensures responsible production practices.
After the Event
When will final fundraising totals be announced?
Final totals will be shared after October 13, 2026. You can also track live progress at any time on this website.
How can I stay involved after the Hike for Hope?
All participants will remain subscribed to Jane Goodall Institute of Canada communications and will receive updates on future opportunities to stay involved.
