The 2012 Arctic Winter Games has adopted a creative approach to fundraising for the upcoming games– they're inviting everyone to be a sponsor.

"Anyone can contribute to the Games – whether you're a business who comes in as a sponsor or an individual who has $25 to donate, everything helps,” said Jason Bilsky, VP of Sponsorship for the Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games. "It takes a community to put on the Games and we want to make it easy for anyone to contribute through these unique giving opportunities.”

A Friends of the Games Breakfast held yesterday was the official kick-off for the Community Sponsorship Program, which includes three online funding opportunities.

The Giving Tree will feature a wish list of items required for specific sports that people can purchase for the Games. People can also bid on an item on the Arctic Winter Games Online Auction sponsored by the Whitehorse Lion's Club.

Mayor Bev Buckway was unable to attend the breakfast but was pleased to play her part through a $1,000 donation toward Biathlon snow fencing.

"What a great way to make it possible to involve more people from Yukon's communities in such an incredible event,” said Buckway. "I am disappointed that I couldn't attend the breakfast but I wanted to ensure that I was able to support this initiative and I chose to direct funds to the Biathlon event.”

All three initiatives will be featured on the Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games website at www.awg2012.org beginning June 6.

The Arctic Winter Games is the world's largest northern multi-sport and cultural event, with participation from Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik Quebec, Greenland, Yamal and Sápmi.

It is a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents. Funding Partners include the Government of Canada, Yukon government, Lotteries Yukon and the City of Whitehorse.