Annie Crawford inspires others to challenge themselves
An avid runner, Can Too Foundation founder Annie Crawford had a vision to combine her love of fitness with raising money for a not-for-profit.
“I love the idea of getting people fitter and healthier mentally and physically, but with an opportunity for them to also give back,” Annie says.
She founded CanToo in 2005, a charity which encourages people to take part in fitness challenges while fundraising to support early-career cancer researchers. “The reason I chose cancer research was partly because my dad, (Graham), had died (of bowel cancer) at 51,” Annie says.
In terms of the fitness challenges CanToo engages in, she says ‘it’s always got to be something that’s tough and a bit of a struggle.’ “You don’t have to be a runner or a swimmer or a biker. You just have to be prepared to get in there, face your fears and make a difference.”
Annie is big on encouraging people to face their fears. She tells PL of the first event CanToo held, where Annie got up to speak and welcome the group. “For me, public speaking was an unbearable fear,” she says. “I thought I was literally going to be sick.”
Since then, she has spoken on behalf of CanToo many more times and has been invited to give keynote addresses. “I really made this conscious decision that even though it was really terrifying, I would never say no,” she says.
“Even setting up CanToo was facing a big fear, because I’ve never done anything like that. I had to just take a risk that this thing was going to work. And so that, in itself, was facing a fear.”
Taking that leap of faith has led to CanToo’s success. It has funded over 160 early-career cancer research projects, and raised more than $35 million. “I never really imagined it was going to grow to such an extent and be as big as it became,” Annie says.
“I guess in some ways you’re taking a risk every time you decide to join something or do something different.”
Annie stepped back from CanToo in 2018, and has since continued to support the community in various ways. Annie and her husband Simon financially support other not-for-profits, and Annie serves on a committee for Human Rights Watch.
Through a coaching business with a friend, Annie has run leadership capacity and development programs, including an empowerment program connecting women in the not-for-profit sector and corporate fields. She has also supported women who have experienced domestic violence to re-enter the workforce.
“Once again, I’ve learned it doesn’t matter if you’re scared of doing something,” she says. “If you prepare to sit in the discomfort, do the work, take the risk, things will hopefully work out for you.”
As for other people wanting to make a difference, Annie recommends following passion. “It depends on what capacity you have to make a difference…but I think that you need to have something that is really aligned with your values,” she says.
“I think you’re more impactful when you are passionate and able to use your strengths.”
Annie emphasises that she is ‘constantly learning’ and trying new things.
“You don’t have to know all the answers, but you just have to be able to be prepared to know what questions to ask and know how to grow and develop and upskill yourself in whatever that area might be.”