Giving Back

I was born in a household where I always had everything I needed.  I was blessed with 2 parents, with siblings, a roof over my head, and food in my tummy.

I also grew up in a household where my father taught people in Third World Countries how to grow their own food, the proverbial “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime”.

And that has been so important for me.

In 2009, I did a research project with World Vision Africa, where I got to see first hand the poverty some people endure in this lifetime.  And that is something that will stay with me forever. 

Now, supporting organizations and getting involved to help others is a top priority in my life and the life of my family.

When you work with me, here are some causes you currently support or previously have supported:

1. Helping families in the slums start entrepreneurial businesses that allow them to break out of poverty. One of the most amazing people I know, Alisha Faulkner, currently works with an organization called UNOH (Urban Neighbours of Hope) in the slums of Bangkok working with these dear people, helping them build lives for themselves. For more information check out the website: http://unoh.org and Alisha Faulkner's page: http://www.unoh.org/unoh/donations/contents/en-us/d82.html. 

2. Helping a child with cancer be a kid again, and go to camp. Between the 2009-2013, my family was involved with the Tour for Kids - either as a cyclist (my husband and father-in-law) or as a volunteer (me for 2 years)! The Tour for Kids is an annual cycling event that raises money to fund 3 camps specifically for children with cancer: Camp Oochigeas (aka: Camp Ooch), Camp Charity, and Camp Trillium. 100% of the money raised went to the camps, as each rider and volunteer pays their way. For more information and heart-wrenching stories, check out the website: http://www.tourforkids.com.

I am currently working on the following connections to be able to get actively involved with people in my community:

• Helping moms living in poverty learn how to feed their families

• Working with Aboriginal Communities to help families learn how to be healthier while following their native culture.

• Fresh food donations for those who are struggling with food security.