Archive for the ‘Charities & Foundations’ Category

In response to a recent plea for donations my mother and I went to the Surrey SPCA with blankets, towels, newspaper and food. Upon arriving we saw several cars pull up unloading their contributions for the society. My mother had never stepped into a place like this preferring instead to go to her local pet store for a look and a cuddle of a puppy. Inside this building contained the hustle and bustle of dedicated staff and volunteers who make it their mission to aid in the health and safety of dogs, cats and other suffering animals.

Amidst the bundles of donations arriving every minute was the signing of an adoption of a dog named “Jersey.”. A man had come in and decided that this was the dog for him, with paperwork and leash in hand he left as a new pet  parent. Jersey had half a look of uncertainty and half a look of happiness with a wagging tail. Let’s hope their partnership is a loving and long one.

Meanwhile, a little Chihuahua who had been found was being cuddled by the front desk clerk. Too scared and shivery to be left in the kennel he was nestled in the jacket of the staff member. This temporary home was just right until they find his parent which might come sooner than later as a missing dog report possibly matches his description.

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Mrs. Betty Fox – Woman of Influence – Woman of Love – Woman of Vision – Woman with a legacy of her own.

This site was originally conceived with a very special agenda to feature women of influence, charities and foundations along with my own life reflections. Today, I honor one woman, Betty Fox, who led a life of service to not only her family, her community but indeed our country. She did this to carry on the legacy of her son Terry who courageously battled cancer and ran over 5000 km to raise money for cancer research. When he lost his life at the age of 22, Canada mourned but like a phoenix rising from the ashes Betty and the Fox family found a way to turn that loss into hope.

I was a teenager when Terry left us but he was a legend in many a kids eye. Growing up in Coquitlam BC it was cool to see Terry Fox Secondary become part of our school district. It was due to the tireless efforts of Terry’s mum and family that an entire foundation was formed and year after year people ran, served and donated in Terry’s honor.

It was not of her choosing that Betty Fox became a participant in all of this, as having her child alive and well would have been her first wish. However, the plans for both her son’s life and hers changed. Sometimes we don’t know what our full potential is until we are forced to find it. To dig deep and spread the seeds of our humanity, compassion, wisdom and service to others as she did so mightily. This my friends was a life lived – another great woman of influence – who through her love for her son continued the journey he could not.

Thank you Betty for your service to us all. For demonstrating what love of family, friends and community is all about. For leaving behind a foundation that will continue where you left off and know that we are eternally grateful for the time you had to spend with us. Sending heart-felt condolences to the family.

Please go to my charities page for a link to the Terry Fox Foundation.

Check out the latest updates to my Charities and Women of Influence pages.

Featuring Canuck Place Children’s Hospice which does such amazing work to support children with life threatening illness and their families. Also featuring Diane Swonk a woman who has not let her disability stop her from achieving monumental goals in the financial world as an Economist.

Go to the tabs above and follow the links to learn more.

I just had the pleasure of seeing Born to be Wild at the IMAX Theatre and it was magnificent! This beautiful documentary highlights the great work of two women who have devoted their lives to orphans. Who are these orphans? Baby elephants and orangutans.

INDONESIA: Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas of  Orangutan Foundation International has studied and focused her efforts on saving the endangered orangutans in Borneo while educating the world about their lives and habitat. This was a unique experience to see the characteristics and the needs of these little apes and receive an inside look at the daily rituals of those who protect and raise them.

KENYA: In honor of her late husband Dame Daphne Sheldrick began her life long quest to help orphaned baby elephants. As some of you know I am a supporter of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and an admirer of this woman who is featured in this movie. Her passion and dedication is contagious and as such she has a tireless team of people who work around the clock to support both elephants and rhinos; preparing them for their eventual release back into the wild.

One of my greatest highlights was interviewing Wendie Wendt who became the Vice-President of the US Friends of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. That two part interview gave me a true understanding of how passion leads to purpose. For the Love of a Baby Elephant Part 1 and For the Love of a Baby Elephant Part 2 may be an article you would like to read for further insight into their great adventure. I received multiple emails from people wanting to know more and support the organization. It was and remains my pleasure to pass along the information.

Go to this movie!! BORN TO WILD 3D directed by David Lickley and narrated by Morgan Freeman, it is so worth the admission. Whether playing soccer with the elephants, watching the antics of orangutans, scaling up the tall rain forest or flying over Kenya’s landscape you will be captivated and educated by it all. The primary goals are to protect the habitat, support the orphans and release both orangutans and elephants into the environments they were born to roam. Truly noble causes. These two women and all of those who assist deserve their time in the spotlights along with the adorable creatures that share, or shall I say take over the screen.

For more information on how you can give to these projects and adopt an elephant or orangutan go to the links provided or check out my charities page.

Have you heard of Kids Help Phone? Well you are one click away from learning about a very worthwhile organization that helps kids and teens receive access to a counsellor by phone or online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I was introduced to this worthwhile service through a former client who is now proudly working to support Kids Help Phone’s efforts.

Kids from 5 – 20 years of age can get assistance; support through counsel, information and referrals to appropriate social services agencies in their community.  They also offer public education programs to address issues that are important in the lives and protection of our children. From the programs and calls received Kids Help Phone produces research reports that are helpful to parents and youth alike. Discussing topics such as Online Relationships and Internet Safety, Bullying and the growing threat to kids, Cyber-Bullying; all relevant topics to explore.

The mental health of our children  is so important and the reality is they need a place to go without fear of judgement or reprisal for speaking their truth; sharing their feelings with complete anonoymity. Suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety are real issues that some young people face and Kids Help Phone is one service that may save a life. Trying to get access to counselling can be difficult, even adults have trouble finding someone to see right away which can often leave them feeling helpless. Thankfully, if your child needed to reach out and did not feel comfortable to talk with you, there is hope. Wouldn’t you want a professional to step in and help?

On May 1st people across Canada will walk in support of Kids Help Phone. Break the silence of Mental Health – Walk So Kids Can Talk and show you care. Donate, walk or volunteer and be part of helping kids know that somebody will always listen.

The most happiest moments in life come with the giving to strangers. I grew up with the knowledge that it was good to help others; both my parents lived that way. They assisted friends and family even at times when they had little themselves and when more prosperity came they were still in service. Whether in providing shelter, money, labour or time, the giving was quietly rendered.

I pick my charities but promote many and most the time I believe that the money is properly allocated. Recently, I questioned the allocation of resources by one charity.  I made a call to tell them to stop sending me note pads and address labels, “I have enough thank you and I don’t write that many letters to justify this many labels.” I politely explained my concerns and hoped that the money I was sending was going where it was most needed, not on cost associated with these “thank you” items.

The fact is these “thank you” items always come with a note to give more and it was beginning to feel like obligation more than just giving. The nickle received taped to the card, the ready-made address labels and monogrammed note pads seemed all too much. If I give, I don’t expect to receive anything except for the satisfaction of knowing the good that comes from my contribution to that organization. Updates on how they are progressing will suffice. I’m sure there is some logic behind this that makes sense to them but I am one contributor that doesn’t agree.

I hope that my message was received in the spirit it was given. I expect nothing for my decision to give. I give because I can, because I’m passionate about a cause and from that place of passion my heart fills up with joy. To know my baby elephant in Kenya is fed and working its way toward freedom, to know women are funded through education or job development initiatives, to know a children’s charity that assists my niece greatly can continue to help others too or the hospitals that we use can get equipment and build to support the community; those are the benefits associated with my giving.

Charities should see if what they are sending out is truly cost effective or could that money be better spent somewhere else? My call means that now I will only receive a request for donation once a year instead of every month. Hopefully they will resist the urge to send me anymore labels, as pretty as they are I don’t need anything…and that is why I’m giving. How lucky am I.

Please check out my charities page and if you have any organizations you think I should add please email me.

Today, I had an opportunity to fulfill a dream of getting to beloved chairs re-upholstered. I made a conscious choice to look for someone in my community that showed design knowledge and could help me pick the best fabric for such an investment. The other criteria is they had to be a woman in business. Whenever possible I support the businesses of women, some may not agree with me favouring women, specifically, but I love to “pay it forward.” What I mean by that is, women in business got me where I am today it is time to show my respect.

My dear mentor Pat, was one of the first women I admired. Pat worked along side predominantly men but held their respect and respected them. She demonstrated the importance of collaboration with everyone; she also had a good balance between her femininity and strong presence in the face of difficult situations. There have been other women since then who with their expertise provided excellent service, care and mentorship. I meet women all the time who show me a side of business that only through their generosity take me higher in my own development.

My editor and colleague Jill is an example of that generosity. Jill routinely challenges me to dig deeper and we bounce ideas between each other trying to decide whether this is a colour outside the lines or inside the lines project. I work with women through career coaching/facilitating contracts who inspire me; keep me from getting stagnant in my approach to the topics or service. I see their zest for learning and expanding within their professions and I step it up.

The list is long as to how many women in business have supported me and the partnerships with everyone of them are important. Business development and women’s success in both large and small ventures should be celebrated. It is no small feat to do what women do in one day, one week, one year. Sometimes in the face of opposition or stereotypical assumptions. It is no wonder that women do so well as entrepreneurs while wearing their multiple hats… women are not afraid of hard work. Throughout history women in business succeed because they truly have all that it takes.

So, as I enter into this partnership with another woman in business for the purposes of re-imagining old furnishings I can’t help but feel good about my decision. Worldwide there are women wanting to start up their own businesses; giving those women the tools to do so is a worthwhile cause. A healthy country and community grows with the development of its women. Change a woman’s life – support their business – support their dreams.

Women for Women International

Introducing my niece Callie who is raising funds for Variety the children’s charity. This little gal set out to raise $1000.00 for Variety this year and has just surpassed that amount. So, she is asking people to join in to raise more. For those that don’t know my niece, she was born 1.43 ounces but Callie survived and has thrived despite multiple challenges.

As she grows, attends school and becomes involved in activities in her community adaptive equipment is required. It is costly. Her therapy and medical services have been many too but it is all worth it when you see her big smile. If it wasn’t for organizations such as Variety it would be difficult to keep up with the needs of a child like Callie. She is smart and though non-verbal at this time we get to know some of what she would like to say through her board. Pressing buttons she communicates to those around her and continues to expand her vocabulary. We know she would say a big “Thank you” to everyone who gives, serves and sends well wishes for all the children.

When she received her wheelchair, which by the way has to be customized to her body, Callie was excited! She motors around and can interact well with her friends at school. One year for her birthday, all of the kids lined up behind her wheelchair banging pots and making noise along the road in a birthday parade. Even the truckers joined in to honk in celebration!

We take our legs for granted as we walk or run about, we speak without considering what it would like not to have a voice. It is in the spirit of children like Callie that we are asked to rethink what is important in life. The picture you will see in the link I”m providing is her in Whistler during the 2010 Paralympics. She went down the mountain on her sit ski with her father skiing behind as part of the opening ceremony. Bundled up to the max she participated and cheered throughout the parade.

With her parents working hard, saving money and the generosity of others Callie lives and learns. So, check out her site, give if you like or just become informed about the charity itself. That is fine too as knowing these types of charities exist may help someone you know in the future.

Loonies for Love – raising money for Variety

As a proud Aunt I’m about to share with you great news. Our family is so excited, but first  you must know how it came to be.  One Olympic party came to a close and another celebration started, the Paralympic Games. Many determined athletes are competing right now to represent their country and in my opinion to help us realize that nothing is impossible.  It may not get as much coverage as the Olympics but there is just as much enthusiasm and joy, disappointment and dreams fulfilled every day that passes.

Paralympic Games Vancouver

My niece Callie, is participating in the closing ceremony! She is going to be on a sit ski and her father will be right at her side. She came into this world 1 lb 4.3 ounces but she has a mighty spirit, designed to battle through and we are blessed to know her. That infectious smile warms everyone that comes in contact with her and though she can’t communicate verbally she is expressive in so many other ways. Just like any other little child she has friends she has met at school and her cerebral palsy has not stopped her from trying horseback riding, swimming and skiing.

Callie was recently featured in the Variety Clubs Lotto pamphlet with the customized van that was donated to my sister and her husband. This is a such a good organization and we can’t thank them enough for all that they do for families everywhere. Callie is making her mark already in this world in large part to the hard work of her parents but also because of organizations such as Variety. I want to focus on the remarkable gifts that come from knowing children like Callie and the many people who make it possible for them to participate in life in a way the rest of us take for granted.

Callie’s Van

These Paralympians, know this. Not to take anything for granted. I see the value in supporting the organizations who assist children and adults to participate in sport, no matter what their ability level is. There have been many miracles and we truly still don’t know what the human body and brain can accomplish until examples are brought forth such as these. Callie is a symbol of that to me. I don’t know yet what she may say about what she has done in her short years with us, but I bet when she gets to finally communicate she’ll have a lot to share. One of those stories will be the day she sat on a sit ski and sailed down a slope for the Paralympic Closing Ceremony, Vancouver 2010.

It has taken me time to process what is happening in Haiti right now. I have long since learned that sometimes a story or event needs time to unfold so as to better understand it. Our Internet explodes with everyone talking about the earthquake, researching or contributing to Haiti.

Each night since the earthquake hit I found myself, as I climbed into bed, silently realizing how lucky I truly am. I thought about the thousands of people who were going through another night wandering the dark streets, with no food, water or anything else but the clothes on their back. No comfortable bed like I was about to lay down in, no partner to hold or child to kiss goodnight.

If I was in that place, life would look so different and I might have this to share with you:

There is no job for me to go to, call to make, no distractions to shift reality or entertainment to use as an escape. No chance to call a friend or text with trivial updates. What I wear is no longer important, who I am and what I believe is inconsequential. I can vote for nothing and my money (if I have any) barely will help my cause. My safety from dawn to dusk keeps me in a constant state of stress. I am tired but I am afraid to sleep. I have nothing left as my world struggles to be rebuilt from the rubble around me. I’ve never seen anything like it and I don’t want to see anymore.

This is something that most of us will never know, thankfully this suffering may never touch our lives. However, nothing is certain and it is important that when such tragedies befall our fellow world citizens that we not lose sight of the mission.

The mission is to find a way to ease the pain, provide the necessary support in whatever way we can. To not forget at the end and beginning of each day that what we do can impact positively or negatively anyone or anything. We can provide money and aid which is so vitally needed but we must also know that this will be ongoing. It is hard in a world where there are so many who “need” and a small few who have so much power and money that could easily change the course of their lives.

Right now we raise money to erect statues in honor of people who have long since left our midst or give statues to recognize people who are only doing their jobs. Their contribution was greatly appreciated but we could have used the money for a greater purpose, one that may better represent what they stood for in the first place. We build buildings for ourselves to house so much of the benefits of being wealthy when others live in cardboard boxes. We care so much about a designer that we spend what would be someone’s yearly salary on a handbag to carry our money and beauty products. The food we throw away in one week often would feed a family. The complaints we have about our government and how they are not listening to our wants or recognizing our special interests is nothing to worry about in comparison to no honorable government at all.

I hold up hope for Haiti and all the other people who try to rebuild their lives despite natures wrath and/or man-made destruction. It is also my hope that we don’t forget that we are all one event away from such horror and all that you see around you right now will be meaningless. Only your life and your loved ones will matter in the hours and days following.

Donate to the Red Cross or any other reputable organization.

Canadian Red Cross