Theme: Social

Experience #29-30 Charitable donation

I am blessed. My life at the moment is great. I have the best husband, EVER! I love my career, my co-workers, and my clients. I have been guided by my financial adviser, Daniela, to put money aside for the future... Things are running smoothly. Simon and I have been giving to charities for many years. We chose a broad reaching, local foundations, that help families and individuals. This year we searched out other organisations and 2 rang true for me.

#29 Sponsoring a child though Plan Canada.
I chose to sponsor a little girl in Nepal. I am aware of the mistreatment of girls in many countries. My monthly contribution will go to provide her with adequate nutrition, water, sanitation, health care, education, and family income so her parents can support their children.

Founded in 1937, Plan Canada is one of the world’s oldest and largest charities, working to end global poverty. Inclusive of all faiths and cultures, Plan has only one purpose: to improve the lives of children.

#30 Silent auction fundraiser: We went to a e-women's network fundraiser for Bridges for women and Transition house. Chatting with all those professional women working on supporting their sisters who have experienced abuse, violence and neglect brought back to me my life "before Simon". It seems so far from my present reality, but I still feel some lingering effects from my own past, living with an abusive man. I was made to feel like second hand goods, worthless. If it wasn't for my mother and father  packing my possessions early one morning and literally putting me on that flight to Edmonton, Lord knows where I would be today. I have reached out to the women of Bridges and hope to be a mentor to someone working on re-creating herself. The fundraiser collected over $20,000 for both organisations. Bridges for women:

Bridges is a gutsy, innovative community agency. their employment training and supportive programs inspire women impacted by violence or abuse, to reclaim their lives and build economic security. Bridges draws on its extensive knowledge of the impacts of abuse on employability, to provide education, training and consulting to community agencies, employers, and government.
Every woman affected by violence or abuse will have the economic security to sustain herself and her family, in safety, health and freedom.

Transition House:

Regaining our lives, we regain self-respect.
Since 1975, several thousand women have come to their doors looking for help, seeking a brighter future for themselves and their children.Victoria Women’s Transition House Society has been there to provide a safe, welcoming shelter, respectful counselling, support and advocacy. A lot has changed in 35 years. But our purpose has stayed the same - to provide a helping hand and a safe place for women to envision a new future.