This fall (eww, hate to use the word 'fall', but there it is...) I'll be involved in a few different charity events that I'd like to share with you, in case you would be interested in some of them - or maybe even all of them!
These organizations all have in common the fact that they make a difference in the lives of patients and families who have been impacted by cancer, and two of them are especially significant to us because their focus is on children and young people.
I know there are many, many worthy causes competing for your donations these days, so I'll put this list and the links out there for your consideration. Please feel free to forward this post (highlight and select the content, and then paste into the body of an email) and send it on to other friends or organizations (like your employers, perhaps?) who might be able to help make a difference. (If you copy and paste the post, the links should be transported as well.)
I also know that money isn't everything, so even if you can't donate funds, please consider contacting the sponsoring groups and seeing how you might volunteer and help them out.
In theory, it would be better if I would focus my efforts on one charity, right? But each of these groups have their own specific focus, and each play a very valuable role. So I'll leave it to you to decide which ones strike a chord within you.
Note: Bolded, bright blue text represent clickable links.
August 26, 2011
In support of: Sears National Kids Cancer Ride & Coast to Coast Against Cancer
Pizza + Pasta Night
The 4 Seasons, 909 E Arcola Avenue, Regina
6 to 9 PM, tickets are $20 each
Accomplishments: $1 Million donation in 2010 to Canadian children's oncology centres for research, part of $4.7 Million raised in 2010. 100% of every dollar raised by both Sears Kids Cancer Rider and the Coast to Coast against Cancer Foundation goes to charity!
To support this event: contact Diana, dkoleni@sears.ca or call us at home to purchase tickets
September 18, 2011
In support of: The Terry Fox Foundation
Terry Fox Run
Regina Wascana Park, starting at T.C. Douglas Building (3475 Albert St.)
Registration is at 8:00 a.m & the run begins at 9:30 a.m.
Accomplishments: $550 Million raised for cancer research since Terry's run across Canada in 1980. 85% of every dollar raised goes to research! Tax receipts are issued for donations.
To support this event: Run/walk or roll - sign up to join the event! Or, if you are looking for someone to sponsor, I'd be grateful for your support - please click on the link below to go to my page:
Pledge in support of Marilyn Fahlman for Terry Fox Run 2011
October 15, 2011
In support of: Children's Wish Foundation
Wishmaker Walk for Wishes
RCMP Training Academy, 11th Ave entrance
Walk begins at 11:00 a.m. followed by a celebration at 12:00 noon
Accomplishments: 628 wishes granted to date this year to kids 17 and under who are dealing with a life-threatening medical condition. As you know, Tom's wish was granted in January 2011, sending our family on a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean cruise. 86% of every dollar raised goes to supporting wishes for kids! Tax receipts are issued for donations.
To support this event: Sign up to participate in a Wishmaker event near you! Or if you prefer, sponsor our team, Hope 4 Childhood cancer (or any individual member of our team) by clicking on the following link:
Pledge in support of Hope 4 Childhood Cancer for Wishmaker Walk 2011
And one other special appeal that I would like to add
Ongoing
Although not related specifically to our journey with cancer, as a parent, this issue moves me deeply.
In support of: The Humanitarian Coalition
Major Non-government agencies (CARE, Oxfam, Save The Children Canada and Plan Canada) have formed a humanitarian coalition. There is an urgent need to aid famine victims in drought-stricken East Africa. At least 10 children are dying every day in Ethiopia because of the famine. We are so blessed here - it seems hard to imagine that anyone should ever go hungry.
The Canadian government has agreed to match all donations in aid of East Africa relief, providing the donation is made before September 16, 2011. Tax receipts are issued for donations.
To support this charity: Make a donation to support the Humanitarian Coalition or to another Canadian registered charity of your choice before September 16, 2011. To be eligible for government matching, the funds must be specifically earmarked for the East Africa drought.
Thanks again for your consideration, please contact me if you have any questions.
All the best,
Thomas' Mom
