My Journey to a Healthy New Beginning

In the past 6 years I have been incredibly touched by our amazing community! Many of your might already know my personal struggle with cancer which I overcame and I am close to being 3 years cancer free this coming March 2010. When I was undergoing my radiation treatment I understood the power of visualization and would picture spending my two year anniversary of being cancer free in the Highlands of Scotland getting in touch with my heritage. I then travelled to discover Ireland where I met some wonderful locals who took me in and basically adopted me while I was there. They shared their personal account of their struggles with me and I was changed forever. I spoke with many people about their experiences and it dawned on me that what they wanted to really get through to me was that even through all the violence and troubles there was normal day to day living- they loved, they played and they relied on their family bonds which were strengthened. I left Ireland and Scotland with an intense desire to give back, not only within my own community but globally.

Since returning in March 2009 I have received funding from the Ontario government to go back to school in order to take the Recreation and Leisure program at Algonquin College. It’s a very fine balancing act of still being a full time Mom to my 14 year old son Nicholas and my 5 year old daughter Hannah, a full time student and a part time employee at The Scottish and Irish Store.

It’s my mission to start changing our global world from the inside out and really focusing on giving back. So many people including strangers reached out to me and my children during my own health struggles that this desire is so intense that I am acting on it with full force.

Within my program I have been given an incredible opportunity to be part of a group of 10 from my program to start this personal mission. Although a fortunate country in many ways, Fiji is still a developing nation. Average wages for unskilled workers is about $50 per week with this figure even lower within remote communities. Although tourism has bought prosperity to some fortunate Fijian’s, many of the large resorts and operators are foreign operated with profit’s headed overseas. Even so, the Fijian people remain endearingly optimistic and welcoming.

This amazing opportunity takes place in May 2010. I will help to provide remote villages with access to fresh water (building fresh water reserves with access to each home), restore local school equipment and teach English to primary school children. I have the opportunity to help out in the local school teaching English through basic lessons and games and also restoring the school equipment and buildings.  Furthermore, I will be helping to run basic workshops demonstrating proper hygiene techniques.

In Fiji, Volunteer Eco Students Abroad (VESA) works closely in conjunction with the PCDF (Partners In Community Development Fiji) The PCDF are a local NGO whom also work with organizations such as UNICEF and the European Union in various environmental and community projects.

In order to make this incredible opportunity a reality I need to raise $1995 CDN plus the cost of a flight which will be approximately $800 CDN. I need to raise the full funds by the end of March 2010 and I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

ü  I need ideas for fundraising!

ü  I need donations! If you are interested in sponsoring me then please contact me and we can discuss further!

ü  I will be receiving a sponsoring package from VESA and will continually update this page with the status of donations!

ü  Date of Trip: Fiji Islands (May 8-May 22, 2010)

Xoxo!