THANKS FOR SUPPORTING ME!

You all know how near and dear the Cedar Centre is to my heart - I started late this year, but am just as enthusiastic as ever about raising money to help those impacted by childhood interpersonal trauma.

WOO-HOO!!!!  My first day of campaigning, and you lovely people have already pushed past both my and Vixon's Villagers' initial fundraising goals.  Time to level up - thank you so much!!

I'm excited to be in the RIDE and fundraising for one of my favourite charities who brings hope, safety and freedom to people in their community of care. Thanks - you're the best! #ride25

Every good fundraising request starts with a good story - here is mine!

Once again this fall, I'm taking part in the Ride for Refuge. raising money for a charity that's close to my heart, the Cedar Centre, which helps children, youth, and adults recover from the impact that interpersonal childhood trauma has had on their lives.  Not only is it ever-so-capably and compassionately run by my bestest sisterfriend since grade two, it is the place I wish existed when I was a kid (and could have helped me avoid a whole lot o' repetitive behaviour in my adult relationships, LOL).  They provide FREE programs and services for families and individuals, including outreach and prevention programs, the child, youth & family program, the adult program (for those still needing to heal from their childhood trauma), the newcomers' health & well-being program, and their anti-human trafficking program.

As many of you already know, I live with complex post-traumatic stress injuries from a childhood that included sexual abuse and incest, addicted family systems, caregiver mental health issues and narcissistic abuse (yup, I'm an overachiever!).  These were long left untreated until a stroke of luck allowed me to afford proper trauma therapy in my 40s - but not before being compounded by a series of marriages that repeated those old familiar patterns.  I try to avoid the "what if"-s in life, but I can't help but wonder how different my life would have been if I'd been able to access a program like the Cedar Centre early on, and hadn't had to wait for "dumb luck" to allow me to afford the treatment I needed?

I am a fierce supporter of the Cedar Centre and all the work they do, and am always willing and eager to help them financially.  But I'm also eager to make sure that everyone who might need their services knows that they're there. 

So even if you aren't able to support my ride financially this year, could you please support them by telling three people about the Centre? 

(Even if you don't think they're in need of their services... believe me, you never know who might be in need of their services, or know someone who does.  Six in ten children report maltreatment before the age of 15 in Canada!!!)

Will you donate to me as I fundraise to help the Cedar Centre continue helping more people in need?  No matter how small, your donation will make a huge difference.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and hey - if you're looking for something fun and active to do, let me know. Ali and I would love the company on Team Vixon's Villagers!

Thanks for your support!
Alyssa