Giving back is something I have been focused on over the last year. There are a few organizations that are very close to my heart and I wanted to give them a space here.
Love for Lewiston Foundation
“Ronnie Olstad and Jessica Janzen met in 2009 when they worked together at Jugo Juice in Calgary, AB. They became “The Olstads” in 2013 and started their family in April of 2015 with the birth of their first child – Swayzie Grace. Lewiston James was born just 13 months later.
It was on a family vacation to Winnipeg when Lewiston was 2 months old that Jess and Ronnie found out that their son needed medical attention. They had no idea that he would later be diagnosed with SMA, the rare genetic disease Jessica had supported for years before she had children. Lewiston was diagnosed with SMA – Type 1 and was given less than a year to live. Connected by their desire to celebrate the time they were given with Lewiston, Ronnie and Jessica decided to start the Love For Lewiston Foundation, which has raised over $685,000 towards the fight against SMA.
Jessica focuses her efforts on LFL, a clothing line made in Lewsiton’s honour – The Lewiston Label, and maintains a career as a speaker, author, and coach. Her first book “Bring the Joy” was released in 2020.”
https://www.loveforlewiston.com/
This book truly changed my life when I picked it up during one of my darkest seasons. I strongly encourage everyone to read it.
Purchase here: Bring the Joy
Colby Cave Memorial Fund
This story instantly stole and broke my heart when Colby was in the hospital fighting for his life, and I saw people sharing Emily’s posts on Instagram. Emily is a beautiful soul and I have found solace in following her journey since the beginning. She is doing amazing things for children and mental health through the foundation.
Colby Cave Memorial Fund via the Edmonton Oilers
Follow Emily’s journey @em.cave
“Proceeds from the fund will go toward Colby’s Kids – community programs with an emphasis on mental health initiatives via CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health and providing access to sports for underprivileged children via the former Edmonton Oilers 2nd Shift.
Cave made a lasting impact both on and off the ice with the Edmonton Oilers and the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, and before that with the Boston Bruins organization and the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos. Cave was a consummate professional, well-respected by teammates and opponents alike. He was also a committed and positive member of the communities in which he played, eagerly volunteering for charitable initiatives and always stopping to say hi to fans.”
Mito Canada: For Kash
Words from my dear friend Keylea about her sweet boy Kash:
“Kash was born your typical “healthy” baby boy, July 1, 2018, weighing 7.7lbs. Our 3rd baby, we were so in love with our new addition. At 4 months we started noticing some difficulties with Kash, and worked closely with the Edmonton Stollery Hospital for the next year. 23 medical trips were made to Edmonton from Jan-July 2019, searching for answers for our Kash. Kash has a mitochondrial depletion syndrome aka succinctness-CoA ligase deficiency as he has differences in the SUCLA2 gene. What this deficiency means is, you have 2 types of DNA. One type is the nuclear which we all think of. The other type is the mitochondria. Kash has a gene in his mitochondrial that is an extra one. Through my DNA it has shown I am the carrier of this extra gene. If he had 2, that would be fine, but he is lacking one. The mitochondrial genes are what produce energy in your body. Essentially the powerhouse of your cells. So his body has to work so hard to make up for the lack which in turn makes him tire fast, burn calories fast, and work so hard to just to survive. He is also temperature sensitive so can not be in the heat or cold for long as his body has to work so hard to regulate. There is no fix for this. But, Kashs case isn’t typical. So there are no real predictions. We have been given special prescribed vitamins to help aid his body, and he has a G Tube so he can get the proper nutrition and hydration. Kash works weekly with a physiotherapist to strengthen his body, and essentially try to teach him how to move his body in helpful ways. He also has a speech therapist and occupational therapist he sees weekly to work fine motor skills and on a ways we can communicate with Kash, as he is non verbal. Kash is attending Pre K with a full time aide, and he loves it so much!”
Visit the Mito Canada website to get involved and learn more
Every Child Matters
In order for one to completely understand Canadian history we must educate ourselves about the reality and the history of Residential Schools, and how it contributed to shaping our society today. This piece of history was long hidden and overlooked. To understand the weight and importance of this events’ affect on our history we must come to understand what truly happen, and how it is still affecting Indigenous peoples today.
Educate yourself:
Canada’s Dark Secret documentary
Call Me Indian by Fred Saskamoose book
Mamas for Mamas
For mamas, by mamas.
I was raised by a dad who was raised by a single mother. When I first learned about this charity on the Papaya Podcast I thought of the stories that my grandma and dad have shared with me over the years and just absolutely fell in love with the idea behind this. If you are a mama, or know one, please look into this within your local area. The smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference to someone else.
Kindness as a culture, but for mamas… how empowering.
https://www.mamasformamas.org/
Mamas for Mamas Grande Prairie (Facebook support group)
“What if we broke down the barriers of social class and invited mamas of every socioeconomic background to join an online community where everything was free or traded? All baby items, kids’ clothing, gear, and household items that were being sold online were now free. You just had to be kind to your fellow mama to receive what you needed.
Traditional currency presents multiple barriers to struggling families. Kindness as a lifestyle, however, removes those barriers. Beyond that, for those who aren’t struggling financially, the mama community would be a safe space where they could connect to alleviate their emotional poverty and isolation, meet friends, and find that elusive sense of belonging.”
Pictured on the left: my dad with his mom, my sweet Grandma Karen
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