Hi friends!

I know times are different right now. Everything is uncertain, things are a bit up in the air, and there is a new and constant pressure to guard ourselves from a pandemic in ways that we never could have anticipated.

I know that I've been lucky through the entire thing. I've got a great job, I can pay my rent, and I can keep food on the table and (mostly) work from home. My risk is low, and my good fortune is high.

But I also know, because I work at United Way of the Lower Mainland, that this isn't the case for everybody. This pandemic has triggered a hunger crisis, a mental health crisis, and a community crisis that continues to expand. More and more people are dependent on the aid of charities like United Way to get the basic things that they need and deserve to live their life with dignity.

If you are able to, consider donating to United Way's ClimbUP event and help make our communities a bit more inclusive, a bit healthier, and a bit better for everybody right now.

(And, if you donate, I promise to send you a personalized card thanking you. Who doesn't like snail mail in the 21st Century?)