Hi friends,

I never post things like this, so please take some time to read further as this is very important to me.

In just over a month's time, I'll be racing to the top of Grouse Mountain with my colleagues from RED Academy Vancouver to raise money for vulnerable kids in need via the United Way's "School's Out" program. This particular fundraising avenue means a lot to me, as I know firsthand the risks associated with a lack of positive social, emotional and educational support for kids in Vancouver.

In 2008, I lost my older brother to the DTES. Because of this, I spent my entire University education researching the protective factors of programs just like the United Way's "School's Out", as I wanted to understand more than just the causes of mental health and addiction. I wanted to understand what could be done to protect our most vulnerable kids from the same fate that so many have or are currently facing alone.

What I learned is that there's a great deal of research that shows just how important programs like "School's Out" are in guiding our youth towards better futures. I also know that these programs are typically underfunded and understaffed, which makes this effort even more important - and something to think about with the upcoming election.

Please click the link below to donate to myself and my team and share this post amongst your friends. It would mean the world to me, but more importantly, you'll be helping local youth to have a chance at a better future.

Love you all,

Becky