♥ Sunday November 10th 2019
That’s the date for the 10th Annual Build a Better You fundraiser benefiting the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Our theme this year: BETTER TOGETHER
Once again this year, I’ll be combining two passions; yoga, a practice that is ultimately about presence, compassion and love; and the Montreal Children’s Hospital, which many years ago, my family benefited from in a very personal way. I for one will never stop showing our gratitude.
This year, you’re asked to bring ONE additional friend/acquaintance to the fundraiser!
WHY? Because we’re BETTER TOGETHER.
We’re looking to break records in terms of funds raised for the Children’s, and I’m counting on your support.
You, and your friends.
The hour-long yoga practice welcomes ALL LEVELS from beginner to advanced… the practice is non-competitive, we encourage you to do what feels good in your body!
My story and my motivation for this fundraiser.
Many years ago, one of my boys had to be hospitalized for over two weeks. It was one of the scariest times of our lives, which thankfully, had a happy ending (a healthy child). One of the things that sticks out in my mind is that I would walk around the Children’s Hospital during those long nights, and I would notice a lot of small children, some of them infants, alone in their cribs, crying. My heart sank. I wanted to go in and quiet them, hug them. I felt so sorry for them, not only because they were stuck in a hospital room with G-d knows what ailment, but to compound it, they were alone.
I remember distinctly “judging” their parents. I’m not proud of it, but I’m being honest. I asked myself how a parent could leave an infant alone, while they were sick in the hospital? My husband and I were tag-teaming being by our sons bedside 24 hours a day. One morning, I was so distraught over this that I asked the nurse on duty where these parents were. She must have noted the tone of my voice because she went on to answer me as follows; “You must understand that you are in the fortunate position of being able to be here with your child, day and night. Many of these children have parents that live very far away, or even if they live nearby, they cannot afford to miss work to be in the hospital with their child. These kids have to make it through on their own, because their parents are working two or three jobs just to provide for their children’s care. They simply cannot afford to be here.”
Well… that certainly put me in my place. I was quite ashamed of having questioned these parents ability to stay away.
Some people literally have no choice. They are broken hearted, but they must be away in order to provide for the additional expenses associated with their child’s illness.
I do this fundraiser for those parents.
Yoga often references our relationship to each other and to our community; it highlights the importance of being aware and then combining that awareness with compassion and with action, in order to make our world a little better.
10 years ago, I began this Fundraiser out of gratitude, and to pay it forward; show those families that we understand their plight.
It has grown from raising $750 in its first year, to raising over $7500 last year!
Our “little fundraiser” has donated close to $35,000 to the Montreal Children’s Hospital over the past 9 years.
This year, the $$$ goal is simple!
$10,000 in our 10th year!
100% of the proceeds go to the Tiny Tim Fund, which provides much needed financial support to families of sick kids. These funds help parents buy expensive medications and wheelchairs, help with the costs of special diets, transportation costs, accommodations and meals for parents that live out-of-town. Anything to help the family deal, during this stressful time.
Please grab a friend & join me on Sunday November 10th @ 11AM.
We truly are BETTER TOGETHER.
Ready to sign up? https://fondationduchildren.com/en/fundraising/10th-annual-build-a-better-you-yoga-thon-fundraiser
Need some musical inspiration? HERE is our THEME SONG for this 10th year!
With love and thanks ♥