Monthly Archives: June 2010
Home for Single Mothers
Anna Zmorzynska’s project in Landmark Education’s self-expression and leadership programme was to raise money for a home for single mothers in Kirov, Russia.
The project, which was featured in a wide range of media outlets such as the Polish Observer, a Polish language news weekly released in the UK, involved a charity concert held June 27 at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in London. With entertainment provided by a gospel choir, attendees were encouraged to contribute to the cause.
Zmorzynska’s project, which she titled ‘Music for Bethlehem in Vyatka’ (Vyatka is the old name for Kirov) was designed to support a Roman Catholic priest, Father Grzegorz Zwolinski, in his efforts to aid single mothers. According to the Polish Observer, there are very few social services provided to aid mothers and their children.
Currently Father Zwolinski aids 11 mothers with food, lodging, clothing and supplies – through the project Zmorzynska is seeking to raise enough money for Zwolinski to set up a home for single mothers and their children to safely live in.
For more information, go to http://catholic.mainsolution.ru/ or email Zwolinski at annazmorzynska@hotmail.com.
Boot Camp for Young Entrepreneurs
This is an update on an earlier story about a camp for young entrepreneurs In British Columbia created by Pamela Secord as her project in the Landmark Education SELP. The first article described the project; this one describes the results as noted by Secord herself in the Bradner Barker.
Young Entrepreneurs Dream It, Then Do It
I have been moved by many things in my life but I have to say this one takes the cake. On March 20, 21 and 28 a Youth Entrepreneur Bootcamp was held at Bradner Hall. I took on a project to move and inspire my community and it seemed to grab hold and soon snowballed into what can only be described as wondrous.
The Bootcamp was attended by close to 55 young adults between ages 18 to 34 who were invited to participate in an effort to help them find a direction and career path for their lives. It was very moving to see these young people come into the Bootcamp on the first day being in the area of wanting and hoping and then by the end of the weekend they were all in action. Many of Bradner’s most successful entrepreneurs gave their time as mentors, advising participants about some of the pitfalls and successes they had experienced along their own career paths.
By the end of the first weekend the young people had their business plans figured out and were actually setting goals and putting their visions into action. They were told that if they were passionate about their vision and willing to stay in action, then everything else would fall into place. These amazing young people were both brilliant and very eager to be successful. One fellow said he had hear this before in university, but as part of the Bootcamp he learned what was missing – ACTION. He had lots of knowledge, which was great, but no tools with which to get his plan into gear.
After the initial weekend, the participants were given “Homework†assignments. In other words, told to start finding ways to put their plans into action. Each participant was offered 3 conference calls for support during their Action Week. I was very pleased to see them use the calls and was amazed at how much action was being taken. Almost all of the young people left the Bootcamp ready to begin the adventure of starting their own company and designing their own career path. I am continuing to receive emails letting me know what they are up to and it is so exciting!
I would like to send out sincere thanks to the following. Without your help and support, this event would never have taken place.
Landmark Education (Vancouver) for if I would not be attending the Self-Expression and Leadership program I would never have had the opportunity to create my project, through which so many lives were touched.
The young adults who took the time to attend this 3 day Youth Entrepreneur Bootcamp. I really appreciate what effort and commitment it took to participate in this event.
Tana Plewes for being my inspiration. Without Tana I may have chosen a different project. As founder of the Discovery Center for Entrepreneurship and creator of Possibliity.ca, she recruited our panel of experts: Chad Gibson and Associates, Mark Holland-RADplus, Jeff Baker-Positive Futures, and Simon Levin-AnK Apparel. The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (www.cybf.ca) is offering startup loans up to $15,000 to qualified participants intent on launching their new business. These leaders were absolutely phenomenal and were so committed to helping the kids to take the steps needed to have their dreams become real.
The production team who helped me set up and assisted as and when needed. The team included my lovely husband, Bob Secord, Sharon Smit, Debra Brandt, Emily Thoen, Dakota Barker, Kathy Nipkow, Ruby Jaggernath, and Mandy Kidd.
Mt. Lehman Credit Union manager Gene Blishen for being my first supporter who made me realize I really could pull this project off. Also for donations of prizes, advertising, photocopying and to Dawn Collins from the credit union who patiently spent time with me on the photocopying.
Bradner Elementary’s Sharon Christian and Principal Harold Feiter for loaning me the use of many things from the school.
Bradner Community Club for donating the use of the hall and any members who helped me have things run smoothly.
Anny Kosovic for designing my flyer.
Aldersgrove Credit Union for donating pens, cash which was put toward refreshments and stress balls for all the participants which, but the way were a huge hit.
Elsie Weiss (Aldercenter Remax Realty), Sue Hunt (Sunset Gourment Consultant and Hunt Security Systems), Bob and Wendy Hauser (WEstcoast Amusements) for prize donations.
Wilway Lumber, Chuck Webb (Fraser Financial Group), Dr. Schlagntweit, Rone Price (President and CEO of the Abbotsford International Airshow) and the Bradner Barker who donated money in support of this event.
Finally, thanks to the Mentors who are indeed a special group. They have generously agreed to offer their support and expertise to the Bootcamp participants for the next month. Carryl Peters, Bruce Fatkin, Debra Brandt, Lois Dyck, Elsie Weiss, Gord Beebe, Arnold Falk, Herbie & Lorraine Feischel, Miki Boleen, Donna Dixon, Consuelo Clarke , and Ruby Jaggernath.
Comedy Night Supports Hola
LeeAnn Robinson gives report of a project created in Landmark Education’s self-expression and leadership program: a comedy night fundraiser for Hola, Heart of Los Angeles, an organization that promotes opportunities for underserved youth in that city. The event, which is being held on July 6, will specifically raise money for Camp Inspiration, a three day camp for young people about to enter high school that involves leadership and team-building activities.
Tickets for the event, which is taking place at The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, cost $20 – the event begins at 6:30pm. To buy tickets or learn more about the event, email CampInspiration@aol.com or call Robinson at 310-683-9966.
Formed almost 20 years ago, HOLA has a unique partnership with the city of Los Angeles, leading to the creation of open space facilities for inner city youth – a soccer field, gym, and basketball courts. HOLA’s volunteer program, which includes experts in a variety of fields, supports youth ages 6-19 in fulfilling all their potential.
Caring for Dying Children in Developing Countries
Children in the developing world who suffer from terminal illnesses often spend their last days alone in poverty, misery and fear. Marie Wrinn, a nurse by training, formed the organization No Child Dies Alone to impact this situation and make sure quality hospice care is provided to children around the world. Her work initially began as a project in Landmark Education’s SELP course and evolved into what it is today.
In 2007 Wrinn heard of the work being done by an organization called Sunflower House in South Africa, and she began with a simple garage sale to support their efforts. In 2008 she visited Sunflower House to see how No Child Dies Alone could positively impact their efforts. Last year, Wrinn went to Honduras to assess conditions there at a children’s cancer clinic and hospital.
Wrinn saw how basic pedicatric hospice training could make a huge difference for caregivers, patients and family members. No Child Dies Alone is committed to delivering the tools by which caregivers can take care of children, their families and themselves.
This fall Wrinn is delivering a caregiver wellness presentation to an international audience of children’s hospice professionals at the Children’s Hospice International World Congress in Washington, DC. To find out more about No Child Dies Alone and the work they are doing, or to make a donation, visit them online at http://nochilddiesalone.org
‘Singles in the City’ Raises Over 20k for Cancer Centre
Rachel Raucci put on a singles event/cancer centre fundraiser as her project in Landmark Education’s SELP – dubbed lovecology, the event, held last November 21, raised over $20,000 for the St. Vincent’s Hospital Cancer Centre in Victoria, Australia.
The event, dubbed ‘Lovecology’ was attended by over 500 singles, according to reports. Held at the CQ Function Centre in Melbourne, the event delivered free champagne and food to attendees as well as a variety of raffled prizes donated by corporate sponsors.
The event was a dress-up affair, with a $60 ticket price. DJ’d by Mark Pellegrini and Andreas, and featured a performance by the ‘lovecology’ dancers. To find out more about St. Vincent’s foundation and the work that they do, please go to http://www.stvfoundation.com.au.
What Would Men Say?
Andrea Schell created a web series about what men really think about women, relationships and commitment, titled ‘What Would Men Say?’ The web series, which was Schell’s project when she took part in the self-expression and leadership program by Landmark Education, features videos with a few men of different backgrounds on Commitment, being a man, women’s bodies, and other related issues.
Schell also has a website which gives more information, including an ongoing blog, located at http://whatwouldmensay.com. Here is Schell’s latest video focusing specifically on commitment:
