PLEASE READ AND RESPOND IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE THE PERSON(S) WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Hi friend. If you have known me long enough, you know I rarely sit still, laugh a lot, and at times, can be pretty intense. I have enjoyed many work adventures from tree planting to bartending to municipal program development. Now I am a family and youth counsellor and CEO of the not-for-profit, "It Takes 2 (IT2) Youth Leadership Institute." I'm smiling as I write this because I know this is what I am meant to do. If you have found your "one thing" then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't yet, I encourage you to look inside; not out.
Starting April 29, 2013, my first act as CEO will be to bicycle from Vancouver Harbour to the top of Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland to raise money for our charity's signature program, the "It Takes 2 Tandem Bike Ride for Youth at Risk." A program that connects youth at risk with police officers in a cross-country, provincial relay on tandem bicycles; the first of its kind in the World. Very cool stuff.
The whole trip is almost 8000 km. The other day I realized just how far that really is. The most I have ever ridden is 100 km and that was when I was 22; now I'm 44. And I do not even have a proper bike yet! Am I worried? Nope. Cause, I have faith, purpose, padded bicycle shorts and great people support.
I will be stopping in at 50+ Police Service units, talking to 1000's of High School students, and connecting up with program sponsors along the way. The "RideofPromise.com" website is almost done and will be launched in the next 2 weeks.
There is still a tremendous amount of work to do though. We need to get final approvals, create the youth leadership program curriculum, secure sponsorship and funding for the next three years, develop our Board bylaws, put drywall up in the Institute, hire staff, get an RV (and a bike)...this list just grows.
I have been working on this program for the last three years and have now joined with 14 of the most amazing and passionate volunteers who do what they can, where they can: Shelley Harris, Nashila Dharshi, Tia Graham, Pete Twiss, Lethbridge Chief of Police Tom McKenzie, Constable Dan Fraser, Constable Russell Hodgins, Keith Shirley, Connie Fraser, Leanne Meek, Fred Sarkari, Richard Amaral, Dino Cabalfin & Beni Johnson. There is no way we would be where we are without their hours of work, dedication and commitment to our shared mission: "To create exceptional youth leaders through partnerships." In short, "We Make Wow."
Here are a couple of our WOW examples:
Nic Lepchuk. Nic is an IT2 Youth Ambassador and program spokesperson. After being jumped and swarmed by a group of teen boys, Nic forgave his attackers and now at the age of 13, IT2 will help Nic fulfill his dream; to be a paid keynote speaker and by the age of 14, he will be a published author.
Isaiah Kuhn. Isaiah is a young boy with Aspergers who at the age of 5 started his own charity work and at the age of 13 will head up our Police Appreciation Division.
Friends, seriously...we haven't even begun our official program yet! Just think of all the lives we can transform together; think of all the WOW we can make together!
Here's where you come in. I know you're probably already busy and stretched for time as it is. But we need the help, leadership, and energy of visionary, dedicated, and imaginative people that can take a lead in your circle of influence; your community, workplace, or church to help organize your own unique fundraising event for IT2. It could be a community garage sale, a dance party, a sporting event, a workplace challenge, or private donations from wealthy or everyday philanthropists. We want to inspire you enough to do your own thing to help in our shared efforts. That is what community is all about.
If you or someone you know can answer this call and are interested in helping us out with our fundraising efforts for the 2013 "Ride of Promise" and beyond, please contact me as soon as possible at:
mr.derrickshirley@gmail.com
Because our program impacts youth all across the country, it doesn't matter whether you're in London, Calgary, Vancouver, Moose Jaw, or St. John's. Whatever you can do, no matter how small or how great will make a difference. Your efforts will help another teenager avoid a life of confusion and hardship, help another young life end in triumph rather than suicide, and help us make more WOW.
Oh and if you're really up to the challenge, we will likely need a community fund raising coordinator to manage all of the community fund raising projects we will soon have!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY WITH THOSE WHO ARE READY TO DO SOMETHING MORE. YOUR MORE AND THEIRS, MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
For more information or to simply make a donation visit:
http://www.derrickshirley.com/It_Takes_2.html
Thank you so much,
Derrick Shirley
Twitter: derrickshirley
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