Going out on a limb

On January 24th, in a seize the day kind of moment, I launched an ambitious initiative to raise money for Kenya -- The Canada to Kenya Challenge.  I gathered a team of people together to collectively run the distance from Vancouver to Kenya... that's 15,000 KMs, with a goal of raising $15,000 ($1/km) to provide opportunity through mentorship and entrepreneur training to women and disadvantaged youth in rural Kenya.  I signed up for the Edge to Edge Marathon which would mark the final KMs of the challenge. 

Six days later, Dad died.

Needless to say, I lost my spark and the challenge was the furthest thing from my mind.  But just as life keeps on living all around us, the challenge carried on without me.  People kept running and logging their mileage; the challenge had taken on a life of it's own.  I did begin running again, for Dad and for Kenya.  The group met the challenge and have run all the way to Kenya -- over 15,000KM!  This Sunday is the Edge to Edge Marathon in Tofino.  I will be running the Half Marathon to mark the finale to the Canada to Kenya Challenge.

We have fallen short of our fundraising goal, however -- who would have guessed that asking for money was harder than running across continents and oceans?  I will take the lead on the asking part...

To support our work in Kenya, please make your tax deductible donation here.  (http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=10931).

I'd like you to consider if $660 would change your life.  I have personally put in 660km for this challenge.  And I am asking, if it won't change your financial life, if you would consider pledging $660 ($1 for each of my kilometres).  It is a lot to ask, I know. 

I can tell you that $660 will definitely change the lives of many, hard working, responsible, deserving young people in Kenya.  The opportunity this money can bring will change the course of so many lives for generations to come.  I know, I've seen it first hand.

At the Gordon Harmon Memorial run last weekend, Julie Miller told a story about Dad fundraising for the Rotary Seawalk Run.  He had signed Prudential Sussex Realty on as a title sponsor.  Julie said that he had forgotten about the money part of the sponsorship and had one hour to raise $10,000 to honour the sponsorship.  He asked individual realtors to write a cheque, on the spot, for $750.  He said it in a way like there wasn't really a choice and it would be a good business move for those who did it.  In one hour, he had the $10,000 needed.

Dad also used to tell me that when someone would ask him for change on the street, he would tell them if they want to get ahead,they should be asking for bills, not small change.

So, here is the link for tax deductible donations http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=10931.  Whether you choose to pledge $660 or more, or $20 or whatever feels right for you, know that you donation will make a life changing difference in a family's life.

I would love to share stories from Kenya if you would like to hear more, please don't hesitate to contact me.  You can read our blog from our first trip here http://tntinkenya.blogspot.com/ and follow it when we return to Kenya at the end of this year.  You can read more about the Canada to Kenya Challenge here.

Thank you for your kind support -- whether it is backed with dollars or with love. 

I just had to ask.

Love, Tanya


Tanya Harmon
2952 Lupton Road
Courtenay, BC  V9N 3V3
(250) 334-8045

Donate here http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=10931