"A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be curious, to fight tirelessly for something." - Paulo Coelho

WHY I'M RIDING FOR SANCTUARY FOR KIDS

Children are born into this world, not by their own choice, but by the choices of others. Often that choice is one of pure love and joy; sometimes it is the opposite. Some children are born into safety and security, while many others find themselves without right from the start. I have seen the results of this reality far too often during my time volunteering across the US and abroad. Children and youths are some of this world's most vunerable creations, and when their foundation is ripped out from under them it becomes necessary for someone to step up and become their advocates. 

Though it might not always seem like it, the world is full of beautiful and altrusitic people who are stepping up - but this work is hard and grueling and so often comes up against difficult obstacles. This is where an amazing organization comes into play. I came across a non-profit group called Sanctuary for Kids and knew that I wanted to do whatever I could to support them in their mission. Sanctuary for Kids assists childrens charities around the world through criticial funding and support. One hundred percent of these efforts goes directly to the organizations, allowing them to continue and expand their important services and meet the direct needs of the children and youth in their areas. Sanctuary for Kids currently provides support and services for youth housing programs, homes for orphaned and abandoned children, educational support for children and youths, and rehabilition services for victims of sex-trafficking, abuse, and child labor. Through their hard work and effort, they have created a network that can positively improve the lives of so many, many children. 

So in the spirit of stepping up I have chosen to challenge myself to do something I never thought possible; I am going to ride in the Cycle to the Sun event held here on my home island of Maui. It is a 36 mile race up 10,023 feet of incline to the top of the Haleakala Crater. I want the efforts put forth to achieve this goal to go towards raising money for Sanctuary for Kids. Therefore, I am setting a goal of $3,600, or $100 dollars for each mile.  Each mile I race, each dollar we raise together, will go farther and impact more children because of the network Sanctuary for Kids has worked so tirelessly to establish. If you are so inclined, I'd love for you to consider supporting this goal by sponsoring me for a mile, half-mile, or whatever you might be able to contribute. Mahalo to you all for taking the time to learn about this organization and for your support, in whatever form that may be!

To learn more about the amazing work that Sanctuary for Kids does, please check them out at: https://sanctuaryforkids.org