This photo of Linda, Jamie and I was taken last summer during a beautiful week that we spent on a lake in Ontario. Looking at today, it is hard to believe that this was our last family vacation before Linda passed away on December 30th. As I look at that photo, I am filled with both happiness and deep sadness; happiness because it was the most wonderful time of just being together as a family - relaxing on the dock, floating on the lake, and having fun, but also sadness because Jamie and I so wish that Linda was still here with us.
If you knew Linda well, you would have known that she was passionate about those in the world that are vulnerable, without hope. The work she established in Cambodia between Tenth Church and several local partner organizations still goes on today impacting the lives of thousands and thousands on people.
Ever year, without fail, Linda would pull on her shoes with Jamie and I, and take part in Walk the Wall. She did it because she believed that vulnerable children such as those that ICC serves deserve to not only be remembered, but given the opportunity to live the lives that they were created for.
This year Jamie and I will once again Walk the Wall. We will walk for China's most vulnerable children, but as we do so we will also be remembering Linda and honouring her.
I know that many of you carry your own memories of Linda, and your own deep sadness at losing her, and so I want to ask you to turn that sadness and loss into something that brings life and joy. Would you consider sponsoring Jamie and I as we walk? Would you help give struggling families that have a child with a disability the opportunity to move from merely surviving to thriving? Would you help children that have experienced abandonment to become part of a new family - the ICC family.
What kind of difference does your giving make?
For Jia Xin and her mother, connecting with ICC was literally the difference between life and death. Driven to deep despair as she was unable to find the support she needed for her daughter, Jia Xin's mother decided the best way forward was to kill her daughter and then commit suicide. It was, providentially, at that time that Jia Xin's mother met staff from ICC's Family Partners Program. As a team of ICC social workers, physical therapists and special educators came around Jia Xin and her mother hope was born. The support, therapy, and education that Jia Xin and her mother received transformed their lives and brought hope. Today Jia Xin's mother is one of ICC's biggest advocates, telling families of the hope that can be found in the midst of caring for a child with disabilities.
This is one story from the many thousands that I could tell. Each story is more than just mere words - each story is a testimony to a changed life, to hope and a future.
Please give generously and help me reach the largest Walk the Wall goal that my family has ever set.
Oh yes, and if you are free then please join Jamie and I on October 1st and walk with us in honour of Linda and for children that desperately need our help. There is no big organized Walk the Wall event this year, and so you would be walking just with Jamie and I. We'd enjoy your company as we remember and walk.
Much love and thanks for standing with us.
David and Jamie
Join us for Walk the Wall on September 24, 2022
For 15 years we have walked the wall because we believe that it is the right and JUST way to support children with disabilities in China. Our theme, 'Just Move' means we will take action and raise the necessary funds to give children the love, hope and opportunity they need to thrive. Join today to help build a brighter and more JUST future for the children and families we serve.
ICC is working to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children in China. By participating in Walk the Wall on September 24, 2022 you are providing life-changing opportunities for thousands of children and young people, including:
- Providing 24hr care for 180 children and youth in our family-style group homes with love and compassion in Changsha and HengYang
- Surrounding hundreds of families in need with support who are caring for a child with a disability at home, so they know they aren't alone
- Bringing vocational and job opportunities to young people with disabilities to enable them to reach their full potential
Walk the Wall Canada 2022 will once again respect the current guidelines regarding large gatherings and encourage participants to walk individually or with a small group in their own cities. While we hope to return to the larger WTW events in the future we know that every person that walks in their community is making a difference in the lives of children in China. Thank you so much for continuing to make Walk the Wall a success year after year!
Watch our Short Walk the Wall Promo Video! (40 sec)
Walk the Wall How To's:
- Choose where you'd like to walk on Sept 24 (or feel free to choose a day that works for you). Walk wherever you are - at a favourite park, hiking trail, or just in your own neighbourhood! You can also choose your distance from 1km to 10km or anywhere in-between.
- Ask friends and family to join you on the day and also donate to help more children in China with disabilities thrive!
- Share your Fundrazr page on social media. You can also share why you're walking via email or tell a friend over the phone or in person.
- Share a pic of you and your group on social media as you walk! Tag us @chinaconcerncanada @walkthewall2022
- Help us reach our goal of $250,000! Together you will be transforming lives and bringing love, hope and opportunity to China’s most vulnerable children.
Alternative Donation Methods 溫馨提示：
Give by Cheque: 支票捐贈
If you wish to donate an amount over $5,000 or don’t want to donate online, you can download this offline pledge form (link to pledge form here), fill it out and send it along with a cheque payable to International China Concern to our office located at 7B-5707 Sidley St. Burnaby, BC V5J5E6.
如果您捐贈 5000加元以上，或您不願上網使用信用卡而選擇現金或支票捐贈，可填寫這份認捐表格。收款方為：International China Concern
ICC加拿大辦公室的郵寄地址是：7B-5707 Sidley St. Burnaby, BC V5J5E6. 非常感謝！
Give by E-transfer: 電子轉賬
You can also donate via e-transfer to canada@chinaconcern.org without needing to send a password . Please make sure you also email our administrator at canada@chinaconcern.org with your name, address, clear donation instructions and which participant you are supporting at the same time.
您也可以采用電子轉賬，收款郵件為：canada@chinaconcern.org 無需密碼。轉賬後請記得再發郵件至此同一郵箱，告知您的姓名，地址，捐款額以及您想贊助的走長城人士。非常感謝！
Charity Number: 86737 0645 RR0001
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