In 2016, I went on a mission trip with Muskoka Woods (a summer camp in Ontario) and Impact Romania. Impact Romania is a partnership between International Teams Canada and Pas Cu Pas Foundation (Romania).
Pas Cu Pas is a nonprofit organization in Romania that works in the Bistrita-Nasaud and Cluj counties, in the Transylvania region of North-West Romania with approximately 300 orphans and marginalized youth.
My first experience in Romania came in May 2016. Here my eyes were opened to a new culture, language and experiences. It stretched me outside of my comfort zone and pushed me to think bigger. Then in 2018, I returned to Romania in more of a team leadership role with my co-leader, Adri Chauvin. The second time around, like the first, had a significant impact on me.
I asked the big questions, why was I being drawn back to Romania and the mission there? And why did I feel so full working in Romania with the staff and the orphans?
For as long as I can remember I've been involved in sports. Having done two 70.3 Ironmans this season (2018), Muskoka and Whistler, I’ve been challenged with the thought of doing a full Ironman race. What got me thinking harder was that I don’t want to do these things without a purpose. It's something I've thought about a lot: How can I use my gifts to help a cause I'm passionate about? Then over dinner in the backyard, my dad asked: “Why not race for Romania and the mission you're connected with?"
So, I will be training, preparing and racing Ironman Arizona in Tempe, AZ, on November 18th, 2018, to raise awareness and $5,000 for Romanian orphans.
As part of my training and fundraising I will be using multiple platforms (blog, video, social media, speaking functions) to share my training and racing, as well as Impact Romania’s needs.
Earlier in 2018, Impact Romania purchased a piece of land 45 minutes outside of Cluj. The land has the name, “The Family Farm.” The vision of this place is to give orphans the opportunity to grow and learn lessons that will translate into life outside the orphanage walls. This along with other outreach programs will be where the donations raised will go.
WHO WE HELP
Impact Romania works alongside Romanian staff and volunteers to transform the lives of institutionalized orphans through mentorship, educational support, career training and encouraging them to help other orphans.
WHAT WE DO
Staff and Volunteer Community (Pas Cu Pas). The heart of our work is located in the city of Cluj-Napoca in the northeast region of Transylvania. This is where our volunteers and national staff experience healing, support, growth, and family through Bible study, training sessions, service opportunities, retreats, and professional counselling.
Romania Orphan Outreach. We are committed to providing support for four Romanian orphanage communities. Presently, this means weekly visits by our staff and volunteer teams who build relationships, lead programs, and just have fun together. Many practical needs, such as supplying firewood, fruit, and medicine are also met.
Mentorship program. The mentorship program pairs Pas Cu Pas volunteers with children in one-on-one relationships. Three times a month, mentors take their assigned orphan under their wing to intentionally spend time with them. It is hoped that through this sustained relationship, the child will experience loving attention from a positive role model.
Family Farm. Looking forward to the future, the Family Farm is the next big step for Impact Romania. Located outside of Cluj, it will have animals, a garden, and an orchard. The farm will be able to host teams and orphans who can learn practical skills and grow in relationship with one another while staying there.
Impact Teams. Visiting teams provide a welcome boost to the staff and volunteer community. Their main goals are to encourage the community with friendship, ideas, program support, and spiritual interaction. The life-changing relationships that have been forming since 2001 are supporting our community of healing, restoration, and spiritual growth for hearts that have experienced deep abandonment and abuse.
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