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.
About Impact Romania
In Romania, iTeams' collaboration with the Pas Cu Pas Foundation focuses on transforming the lives of institutionalized orphans through mentorship, education, discipleship, and career training. By creating nurturing environments and fostering meaningful relationships, we aim to empower children to grow, heal, and develop the skills they need to thrive independently.
Mentorship: Personalized Support for Every Child
The Pas Cu Pas mentorship program connects compassionate volunteers with children on a one-on-one basis, addressing their unique needs and aspirations. Through these individualized relationships, children receive guidance, encouragement, and emotional support, creating a foundation for personal growth and resilience that extends beyond traditional institutional care.
Family Farm and Inclusive Facilities: Building Skills and Community
The innovative Family Farm project provides orphans with practical life skills while fostering a sense of community and collaboration. In addition, Pas Cu Pas is constructing an accessible facility for children with disabilities, ensuring that every child—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to learn, play, and flourish in a supportive environment. These initiatives exemplify a holistic approach to care that equips children for a brighter, more independent future.
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