From participant parent to event volunteer, to Power To Summit racer and monthly donor, Christie knows what Power To Be is all about!
Christie first joined the Power To Be community four years ago when her youngest son became involved in the Wilderness School program. The program felt like a good fit. It offered him the opportunity to be part of a community, learn life and wilderness skills, and to get out in nature and challenge his comfort zone.
Being a Wilderness School participant parent was a great experience for Christie as well. “I really enjoyed meeting other parents and getting to know the Power To Be program staff and volunteers as well. They are such a supportive group.” When her son was on program, she felt assured of his well-being and that he was having a good time. “Wilderness School was a life-changing experience for Ben, and I can clearly see the positive impact of the program as he now prepares for a very exciting post-secondary experience.”
Shortly after Ben started Wilderness School, Christie took the opportunity to volunteer for Power To Play, a day long fundraising event where teams were tasked with various challenges. “Not only was it a chance to meet people and help out, but it gave me a greater appreciation for the range of programs offered by Power To Be, and the incredible community support that they have built.”
Last year Christie’s whole family decided to get involved in a Power To Be event and created a family team for Power to Summit. They loved having the opportunity to spend time together in nature, as well as raise funds for one of their favourite organizations. “We had an amazing time doing some challenging climbs, meeting other teams along the way, and I learned that I’m now officially the slowest hiker in our family!”
Christie also started making monthly donations to Power To Be, as a way of expressing her gratitude and to support the organization’s future. “I truly believe that ‘Everyone Belongs in Nature’ and I so appreciate all the many ways that Power To Be makes that possible for so many people in our community. The automatic monthly donation, scheduled online is a small and very easy way to give back.”
As for her favourite activities in nature, beach walks, hiking, camping, and cycling are all regular parts her life, but more than anything Christie loves being on the water. Whether it be kayaking along ocean shores or on the lakes on the Saanich Peninsula, it is her favourite way to spend time in nature. “We live in such a beautiful part of the world – it’s hard not to appreciate it!” She also often finds herself just sitting quietly on a local beach, taking a few minutes to slow down and breath.
We are so immensely grateful and humbled by all the ways Christie and her family have been involved in Power To Be. A big heartfelt Thank You for your engagement and support throughout the years!
