Aaaaand we're back!

A lot has happened since my last time posting. Most importantly, the final numbers are in for the Ride for FOP fundraiser and we ended up raising $33,670! Pretty crazy, huh? It was an amazing ride (literally and figuratively) and something I will always remember. It was amazing to have my family riding along with me, I could not have done it without them!

And so begins a new slew of fundraising! I hosted a bake sale yesterday, along with some amazing friends to whom I am incredibly grateful. My awesome family pitched in and we ended up with countless cookies, 24 rice krispie squares, 16 slices of marble walnut cake, 24 brownies, 24 chocolate cake squares, and 12 chocolate cupcakes. The best part is that we sold out, got some people learning about what FOP is, and made $201!

I'm really grateful to somebody new in my life who I met through an organization that is also new in my life, AIESEC Toronto. Ammad is awesome. He is incredibly kind and supportive. From the moment he found about my Ride for FOP, he has been trying to think up ways to help me get the word out and get some funds in. It was thanks to him that I was able to host the bake sale yesterday, and thanks to him that I have three more coming up in November. He's also asked me to speak in front of a crowd of about 100 about FOP so I will update with how that goes. It's just more proof of what I have learned through this process - so much of the battle is meeting people who are receptive to your message. So thanks Ammad!

I'm already in discussions with Carrie from the CFOPN to pin a date for next year's ride. The best part about it is that this is now becoming a Canada-wide event. Last year's event was so successful and garnered so much attention that it seems to have inspired other communities to do the same! So, this year the ride for FOP will be occurring not just in Toronto, but other locations in Canada. I'll update as I find out more, but how exciting is that?

Lastly, I will be opening up a new donation page soon. I'm just trying to figure out the best route to take. CanadaGives was a nice layout but they take 3.9% of the funds raised which is a lot with something as little known as FOP. Any suggestions or thoughts on this?