Recently, I was invited to the Open House of The Honourable Linda Reid for Christmas celebrations. As usual, there are always amazing people to meet and this time was no different. My husband Jim and I were introduced to many amazing people that support Linda and the work she does on behalf of all of us. After giving Linda a hug, she pointed to a woman I had already noticed across the room and said ” you need to know about this woman”.
Seeing this sweet woman’s warm smile, I introduced my husband and myself and began tolistento an amazing story of a precious child who lost his little life to domestic violence. I listened to how this family began the work of healing with the support of others and their committment to prevent this from happening to another child. Sadly out of heartache comes all the efforts that make a difference in the life of others. Through community support and a successful goal to provide education around this tradgedy, this amazing womanand her group of volunteers, work out of their home in a small office, with little to no funding to ensure that educational tools, pajama’s and other items are provided to benefit those victimized by domestic violence. I witnessed repeated acts of violence growing up and was a victim myself. Although I left home at the young of 12 the effects remain and the value of a child is marred by self doubt and blame. I have worked very hard in spite of many circumstances and situations to grow and learn. I didn’t have many tools back then, and did the best I could to gain as much information and education as I needed while trying to raise my own 4 children, without this much needed support in my own life.
I value the work and focus that Jeremy’s foundation is committed to. Had I have had these resources when I was growing up, perhaps my life would have looked different. But for now, all I can do is be grateful for lesson’s learned and lend my support and story to organizations such as this that are working with the little that they have to make a difference to children everywhere!
Thank you to everyone at Jeremy’s place for this unsung hero’s work benefiting many. Your efforts are not unnoticed and although often unseen, they make the life of a child who has experienced domestic violence, or witnessed it, a hopeful one!
For more information on Jeremy’s Memorial Foundation click here:
Bless you and in all that you do! I support your work
L,J,K – (love, joy, kindness)
Candace Newton -Chaput
