Welcome to our Iceland Challenge for Shelter fundraising page! Did you know: Half of all women in Canada over the age of 16 have experienced at least one incident of sexual or physical violence.  Each year in Canada, an estimated 362,000 children witness or experience family violence. On average, every six days in Canada a woman is murdered by her intimate partner. These are shocking statistics. We're going to do something to help.  In July 2017, we will be trekking nearly 100 km across some of Iceland's most actively volcanic areas in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and raising funds to help women and children in Canada escape abuse and rebuild lives that are loving, safe and free from violence. For 8 days, our friends and colleagues from Royal LePage offices across Canada will be crossing difficult terrain in unpredictable weather, sleeping in tents with only 2-3 hours of darkness each night, and going without electricity and cell service.

After completing the Machu Picchu challenge in August 2015 and raising money for the Shelter Foundation (Specifically Halton Women’s Place in Milton, On) I decided that I wanted to do more to help. I approached the local Shelter to ask if I could bring my meditation teachings to their clients. And they embrace the idea! So I have been visiting the Shelter frequently to teach and guide meditations with not only the woman staying at the Shelter, but some of the staff as well!  This, along with the fundraising has given me an appreciation for how our contributions, along with our time, greatly impact these families and clients living in the Shelter escaping violence. The gratitude that each client has surpasses any concerns or difficulties that we face when we embark on these challenges. Their courage during the most difficult time in their lives is what gives strength to each participant to pull through the challenge to the best of their abilities. This year my daughter Robyn will join me on this journey and I hope she too takes away from this experience the knowledge and life skills to continue to make contributions in our community that make a difference.

 To be eligible to participate, we each must raise at least $5,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. This journey will not be easy. We will be preparing physically and mentally for months and will be covering our own travel costs. Each dollar we raise and every step we take will make it easier for women and children to walk safely away from violence. Please click the SPONSOR OUR TEAM link near the bottom of this page to help us reach our fundraising goal. Thank you for your support. Please note: The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation issues tax receipts in February for all donations of $20 or more made in the previous calendar year.