“It is worth remembering that the time of greatest gain in terms of wisdom and inner strength is often that of greatest difficulty.” — Dalai Lama.
Only months are losing her daughter Jeanelle, Christine Vachon and her sisters founded the Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation in February 2014.
Christine has said in the past their mission was to bring awareness to suicide and mental health issues within the community. They’re tough subjects to deal with, but they felt something needed to be done.
And although their mission remains ongoing, the great work they’ve done over the past four years has to be recognized and lauded.
On Sept. 22 the Soul Sisters hosted Nelly’s Project 5, the group’s primary fundraiser — see the story on our website, or check out Page 13 of the Oct. 2 Westlock News.
This version, which featured a performance from country-music star Gord Bamford, raised roughly $157,000 and brings their five-year fundraising total to $1,067,000.
“I don’t really want to focus on the money, but it does allow us to do what we do. We really appreciate the support of the community,” said Christine. “I am blessed with the support of my husband Terry and son Justin and the rest of my family as this Foundation continues to grow.”
Well said Christine.
Because of the community’s support the Soul Sisters have been able to host over 45 free mental workshops. They’ve also been able to help fund the award-winning Robb Nash Project, a registered Canadian charity that engages young people through the power of music and storytelling to inspire hope and encourage positive life choices. In fact they gave $40,000 to Nash following the event.
“We’re honored by the support from Westlock to allow us to do what we do. I want you to know this, if Soul Sisters keeps going and you don’t give another dollar to us, we’d be honoured to come and just sit in your midst,” said Nash.
We all face loss in our lives. All of us.
But in the face of incredible tragedy Vachon and her family and friends have created something that is helping people not only in Westlock, but across Canada. And for that we say thank you.
