It’s a New Year! Last year went by so fast! It was filled with so many things, both challenging and exciting. I was blessed to be able to be part of so many incredible things with the Jonathan D. Fischer Foundation.
If you don’t already know what JDFF is, A number of years ago my wonderful husband and I created our foundation – JDFF (www.jdff.ca) out of our mutual philanthropic passion – we wanted to inspire and empower people to make the world a better place by providing a hand up, through education, kindness, and generosity. We kicked off 2017 with Jonathon participating in the World Marathon Challenge – 7 Marathons in 7 Days on 7 Continents, it is the only event that offers the opportunity to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. Participants run 295 km (183 miles) over the seven-day period, spend 59 hours in the air and fly approximately 38,000 km. You can read more about JDFF’s participation in the race here.
Jonathon had to withdrawal early from the race due to injury, but we were so honored that Mike Wardian, Marathon champion and World Marathon Challenge leader, wore his bib (#10) on this back for the duration of the race and set a new world record during the marathon. All his Marathon family wrote his number on their hands so he could be with them in spirit and finish the race; what an amazing gesture by such a close knit-group of people.
In February Jonathon and I traveled to Guatemala for the John Maxwell Team Leadership Conference and Missions Trip where we were able to give away Spanish bibles to thousands of people.
We were also able to meet with the President of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales and Guatemala Prospera – an organization that works with communities across Guatemala. They have been training with John Maxwell’s Leadership program called Equip for 3 years. Guatemala Prospera then passes on the Equip leadership principals to the Guatemalan communities.
Think of Guatemala Prospera as the “boots on the ground” in Guatemala for positive change. They help build schools, water wells, job training with faith based principals. It was an honor to begin our partnership with the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation and Guatemala Prospera to transform Guatemalans into strong leaders.
Here we are at The Dome in Guatemala City, filled with over 8,000 “Equip” leaders who teach leadership in their local schools, community centers, churches and work places- 8,000 leaders each teach 10 leaders in training which creates 80,000 new leaders, who then teach 10 leaders- for a total 800,000 new leaders in Guatemala- teaching morals, values, work ethics, small business skills etc. This is how a country can transform into a prosperous nation!
We are so excited for the future of Guatemala!
In May, we were so encouraged by the women who joined us for our Annual Women’s Luncheon benefiting our Foster Care Intervention Program! We also had the pleasure of presenting an incredible woman of God, Roma Downey, with the 2017 Women’s Impact Award! Roma uses her platform to glorify God and positively influence others. We’re honored to have women like her supporting the vision of the Dream Center. JDFF had the honor of sponsoring this incredible event and I love attending this every year! You can learn more about the Foster Intervention Program here.
In September, we were excited to be able to attend the celebrity fight night charity event in Italy. Since the first event they have raised $142 million that has provided valuable support to many charities, primarily the Barrow Neurological Foundation. Barrow Neurological Institute is the world’s largest neurological disease treatment and research institution. In 2017 in addition to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, they have added the support of the BNI’s Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Disorders Program. It is always an incredible night, full of laughter, fun and friends. JDFF loves being part of this, and Jonathon and I are proud to be supporters of such are great organization. You can learn more about Celebrity Fight Night here.
In October, we were back in Canada and I was able to visit another place that is dear to my heart – Dog Guides Lions Foundation of Canada. From guiding their handlers through their daily lives to getting help when it’s needed most, Dog Guides play a crucial role in the lives of Canadians with disabilities. Their mission is to assist Canadians with a medical or physical disability by providing them Dog Guides at no cost. This is such a great organization and I love the heart behind it. I love visiting them, and I had such a fun time. JDFF was proud to match donations on Giving Tuesday for any donations giving to LFC Dog Guides. They are incredible people, doing amazing work. You can learn more about them here.
If you haven’t yet, you should take a look back on your year and look at the blessings, challenges, excitement, highs and lows. Learn from the challenges, soak in the blessings and be thankful for the rewards.
Maybe last year wasn’t as wonderful as you’d like it to be. Take note of that, make changes in 2018 year based on 2017 – This year is new and full of possibilities! If you are needing a little detox in your life, both mental and physical, let’s start with the physical. It’s not for the faint of heart but this detox shot is loaded with all-natural, potent superfood detoxing nutrients to get rid of the toxins of 2017 and get you started on a healthy 2018. And while you are waiting for the recipe to chill, try some mindful meditation and detox the mind:
THE NEW DECADE DIVA SHOT
Ingredients
- 1 Beet, Roasted
- 1/4 cup Cilantro
- 1 Medium Tomato
- 1 handful Broccoli Florets
- 1 handful Spinach Leaves
- 1 handful Dandelion Leaves
- 1/4 cup Green Onion
- 1 cup Skinny Chicks Detox Tea
Directions
Step 1 – To roast beet: Preheat oven to 375.
Step 2 – Wash and wrap beet tightly in foil.
Step 3 – Place on a foil lined baking sheet and roast for 1 hour or until tender enough to poke through easily with a knife.
Step 4 – Blend all ingredients in a blender.
Step 5 – Chill for 1 hour to overnight. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Click here for nutrition facts and more info
Here is the recipe for the detox tea that is called for in the Detox Shot:
CHRISTINE’S DETOX TEA
Ingredients
- 3oz fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 3 dandelion root tea bags
- 3 milk thistle tea bags
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 30 drops artichoke extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
Step 1 – Combine 5 cups of water and the ginger in a large saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and boil for 1 minute.
Step 2 – Remove from the heat. Add the tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
Step 3 – Strain into a large pitcher.
Step 4 – Add the artichoke extract and lemon juice.
Step 5 – Stir and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until cold.
Click here for nutrition facts and more info
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
Happy New Year!
Christine