Editor: Black Press
A head shaving fundraising event was held at Undine’s Hair Studio on Young Road, in Chilliwack, on December 30th which was organized by members of the Chilliwack Chapter of Valley Women’s Network (VWN). We wanted to update you about how the fundraising is going to help make Julie Houlker’s bucket wish come true: To live long enough to see her book ‘Choosing to Smile’ become a best seller.
VWN has partnered with the New Page Human Services Society (NPHSS). To date over $5,000 has been donated with more continuing to come in. If individuals or businesses wish to make a charitable donation and receive a tax receipt please mail the cheques payable to the New Page Human Services Society - Box 998, Hope, B.C., V0X 1L0 -- designate ‘Choosing to Smile Book Fund’. Other contributions can be made by visiting any branch of the Envision Credit Union and make a deposit to the Choosing to Smile Book Fund account #1455864.
Teaching and promoting literacy is the primary focus for the Society which operates Pages Book Store. New Page Human Services Society has purchased 205 copies of Choosing to Smile to donate to cancer patients currently in treatment at the Abbotsford and Surrey Cancer Centres. As a patient, you will find the books available for free in the Centres’ library. If you wish to support the cause by purchasing your own copy, Pages Bookstore has a few copies left.
Although sales of ‘Choosing to Smile’ are going extremely well (over 2000 copies sold to date!) Julie didn’t live long enough to see her bucket wish come true. However, it has made her very happy to see the community rally to support her dream. Julie passed away January 21st surrounded by her family and co-authors.
We appreciate the community for their continued support of this wonderful project which is helping cancer patients currently in treatment to understand the cancer journey a little better and at the same time helping to make a dream come true.
Arnice Asquin
VWN Chilliwack
Choosing to Smile
Book Fund