12/02/2024
Good day friends and supporters of Life Exchange Foundation.
It is hard to believe that December is upon us.
All our Christmas Charitable Outreaches are happening quickly.
I know that I haven't published since 2022 on our FB page, but I am working at getting back into communicating with you on a regular basis. Lots has gone on in the past two years.
Here are some updates as to what has happened in the past 6 months and now as I am getting Christmas gifts and provisions for the many children, teens and families that are referred to us via the schools and social support groups I am in contact with.
1. We provided Gift Cards to 100 Mile House Elementary school where Crystal Langton is the principal. She had shared with one of my contacts there that there were many families in crisis due to various issues; especially economic struggles. I sent up $1,500 in gift cards to Fresco for her to distribute to those in need back at the end of June. The following week I was on my way to meet up with her to see what else we could come along side with her, when the School Bus that was carrying 31 students of which half were from her school went over the embankment injuring most of the students. My heart stood still. I was so glad the gift cards that I had sent were so timely to help some of those families impacted.
2. I have connected with Principal Shawn Merke of Kumsheen Elementary school in Lytton. Shortly after the massive fire there, I had sent $1,500 in Cheques/Gift Cards to help those families and their children impacted by their loss. This year Principal Shawn updated me that the children were still in grief and fear due to the trauma the fire did to their lives. He planned a getaway to Sasamat Outdoor camp at Belcarra for the purpose of creating and life impacting experience for 40 grade 5 & 6 students that he and his team believed would ignite a "healing process" for the children and their families. So, we provided $2,500 to assist in the costs. This trip was October 10 & 11. The positive affect on the children was priceless. We are so happy to have been there for these children to help make this venture take place.
3. Last Christmas we helped over 100 children and teens with clothing, outdoor wear, indoor & outdoor shoes, backpacks and Christmas hampers touching as many lives with the "joy of Christmas". Every year I target the end of January with funds to assist families that have depleted their Christmas food supplies and the bills are stacking up. January 26 is the worst day of the year for many. Your special donations in January transform so many lives because through LEF you bring hope into reality.
4. This year I am targeting "homeless & couch surfing" teens here in Chilliwack, Kelowna and surrounding communities.
My contact in Kelowna, Erin, is working with me to provide some Christmas winter outdoor wear, personal care supplies and food for upwards of 20 teens in Tent City. They are a lost and suffering demographic people.
Here in Chilliwack I am supporting Cyrus Center which provides housing, meals, clothing and medical care for teens that are homeless. They are at capacity at this time. I am providing Walmart Gift cards for all those teens in need. They are looking for a larger housing centre to provide more accommodation for teens with better support and care. Let me know if there are supporters in the area that would consider making this dream come true.
5. I have been working with elementary, middle and high schools receiving through principals, counsellor and youth workers referrals for the youth that are in critical need for assistance at this time of year. Looks like I will be helping upwards of 50 children that are requiring extra ordinary attention and support.
It is always a joy and blessing to see the faces of children and teens as they receive our Christmas gifts that we present to them. Just a "little light at the darkest time of year" makes it all worth while.
I want to thank those of you that not only follow Life Exchange but also financially support us, as well are available when we need volunteers for special events and activities that we provide through out the year. With the Postal strike you cannot mail cheques in at this time. If you are local you can bring cheques or cash to me. You will receive a Receipt for your donation at the beginning of February. The quickest way is to go to our website
www.life-exchange.ca and register there then submit your donation. Canada Helps our provider can provide a receipt at that time or you can wait until January to have them email it to you. Through our ON LINE Donation system you can also set up your Monthly or Quarterly donation cycle so that your are current with your contributions to us.
Thank you for your interest in our charity. Thank you for your contributions in the past and hopefully for now and the future.
Have yourself a wonderful and blessed Christmas and all the best in 2025.
Rod L. Bitterman
Life Exchange Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization located in Chilliwack, British Columbia that provides oversight, leadership and support to multiple charities and initiatives across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver.
