09/26/2026
I love September. To me, it represents a fresh start. It feels like the beginning of a new year; and yet, it has that contented feeling of already being underway. We are nine months into 2026, but there is still time for wonderful things to happen. There is still time to make changes and reach goals. There is still time to hope and dream and plan. There are more amazing memories to create, but, as we look forward to making them, we can also look back with gratitude on the ones weβve already made so far.
I also love September because it is the month my sister, Christine Joy Tulloch, the founder of She Defines Strength, was born. So much about this time of year reminds me of her. Christine was a summer girl who enjoyed swimming, sunshine, and beach days, but she was also a fall girl, who relished the feel of scarves, comfy sweaters, and cozy socks, as well as the taste of pumpkin spice lattΓ©s. She loved her teas, essential oils, baking, and scented candles. There was so much joy to be found in the little things, and Christine found so much purpose in sharing that joy with others.
This will be our eighth year celebrating Christineβs birthday since she passed in 2019. And yet, so much of her joy is still here! There are so many moments when I want to smile, laugh, and cry out of gratitude for the memories we have with her. My life is fuller because of the love she has given it and that is something I will always be excited to celebrate.
One of the ways the She Defines Strength Foundation has tried to honour Christineβs birthday is by creating an event that will support the dream she had to make a difference in the lives of young women battling cancer. Our annual Dancing and Donuts fundraiser encompasses two great loves of Christineβs: dancing and donuts.
Now, Christine was not the most coordinated dancer, but what she lacked in form she made up for in enthusiasm! She knew the importance of making time to have fun and express the playful, lighthearted spirit that is often weighed down by the heavier realities we face. She also knew the value of a delicious donut. Life is about finding balance. Exercise and dessert were things that did not have to be opposed. They could go hand in hand. And they were always more enjoyable with friends.
The proceeds from our Dancing and Donuts fundraising event go towards our Care Package initiative. The She Defines Strength team has curated beautiful boxes of items female cancer patients will need throughout their treatment journeys in hospital. We curated these items based on our time with Christine and our knowledge of what she valued and needed. They are the presents we want to give on her behalf to celebrate her birthday and her vision for making a difference in the world. Thank you to all of you who have already been part of supporting that vision.
So, friends, as we head into this next part of 2026 will you help us continue to make more amazing memories? Weβd love to see you at this yearβs Dancing and Donuts event, which will be held at the Murrayville Community Hall on Sunday, October 4th, from 4-6pm. We will spend the first hour dancing to the routines of talented fitness instructors from Inspire Womenβs Fitness. The second hour will be a time of connection as we enjoy our donuts and each otherβs company. We have a bigger venue this year and even bigger hopes for making our Care Package program a sustainable initiative.
Because wouldnβt it be cool if we pulled off the ultimate surprise birthday party for Christine?
And wouldnβt it be amazing if the gift we give her this year is the gift of helping encourage amazing women like her?
I think so. So please, mark your calendars, purchase your tickets, and spread the word.
And, while youβre at it, spread some joy as well! Tickets: https://bit.ly/sdsf-dancingdonuts2026
Wishing you all a wonderful September. I hope to see you on October 4th!
Love,
Bonnie
Vice President, She Defines Strength Foundation
