This year, we are fundraising in memory of my very special and super loved grandma, Julie Benjamin.

Julie was only 76 years young when she passed away 4 years ago having battled breast cancer for 4 years and heart problems for 8 years. And a fighter she was!

It is amazing how these battles brought out the best in her! Her faith grew, her love flourished and with every hard moment she became more beautiful. Her favourite slogan was, 'Thank God for Life!'

Every year, she would fundraise for the UCKG HelpCentre’s mission and goals for the community. She was passionate about it and I will tell you why…

Twenty years ago, my gran was walked into the HelpCentre feeling drained and hopeless. She had been at the centre of an irreconcilable family dispute, her husband was a gambling addict, she was faced with the likelihood of never being able to walk or work properly due to chronic arthritis and everything was such a mess.

At the HelpCentre, this 50 year old was shown such love and care as a senior citizen! She was encouraged to fight for her dreams and believe in herself, forgive past hurts, love more, execute kindness and enjoy the invaluable free gift of faith of Jesus above all.

This was life changing! She changed.

This spiteful, grudgeful, and at times heartless lady became super kind, merciful, full of faith and a believer that at any given moment, people can change. She believed in what she had become and no one could remove this conviction for her.

In 2017, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and was given 3 days to live. The news placed her whole existence into perspective. She was encouraged to live life to the fullest and 3 days transformed into 4 years of conquering her goals, giving back, loving harder, smiling often, laughing wider and growing stronger!

At her frailest and most fragile she was always seeking ways to bless others and fundraise for the place that she found the Light in dark moments and hope beyond understanding. By the time she breathed her last breath, she had become the one who fought for her united family, the wife of a husband who had abandoned his addictions, a woman of such joy and peace and an excellent problem solver. She had become her biggest dream: a new person.

My gran would be so proud to know that we are continuing her fundraising legacy for a wonderful cause that we are asking you to be a part of. We believe that there are many more Julies out there ready to be reached and touched inside and out by the HelpCentre’s 5 Alive Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSSsyxpDh5E

We thank you for your kind support. God bless you!