Have you ever dreamed something so big, that it was almost beyond your scope of possibility? I have. I recently achieved one of my greatest wishes, a real dream come true. At age 52, I received my black belt in karate! It's the greatest challenge I've ever signed myself up for, because I knew from the start that, in order to do it, I would have to overcome all oncoming obstacles & face every single one of my deepest fears. My road to black belt has not only been a formidable test pushing me beyond my physical/emotional/mental limits, it's been a journey of transformation and healing, and the biggest fight of my life. I could not have done it without a positive point of connection and a strong sense of community to carry me through. The karate dojo has been that formative place for me, where I could find my footing, make room for my self to grow, and finally dare to believe that dreams can and do come true.

When you win at something so huge, you cannot help but reflect on how you got there, who helped you and how to give back. That's why, with the support of my dojo, Milton Academy of Martial Arts, I started the #RoadtoBlackBelt Fundraiser. It reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, thriving communities that work in collaboration to help and enhance lives through positive experiences & meaningful connection, so that everyone has a better chance for a brighter future.

We recognize, too, that everyone is on their own journey and that there are battles to fight. The #RoadtoBlackBelt Fundraiser is our commitment to help and support Halton Women's Place, a local shelter and safe haven for women & their children, and Covenant House Toronto, which meets the growing needs of kids & youth (ages 16-24)in the GTA, each establishment pivotal in supplying basic necessities (food/clothing/shelter), getting those most vulnerable off the streets to safety & away from abusers/predators/sex traffickers, & providing immediate 24/7 care for persons in crisis who may be struggling with mental health or facing homelessness. Because we all struggle. We all fight the battles we need to fight. And, it's okay to ask for help when we need it.

In the spirit of karate, with its core values of Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Commitment & Humility, "the way" is to give back in service to those who have served you and to pay it forward to those who follow in your path.

Just like it takes a dojo to make a black belt, it really does take a village.