The container will be arriving in Nigeria on December 7th!

Hi everyone!
I must apologize for my poor blogging skills over the last few months.  We were busy collecting the last of the donations and I'm so excited to share that the Grade 8 class at Stratford Secondary School came in with a fantastic donation of over 1000 soccer items such as: jerseys, shorts, soccer balls and much more!! We are a bit behind our initial timeline of September but it was well worth waiting since we filled a 20ft container right to the top with school supplies and sporting goods.  As well, we raised just short of $7000 and I'm so excited to see what improvements we can make with this money once we get over to Azia, Nigeria.

Gerry will be heading over to Nigeria next week to meet the container at the shipping depot and start making arrangements to get the materials down to Azia.  I will be heading over to Nigeria on January 2nd for 3 weeks to roll out the supplies to the school children so I promise to keep updating the blog while I'm in Nigeria so you can keep track of our progress. 

I want to thank each and every one of you who donated to this amazing cause.  We FAR exceeded my initial project goal of 200 backpacks filled with school supplies and I am truly grateful for everyone's generosity and support - this was an amazing experience for me and I am committed to keep going and helping less fortunate children all over the world!!  In fact, our next fundraising project is a charity golf tournament in May with the proceeds going to help build a school for orphaned children in Haiti. 

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season and please take a moment to ackowledge yourselves for your contribution to the 1500 children we are working with on this project!  This is a great initiative and we should all be very proud of ourselves.

Much Love,
Sue

Thank you to REfficient Inc for donating a pallet full of safety supplies and tools

Thank you to Stephanie, Liz and the gang at REfficient Inc for donating a skid full of safety supplies and tools.  We will put them to good use around the schools as well as with the tradespeople that will help us with the building upgrades.
"REfficient provides innovative solutions that responsibly manage used and obsolete inventory as an asset. Maximize your assets in a way that makes the most sense for both business and the environment."  Donating materials is part of their corporate strategy and I am honoured that they are supporting me in my adventure to Africa.   

Below is a picture of Liz C of REfficient and me in front of the materials.  I was doing my best to channel Vanna White at the time.

REGGAEFEST Fundraiser at Lee's Palace - Saturday, August 6th

Blazing Fire Band will be headlining "ReggaeFest" to fundraise for our Backpacks and Beyond Initiative.  Other featured artists include: King Uja, King Selah and DJ Friendlyness.  MC King David from CHRY 105.5 will be hosting the evening. 

Tickets are $20 at the door.  Gates open at 9:30pm on Saturday, August 6th.
Lee's Palace is located at 529 Bloor St West in Toronto.

Hope to see everyone there.  It will be a great night of Reggae music for a great cause!!

The Interact Club at Englehart High School comes through with a Uhaul trailer full of supplies!!

I'm just thrilled with the leadership and generosity shown by Dania Johanson and the Interact Club from  Englehart High School.  We had to rent a Uhaul trailer to transport all of the school supplies they collected so thank you very much for your contribution!! As well, they raised $200 which will go towards purchasing pencil sharpeners for each of the school children in Nigeria.   I'd also like to acknowledge Susi Johanson and Heather Pollock from Englehart High School for their support of this initiative.  As the saying goes, "It takes a village" and those words are really resonating with me these days. 

Thanks to this group of hard working students , we've surpassed our goal of collecting 10,000 items to ship to Nigeria and are well on our way to filling a 20 ft container with donations.  This is a huge jump from my initial goal of  200 backpacks filled with school supplies - we are definitley living in the "Beyond" phase of Backpacks and Beyond project thanks to everyone's support!

This donation has special meaning for me since I wanted to get schools involved in helping with this project.  Once Dania heard what I was up to, she jumped all over it and she and her fellow students far surpassed my expectations.   It was a pleasure working with this school and I look forward to showing everyone the impact of this donation. 

Shown in the picture from left to right is :  Dennis Schinkel, Kelsey Froelick , Dania Johanson and  Morgan Johanson

Thanks to ecojot for the incredible contribution!

Hi Eveyone,
The contributions for the upcoming trip to Nigeria continue to roll in.  ecojot, an eco-friendly stationery brand donated 1500 workbooks to our cause which means that each and every child will get a workbook!  Ecojot is based in Scarborough, Ontario and specialize in a variety of journals, sketchbooks, children's sketchbooks, wrap, calendars and notecards. The paper content used is 100% post-consumer recycled and all products are designed and printed in Canada.

ecojot regulary donates to worthy social causes through their "Give" Campaign. To date they have donated 77,000 notebooks to countries all over the world including, Haiti, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Poland, and Zimbabwe. 

I'm proud that they have decided to partner with us and can't wait to see the look on the children's faces!

Check them out at http://www.ecojot.com/

Links to the artists

Hi Everyone,
I've been meaning to connect everyone to the artists and business who donated to the silent auction.  I've heard from several of you that you would like to get more information so here it is.

1. Metalmorphisis, Mark Korczynski, Artist Blacksmith.  Donated the "Sue Swing" vase.
Website -  http://www.themetalmorphosis.ca/

2. Ronald Bennison, Encaustic painter, donated Walking to School.

Blog   http://www.rpbennison.blogspot.com/ , Email  rpbennison@gmail.com



  3. Bob Papadopoulos, painte,  donated  Pomegranate oil painting on canvas.

Website http://www.redbrickinspections.ca/ 



4. Jens Casten, Photographer, Windows to the Soul Art Photography, donated Life's Reflection

Website http://www.windowstothesoul.org/ 

5. Imke Wernicke, Photographer, Imke Photography and Design, donated Water

Website http://www.imkephotography.com/





6. Andrea Liss, Ready to Wear Vintage, donated Mad Men Collection

Website www.etsy.com/shop/readytowearvintage

7. Guylaine Mageau, Jewellery Designer, For Her Jewellery Designs. Donated several pieces.

Contact forme.gvm@gmail.com for more info.  

8. Heather Elson, Yoga Instructor, Donated personalized Yoga class and Growing Up Goddess Party

Website http://www.growingupgoddess.com/

9. Jens Casten, Certified Life and Business Coach, Fortitude Life and Career Coaching, donated two 90 minute Life Coaching sessions

Email j.casten@yahoo.com

10. Wendy Bell,  Kaleidoscope Promotions, donated the very popular Picnic Backpack

Email wbell.kaleidoscope@rogers.com



11. Gerry Ikegwuonu, Fastrac Computers & Network Solutions Ltd., donated laptop computer.

Website http://www.fastraccomputers.com/  Email fastrac@rogers.com





Fundraiser Update

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to let you all know that we raised $3900 last Thursday night in just 3 short hours!!  That is fantastic and we will definitely be earmarking some of that money for building repairs (as you can see from the previous post).  Thank you again for everyone's generosity and support and we will keep you updated as we continue on this journey.  

Just so you know, we are still collecting school supplies and I will keep gathering donations until we ship the container at the end of June.  It can take several months for the container to reach Nigeria so Gerry and I will be heading over in late August or early September to roll out the materials to the children.  

Sue
xo

Here are some pictures of the Primary Schools in Nigeria we are helping

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and I couldn't agree more.  These pictures really drive home the difference we are going to make in the children's lives with our fundraising activities.  Thank you to everyone who is supporting this endevour.

Update on Auction and Raffle for Thursday, March 24th

Hi Everyone,
I'm extremely excited to say that we've collected over $4500 (approximate value) in donations for the silent auction and raffle happening Thursday night, March 24th from 7-10pm.  Once the momentum kicked in, so did the donations.  We have 22 auction items with starting bids ranging from $10-$175.  As well, we have 15 fabulous raffle items so if the auction items don't tickle your fancy, then maybe the raflfle items will.  I truly believe we have something for everyone and I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night. 

Thank you to all of my generous donors.  I can't wait to showcase your talents and wares and want to share a sampling of what you can expect to see on Thursday.  I must start with the "Artist's Nook" since it is fabulous.

• 30"x30" Encostic (hot wax painting) donated by Ron Bennison titled  Walking to School. 
• Approx Value $750  Auction Minimum Bid $175
• Blog (and artist profile) is at  http://.rpbennison.blogspot.com

• 20"x40" Oil painting on canvas donated by Bob Papadopoulos titled Pomegranate
• Approx value $500 Auction Minimum Bid $125



•  Framed 28” by 16” photograph donated by Jens Casten titled Life's Reflection  
• Approx Value $295  Auction Minimum Bid $60

•  3 each  - 5x7 prints donated by Pam Avis titled  A Walk through Italy
• Approx Value $75  Auction Minimum Bid $15

• The Sue Swing custom metal vase from Mark Korczynski of Metalmorphosis
• Approximate Value : $125  Auction Minimum Bid : $25

• Bejewelled and Bedazzled custom One of a Kind jewelry designs by Guylaine Mageau of For Me
• Will split into 3 items with Approximate values ranging from $50-$100  Minimum bids from $10-$25

And to think that is only 1 of 3 tables!!  Here is sampling of some other fantastic auction packages:

• Sue's Night Out Package : 4 Toronto Rock Lacrosse Tickets, $200 Gift Certificate to E11even Restaurant (by ACC) and $25 Leslieville Diner gift card for the next morning
• Pamper Package : One haircut and $100 Gift Card to 10 Spot Salon
• Taste of Leslieville: $25 gift cards from Red Rocket, Steeped and Infused Tea, Leslieville Diner, Leslieville Cheese Market, LPK Culinary Groove and 1 free cake from Ed's Real Scoop
• Madmen Package - Vintage Mr Jonas White Beaded purse with Rose Flowered Kigu Compact and matching Pearly beads choker
• Mind and Body : 90 minute Life Coaching session and 60 minute Personal Yoga session with customized practice
• Wine Lovers day at the beach: Picnic Backpack w/games, $50 LCBO Card and gift cert to Wine School for Cheese fans event at Leslieville Cheese.  
•  Becoming Goddess Party: Excellent for birthdays, girls night out, showers and graduations; learn to pamper your mind, body and spirit.  You and up to 9 friends are invited to explore asana(yoga poses), pranayama (breath work), nutrition, and mindfulness that are particular to the needs of women.  90 minute session 
• + many more

We also have great raffle prizes too!

$200 in Home Hardware Gift Cards, $180 Best Buy Gift Card, Delicious Home made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies and Skor Oatmeal Cookies,  Melt in your mouth Mint Merangues in beautiful apothecary jar,  Relaxation Basket containing home made bath salts and lots of other goodies, 4 Lacrosse tickets, German Glass Serving Dish, Pickling Party kit and much more....

It should be stated that Backpacks and Beyond is not a registered Charity so there will be no charitable receipts available at this function.  This project is still in it's infancy and we hope to pursue charitable status for any future events.  At this time, we can only handle cash or cheques so please keep that in mind when you are considering your donations. 

Once again, the fundraiser is at WAYLA Bar Lounge (996 Queen St East - Queen and Carlaw) this Thursday, March 24th from 7-10pm.  We'd love to see you there to help celebrate with us and hopefully find yourself a great deal!

Check out the amazing poster that my friend Peter created!

Fundraiser Raffle Update

New photos added March 13, 2011 -  scroll down!

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to update you on some of the great items we are getting for the Auction and Raffle. Check out some of the pics below.  More items are coming in daily so it is shaping up to be a fantastic night.  Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

1. Anconstic Painting donated by Ron B

2. Oil Painting donated by Bob P
3. Black and White photography from my Sister in Law - Pam A
4. Vintage Clutch Purse donated by Andrea
5. Vase designed by Mark K of Metalmorphisis
6. Jewellery designed by Guy M.
7. Austrian Crystal Candle Sticks and Picture frame donated by Vida
8. Pamper basket created by Christina P.
9. Mint Merengues (these are delicious) donated by Christina P
10. The most delicious chocolate chip cookies donate by Ann G
11. Kobo Ereader donated by Todd Bliss
12. Laptop computer donated by Fastrac Computers

13. 2 Haircuts donated by Fernando R

14. $100 LCBO gift certificate donated by Bob and Ellen Swing
15. $100 Ten Spot Spa gift cert donated by Barb K
16. $150 Best Buy Gift Certs donated by me
17. 2 ea - $100 Home Hardware Gift Certs donated by Guardian Bldg Products1
18. 2 ea - $25 gift certs donated by Leslieville Diner
19. 2 set of 4 Toronto Rock Lacrosse Tickets donated by Karen W and Phil H
20. Picnic  Backpack donated by Kaleidescope Promotions

Vintage Bag



Kobo Ereader with Clip Light

  

Picnic Backpack



Vase with Metal work by Mark K of metalmorphosis

Silvertone Shaggy Bracelet with Green Fluorite Chunks and Matching Sterling Silver Ring

Green Fluorite Chunk Sterling Silver Ring

                                                                             

European Weave Bracelet



Pamper Basket by Christina





  





Shout out to all of the blog followers

Want to put a shout out to Ms Liz P and Leesa G for being my first 2 blog followers!!  This is going to be fun ladies.  Apparently I signed up to follow this blog as well which seems redundant but I'm not sure I know how to remove  myself.  Thankfully, I have IT professionals who can support my blogging journey, I know I'll need lots of help!!  Next posts will be an update on the Auction and Raffle items we've recieved so far for the fundraiser.  There's great stuff here and I'm interested in getting everything on the list!!

Introduction to Backpacks and Beyond

Hello my name is Sue Swing and I am a resident of Leslieville in Toronto, ON Canada. I am embarking on a life-long dream to make a difference for children in underprivileged communities in Africa.  

My initiative is called Backpacks and Beyond and is a grassroots project whose focus is to provide educational resources and materials to several schools in the village of Azia, a rural community in Nigeria.  The project goal is to put together 200 backpacks filled with school supplies, new or gently used, to deliver up to 5 primary schools for kids aged 6-12 before the start of the school season in September 2011.  

I am seeking contributions from individuals and companies who share my vision of making a difference for those that have the least.  I believe that small acts like these can change the world, and can certainly empower both the children and communities which they live in; not to mention the benefits experienced by those who kindly donate. My commitment to all donors is to provide follow-up regarding the impact of the program.  We will be documenting the roll out with hopes to build its continuation from year to year.   

I am well on my way to achieving my goal but still require donations of items such as the following: backpacks, binders, pencil cases, notebooks, and writing utensils.   We’ve been in contact with the schools and the needs are many:  new buildings, access to water, library resources and classroom furniture to name a few.  We can make an immediate impact on their library resources through used book donations and other educational resources.  Donations of used sporting goods such as soccer balls, footballs, or other games and toys are also easily shared amongst many.    

Thank you kindly for your consideration and donations towards this initiative.  I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you further, or even pick up any items you would like to donate.  Initiatives such as these take a sense of community, action and selfless contributions.  Together we can make a difference.  

Warmly,

Sue Swing

Backpacksandbeyond@gmail.com