In 1999 I met Peter Gzowski when I attended the Manitoba PGI Golf event. I was struck by Peter's amazing energy and commitment to help those with a need for more literacy skills. Given that I had spent a large portion of that fall helping gather team gifts and prizes for the MB PGI. I had come to discover that I was stung by the fundraising bug. From there I knew this new path was where I wanted to be.My reward was seeing the impact and all the fun and uniqueness of the event itself. Golf, Poetry, Music and Business all in one place and for one important and great cause: Literacy!At that point I actively pursued an education that would allow me to seek other job opportunities within the non-profit and voluntary sector and I have not looked back since. I have had the privilege to work for some very notable organizations and have learned much much more than I ever anticipated. I have the easy job in raising funds - because I have learned quickly it is all about raising friends! Since I began my career. I have learned about natural disaster relief, world conflict issues, people with chronic health issues, children with autism, people coping with life changing circumstances and people living without adequate housing. My goal is very simple: continue to help where I can to make a difference. If that means writing a million dollar proposal, then I will write it. If that means engaging a community in volunteerism, then I hope to be hand in hand with those committed to giving their time to a cause. If it means I can help build a better community by sharing the need of others with those in my community; then I am empowered to speak up and my only hope is that others will hear the call.