The end of a year is a time when one usually reflects the past 365 days of his or her life. As 2015 has come to an end, I have spent a lot of time thinking about how fortunate I am to have had a year full of new people and experiences that have deeply moved me. That being said, I have also spent a lot of time thinking about what is to come in 2016.
I am beyond excited to announce my partnership with 88bikes, a foundation that I very much admire. The 88bike Foundation "endows bicycles to girls throughout the world, especially the heroic survivors of human trafficking. " These bikes, which are purchased from local vendors and transported by local labor, not only provide a practical mode of transportation for the children but also bring them joy. In fact, the primary goal of the 88bike Foundation is to elevate the happiness of children who have had to suffer through immense struggles throughout their lifetime. In less than 9 years, 88bikes has provided nearly 5000 bike to children in 17 countries.
However, the 88Bike Foundation not only brings joy to these children through the endowment of bikes but also through many other projects. One of these is the Cambodian based project called Seamless Possibilities.
"Seamless Possibilities leads groups of formerly-trafficked girls through a rigorous, week-long dressmaking curriculum where each girl designs, then sews a beautiful dress for herself, under the mentorship of Kim Ngo, an LA-based costume designer and 88bikes Director of Seamless Possibilities. For many of the girls who hope to become seamstresses or launch their own sewing businesses the workshop provides crucial hands-on skills building and mentoring. But for all the girls, it provides a healing, uplifting, invigorating platform to make something beautiful for themselves-and have a blast in the process! The week culminates with a vibrant soirée where each girl dresses up in her new dress. There's a photo booth, plenty of pizza, LED light strands hanging from the vine-covered trees, and a massive dance party with Cambodian pop music thundering out across the countryside!"
The Seamless Possibilities project is one that has truly resonated with me. Watching girls who face challenges far greater than my own, I can't help but feel truly inspired. The philosophy behind my blog has always been to find happiness through means of self-expression. It is a great honor of mine to help a Foundation that shares this philosophy. I am grateful to be able to use my blog as a portal to bring attention to a cause I am deeply passionate about.
I look forward for what is to come in 2016.
Until next time xx
Courtney
More information can be found on the 88bikes website - 88bikes.org
Photo by Dan Austin