When I was still racing triathlon professionally I often swam with a local varsity swim program.  One youth, in their teens, was swimming at a National level and training with the older varsity swimmers.  I learned about their background and about the people around them supporting their journey.  A gentlemen in their neighbourhood was responsible for getting them to all their early morning swim practices all season long despite not being connected in any way to them or their family.  Just a committed person doing something for a young student who didn’t have the means otherwise.   It was very moving to hear that in light of the young swimmer’s situation.  In my life I have benefitted from the generosity of others who were contributing to my success without the desire for recognition.  I’ve always wanted to be in a position to do that for someone else.

In 2017 I started Christmas Wish and with the help of the Mayor and some incredible local business leaders I was able to put together a campaign of secret surprises where recipients are nominated by a friend and they are surprised in public and brought on a beautiful festive tour while we surprise each of the other recipients.  They are all brought back to Lock Street Brewing Company for a Christmas Dinner and where we take the time to let every person who made a nomination share their story with everyone about their selected hero.  It’s pure Holiday Magic to create these moments for incredible people.