Dear Sir / Madam,
My name is Christine Witchekan. This is my story.
I am on the road to healing. My son Garrett Wilson Witchekan committed suicide June 30t, 2007. In an effort to bring healing to myself and my family I am organizing a walk from Rosthern to One Arrow Reserve. This will be a 20 mile endeavor. This is my second healing walk. The first I accomplished on June 30t, 2009. It really helped me let go of past pain and feel like I was doing something meaningful for myself and other parents who are victims of suicide.
This is my goal and plan.
I would like to have a walk as a Tribute to Garrett Witchekan. This walk is a healing walk which celebrates Garrett's life and also would be a community event to bring awareness and try to demystify the heartache and pain of families who deal with suicide. At the end of the walk I would like to hold a community BBQ or Feast to celebrate.
My plan is to walk and push a wheelchair, while my sons Brandon and Marlin and granddaughters Tessa and Sakura, take turns riding in the wheelchair. The wheel chair symbolizes a need for help, support and community. Therefore, I would need 2 wheelchairs in case a blow out or technical problems arise. I would also need a van to travel with us to ensure our safety and be there for breaks, food, water and medical assistance, if needed.
I desire to have 40 t-shirts made-up, which I have designed. These t-shirts would be worn by the walking team and those who are involved in supporting this initiative.
My dream is to help parents that have lost their kids to suicide. Hopefully I will raise money to give to families who need support in this way. I know that this is going to help me and my kids to heal. I'm very excited about this celebration and memorial wak. I have my heart and mind set on accomplishing this and will do it with or without support. Please consider supporting me in this effort.
I will need support financially and In-kind. A list of what I think I need is as follows:
Van and gas
2 wheel chairs
First aid kit, sandwiches, water and tea in the van (refreshments for walk)
40 t-shirts
Administrative support – postage; flyers/advertising; sign for van; paper work or legal fees for Memorial Fund
Community BBQ or Feast )food, drink and grill fee)
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Could you please let me know by June 20, 2011. My goal is to do this Tribute Walk on June 30th, 2011. This will be the 4th Anniversary of my son, Garrett's death.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Christine Witchekan Ph: 974 2203 / 880 7851
