My Story…
This May 3, I’ll be running the BMO Half Marathon for the second year in a row—and once again, I’m fundraising for something that has become a huge part of my heart and my daily work: Foundry Burnaby.
We have located a brand new space at 6889 Royal Oak Street and now it's our job to bring the space to life! Our team has officially launched our capital campaign to raise $2 million and I’ve set my personal goal at $2,500.
Why Foundry?
Foundry offers integrated youth services so young people 12-24 can access mental health supports, substance use health care, physical and sexual health care, peer supports, and work, education, and community services under one roof. According to Foundry's provincial impact report last year, 25% of youth who access a Foundry centre say they wouldn’t have sought care anywhere else. That number really sticks with me. Those are the young people we risk losing if services aren’t accessible, youth‑friendly, and stigma‑free.
I spent 15 years working in the Downtown Eastside and I met so many incredible people who carried unimaginable burdens from a very young age. I often wished they could have had earlier support to help prevent some of their adult challenges.
So that’s why I’m doing this. I’m living and breathing the development of Foundry Burnaby every day, and I truly believe this centre will change lives.
If you’re able to contribute, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every dollar helps us get one step closer to opening our doors and making sure no young person falls through the cracks.
Thank you for reading, supporting, and cheering me on.
Donate to help Emma raise money for 2026 BMO Vancouver Marathon’s fundraising campaign.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 03 | Petrina | CA$107.72 |
| May 03 | Kosters | CA$27.60 |
| May 02 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| May 02 | Anonymous | CA$107.72 |
| May 01 | Mary Jane Garnett | CA$54.31 |
| May 01 | Sina | CA$100.00 |
| May 01 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| May 01 | Lacey Braham | CA$54.31 |
| Apr 29 | Mom and Dad | CA$150.42 |
| Apr 16 | Gail Erickson | CA$107.72 |