Julie had a "Bucket List Wish" to live long enough to see our book become a Canadian best-seller. Unfortunately that didn't happen but we are continuing to move toward that goal.

So many people have been asking if we're close to fulfilling that wish and the answer is both "Yes" and "No" ... officially we have to sell 5000 books through a recognized venue such as Coles, Indigo, or Chapters who track the sales - we have done about 300+ books through that avenue but most of our sales happen the old-fashioned grass-roots method - word of mouth, speaking events, and other sales locations and most importantly, fundraisers. We haven't sat down to 'do the math' but it looks like we're about half way to reaching the 'unofficial' best-seller goal - about 2500 books sold so far!

We are hoping to get picked up by Indigo Books (Coles and Chapters are included under their umbrella)but until then we've decided to go for an 'unofficial' best seller and sell 5000 copies with your help.

One of our most successful fundraising efforts came about as a team effort between the Valley Women's Network and The New Page Human Services Society. The Valley Women’s Network (VWN), www.valleywomensnetwork.com Chilliwack Branch, created the 'Choosing to Smile Book Fund' in order to spread the message of hope and inspiration to others facing adversity. The money donated to this fund is used to purchase copies of 'Choosing to Smile' which are then given free of charge to patients who are undergoing treatments for cancer at various cancer centres in BC. In return, for every book purchased by the VWN, Choosing to Smile donates $5 back to the VWN organization to support their 'Families In Need' program. So far, close to $2000 has been raised to purchase books through this fundraiser.

Donations can be made at any branch of the Envision Credit Union to the:
'Choosing to Smile Book Fund'
account #1455864
Contact Joyce Esau: jbesau@shaw.ca -- 604-858-2409

One of the Valley Women's Network members, Arnice Asquin, realized that many corporate or large donations made from individuals would appreciate a tax receipt. Arnice is also a member of the New Page Human Service Society (NPHSS) which is a registered non-profit group that supports literacy in the community. It was a natural partnership to take on 'Choosing to Smile' as a fund raiser! People who donate to The New Page Human Services Society will receive a tax receipt and, in return, $5 of every book they purchase to donate to a cancer patient goes back to the Society to continue funding literacy programs.

To receive a charitable tax receipt for a larger corporate or personal donation:
Make your cheque payable to:
The New Page Human Services Society
PO Box 998 - Hope BC - VOX 1LO
(Designate funds to go to 'The Choosing to Smile Book Fund')
Contact Arnice Asquin: arnice@telus.net --604-793-8124

Choosing to Smile Publications is very happty to give a donation from the purchase of every book bought through the VWN 'Choosing to Smile Book Fund' and the NPHSS back to the VWN Chilliwack Branch and the NPHSS to support their local 'Robertson School Families in Need' program and NPHSS literacy initiatives in the community.

It is our privilege to be connected to this wonderful circle of caring. I hope you will consider making a donation to either of these groups in order to make Julie's bucket wish become a reality and in order to help other cancer patients and their families work through a sometimes very frightening diagnosis of cancer.

Thanks and keep Smiling!
Glenda