In the fall of 2005 my mom, Kathryn Bracken, passed away from cancer. For the last 6 years I have been growing my hair with the intention of one day cutting it off and donating it to be used as a wig for someone else battling cancer. Well, that day is June 22, 2016!


For the past two years, I have been working in the Special Education Department at Grant Park High School as their Junior Autism Teacher, and now as their Special Education Department Head.  In our department we have many students living with Autism. Some of these students have very challenging behaviours and very specific needs. For a time, there were few programs available who would accept these students once they graduated from school, and if they did, they were unable to provide the support and quality of life that these students so well deserved. That was until "Can DO People" was founded by two Autism teachers from Grant Park High School, who knew what these students needed after graduation, and who were able to create a Day-Program specifically for students with the highest needs and most challenging behaviours.

Can DO People is a non-profit agency providing a day program for adults diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, adults diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, or with a developmental disability and exceptionally challenging behaviors. The difference between Can DO People and other similar day programs is that they work with some of the most challenging individuals – individuals who require specialized programming and equipment to meet their unique needs in a way that other programs cannot. Many of these individuals do not have other choices. In my position as Department Head, I have gotten to know many students that need the services of Can DO People .  I need to know that these exceptional students will have a place to continue their growth and learning after graduation.
 
Can DO People is currently in the process of expanding to a beautiful new building that has been designed with best practice models for Autism. This organization needs support to purchase all the necessary specialized equipment and furniture that support the ongoing learning of the individuals in the program.  At this moment in time, this organization really needs our support!

In the spirit of my mom, Kathryn, I am following her model of taking action. My mom was the kind of woman who believed in supporting grass roots, local organizations. She worked tirelessly, doing whatever needed to be done to help people. It is my time to follow her example and I know my mom would have supported an organization like Can DO People .  It is for this reason that I am raising money to support Can DO People as well as our many students who attend and who will attend this wonderful program for years to come.
Here is a link to Can DO People 's website:
http://candopeople.ca/

My goal is simple:
1. Raise at least $20,000 for Can DO People
2. Donate all of my hair to help someone battling cancer.

Donating online using "Go Fund Me":
Go to https://www.gofundme.com/26n7rhw (unless your are reading this online already).
In order to get a tax receipt, please enter your name and address in the "comments" section during your online donation - to hide this information from the public click the "hide comment" box before moving to the next stage. I will then fill out and submit a tax receipt on your behalf when donating the earnings of this campaign to Can DO People.
**Please note that you will receive a tax receipt of approximately 92% of your donation, as we are charged an 8% fee to use "Go Fund Me".**

To donate using a check, make the check payable to: 
"Can DO People" and mail it to:
789 Niagara St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba. Canada
R3N 0W2
**Check Donations will receive a tax receipt for 100% of your donation**
**Please note that it may take a few months for tax receipts to be mailed out**

Please help me honour the lives of all of our loved-ones who have lost their battle with cancer, provide some great hair to someone in need, and support our many children and adults living with Autism.

Sincerely,
John Bracken