Our beloved friend, colleague, and community member Georgia Newsome has recently received a devastating diagnosis of stage four colon cancer. As she steps away from work to focus fully on treatment and healing, we are rallying around her to help ease the significant financial strain that comes with this sudden transition.

Georgia is a lifelong educator and guide who has shaped, uplifted, and inspired generations of children and youth around the world. Her teaching journey began through teaching sword fencing in 1982. As an active member of the BCFA, she has continued to introduce children and adults to fencing through her club Salle La Fleche, initially in the Cowichan Valley and more recently in Nanaimo.

In 1982 she was invited to teach at the Ringwood Steiner School in the UK from where she continued teaching at Kings Langley Steiner School. Following her training in Bothmer Gymnastics and Spacial Dynamics®, she taught at Esslingen Waldorf School in Germany, and at several other international schools as she travelled the world.

In Canada, she became a cherished and long-time teacher at the Vancouver Waldorf School, before finally landing at Sunrise Waldorf School, and Island Oak High School. She has spent many years teaching young people with warmth, wisdom, and unwavering presence.

Beyond the classroom, Georgia is a passionate outdoor educator and facilitator. She has been a long-time guide with SKGABC, a Paddle Canada instructor, and co-founder of Coastal Bliss Adventures, Coastal Bliss Kayaking, with her partner as well as taking on Sea to Sky Expeditions.

Georgia’s presence in our communities — both indoors and out — has been profoundly impactful. She is known for her deep care, her integrity, her laughter, and the countless quiet moments in which she has helped children, families, and fellow educators find their footing.

Georgia has always been the one to show up for others. Now, she needs us.

As she steps away from work during treatment, we are fundraising to support her with an initial fundraising goal of $45,000, based on six months of estimated expenses that include loss of income and treatment-related costs. This support will allow Georgia to focus on healing rather than financial survival.

Georgia has shared that this time is not only a challenge, but also: “a journey of opportunity, grounding and transformation through love, compassion, trust, and gratitude.”

These words reflect the heart of who she is, someone who meets life courageously, with openness and grace.

Georgia has been a consistent, committed, and beloved educator, guide, and mentor for decades. She has made countless meaningful impacts on the lives of children, youth, families, and colleagues across the globe. Now, our help matters more than ever.

Whether you are able to contribute financially, share this fundraiser widely, or hold Georgia in your thoughts and prayers, we thank you.

Please join us in supporting her through this period so she can focus her energy where it belongs: on healing, rest, and recovery.

With gratitude,

Georgia’s community