Dear Portland Brothers,

We recently started using gofundme to raise funds for local men to go through the weekend. It went so well that I’d like to keep going with this approach. Christian Hedstrom began attending our NW Open Circle a couple of months ago, and has become a regular, as well as a recent attendee at our Circle of Men workshop earlier this month. Please read his story and contribute what you can. Many hands make light work! Here is his story. - James Harrison, Portland Community Coordinator

MKP Community,

My name is Christian Hedstrom, and I am new to the ManKind Project community. I moved to Portland in November, and finding MKP has been deeply meaningful for me as I build a new life in this chaotic and beautiful city. Over the past four months, I have been attending the open men’s circles regularly, and I also participated in the Circle of Men workshop. These experiences have had a powerful impact on my mental health and well-being, giving me a place to form genuine, authentic connections, feel supported, and begin looking honestly at the shadow parts of myself in a way I didn’t even realize I was longing for.

This past year has been a season in which I have felt very lost - searching for direction, deeper purpose, and a stronger sense of grounding in my life. MKP has helped give me a sense of belonging and clarity during that process, and it has reminded me that I do not have to navigate that journey alone.

I am currently back in school pursuing a degree in Surveying & Geomatics to become a land surveyor. I am reaching out with humility to ask for support in attending the upcoming Warrior Weekend in Estacada. This feels like an important next step in my personal growth, but as a full-time student, I am not in a financial position to cover the full $900 cost on my own right now.

I am committed to investing in myself and can contribute one-third of the cost personally. I am asking if any brothers in the community would be willing to help sponsor the remaining amount so I can attend. Any support, of any size, would mean a great deal to me.

With gratitude,
Christian Hedstrom