We are heartbroken to share that Ted Bender, Sean's father passed away unexpectedly this week. Ted went out for a bike ride on Monday afternoon and never came home. His body was recovered two days later by emergency services from a nearby park where he had passed. Ted spent his life helping others, but was never one to ask for help, a trait Sean carries as well. But now as we are facing this extremely challenging situation, we are asking for help.

We are humbly asking for your help so that we can fly home to Victoria, BC, Canada to be with family at this incredibly sad time. It is so hard to ask and we're deeply grateful for the kindness and support that our community has shown us already.

As many of you know, in the last couple of years we have bought our first home, had our son Senji, and Sean has very recently settled into a new permanent role. We are so hopeful and optimistic for the future, but at this moment we don't have the funds we need to get to Canada urgently.

This fund would cover our return flights from Perth, Western Australia to Vancouver, BC, travel insurance and the loss of income while Sean is on unpaid leave so we can pay the bills. Any remaining funds will be given to Teds wife Nancy Bender. We are very aware of the financial pressure everyone is under and send this out with that understanding and the deepest gratitude for any amount contributed.

Thank you all so much for the love, compassion and empathy that you have for us.

Much love,

Sean, Mai & Senji