Thanks to an influx of community support, the Little Warriors ‘Be Brave Ranch’ in Canada can continue helping children rebuild their lives, and heal with dignity and respect, after experiencing trauma.
Committed to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of child sexual abuse, the nonprofit operates a one-year healing program for children ages 8-12 at an innovative ranch near Edmonton, Alberta.
The “highly significant” outcome for the 140 graduates of Be Brave since 2014 shows that, by the end of the year, the program had reduced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms by 47%.
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The Little Warriors facility provides an array of different therapy options—an Art Therapy Room, Music Room, Play Room, Movie Room, Yoga Room, and Magic Room with new toys. When children arrive, they are each given a quilt made especially for them, along with a handwritten letter containing messages of hope from the quilt-makers.
Anyone can go online and complete an application to enter this program, and then the team goes through a screening process to make sure the child is the right match.
“We hear from parents and teachers that the kids are different people when they arrive back home,” reports Little Warriors CEO Laurie Szymanski. “They now have the tools and strategies to deal with their trauma – and can rebuild their lives.”
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As a prevention measure, the group also provides a “Prevent It” online training program for parents.
To make all this happen, Little Warriors counts on the generosity of personal donations and corporate sponsors like Black Rifle Coffee Company Canada (BRCC).
Darren Weeks, the philanthropist and founder of BRCC Canada, was inspired to support Little Warriors after meeting their Founder Glori Meldrum. He personally donated $15,000 this year, and his team is donating profit from their coffee sales and sponsoring the Little Warriors’ annual charity event.
They’ve created a custom “Little Warriors Blend”, and have gifted over 300 free pounds of the roasted beans for the program to give to donors and staff.
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“If we can help prevent the abuse of just one child, it is a win,” said Richie Pon, the company’s vice president.
With the year-end annual giving season here, consider donating directly to Little Warriors, and/or purchasing from Black Rifle Coffee Canada online because any sale will result in a portion of profits being donated to the healing of these children.