STEPtember is a global initiative that runs from Sept 4th to Oct 1st, supporting cerebral palsy associations across the world through fitness. Participants are challenged to take 10,000 steps a day while at the same time, collecting donations from friends and family who support their hard work.

We’ve finally made it to the end of the road. Over the course of September, we’ve teamed up with 216 participants and raised $28,549.70!

Although the challenge is over, the fundraising doesn’t stop here. You can still help us reach $30,000.00 as donations are still accepted until November 1st. We’re only $1,450.30 away!

Thanks to all of organizations, teams and individuals involved, we’re truly making a difference in the disability community in BC.

Meet Olivia

Olivia is our youngest fundraiser this STEPtember campaign. Thanks to her outgoing attitude and inherent drive to help others, she has helped us raise over $1,400. Absolutely huge!

At nine-years-old, she’s shown great initiative and fearlessness — ingredients in her recipe for fundraising success.

Philanthropy must run in her family too. Did you know that Susanne Raab, one of our board members, is Olivia’s mother? Susanne’s charitable work has always made a positive impression on us here at CPABC but it’s clear that her effort goes beyond the workplace.

Susanne told us that she’s extremely proud of Olivia and so are all of us here at CPABC. Here’s how our conversation went:

WC: What is inspiring you to make a difference for the disability community in BC?

OG: I think we should all try to help each other. Taking 10,000 steps is not really that hard for me because I play a lot of sports, so I think it is cool that I can use that to help raise money for people with disabilities. Also, if I ever needed help, I would feel pretty good if I saw kids in my community doing stuff to try to help me.

WC: As the youngest fundraiser on our team, what do you think sets you apart from others around your age?

OG: My parents taught me that every day you should try to do something kind for someone other than yourself, so this is a great way to do that. Also, my mom has been participating in STEPtember for a few years, so it was easy to join her team.

WC: Do you feel that those around your age should consider participating in STEPtember? Why?

OG: Yes! It is fun to count your steps during the day and know you are helping other people at the same time. I also think adults like to support kids who are doing fundraisers. I know this because I was able to raise more money than my mom who was also doing STEPtember :)

WC: You’ve had a ton of success and are doing an incredible job, raising over $1,400 for CPABC. What’s your secret?

OG: I asked everyone I knew. Even though not everyone was able to support me, they were all interested in learning more about cerebral palsy and were very happy about what I was doing. I am hoping that next year some of my friends participate in STEPtember with me!

WC: What advice would you give to another young person like yourself who wants to do charitable work?

OG: I would tell other kids that doing STEPtember is fun and makes you feel good, you just need an adult to help sign you up on a team. It would be fun to do STEPtember with a group of friends at school or in your neighbourhood because you can have contests to see who can do the most steps in a day. The fundraising part is easy because when adults see you doing something to help others, they will want to support you!