Greetings Everyone,

Happy New Year 2024! It's been a while since I've posted any updates and thought that I should do so now.

First,  I am delighted to state that I went ahead and launched Renata Wellness and Recreation Retreat (Renata for short) on September 23rd, 2023 by the Grace of God only! It was a success and lots of fun from the feedback that I received. Visit the events page at: Events | Renata Retreat

Second, I want to thank EVERYONE that signed, shared, and paid to circulate this petition. I may not know you personally, but I THANK YOU for your assistance.

Third, I felt the urge to come and view how the petition is doing and happened upon the latest entry of why a supporter signed. It is a sad story and my heart goes out to herself and son that were/are recipients of bullying. ***If you are reading this, I do sincerely hope that you are both safe***.

Fourth, some might be wondering if the petition was a success.  Here is how I will answer that. It is in the sense that it raised public awareness and evoked collective advocacy efforts. I still haven't received funding from the government and that was, and is still my desire. The petition was directed to Honourable Danielle Smith when it was first started in 2022. I did hear back from the former Minister of Health Mr. Jason Copping in 2023 who commended the work that I was doing. That's nice as in I (we) was acknowledged but we still need funding. I am open to looking out of province to secure the perfect long-time venue for Renata. I have since updated the decision maker (as of 2024) for the petition to the current Albertan Health Minister Ms. Adriana LaGrange.

Fifth, I also commend the Americans and those from the Bahamas, Italy, and Germany that signed this petition, thank you! I honestly wasn't anticipating international support, I'm humbled!

ASK- I still need funding to make this retreat accessible to individuals that can benefit from this retreat.

Please continue to sign and share the petition with your friends, families, colleagues, government officials and so forth.

Conclusion-Should I declare victory now? Not yet as much is yet to be done. I continue to try to look for appropriate venues and most importantly, find land to purchase so that we are never at the mercy of a third parties vacancies and so forth. Until the next update, continue the good fight and remember that "You are needed in this world to be a solution. Be the best that you can and do not rob the world of a precious gem, YOU!" (Dr. Cheryl Okoli, DHA).

Sincerely,

Dr. Cheryl Okoli, DHA