It's been a couple of months since I last wrote and much has happened since. I began my anti-bullying initiative in mind in late 2012 for one reason: to tell the world about a boy named Jamie Hubley and how bullying-related deaths like his can be preventable.
I only expected that I would speak to a classroom or two per month on my days off, but what transpired in six months was a nationally-recognized anti-bullying program. I have spoken in four provinces to date and am now confirmed to speak in six more this coming school year. I have been asked to present to over 500 schools across the Canada and the United States.
This initiative is working because it is simple. Speaking to youth from the heart allows them to realize that they can reach out and ask for help when required. They know this because they see that I am just like them. I speak about my own, very personal experiences, and that of Jamie Hubley.
I understand that I can't change the world, but I can try to influence one individual at a time. I can try my best and do my part to help make this world a better place.
Between December 2012 and May 2013, I spoke to over 29,000 youth in four provinces. I've appeared on networks such as Global TV, CBC, Shaw Cable and CTV. I've been featured in over 100 newspapers and on dozens of radio programs including Bill Good in Vancouver. I have also received over 4,750 emails, all of which I respond to personally. In my records, I hold 13 emails stating my presentation saved lives. These emails came from youth, their parents, and also a principal.
I have done all of this in my own time and at my own expense. As you can well imagine, this is not cheap. Unfortunately, my employer and I could not come up with a way to move forward together so I decided it was in the best interest for all involved to move forward on my own.
This coming school year, I am aiming to launch a Canada-wide poster campaign to help reach those youth that I wont be able to speak to in person.
I am looking for a partner who is willing to step in and help me save more lives. With your help, I will never stop. I will continue to reach, and help, as many youth as humanly possible.
Not only will the world hear about a boy named Jamie and a guy named Tad, but they would also know who you are. They would know this because you made it all possible.
Not a single dollar donated goes to wages or salary. Every dollar goes to reaching youth. My project, Bullying Ends Here, is a registered charity here in Canada.
If you can not be a Bullying Ends Here sponsor but do want to help, please visit my website to view ways in which you can donate or contact me directly.
Please visit the site to see real testimonials from the youth, teachers and parents. See for yourself just how big this program can grow. You can see for yourself the media attention and the true, positive change taking place.
This is not a police project. This is my own initiative, created on my own, to simply help make this world a better place.
As Michael Jackson says in the song "Man in the Mirror," "If you want to make this world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make that change." This is exactly what I am doing and I need your help to continue.
Always here,
Tad