The Race for Rice | Thunderbird X JWI
Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) in Langley, British Columbia, Canada is among the select, distinguished venues at the forefront of equestrian sport in North America. Riders are known for saying that it feels akin to “coming home” when their trailers pull into tbird, the community offering an unparalleled sense of family. This week tbird is set to host the Canadian Premier and Odlum Brown BC Open, highlighted by the thrilling $400,000 CSIO5* Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Canada. Yet, they will bring countries together for even more than show jumping.
Welcoming JustWorld International (JWI) as an official charity partner, tbird has chosen to Adopt A Project with the ambitious goal of raising up to $20,000 CDN for JWI’s partner project People Improvement Organization (PIO) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The proceeds will go directly to PIO’s Family Rice Program, which offers each student enough rice to sustain a family of six every month. Ambassadors and JWI supporters alike will have the opportunity to ride for a cause, pursuing new heights in the saddle while supporting children living in some of the world’s most impoverished communities.
Fundraising for PIO’s Family Rice Program is only the beginning of tbird’s charitable initiatives, offering a 50/50 draw to spectators and launching a Clear the Jump campaign on June 3rd where trainers and competitors will have the opportunity to make a pledge should they jump clear. Riding on tbird’s capable wings is a privilege JWI has known for many years, and tbird’s influence is woven through countless JWI program triumphs. In 2022, tbird raised over $40,000 CDN in an impressive demonstration of cause-driven teamwork, and was subsequently named the Horse Show Partner of the Year during an emotional awards ceremony at the 20th Anniversary Gala. tbird Board Chair & CEO Jane Tidball’s passion for JWI is further evidenced by her many years of service as a dedicated JWI Board of Directors member.
This week, tbird’s generosity is sure to make an astounding impact once again, and we are eager to watch top sport and fundraising unfold ringside in Langley or on tbird TV. JWI supporters Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Erynn Ballard (CAN) will be galloping across the grass in the famous Fort Grand Prix Ring looking to put Canada atop the podium. Youth Ambassador Caroline Mawhinney is still riding on cloud nine after winning her first CSI5* class for Team Eye Candy during last week’s Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) Team Competition. JWI’s presence at tbird for the Canadian Premier and Odlum Brown BC Open will offer countless more opportunities for riders, spectators and their families to learn about JWI and become inspired to get involved. Find the schedule of events streaming for free on tbird TV here.
JustWorld International Kicks Off Summer Fundraiser
JustWorld International’s (JWI) partner project People Improvement Organization (PIO) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia needs your help ensuring over 1,100 families have access to adequate nutrition through the Family Rice Program. Founded by CNN Hero Phymean Noun in 2002, PIO cultivates prosperous futures for Cambodian children living in extreme poverty. With the generous support of our donors, JWI funds operational costs for two PIO schools serving children from kindergarten through 12th grade by providing educational materials, qualified teachers, healthcare and nutrition. Numerous studies have proven that hungry children cannot learn, and the Family Rice Program is a multifaceted solution.
Children who would otherwise be laboring at the municipal garbage dump in Phnom Penh to earn money or collect food scraps for their families have the opportunity to put food on the table through good attendance at PIO. This incentive helps Cambodian children further their education while bringing home 11 pounds of rice each month, which is bountiful enough to feed a family of six for the entire month. JWI has set the goal of raising $43,200 with the support of our dedicated Ambassadors, which will fund this essential program for another year.
The success of the Family Rice Program has the power to change lives, as it has done so since its inception. Han Kean, a graduate of PIO, struggled with attendance in her early years as a student. While Han dreamed of nothing more than pursuing her education, her desk was often empty in the afternoons as she had no choice but to return to the municipal garbage dump to help feed her family. Han was one of many students faced with this impossible paradox, and the Family Rice Program was the clear solution. Han is among countless other students who were able to continue their education, and she is now studying marketing at the prestigious Preak Kossomak Polytechnic Institute (PPI). By supporting JWI’s summer fundraiser, the number of success stories will only continue to grow.
Rice is abundant, nutritious and economical. Thus any amount, no matter how big or small, will have an extended reach at PIO. It costs only $50 to support 15 children for one month, $600 for one ton of rice, and $3,600 to fund the program for one month. Together, we will work towards reaching our goal of $43,200 by August 1st, 2023 and there is no better day to start than today.
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JustWorld International
Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully vetted education programs for impoverished children around the world. Thousands of JustWorld Ambassadors from more than 40 countries have since committed to “ride for the cause” and assist JustWorld in accomplishing its mission to help build brighter futures for these children and their communities. Equestrian-based companies and events worldwide support JustWorld’s efforts, and the governing body of the global equestrian sport, the FEI, has endorsed JustWorld as its official charity partner. In 2022, JustWorld is helping improve the lives of nearly 10,000 impoverished children around the globe daily.
To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.
JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.