Giving Back – A Greater Purpose
My 3rd book, The X-tails Ski at Spider Ridge, is near and dear to my heart; not only does the main character, Rhumba, use a wheelchair, but she’s also amazing on a sit-ski. At first, the X-tails see Rhumba as having a disability, but it doesn’t take long before they realize she has different abilities. This story is sure to warm the heart of any reader, and the best part: I’m donating half of my royalties from each sale of this book!
Update: On January 24, 2017, a dream of mine came true. I donated two sports wheelchairs to the SD 57 Early Learning Program in Prince George, BC. These chairs are awesome—lime green, fast, and in a size for smaller kids! I also donated one hundred signed copies of The X-tails Travel to the Jamboree Jam—a board book I’ve written that is perfect for the young children in the Early Learning Program. This book also has a character in a wheelchair and it’s a great way to introduce kids to the use of wheelchairs. Check out the photo below of the two chairs!
How it began: It was in the fall of 2013 when I first met Nancy Harris, who is the Northern Coordinator for Wheelchair Basketball and the Let’s Play Northern BC Program. She invited me for a coffee, and in that one hour meeting, she opened my eyes to the great work being done to promote inclusive physical activity for kids with physical disabilities and mobility limitations. I was so interested in what Nancy had to say, it wasn’t long before her message and her personal story had a big impact on me. Nancy’s message about inclusion and physical activity aligned perfectly with the X-tails children’s book series. Even though I had several stories already written and waiting to be published, I knew I needed to get my laptop out to write a new story—something different.
As Nancy and I were about to part ways that day, I suggested that if I were to write a new book, I could don
ate part of the proceeds. I was thinking out loud when I said it, and at the time, I had no idea how to do such a thing, but I meant it. Over the following months, I poured all of my energy into writing The X-tails Ski at Spider Ridge—I wanted this book to be a blast to read, but I also wanted it to have a greater purpose.
Details about the donations:
We believe in giving back. For every copy sold of The X-tails Ski at Spider Ridge, 50% of my royalties are donated for kids with physical disabilities and mobility limitations, which will provide opportunities to use sports wheelchairs and ot
her recreational equipment. Click on these links to learn more about the BC Wheelchair Basketball Society and the many wheelchair sports being played throughout British Columbia.
In 2017 and beyond, I’m asking you for suggestions. Do you have something in mind—a project that is near and dear to your heart, which aligns with this cause? Click here to contact me with your idea!
How you can help:
Buying the book is a great way to raise funds, but there are many more ways to help. Perhaps you can sell the book in your store or as part of an event. Maybe you can get the book in your local library. How about having me read at your local school or combining my author visit with a wheelchair basketball event? What about fundraising? The ideas are endless! Click here to contact me with your idea!
Make sure to watch this page for updates on the amount raised and to find out about the sports equipment purchased from the donations. As the X-tails would say, I’m zoober-excited about this opportunity to put a smile on a child’s face and I hope you are too!
L.A. Fielding
A group of friends on zoober-amazing adventures that you can share with your family!