Hello Team,

So, the contest is over. We ended in 25th place with 900 votes. Amazing! Although it is of course disappointing to have not made it into the semi-final round, I am beyond touched with the effort that was put forth. I never expected to gain so much support in so little time. I mean, considering the fact that our idea was up against major organizations/schools/foundations, I am pretty impressed that we made top 25! You have truly warmed my heart!

THANK YOU!  THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thank you! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Now that I know there is so much support for the Roadtrip with Reason, it makes me even more excited to get planning. Eeee! Excitement. That brings me to the next steps of the planning process...

1) Schedule! It is going to take a lot of time for me to figure the actual concrete-ish schedule of the trip. I hope to begin the journey on August 1st in Newfoundland, and I expect to end it in the beginning of November.....but the rest of the details are yet to be determined. So much to consider! So much to research!

2) Not-for-profits! I have been making note of different organizations within Canada that I am interested in volunteering with and I know there are thousands more out there. I am in the process of putting together a 'proposal' for the organizations and will soon be making the approach. If you know of an NFP anywhere in Canada that you think would be a great match for the project, send me an e-mail at becky@roadtripwithreason.ca!

3) Funding! So, the Aviva Community Fund didn't come through. No worries! I am 100% determined to get this project up and running, and I will find the funding somehow! Unfortunately, typical grants/government funding/corporate sponsorship are not viable options for this because it is an 'individual pursuit' - aka not a registered not-for-profit. Just a little fork in the road! Soon, I will be developing some sponsorship packages that will be posted under the 'sponsorship' section of website. There are all kinds of ideas floating in my head. If you have any brilliant ideas, let me know!

That is all for now. Much to do! Much excitement!

If you haven't already, be sure to search 'Roadtrip with Reason' on Facebook and "Like" the page....or follow me on twitter (@roadtripwreason)....OR sign up for my e-mailing list HERE!

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky xo

Hey Team!

I just wanted to quickly post an update to let you know that we have made it to #30 on the list!!! We have been in our little spot, holding our own, for the entire day! This is really exciting, if you ask me. I realized today that we are the only idea, in the top 35 (small budget category) that is not partnered with an organization or a school. The only one! Do you know what this means? It means that you guys have been amazing!!!!

Anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know the happy news and show you the hilarious picture I took this morning (in my pj's haha), when I first realized the roadtrip made it to #30!

Only 20 more ideas to surpass. Difficult, but not impossible! Just keep those votes comin' every day - and be sure to spread the word this weekend!!! Just clickHERE to vote!

Happy Friday. Wishing you oodles of fun!

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky xo

Hi Friends,

We have hit 245 votes! Pretty cool!

Today (& tomorrow), I am home in Oakville as I have a few days off from my regular 9-5. The house is currently in disaster because my parents are getting the floors re-done, and everything has been moved all over. I spent my day working away at the kitchen table trying to avoid strange looks from Sinbad, the tile man (who was likely judging me for wearing pj's at 3 p.m. Heh!). Not the best atmosphere for creative thinking, I admit.

There is just so much to do! The 'to do' list keeps growing and growing, and my ideas keep building and building and before I know it there is always just too much to get done in one day. I am sure my close friends are growing tired of listening to me talk about the roadtrip. I am constantly bouncing ideas off of them, looking to them for encouragement, relying on them for honest opinions - but hey, it's what friends are for...right? (LOVE you guys!)

I realized today that, as much support as I have received from YOU, it is just not enough to push my way to the top. I need to go big! HUGE! GINORMOUS! I need to reach a much wider audience...but how? With only 7 days left in the Aviva Community Fund, I need to think fast. Any tips?!

This weekend, I have every intention of partially embarrassing myself (& maybe some willing friends) by getting out into the streets and just chatting to people from around the community. Lots and lots of them! I am actually designing a little 'brochure', in shape/design of a postcard, which people can take home with them... cute? crazy? silly? fun? waste of time? Who knows.

At the end of this contest, I just want to know that I pushed as hard as I could to make it happen. If I don't make the top ten, I will find a way to make this idea get out on the road (literally). Somehow. It will happen!

Anyway, it's time for me to rest my buzzing brain and hit the pillow.

Thank you, deeply, for the love and support. It feels so special to have so many people backing me.

Keep those votes coming, and spread the word far & wide!

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky xo

Hello Friends,

I am going to make this pretty short and sweet.

101 votes!!!!!
101 votes!!!!!
101 votes!!!!!

My heart is feeling quite warm this evening because of you wonderful people! I realize that 101 votes doesn't do much for our status in the top 10, but that isn't what this is about right now. It is amazing to me that WE (as a team) have reached out to 83 people so far, and that they have been committed enough to register and vote!

I know I am a very small fish in the scheme of things, and that it will be VERY difficult for me to go from 37th place to 10th...but ya know what? It is POSSIBLE. I truly believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it....or many minds, in this case!

Anyway, tomorrow is another day for voting! Please remember to vote again (day after day), and continue to spread the word in EVERY way possibl!!

I have Thursday & Friday off this week (lucky me!) and will be returning back to Oakville for some much needed  creative brainstorming. I am thinking big thoughts! If you have any crazy ideas to spread the word - let me know - I am up for anything!

Happy trails & travels,
-- Becky xo