Leejay's Guide to the Library 2016

While preparing for an #Architecture #JanesWalk in May,

I met an incredible woman, on twitter,

with a fundraiser benefiting youth.
Since I'm currently working closely with youth in my church,
I felt that this was a perfect community fundraiser to support.

André had just announced that this Janes Walk would be dedicated to
the late Leejay Levene, an aspiring architect.
Shirley is sharing Leejay's story before the walk begins.

I even wrote about it in my May blogpost about #Architecture 

and our family's experience living in Rome.

Since then, I've had the privilege of getting to know

Shirley Levene,

K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year 2014 Award Recipient.

From left: Regional Chair, Ken Seiling, Regional radio personality Mike Farwell,
Fundraiser extrodinaire Shirley Levene and Waterloo Region Chief of Police, Bryan Larkin
at the Leejay Levene 2016 calendar launch
Photo courtesy of the Levene Family

 Out of the grief of losing her son,

Leejay Levene,

 in a tragic accident,

 comes an opportunity to provide hope to many more lives.

Shirley, with the loving support of her family
(husband Ron, sons Casey & Elli Levene)

 has spent the past 8 years selling her late son's artwork and 

donating all raised funds to many special local causes.

I'm inspired.

Mother's pizza nourished the calendar launch attendees with their delicious pizza.
(I found André & Melaia in the Levene photos!)
Photo courtesy of the Levene family.

This year, 

the Kitchener Public Library

will benefit from a

Leejay Levene calendar.

Each gorgeous month of the 2016 Leejay Levene calendar on display at the launch.
Each month is sponsored by one of your favourite local businesses.

Proceeds from the sales of this calendar will help build

a Teen Tech Livingroom

at the Kitchener Public Library.

Simply Awesome!

Tech literacy is a significant industry of our 
Waterloo Region 
past, present and future.

I'm excited that so many youth will have the opportunity to explore

technology in a safe environment within the stunning 
Kitchener Public Library.

When I attended the launch, which included a gallery of
Leejay's artwork, 

May 2015 Kitchener Public Library gallery was lined with the works of Leejay Levene.

I discovered a painting 
by Leejay 
that gripped the most tender depths of my heart.

I'd like to introduce you to
Leejay's
"Footprints".

Apparently the original painting is of life size 
Leejay footprints
but the print, with the miniature size footprints,
spoke to me.

You see, they reminded me of some very special little footprints that
walked into my life almost seven years ago.

Our fourth baby,
Isoefa Alofa,
was stillborn and the kind nurses at McMaster hospital
made footprints of my lost son.

Measurement in inches

Not long after we lost him, I found this meaningful quote:

"There is no foot so small 

that it cannot leave an imprint on this earth."

- unknown

Truth.

Thank you to my new friends, 

Leejay & Shirley Levene 

for adding some colour to my grief through
"Footprints".

No words, just feelings.

It's an honour to have this painting in my home.
It gently hugs & warms the tender depths of my heart.

For now, "Footprints" is displayed above my piano.
Interesting note: Leejay adopted an almost identical cat as the cat that we just adopted
in January and is pictured here.
This one's for Leejay's Lola, from our Katara.

Everyone would benefit from the thoughtful & moving art by
Leejay Levene.

When you purchase his calendar, 
you have months of inspiration through his artwork,
in combination with inspiring quotes 
from local and national citizens and celebrities.

Leejay's 2016 calendar can be purchased for 
$10.00 
at 
any Kitchener Public Library location,
Westmount Pharmacy
or
directly from
Shirley Levene.
Just tweet her!

I would also be more than willing to hook you up with your 
2016 Leejay Levene calendar.
Comment below or tweet me.

These calendars bring personal reflection and inspiration,
make meaningful gifts
and contribute to an incredible 
#community cause.

Go grab your calendar and I look forward to meeting you at the new
Teen Tech Livingroom
at the Kitchener Public Library.

Thank you Levene family,

with Love,
Daisy