early momentum

Good morning folks.

It has been... a really challenging week. 

Between the waves of grief and despair have been small windows of time where the endless torrent of requirements for organising Ivy's ceremony has consumed so much energy.  It does not help that being a designer means so many processes I make my own!

One of the projects this week that occurred spontaneously was that I found myself writing a story - specifically for Jarvis, my youngest, to help interpret his grief through the lens of a five year old.  In the early stages of everything that is going on, and the future vision of The Forge Institute, this book may be something I look at refining to form another way to bring funds into the project.

It has been extremely heart warming to have so many people reach out personally to express their interest in being a part of the initiative - whether in an educational/therapeutic capacity or simply helping to spread the word.  

I have had fantastic contact with the Principal of Rowville as well as several of the teachers of the RIA, who hopefully will be a good first conduit into the network of youth I hope TFI can support. 

My aim over the next fortnight is to see Ivy’s ceremony done with all the honour and beauty she deserves, and then (while yes, allowing rest, recuperation, and family time) trying to push forward with more action - specifically reaching out to find people to assist with fund raising and grants applications.  The money donated already will help engage people to assist with marketing which I hope, in turn, helps the campaign grow larger and reach further.

I have registered domains and established emails (for now, griz@theforgeinstitute.au) so please, if you feel you can assist with anything do not hesitate to reach out.  

I will also aim to have an ecommerce space online in the next few weeks for tee/hoodie/pin purchases with TFI branding to help with awareness and serve as conversation starters. 

In the meantime, be kind to each other and hug your children. 

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