Ian Sohn’s Post

Check out Chris’ profile to learn more about adaptive athleticism, farming, and expanding your accessibility mindset

❗ You’re planning an event, although you’re unemployed? Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either but this year has been about reconnecting with myself and rediscovering the activities that excite me — giving back is one of them! Amidst the job hunting uncertainty and having a difficult time getting a Product Design interview, I decided to take a leap and plan a holiday-themed event for orphaned youth at Aldea Infantil Virgen del Pilar in Tarapoto, Peru. Back when I was 17, I worked at Forever 21 and used that money to host an event for this same orphanage. This time, life looks a little different. I relied on sponsors, a portion of my savings, and donations from friends and family to help make this event possible. Some might consider it wreckless, but if there is one accomplishment I want to have this year, it’s this. The event almost didn’t happen because it would have financially impacted me, but then I remembered something I saw on LinkedIn: “If people don’t know you need help, then they can’t help you,” so I created a GoFundMe page, reached out to friends and family, and the donations started coming in. I’m still in shock this event is actually happening and the emotions I feel are hard to describe. This really showed me that you don’t have to do things alone in life. “It takes a village,” as they say. Basically, if you're concerned about someone saying no, ask anyway. If you're not sure what the outcome might be, it doesn't matter because at least you tried. Action always gets you closer to where you want to be in life. I’ll share more about the event soon and another relevant project I’m working on but for now, you can take a look at the GoFundMe page linked below. #philanthropy #eventplanning #donations #fundraising  

I'm thrilled to share the mission of our non-profit organization dedicated to leveling the playing field. Our initiative revolves around: > Collecting gently used soccer equipment. > Channeling it to those who may not have the means to access these essential tools. Fútbol (or soccer as it's known in many parts of the world), is more than just a game. It's a bridge that connects communities, fosters teamwork, and nurtures dreams. Unfortunately, many budding talents in underprivileged areas lack the resources. That's where we step in. By donating equipment, we're not merely giving away soccer gear. • We're gifting opportunities — and hope. • We're gifting a pathway for children to channel their energies positively. • We're gifting every jersey, ball, and pair of cleats with the hope that they ignite a spark that has the potential to change a life. I urge everyone in my network to support our cause. > Whether you have gear to donate... > Wish to volunteer... > Or can simply spread the word... Your contribution can make a tangible difference. Let's kick-start dreams, one soccer ball at a time. ⚽ DM me "Sport of Dreams" to learn more.

🚣♂️ Exciting News! I'm thrilled to share an exciting initiative our team at Control Techniques is embarking on....and we need your help! 🎉 In honour of our 50th Birthday, we're taking on "The Big Row - 50k for 50 years" challenge, where our dedicated team will be rowing 50 kilometres. But this isn't just about the rowing – it's about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. We've partnered with The Christmas Smile Project, an organisation dedicated to bringing joy to underprivileged children in Telford this Christmas season. 🎁 We believe in the power of community and the positive change that collective efforts can bring. That's why we're reaching out to you, our incredible network, for support. Your donations will go directly towards making a difference in the lives of these children, ensuring they experience the magic of the holiday season. No contribution is too small, and every donation is a step closer to spreading smiles and warmth this Christmas. 🌟 Your support means the world to us, and together, we can make this celebration not only about our milestone but also about giving back. To donate or learn more about our initiative, please visit https://lnkd.in/eZPpJqdT. Your generosity is the key to unlocking a brighter Christmas for those in need. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us make a positive impact. 🙏 Let's row together towards a season of joy and giving! 🚣♀️🎄 #controltechniques #driveobsessed #thechristmassmileproject #philanthropy #charitysupport #christmas2023 #nidec #nideccontroltechniques #drivesandautomation #charityevent #teamwork #controltechniques #driveobsessed #thechristmassmileproject #philanthropy #charitysupport #christmas2023 #nidec #nideccontroltechniques #drivesandautomation #charityevent #teamwork #innovation #management #technology #creativity #future #goalachievement #goal #career #careers #socialnetworking #branding #advertisingandmarketing #advertisement #motivation #productivity #sales #fundraising #culture #success #automation

How do we crush barriers? 1. World-Class Programs. 2. Athlete Support. 3. Community Partnerships. By crushing barriers and leveling the field we create opportunities that can last a lifetime. Learn more at: upswingfoundation.org . . . #UPSWINGFoundation #sports #youthsports #foundation #nonprofit #giving #athlete

I’m going to do something I don’t usually do. I’m going to try and tug your heartstrings to separate you from your cash. Many of you know that I’m a Scout volunteer in our local village. Our much-loved hut had to be demolished last month, having reached the end of its life. So we want to raise money to get a new one. But why should you fork out for this? Why is this cause more deserving than any of the myriad others that you’re asked to contribute to? Well, I think that a fit-for-purpose community facility has an impact by stealth. It isn’t a here-today gone-tomorrow kind of project. It can be a focal point and haven for a whole village, over many years – our previous building was in use from 1976, and saw generations of Scouts, Guides, playgroups, Sunday Schools, kids’ parties and many others under its roof. A properly-designed building that’s pleasant to use also attracts more volunteers, which means that more people can benefit from activities held there. Obviously, Scouts and Guides are open to every child, no matter what their circumstances. But I think they are particularly valuable for the neurodivergent kids who perhaps struggle to access other activities – something I have personal experience of. One of my proudest moments was presenting the Chief Scout’s Bronze award to a lad who’d previously been asked to leave other after-school clubs. So, to prove how much I personally care about this, I am going to put myself through 100km of non-stop misery, along the Thames Path. I'm fat and middle-aged with a dodgy knee, so it's not going to be easy. But if it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing, right? I have 705 connections on LinkedIn. If everyone donated just £1, that would take us a long way forward, and would take my mind off how much my legs are going to hurt at 78km. #Scouts #goodforyou https://lnkd.in/efR4urcE

In Cozumel, Mexico, I had the privilege to contribute to the education and well-being of underprivileged children. The seemingly joyful playground unveiled a stark contrast to the challenges faced by these kids. From playing soccer on a beat-up surface to engaging in unique learning environments, I experienced a culture that was unique and new to me. The program director shared the harsh realities of the kids' lives: - Living spaces cramped with multiple family members - The best meal of their week: The Pizza delivery the program provides - The struggle for school uniforms. - Without a uniform, they can't learn The simple act of donating shoes and shirts is so much more to them. - Their school requires a white polo and closed-toe shoes for their uniform - Items like that can be hard to come by for them - They have to iron on their logo Donating the shirts meant they all had their own: - The program director told us how their school had a morning, afternoon, and evening session. - Sometimes, there would only be one clean uniform in the family for all of the kids. - A kid would go to the morning session, come home, and give their uniform to a sibling to go to a later session. That trip may have felt short to us, and the donation minimal, just a few polo shirts. But the impact the donations have is life-changing. And it makes me thankful for the privilege I have not having to worry about what I'm going to wear to school. P.S. What do you take for granted that can make a big impact on someone else's life? #socialjustice #GlobalImpact #EducationForAll #SustainableChange #SocialResponsibility

The smallest acts of kindness can create lasting impacts. Our silent auctions are more than just opportunities to win amazing items, they are a way to contribute to meaningful causes and uplift our communities. 🤝❤️ Joins us in giving back! Let’s make a life by what we give. By participating in our silent auctions, you’re not just placing bids. You are supporting initiatives that matter and spreading kindness.. 🌈✨ #oktion #charity #kindness #oktionfundraisingapp #oktionapp #fundraisingmovement #charityeventheroes #OktionSavesTheDay #quote #quotekindness #kindness

As part of my 2024 Boston Marathon fundraising, I am doing Superbowl squares! I am running on behalf of Best Buddies - a non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The buy-in for each square is $25, which you can Venmo me, @Carleigh-Leyman ! Basic rules are as follows: Once all the squares have been selected, we will randomly pick numbers from 0-9 for each team in the Super Bowl, and assign that number to a particular row or column. These numbers represent the last number in the score of each team. In other words, if the score is AFC 17 - NFC 14, then the winning square is the one with an AFC number of 7, and an NFC number of 4. Winnings Breakdown for Squares End of 1st Quarter: 10% End of 2nd Quarter: 10% End of 3rd Quarter: 10% End of Game: 20% Payout to Charity: 50% To join, use my link here: https://lnkd.in/ezAwvvet

The intention of this post is to shine a light on young female athletes (like Lili in the video below) striving to play professional sport; but first, some context. I’m blessed with 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, all of whom have played sport, 3 at youth representative level (football, futsal, cricket), and one who played semi professionally in NZ’s top ⚽️ tier. I’ve coached girls and mixed teams, including a female U15 team to New Zealand Football's national futsal title. I’ve played competitive junior, youth and senior football, plus cricket, tennis, rugby, and Aussie Rules. I’m a fan of the Wellington Phoenix Football Club, Carlton Football Club, Warringah Rugby Club and along with all of that, I’ve been a lifelong fan of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. It’s heartwarming to see some of the players I’ve coached now playing for their National team and in professional ⚽️ environments. I’d like to think somewhere along the way I had a positive influence. So, as a father of 2 daughters, a coach of female players, and as a fan of all sports, how good is it to see young Lili in the video? Lili is a northern beaches local, a fan of Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - and now a representative rugby league 🏉 player, chasing her field of dreams with the club she has supported all her life. I understand the sacrifices young athletes like Lili and their families make to chase a dream. It takes time, money, love, and the expertise of good coaches to provide holistic support around young athletes - to grow them to be good people. Only a small percentage will play professionally, but with the right mindset, the young person will have grown through the experience, whatever their eventual career. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles fans: you can help nurture the future of the club - by making a TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION to the Sea Eagles Foundation. Your donation supports the holistic life skills needed to see the +250 male and female teenage athletes in our representative pathways programs be the best human beings they can be. And who knows, maybe one day we will see young women like Lili running out on to 4 Pines Brewing Company Pty Ltd Park for Manly, at Brookie in a National Rugby League W game. Help nurture the next generation and watch them soar with the Sea Eagles. Donate now and get in touch if you want to discuss other ways to support the future of our club. #ManlySeaEagles #NextGen #Donate Minerva Network Kate Olgers GAICD Deana Candelori FCA Gabrielle Curtin Romilly Madew AO FTSE HonFIEAust EngExec Hanna Clare Julie Sibraa GAICD