Supporting Canada’s next generation of nurses

Letter from Audrey Tepper

Dear friend,

Thanks for your interest in Audrey’s Place.

This project is dedicated to helping nursing students succeed. Whether they need money to help with tuition, books or simply living expenses, the funds we raise through Audrey’s Place Foundation will help them achieve their goals so that they can start a career of helping others more quickly and without the stress of crushing debt.

I know first hand why these young nursing students need our help. I went back to study nursing when I was already a mom caring for two young kids. I had to struggle to keep all those balls in the air, but I kept on going because I believed and still believe that nursing is a noble profession, worth striving for. Now I would like to help ease the burden for others who are trying to make the world a better place and just need a step up. This is especially important at a time when enrollment in nursing schools is diminishing, nurses themselves are at a premium and the profession has never been more stressful.

When I started on this project, I realized that my own desire to help others is really part of a larger heritage. My maternal grandfather, Harry Baimel, was my first inspiration, and he set the bar high for all of his children and grandchildren. Although our family had very little, he always taught us that one is never too poor to share. “Keep some for yourself,” he would advise, “and give the balance to as many others in need as you can.”

Guided by his teachings, my mom and I would deliver groceries and sending money to needy families every Saturday. Later on, I added to that donation with money I saved up from my weekly allowance. The experience of seeing firsthand how much our gifts meant to those families taught me what the “joy of giving” truly means. This feeling has inspired me to reach out to others less fortunate throughout my adult life and I am pleased to say that this spirit lives on in my two grown children as well.

Audrey’s Place foundation is a continuation of my grandfather’s legacy. My hope is that you too will be inspired by his example and choose to make a difference in the lives of young nurses who will make such excellent use of our help. In doing so, you’ll not only be supporting a most worthy cause, you also feed your own soul, and possibly in the process, inspire others by your example.

I say to you, as someone once said to me, thank you kind soul.

Rebecca and Harry Baimel, Audrey’s grandparents.

Audrey Tepper during a visit to Africa in November 2005