PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE: “When life is turned upside down, you have to learn to turn it upside down again”

As part of the annual Christmas for All press campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help through the program. This is one of them.

Press Christmas for All team members asked our referral partners if they knew of any customers whose children could benefit from an adventure that builds confidence and leads to an exciting trip into nature.

Dogsmile Adventures, a non-profit therapeutic sailing organization, answered the call for this experience and invited six children ages 10 to 16 to a five-day sailing camp. The children were identified based on the needs of their families and the efforts of their loved ones to overcome their hardships and traumas.

One of the mothers described the impact of sailing camp on her son “Oliver,” who wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about it at first.

“After the first day of camp was over, he had the biggest smile on his face,” the mother said. “I didn’t have to fight him to get through another day. If he could, he would have spent the whole summer sailing. It was a really good experience for him.”

Oliver talked about how he learned to put a sailboat together and tie various knots.

“We sailed out on the lake and talked,” he said. “First we talked about how to sail, and then we talked about how sailing translates to real life. When life is turned upside down, you have to learn to turn it upside down again. “I would like to be outside” and sail more. It felt open and I felt relaxed being out on the water and they made me feel like family.

Jon Totten, CEO and founder of Dogsmile Adventures, said the collaboration between the nonprofits was a slam-dunk opportunity for Dogsmile.

“These children don’t have access to boats on Lake Coeur d’Alene,” he said. “Our work gives them that access, meaning they have the same experiences and benefits as others. Junior sailing is about connecting with nature, learning a new skill, teamwork, adventure and resilience; “But for these children there is something more. “There is a sense of belonging, of being part of a group, that they don’t often feel because of their situation.”

Totten said these children are the reason he started Dogsmile Adventures.

“I am committed to bringing sailing experiences to people without access and this collaboration is key,” he said. “There’s nothing better than watching a 12-year-old sail a boat all by himself after never having seen a sailboat five days before. It is not easy. It takes courage and determination. These experiences will benefit them for the rest of their lives.” I couldn’t be prouder of this program.

Visit dogsmileadventures.org for details about Totten’s nonprofit.

Press Christmas for All is published by The Hagadone Corp. managed with support from CharityReimagined.Org. Christmas for All is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Here are four ways to donate:

• Send a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation by phone: 208-664-8176.

• Visit cdapress.com. Click “Christmas for All” and make a secure online donation.

• Drop off your check at The Press: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.