Making JOY Inescapable.

Honouring the Legacy of Ray Olafsen

A 2025 End of Year Letter from Jesse Mauel & Travis Olafsen, Directors of Joyful Living Joyful Giving Foundation

Dear Friend of Joyful Living Joyful Giving,

As this year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the quiet acts of kindness that shaped our dad’s life and, in turn, shaped ours. His story remains one of our greatest inspirations.

Dad grew up in real hardship. Raised by a determined widow on assistance, he knew what it meant to face long seasons of vulnerability and uncertainty. Yet even in those years, there were small kindnesses that carried him through. Simple gestures. Unexpected generosity. Moments that reminded a young boy that he was seen and cared for.

Faith anchored Dad through every chapter of life. His life verse was, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. It guided the way he loved, worked, and served others with quiet faithfulness.

The Joyful Living Joyful Giving Foundation was born out of Dad’s final wish. He longed for generosity to be a hallmark of our family and to create a place where friends, neighbours, and loved ones could join in helping others. It continues to be one of the most meaningful ways we honour his life and extend the kindness that once shaped his own story.

This year, in Dad’s honour, we are directing our year end giving to A Rocha Canada. Although A Rocha serves communities across the country, we are especially grateful for the remarkable work happening at the BC Centre (Brooksdale) right here in our local community, just off 16th Avenue and 192nd Street in Surrey.

Brooksdale is more than a working farm. It is a welcoming place where children, adults, and families find practical support, community, and hope.

Each Year at Brooksdale

600+ children, families and seniors benefit from fresh produce, community gardens, and hands-on food literacy programs

2500+ children visit the farm annually. Children and youth, including many from vulnerable circumstances, are welcomed into outdoor learning experiences that strengthen confidence, belonging, and resilience.

175+ households receive weekly produce through the community supported agriculture program

A Significant Share of the harvest (approx. 30%) is donated to local service agencies for families facing food insecurity.

We chose A Rocha because its work speaks directly to the heart of Dad’s story. As a child who walked through poverty himself, he would have been deeply moved by the care A Rocha extends to those who are vulnerable today. Supporting this ministry feels like a faithful way to honour his life in the place where he lived, worked, and gave so much of himself.

This gift will allow A Rocha Canada to strengthen the programs that are making the greatest difference. Your generosity helps ensure that vulnerable children, low income families, newcomers, and neighbours continue to receive nourishment, community, and hope.

If you are able, would you consider a tax-deductible gift before December 31. Every dollar will be stewarded with integrity and used where the need is greatest.

From our family to yours, THANK YOU!

Your generosity helps ensure that children and families across our community can experience the same kind of hope Dad once received: quiet, beautiful, and life changing.

With gratitude,

Jesse Mauel & Travis Olafsen
Directors, Joyful Living Joyful Giving Foundation