Journal

There’s nothing quite like a packed room on Trivia Night—laughter, friendly competition, and the shared goal of supporting a great cause. Our most recent trivia event was not just a night of fun; it was a massive success, raising the funds needed to officially launch Iam.BrainSTRONG—just in time for biking season!

Iam.BrainSTRONG is more than just a helmet safety initiative. It’s a movement designed to encourage kids to want to wear their helmets, rather than feeling forced to. We all know that helmet laws exist to protect riders, but let’s be honest—many kids resist wearing them simply because they don’t want to be told what to do. Parents struggle with this battle daily, and enforcing safety through rules alone isn’t always effective. That’s where Iam.BrainSTRONG changes the game.

You’d think by now, I’d know better than to assume anything. Yet, here I am, writing this blog post because I went ahead and did just that. I assumed that giving away door prizes at our upcoming Trivia Night would be simple. A nice little bonus, an easy and fun way to say thank you to everyone attending.

Well, turns out, it’s not easy. It’s not even possible.

And for that, I owe you all a massive, grovelling apology.

Here’s the problem: when I naively envisioned handing out door prizes, I pictured a magical system where people would just…get stuff. No strings attached, no logistical nightmares.

BrainSTRONG Trivia Night: Fun, Food, and Fundraising!

Get ready, Richmond! On February 7, 2025, Danby’s Roadhouse, your favourite better-than-awesome restaurant, will transform into a trivia battleground as we host our third BrainSTRONG Trivia Night! It’s your chance to show off your smarts, enjoy great food, and make a difference in our community.

Gather your team, or come solo and join others, for a night filled with brain-teasing questions, laughter, and delicious eats. With categories to challenge trivia buffs and casual players alike, there’s something for everyone. Don’t worry—this isn’t just about knowing obscure facts; it’s about coming together for a great cause.

Big News for BrainSTRONG: A New Funding Source Finalized!

I am beyond excited to share some game-changing news for the BrainSTRONG Network! After months of brainstorming, planning, and navigating the complex world of not-for-profit laws (seriously, who knew raffles weren’t allowed?), I’ve finalized an innovative and super fun funding source that’s going to take our mission to the next level.

Here’s the deal: our upcoming Trivia Night on February 7, 2025, at the ever-awesome Danby’s Roadhouse in Richmond is shaping up to be THE event of the year! Thanks to some creative thinking, we’ve turned what could’ve been a legal roadblock into an exciting opportunity for YOU.

After months (okay, years!) of planning, dreaming, and (let’s be honest) talking about it, I’m thrilled to share some incredible news: BrainSTRONG is FINALLY officially launching!

One highlight? I’ll be joined by Zenon Konopka,, a former NHL player who had to retire because of his invisible Acquired Brain Injury. Zenon’s story is a powerful reminder of why BrainSTRONG’s mission matters, and I’m so proud to have his support as we move forward.

I was medically retired, and as my injury was classified as “catastrophic” which meant my retirement from the workforce. Many of the individuals who suffered an Acquired Brain Injury are invisible sufferers, because there’s no visible evidence, and they can continue to work. Living with an invisible brain injury can be a deeply personal and complex experience, especially in the workplace. Often, others don’t see or understand the challenges you face, making it difficult to seek support or accommodations. Job retention in such a scenario requires careful planning, self-awareness, and the right strategies to balance your professional responsibilities with the realities of your condition.