In this episode of the IDS Podcast, the host interviews John Thiessen, founder of the John Thiessen Children's Foundation. John shares the inspiring story of how his own battle with a brain tumor at 17 led him to create a foundation dedicated to helping sick and underprivileged children. He recalls meeting a young girl named Tasha during his hospital stay, whose kindness inspired him to start a holiday toy drive in 1992. This initiative eventually grew into a full-fledged foundation providing toys, medical expense support, and various other services to children in need.

The episode also highlights the recent IDS Pay It Forward project, the Family Fun Center, a space designed to provide joy and support to children and families. The center features arcade games, arts and crafts, a theater room, and more, creating a fun and safe environment for kids. This project was realized with the help of the IDS design team, who transformed John's vision into reality.

John discusses the challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit, emphasizing the importance of community support and dedication. The episode closes with information on how listeners can get involved by donating toys, volunteering, or contributing financially to the foundation.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Visit the Foundation's Website: https://www.jtcf.org

As always, you can learn more about our host Brian Berkowitz:

Brian's Website: https://www.brianberkowitzphoto.com

Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianberko