The Nate D Foundation is gearing up for its next poker fundraiser, set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Aldergrove Legion. Local organizer Tiffany Daniel, alongside her dedicated team of volunteers, is passionately spearheading this event to benefit Langley residents struggling with addiction.
All funds raised during the tournament will provide vital support for two Langley residents currently enrolled in a transformative recovery program in Thailand, while also facilitating the inclusion of a third individual from the same community.
“We currently have two individuals in Thailand, and we aim to extend their stay for an additional month. We also wish to send another individual from Langley to join them,” Daniel elaborated, emphasizing the importance of prolonged care in recovery.
Following the tragic loss of her son Nate to the increasingly hazardous drug landscape, Tiffany Daniel channeled her grief into establishing a charitable foundation dedicated to honoring his memory.
With unwavering support from her close friends, the Nate D Foundation was quickly established to help others facing similar struggles.
Since its inception, the foundation has successfully sponsored ten people to undergo trauma therapy in Thailand and has extended support to many others seeking counseling within the local community.
Daniel highlighted that the therapeutic program in Thailand offers a comprehensive approach that transcends traditional 12-step methods, addressing the fundamental causes of addiction.
Nate Daniel was granted a scholarship for a trauma therapy treatment center in Thailand back in 2019, a pivotal experience that his mother fondly remembers, stating that it “returned the life to his eyes.”
“The trauma therapy approach in Thailand equipped Nate with tools to process his memories and emotions that served as triggers,” she reflected, showcasing the depth of impact this program can have on individuals.
To further their mission of supporting individuals in similar predicaments, the Nate D Foundation organizes various fundraising events throughout the year, including slo-pitch baseball tournaments, celebrity fundraisers, and, of course, poker tournaments.
In previous editions, players from the Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions have attended the poker tournament, though this year, due to a conflicting game schedule, they will be unable to join.
“We were hopeful that Kirk McLean and his team would be able to attend, but unfortunately, we scheduled the tournament on a Saturday with a Canucks game, preventing their participation this time,” Daniel explained.
Although the players cannot make it this year, their commitment and support for the foundation has been unwavering in the past.
Participants can register online ahead of the event with a donation of $60 at nate-d.ca.
For those who may not wish to play poker, the event welcomes everyone to join in for delicious barbecue burgers with a suggested donation at the door.
Doors will open at 4:30 PM, with burgers served starting at 5 PM and the poker tournament commencing at 6 PM.
The ambitious goal for this fundraiser is to raise $10,000 to provide essential support to residents of Langley.
“Through our fundraising efforts, we strive to cultivate a supportive and secure environment where individuals can access the help they need to flourish,” stated Daniel.
“We firmly believe that every life is worth fighting for,” she passionately affirmed.
Tiffany also took the time to express her heartfelt gratitude towards the foundation’s sponsors, acknowledging their crucial role.
“Thank you to everyone supporting our cause; we wouldn’t be able to continue our work without your generosity,” she added.
The Aldergrove Legion is conveniently located at 26607 Fraser Hwy.
Additionally, an online auction will be launched in December through the foundation’s website, providing another avenue for community involvement and support.
**Interview with Tiffany Daniel, Organizer of the Nate D Foundation’s Poker Fundraiser**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Tiffany. The Nate D Foundation is hosting its next poker fundraiser on November 16. Can you tell us what inspired you to start this event?
**Tiffany Daniel**: Thank you for having me. After losing my son Nate to addiction, I realized the pressing need to support others who are struggling. Organizing events like this poker tournament helps raise essential funds for individuals in recovery, and it allows us to honor Nate’s memory while making a real difference in the community.
**Editor**: That’s a beautiful way to honor his legacy. Can you share how the funds raised from this tournament will specifically help those in need?
**Tiffany Daniel**: Absolutely. Every dollar we raise will go towards supporting two residents from Langley who are currently in a transformative recovery program in Thailand. We hope to extend their stay for another month and send a third individual from our community to join them. This extended care is crucial for their recovery journey.
**Editor**: The program in Thailand sounds unique. What makes it different from traditional recovery methods?
**Tiffany Daniel**: The therapeutic program in Thailand goes beyond the typical 12-step approach. It addresses the root causes of addiction by providing trauma therapy, which has shown tremendous success. Nate experienced it firsthand, and I saw how it equipped him with the tools to process his emotions and memories, ultimately returning the life to his eyes.
**Editor**: That’s incredibly moving. Since its inception, the Nate D Foundation has helped many individuals. What have been some of the highlights for you?
**Tiffany Daniel**: It’s been so rewarding to see the positive changes in those we’ve sponsored. Since starting the foundation, we’ve helped ten people access trauma therapy in Thailand and assisted many others locally with counseling support. Knowing we’re making a real impact keeps me motivated.
**Editor**: You mentioned that the poker tournament has attracted players from teams like the Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions in the past. Will we see any special guests this year?
**Tiffany Daniel**: Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, we won’t have any players attending this time. However, we still anticipate a great turnout from the community, and we’re excited to bring everyone together for a night of fun and fundraising.
**Editor**: Thank you, Tiffany. It sounds like a fantastic event for a noble cause. How can people get involved?
**Tiffany Daniel**: Interested individuals can participate by registering for the tournament online or donating directly to the foundation. Every contribution makes a difference, and we always welcome volunteers to help with our events.
**Editor**: Thank you again for your time and for the incredible work you’re doing through the Nate D Foundation. We wish you great success with the upcoming poker tournament!
**Tiffany Daniel**: Thank you! I appreciate the support, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the event!