While the 12for12k project supports 12 specific charities to raise awareness and donations for, one of our aims is to offer further awareness to other causes and events that we feel affinity to. One such cause is Kilos4Kids.

Kilos4Kids is the name given to one man’s tribute to his daughter. Rodney Stafford is the father of Tori Stafford, the little 8-year old girl who disappeared in April 2009 while returning home from school in Woodstock, Ontario. Her body was later found and two local residents charged with her murder. The story touched every single person in Canada, and many beyond.

Rodney is currently riding a bike across Canada to raise funds and awareness for Child Find Ontario, a Canadian non-profit offering support and help for families with missing children. Rodney’s aim is to cycle from Woodstock to Edmonton in the Canadian province of Alberta – a journey of 3,400 kilometers. When he reaches Edmonton, he will release a single purple balloon on a mountain that Tori visited.

So how can you help?

Rodney’s journey is being shared via his blog. There is a donation button there if you wish to support financially. You can also share Rodney’s progress – and offer your support – via the Kilos4Kids Twitter account. Additionally, Canadian businesswoman Shannon Boudjema has offered to donate $100 to Child Find if the Kilos4Kids Twitter account reaches 500 followers – currently it’s at approximately 400.

I can’t imagine losing a child. I don’t know if I’d have the strength to do what Rodney is doing. What I do know is that I can offer my support. Hopefully you can too.

Danny Brown, 12for12k.