Friends and family,
Birkie #45 next week…. for me a long tradition going back to 1979
with my wool knickers and borrowed skis from brother Pete and raising $1,000 for The Hunger Project. At 77 I’m getting wiser and say ‘no thanks’ to skiing 53 kilometers now choosing the 29 km Kortelopet (‘Korte’) with my wife 
Mindy and a few thousand other less competitive skiers, feels right.
As a “combi skier” (a mix of Birkies (43) and Kortes (2). My new goal has nothing to do with racing, just to stay upright and finish before sunset with a smile on my face on Main Street in Hayward WI.
METRO SURGE RECOVERY FUND
I haven’t raised funds since Birkie 40 during Covid, but this year with the ICE Metro Surge that has caused tremendous stress on our immigrant neighbors and all of us, I’ve decided to lend a hand. Getting a $1,000 check from our friend George in Anchorage AK gave me the inspiration. I’m asking my community to help me raise $4500 for Immigrant support and (now that the surge is slowing) recovery.
Raising funds thru Cool Planet and the Edina Community Foundation all contributions will be donated to Hornet Cares of the Edina Ed Fund for personal/family care packets and Stand with Minnesota to provide a wide variety of services including rent assistance, legal support and organizing volunteers around the state to help.
Please consider a donation of $45 or $145 in an effort to raise $4500 for supporting these vital programs. Any and all amounts welcome and are tax deductible thru the Edina Community Foundation.
These are trying times for many Minnesotans and Americans. The best of Minnesota and beyond is shining thru in our participation with supporting our neighbors, communities and building a future based not on fear and intimidation but with determination, gratitude and love.
So proud of my neighbors and Edina Mayor Jim Hovland and his truth-telling about the MN surge to the US Council of Mayors this month. https://tinyurl.com/EdinaMayor
The narrative in our state and country is shifting because of citizens being informed, engaged and together building the future we want today and for future generations.
Thanks for helping me to make my 45th Birkie adventure contribute to a friendlier world.
Paul Thompson
Birkie “Combi” Skier and Active Citizen