Meet Anyes Local Mompreneur

Soul Comfort was born from a simple need.

Many years ago, I was a young mother who needed slippers for her newborn daughter’s tiny feet. Slippers that would keep her feet warm and cozy and last on busy little feet.

When I made that first pair of infant slippers for my little girl, I discovered I had made what people were looking for. The slippers were so durable and appealing, that I began making them as gifts for friends and family members, and then … to sell.

And so … my Soul Comfort Sheepskin cottage industry was born.

But my love of all things wool goes back much earlier. I grew up in Quebec, the daughter of Dutch parents who had survived WW2. They instilled in me the values of natural materials. In fact, I frequently heard them say that if it were not for wool, the soldiers in WW2 would not have made it through. The wool socks combatted foot rot; the underwear, sheepskin jackets and overalls helped the aviators survive in planes with no heat.

My mother was a talented seamstress, who had inspired me to sew and to create my own patterns for clothing, accessories and all things of natural fibres. At the age of nineteen, I started my passion’s career, working with a furrier in Quebec where I learned how to work with high quality furs. I discovered the soothing properties of lamb’s wool and I decided that I wanted to develop this wonderful product line of sheepskin and wool creations. The many healing and comforting properties of sheepswool are unsurpassed by any other product in the clothing or healthcare market.

Sheepswool is my passion because I believe that natural fibers are the only way of the future for people and the planet. My vision is that the world returns to the use of natural fibers and that the healing benefits of wool reach those who need it most – healthcare and hospital patients, the elderly in care homes, and people nearing their life’s end.

Wool is incredibly comforting and healing with it’s natural healing properties The medical community recognizes how essential sheepswool / sheepskin is for good health because sheepskin and sheepswool fabric are naturally anti-bacterial, mould and fungal resistant (visit www.soulcomfortsheepskin.com for educational videos).

I am truly honoured to be able to continue the tradition of working with this incredible natural fiber.

Soul Comfort Sheepskin

190 Fourth Street, Duncan 250 737-1281

International Women’s Day Activities

Aspart of International Women’s Day there are an array of local opportunities to celebrate women with a focus on women’s health and reproductive rights. Women have the right to make decisions for their health and well-being

Starting off the celebration of women’s right to their reproductive health choices is the award winning film Happening. A 2021 French drama directed by Audrey Diwan based on the novel of the same name by Annie Ernaux.

Set in 1963 France, Anne, a young and talented student, gets pregnant, seeing her opportunities to finish her studies and excel slipping away from her. As her final exams approach and her social life begins to fade, Anne’s pregnancy progresses, forcing her to confront the shame and pain of an abortion, even if she must risk prison to do so.

Diwan’s measured approach reflects the heroine’s quiet determination, avoiding preachiness and melodrama even as Anne races against time toward a suspenseful ending. Artful and socially resonant, Happening is one of the most poignant and moving films of 2022. Caryn James, BBC

The film is sponsored by Cowichan Reproductive Rights. Joyce Arthur, Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) will be on hand to lead the discussion.

Embracing Equity in Community on March 8, the actual date of International Women’s Day, is afundraiser for Cowichan Women Against Violence Society. This will be a truly Cowichan Event!

With absolutely gorgeous food from local caterer Barnes and Maracle, a silent auction filled with local gems, a cash bar with local beer and wine, and a keynote address from Cowichan Community builder Michelle Staples, this is an event you don’t want to miss!

Spend the evening connecting with other local leaders from all sectors of our community and enjoying delicious food and drink, all while helping CWAV support women and children of the Cowichan Valley when they need it most.

Nanaimo, Duncan and District Labour Council are the gold sponsor of International Women’s Day event in Duncan. There will be a variety of guest speakers, artists and local elected representatives sharing their thoughts and supporting this important issue.

Please join us for these events and many more happening in our community!

“Happening” Screening

WHEN: Friday, March 3 @ 7pm, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram Street, Duncan.

Includes a discussion period

Film introduction by Joyce Arthur, President of the ARCC Sponsored by the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC)

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for Hair Loss

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is an innovative tool that may help promote and maintain hair growth on the scalp.

This treatment may be used to treat Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) which causes thinning and balding of the hair in both men and women. Options for the treatment of this condition in the past have relied on both topical and oral medications. These treatments (oral Finasteride and Minoxidil), lack rapid benefit, may have unwanted side effects and are best at preventing hair loss. Topical Minoxidil may be helpful in preventing further hair loss.

PRP therapy for hair loss is a medical treatment that involves drawing the client’s blood, spinning it down to release platelet-rich plasma, and then injecting it into the scalp. The PRP contains growth factors that are thought to increase blood supply to the hair follicle and increase the

Clients usually will require 3 initial treatments performed at monthly intervals and then maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 months. Adding topical Minoxidil while you are doing treatments can be helpful.

This treatment is not suitable for smokers, people who are on blood thinners, or have certain medical disorders such as cancer, chronic liver disease, or a blood disorder.

Treatments typically cost $600 to $800 per treatment. It is important to have your hair loss accurately diagnosed because PRP will only treat conditions where the hair follicle is still active. Talk to your physician before considering PRP as an option.