001 - Global Heroes - June 2020 by Global Heroes

THE POWER OF POSITIVE, SOLUTION-BASED JOURNALISM.

This is

SHANIA KIDS CAN!

A CHILDHOOD PROMISE FULFILLED Breaking tradition:

The path to SAVING INDIA’S SLOTH BEARS

ZERO HOUR EMPOWER

A GIRL CHANGE THE WORLD

THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY HOW DIXON’S DISTILLED SPIRITS

IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

June 2020 • $9.99

The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CORPORATE HEROES

26 Gucci Highlights Animal Conservation Efforts

28 Farmers Innovate to Get Food From Field to Plate

SHANIA KIDS CAN!

A Pandemic Nurse’s Love Letter to New York

Starbucks Sets Planet-Friendly Targets

High-Fibre Diet Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Celebrities Go “All In”

Do The Right Thing

Locked Down Shoppers Turn to Vegetables

A Green Finance Plan Should Lead the Way

CELEBRITY HEROES

HEALTH & SPORTS

All-Female Research Team Sets Sail to Fight Ocean Pollution

COBS Bread

A Childhood Promise Fulfilled

EVERYDAY HEROES

Regular Yoga Sessions May Ease Symptoms of Depression

Entertainment Moves Outdoors

FEEL GOOD FOOD/ RECIPES

Aerobic Workouts ‘May Benefit the Brain at any Age’

Celebrities and Sports Stars Use Their Platforms for Good

YOUTH HEROES

42 Going Green(House)

WILDLIFE

This Is Zero Hour

The Path to Saving India’s Sloth Bears

24 BRAVE: Empower a Girl, Strengthen the World

Olympic Champion Mo Farah Plans to Defend his Title

46 Dixon’s Distilled Spirits

68 Finding Love Among the Gay Penguins at London Zoo

SPECIAL EDITION

Letter from the editor

Denise Koprich Shirazi Much of the news circulating today is negative. Still, we want to keep our promise to you to showcase positivity, without shying away from the issues that plague our world. Our focus is on the ordinary people who are accomplishing the extraordinary in hopes of solving humanity’s most difficult problems. We explore companies who challenge the status quo by doing business in a more ethical way, and trailblazing business leaders who advocate for change. Moreover, we are emboldened by our youth, who are on the front lines of climate change, speaking out against the damage that has been done to our planet, threatening future generations. In this issue, we are bringing you stories of hope, encouragement, and inspiration. BRAVE is a girl-led South African nonprofit that understands that when you empower a girl, you change the world for the better. We explore how Wildlife SOS, a nonprofit organization, ended the exploitation of sloth bears in India while empowering the community and improving their standard of living. We take you on a journey with an all-female crew who set sail to investigate the impact of plastic pollution on oceans and are galvanizing actions to save marine life. It’s no secret that our oceans are on the brink - extreme weather, dying coral, and plummeting fish stocks suggest our oceans are in trouble. Fortunately, we can stop the damage by learning through exploration, and this research team of 300 international women is doing just that. For some time now, young activists worldwide have been sounding the alarm on the climate crisis. They are demanding action, organizing rallies, and taking to social media to spread awareness. This is Zero Hour, a youth-led movement who launched a massive digital campaign amidst a global pandemic in order to continue their fight for climate justice. They have not let the quarantine impede their work. While the world battles this pandemic, celebrities, and public figures have taken to their platforms to further awareness of social injustices, share positive messages to cheer the masses and organize benefits to help ease the financial burden suffered by so many. Despite not being able to play, athletes are contributing their efforts as well. Also in this issue, we celebrate our cover hero, world-renowned country music icon Shania Twain. Shania has worked with her organization, Shania Kids Can, for over a decade, inspiring, educating, and empowering impoverished children in our local communities. Shania Kids Can provides a direct line of support to families in their network, helping them through the challenges of COVID-19 by any means necessary. Ever a beacon of hope, Shania has been a source of comfort, making live-stream appearances, and virtually welcoming fans into her home at a time when we could all use a little music for the soul.

Cover Photo © Alexander Harbauch

PUBLISHER Amir Shirazi EDITOR IN CHIEF Denise Koprich Shirazi EDITOR Raye Mocioiu CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sergio D. Spadavecchia FINANCE DIRECTOR Marie Lavoie

The world is slowly awakening from our COVID-19 induced hibernation. Summer beckons, and we could all use a little fun in the sun. Luckily, now more than ever, the entertainment industry is moving outdoors. The drive-in is making a comeback, offering everything from concerts to sporting events, in a safe-distancing venue as restrictions start to ease.

CONTRIBUTORS Darren Jackson, Alex Carter

So, why not give our fatigued, dilemma-stricken brains a rest and nourish the soul? As you flip through the pages of our summer issue, know that millions of people are doing their part every day to make the world a better place.

ADVERTISING Adam West Natasha Fardoust Nazeela Ahmed

Wishing you a summer filled with light and love!

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Susan Mestchian

SALES DIRECTOR Jaqueline Stewart

HEADQUARTERS 2020 Winston Park Drive Suite 200 Oakville, Ontario – L6H 6X7 Office: 905-815-1500 info@globalheroes.com

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BY RAYE MOCIOIU

SHANIA

KIDS CAN!

A CHILDHOOD

PROMISE

nternational sweetheart and the reigning Queen of Country Pop Shania Twain knows what it is like to be a child living in a dysfunctional family. In fact, much of her childhood revolved around keeping up appearances so that no one would know that her family life was far from perfect. In between days of going to school hungry, with no lunch packed and with greasy hair and dirty clothes - both hungry and embarrassed, she made a vow that if she made it someday, she would make sure to find a way to give back to kids like her so they would have access to the support that she so desperately needed as a child. Years later, she is making good on that promise.

ÂŠ DENISE TRUSCELLO

FULFILLED I

SHANIA: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

KIDS CAN: FEEL SUPPORTED

In a letter detailing her story, Shania explains that her school experience was far different from that of her peers. Her classmates had cleaner clothes, hot water for bathing, and lunches packed with nutritious food. Unlike her own, their parents signed school forms on time, attended parent-teacher conferences, and reserved spots at school assemblies. Meanwhile, Shania was unable to get authorization signatures from her parents because they were unavailable. As an adult, she realizes that these disadvantages created insecurities that caused her to withdraw from her school and social life.

Shania Kids Can provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crisis and economic hardship. They work with elementary schools throughout North America, delivering wrap-around services that provide comprehensive support and stability by qualified professionals to the most vulnerable children within that school.

In her letter, she reflects on how a program like Shania Kids Can could have changed the way her childhood played out. Having a compassionate, enthusiastic, and empathetic support person, like the SKC Program Leaders, would have made her feel like she had someone in her corner, someone who would have been there to support her during parts of her day that she found challenging. “I would have felt that even though I might have been going home to dysfunction, I knew I had a safe, attentive, nurturing environment that I could count on and look forward to each day.” —Shania Twain Even before founding Shania Kids Can, Shania was a well-known and outspoken advocate for underprivileged youth. In 1996, she donated all Canadian profits from her single “God Bless the Child” to the Canadian Living Breakfast for Learning program. All US profits were donated to the Feeding America food banks. Shania also provided funding closer to home to support nutrition programs at schools in Timmins and Dwight, Ontario, long before breakfast programs were widely implemented. These programs were the basis for what would become Shania Kids Can. Founded in 2010, SKC is fulfilling the vow she made to one day help kids like herself.

SKC provides children with one-on-one consultations, academic support, group activities, and nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, all while in the safe, confidence-building environment of the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse. These children are learning the skills to cope with and overcome family hardships, which, in turn, improves their ability to succeed in school. School-age children from homes that cannot provide adequately for them are too hungry or worried about basic human needs to focus on academic success. This is a common problem, which is why school breakfast programs, food banks, and programs like Shania Kids Can have become so leaned upon today. The SKC Clubhouse is a safe place where children can go for help without jeopardizing their parents’ dignity or their own. Shania Kids Can not only has a positive effect on the children in the program, but it has also been proven to play an integral part in improving the entire school community, for teachers and parents as well. Shania Kids Can helps by providing specialized on-site programs for children facing difficulties. The result is increased school performance and better integration in the school community. It aids teachers by increasing the psychological, academic, and attention capacity of students. It benefits parents by providing funds for field trips, increased academic support, and a sense of security. Finally, the program helps the community by creating a positive cycle for students that will cause less social problems and costs as children reach adulthood.

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KIDS CAN: AT HOME Shania Kids Can knows that being isolated at home because of COVID-19 can be stressful for the children and their families. The SKC Program Leaders have been working virtually to connect with students and their families to offer online support. What they’ve found is that these children really miss school - and each other! During COVID-19, we have been successful in adapting to an online support model. The Program Leaders are doing tremendous work with the kids and their families to ensure they have everything they need during this time. —Sandy MacNevin - SKC Managing Director The Program Leaders have been coming up with creative ways to keep the kids connected to a network of friends and schoolmates. One Program Leader in Ontario has been producing videos for the kids, doing Zumba classes, baking lessons, and mindfulness classes. In Nashville, one SKC student is continuing her guitar, vocal, and piano lessons with her instructor via Skype. Shania Kids Can also knows that many families are facing financial difficulty being laid off from work due to COVID-19 closures. They have been providing a direct line of support to families in their network, helping them through this challenging time in whatever ways necessary.

Shania Twain Let’s Go! The Las Vegas Residency kicked off in December 2019 at Zappos Theatre at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, and played to sold-out crowds through March before being postponed due to COVID-19. SKC has received a boost in fundraising with Shania, Live Nation Las Vegas, and Caesars Entertainment, donating $1 of every ticket to SKC. Ever the optimist, Shania shared the following with Cheryl Hickey of ET Canada; “I want to send you a smile because no matter how bad things are, I think it’s important to stay positive. I want to share hope and love and strength to all of you out there who are going through more of a challenging time. My heart is with you, and know that I’m thinking of you. We all are.”

—Sandy MacNevin - SKC Managing Director

Now, while much of the world waits out the COVID-19 crisis, Shania is working on her music, making live-stream appearances, and virtually welcoming fans into her home. In April, she opened for Canada Together: In Concert, a five-night broadcast presented by ET Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association Foundation. All proceeds raised from the broadcast were donated equally between Food Banks Canada and the Unison Benevolent Fund, supporting Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about Shania Kids Can, please visit www.shaniakidscan.com For the latest information on show dates and tickets, visit shaniatwain.com

“I feel luck saved me from falling through the cracks as a child and believe it’s neither wise nor fair to leave the destiny of any child to luck.” —Shania Twain

Shania has more than fulfilled the promise she made to herself. The Shania Kids Can Clubhouse plays an important role in the lives of at-risk youth. The results are impressive; year over year, we see significant improvement in the areas of mental and physical health and in the kids’ academic performance.

ÂŠ GIAMPAOLO SGURA

"Shania Kids Can was built on my experience growing up, I lived what these kids are living and it was tough to keep hope alive. If we can give them even one bright day, or one bright year, then we've given them something they may never have had and something that could change their life forever. During these unprecedented times it is more important than ever to support these kids and keep their hope alive. While itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly been a challenge to pivot our model to a virtual one, I am pleased to report that we remain 100% operational."

BY RAYE MOCIOIU

MAKING WAVES:

Â© JAMIE COLMAN

All-female research team sets sail to fight ocean pollution

More than 300 international women have joined a two-year-long, round-the-world voyage to research the devastating impact of plastic pollution and inspire innovative solutions to save the oceans. Each year, an estimated eight million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans. It’s a growing environmental concern that poses catastrophic threats to marine life and the environment as a whole - and one that won’t go away on its own. eXXpedition Round the World is a non-profit organization that focuses on the study of marine pollution, and innovative ways to stop it. Their current mission is 38,000 nautical miles and set sail from the UK in October of 2019.

EASTER ISLAND TO TAHITI The most recent mission departed on March 9th, 2020, right after International Women’s Day. The eXXpedition crew departed from Easter Island and set sail for Leg 8 of the mission, traveling along the Pacific Ocean to Tahiti. They were one week into their three-week mission from Easter Island to Tahiti when they heard about the border shutdowns due to COVID-19. While the crew had been monitoring the spread of the virus to ensure that neither the mission nor the health of the crew could be compromised, this brought up an unprecedented concern. Luckily, the crew was able to land in Tahiti and connect all the team members to flights back home.

Now, the team is preparing for how the impact of the virus will affect their work. The trip will be delayed until safe travel conditions (on both sea and land) are confirmed. For now, the eXXpedition team has been working on gaining more funding, conducting research on land, and creating educational resources online.

The eXXpedition crew is entirely female, made up of change-makers from all around the world. Led by the directorship of award-winning ocean advocate and eXXpedition co-founder Emily Penn, the participants of this adventure include scientists, teachers, filmmakers, photographers, and athletes, to name a few.

Connected by a passion for protecting the ocean, this two-year voyage will enable 300 women to contribute to scientific research and solutions-based thinking. The team of participants will go to sea as a hands-on crew, experiencing the challenges that single-use plastics create for ocean life. They will get to collect samples from some of the planet’s most diverse marine environments, working towards building a stronger understanding of what the state of the ocean looks like. The adventure aims to pinpoint innovative solutions to rid the oceans of plastic pollution.

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Apart from a love of the oceans we all share, the eXXpedition around the world aims to celebrate women in STEM, while contributing to innovative, solution-focused research.

WOMEN IN STEM

“Despite significant progress, women are still underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) sectors,” eXXpedition shared in a press release announcing the team’s departure from Easter Island on March 8th.

Globally, women only occupy 13% of the STEM workforce - and that includes healthcare professionals. “The unseen nature of women in STEM and sailing coupled with the unseen challenge of microplastics became the catalyst for developing the all-female program with the aim of ‘making the unseen, seen.’”

INFLUENTIAL CHANGE-MAKERS

and feel about single-use plastics.

Over the two years that the eXXpedition has been running, 300 women from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines have been part of the on-board crew.

“Their experiences at sea make them influential change-makers back on land,” Penn added.

“When you think about pregnancy, and the fact we can pass [these harmful chemicals] to our children made me realize that this is quite a women-centered issue. That’s why for the first eXXpedition in 2014, we decided to tackle it with a team of women,” Penn explained in a press release. By including an array of powerful global change-makers, the eXXpedition has built a network of Ambassadors who can share the knowledge they have acquired during their time at sea. These women will be able to implement solutions back on land by directing attention toward the ocean plastic crisis, shifting the way people think

Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the sea. The plastic breaks down into tiny particles, about the same size as plankton. “Having researched plastic at sea for several years I began to understand that the real challenge we face is microplastics. Tiny pieces, smaller than your fingernail that can get into the food chain, along with other chemical pollutants, pesticides, and flame retardants, that exist in our ocean,” says Penn. These particles can be ingested by marine life, harming ecosystems and the food chain - which then impacts us. “There’s nothing more important than saving the planet. We live here,” says Candy Medusa, UK artist, and eXXpedition participant.

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BY SHANNON STAPLETON AND CLARE BALDWIN

A PANDEMIC

NURSE'S LOVE LETTER

TO NEW YORK

THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC has restricted almost everyone's freedoms in

"Now for once, it's actually something important," said Meghan. "This is the first time since I've become a nurse that it's like, 'yes, this is why.' I can make a difference, and I can help, and I am strong enough for this."

Traveling to New York City at age 33 to work as a COVID-19 nurse was the first time that Meghan, a married mother of two, had ever left southwest Missouri.

Meghan is from a small town in Missouri. Most Sundays, she goes to church. Her mom was a manager at Walmart and her dad worked construction. Before he lost his job to the pandemic, her husband Aaron sold fire suppression systems to small businesses.

America, but for Meghan Lindsey it has done the opposite. This is the freest she has ever felt.

"It was my first time on a plane," she said, describing how she came to work 12-hour shifts in the intensive care unit at NYU Winthrop Hospital. "Flying into New York was the first time I'd ever seen the ocean." There are many stories about the lonely coronavirus deaths in the city's hospitals and the traumatic work of the nurses who staff them. Meghan's story is about unexpected opportunities. It's a story of how the pandemic gave a woman the chance to strike out into the world, confront danger and make a difference, and how her husband stayed home to care for their daughters. It's a story about new beginnings. "I always wanted to do something for my country," said Meghan. "This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something meaningful." Meghan's first nursing shifts in New York were a shock. There are a lot of sick people in Missouri with chronic diseases like diabetes, where the progressions are slow and the declines are familiar. COVID-19 patients are stunned by a virus that turns their lives upside down and in many cases, ends them. "One of my patients had her toes done up all nice and pretty, and still had her jewelry on," said Meghan. Because they were coronavirus patients and visitors were banned, it was Meghan who would hold their hands as they died. "Once you FaceTime and you meet their family and you hear them crying and sobbing, you know their cute little nicknames and you start to know them, it just gets to be really personal," said Meghan. "You have a hard time separating yourself and not truly grieving for them as well." Despite all of the death, Meghan's time in New York City's COVID-19 wards was unexpectedly affirming. The pandemic gave Meghan something that her life in Missouri so far had not: a feeling of everything sliding into place. When Meghan graduated from nursing school, it wasn't like she imagined. It turned out to be just a job. She mourned.

Her kids, she said, are proud. "They know that what I'm doing is hard and that I put my life in danger."

Meghan is the first in her family to finish college and has long held her family together. As thrilling as it was to be in New York, it was also hard. Meghan often wondered if she should come home. Her husband Aaron told her no. He and the girls were fine, what she was doing mattered and he was proud of her. He sometimes called her superwoman. "If he wasn't such a good dad and there for my children, I could never do this," said Meghan. He deserves credit too, she said, "but I guess you could say the limelight's on me." Being a COVID-19 travel nurse isn't glamorous. Meghan had to wear protective gear during her shifts and there was a lengthy decontamination process when she got home each night. She lived in a hotel room with another nurse and had to find a laundromat every few days to wash her scrubs. But sometimes it did feel like a grand adventure. She saw the Statue of Liberty. She heard someone speaking Russian. She learned how to fold a slice of pizza. Restaurants sometimes gave her and her friends free food "because we're nurses," she said with a bit of awe. She took selfie after selfie standing in the middle of empty New York City streets and no cabbies honked at her. Her husband Aaron said he was sometimes a little jealous (it's New York), occasionally worried (again, New York), but mostly he was just really proud. "Meghan hasn't been out there in the world," he said. She nailed it. Now, at the end of her contract, Meghan is unsure of what the future holds. She is back in a small town in the Midwest. She no longer has a job and she is coming off the biggest high of her life. She sometimes asks herself, will I have the desire to go back to this life? Something about New York stood out to her: people there had aspirations to make something of themselves. —Reuters

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FROM THE FRIENDS CAST TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS; CELEBRITIES

GO ALL IN

Now, more than ever, food insecurity is a growing problem. With the on-going coronavirus pandemic, there is an unprecedented and urgent need for food resources. From students who rely on school programs for their regular meals, to the elderly who are scared and vulnerable, isolated at home without food, the demand for support is growing. The ALL IN Challenge is the world’s largest digital fundraiser, working to raise millions of dollars to feed those in need. Created and built by Fanatics founder Michael Rubin, with the help of Alan Tisch and Gary Vaynerchuk, the ALL IN Challenge is a star-studded collection of sweepstakes, with funds raised going towards Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, and America’s Food Fund, which benefits Feeding America and the World Central Kitchen.

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Celebrities, sports stars, and entertainment figures who have joined the challenge include Jessica Alba, the Seattle Seahawks, and indie-rock band Twenty One Pilots. The cast of cult-favorite sitcom FRIENDS has also added their names to the challenge, offering fans the chance to join them for an upcoming HBO reunion special. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc have announced that those who donate to various food charities amid the coronavirus crisis will get the opportunity to enter a lottery and hang out with the stars on the set of the HBO Max production. "We're so excited to join the ALL IN challenge to help keep people fed and healthy during this time,” Aniston announced on her Instagram. "We’re inviting you and five of YOUR friends to join the six of us on Stage 24. Be our personal guests in the audience for the taping of our @HBOMAX reunion, as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had... and get the whole

Friends VIP experience on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour." Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro have also joined the challenge, offering up a small role in their new Martin Scorsese film. Even Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have announced that they'll be putting their long-running "feud" on hold to help the kids of one lucky fan run a lemonade stand. The two stars have since poked fun at and pulled pranks on each other in a longrunning series of hilarious social media skits, but they have vowed to put their welldocumented sparring on hold for charity. "Hugh and I have a temporary cease-fire on our feud for the @allinchallenge," Reynolds announced on Instagram, alongside a shot of the pair. Jackman confirmed the news: "So, I've agreed to trust that Ryan can hold his tongue for one day. A (very) temporary cease-fire for the @allinchallenge."

The pair's friendly feud began when Ryan tried his best to convince the actor to reprise his role as popular Marvel Comics character Wolverine one more time for a future Deadpool movie after Hugh announced 2017's Logan would be his last outing as the X-Men mutant. The two stars have since poked fun at and pulled pranks on each other in a long-running series of hilarious social media skits. "Now, at last, these two arch-nemeses are calling a cease-fire and putting aside their differences for a full 24 hours to help children make a difference," a statement on the organization's website reads. "Armed with a fresh copy of 'Running a Lemonade Stand for Dummies,' Ryan and Hugh will come to your home and help your children set up and run a semi-successful lemonade stand for two hours, with all proceeds going to help first responders." These are just a few of the incredible opportunities lined up as part of the ALL IN Challenge, with funds raised helping feed those in need. —Reuters

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STAR POWER Celebrities and Sports Stars Use Their Platforms For Good

In times of crisis, fans turn to their favorite celebrities for a guiding light and glimmer of hope. With their sizeable audiences and powerful online platforms, celebrities and public figures can spread messages of safety and kindness, while advocating for important causes. As the world takes strides to return to normalcy, high-profile celebrities continue to use their notoriety to raise awareness for and donate to charities and programs that are still fighting the spread of the virus. From large donations of money and meals, to organized benefits and fundraisers, these celebrities are showing their heroism in a multitude of ways.

Golf Stars Go Head-To-Head Against Superbowl-Winning Quarterbacks Golf stars Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson went head-to-head against Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in a golf match for coronavirus relief.

WarnerMedia's Turner Sports said the event was a TV ratings hit, with sports-starved fans turning up in droves for the telecast of the event on the nation's Memorial Day holiday weekend. In the match, 15-time major champion Tiger Woods and twice Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning held off a late challenge to beat fivetime major winner Phil Mickelson and six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady one up at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. According to Turner Sports, the charity match, which raised more than $20 million for COVID-19 relief, was the most-watched golf telecast in the history of cable television. The PGA Tour is expected to resume action with the upcoming Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, scheduled on June 11-14.

Tina Fey brought to tears by Rise Up New York telethon Over on the east coast, Tina Fey was visibly overwhelmed by the success of the 'Rise Up New York' telethon, which raised money for coronavirus relief efforts in New York City. Prior to revealing the eye-watering amount raised through the event, Tina said: "I am told that the number of donors is well over 100,000 people from kids with piggy banks to million-dollar gifts. "No matter how big or small, they all share that spirit of generosity, and in the end, that is how we'll win."

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When it was revealed that as much as $115 million had been raised through the telethon, Tina appeared to be genuinely shocked, asking, "Is this real?" Visibly moved by the public's response to the pandemic, she added: "Okay ... $115 million. We did this. You did this. We are difference makers. $115 million, what a great day for New York." "Thank you to everyone who gave and gave and gave from all over the world. There's so much more to do."

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Paris Hilton’s family donate $10M towards Covid-19 relief efforts

Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton-Rothschild’s family have donated $10 million towards coronavirus relief efforts. The Hilton hoteliers are giving $5 million towards healthcare clinics in Los Angeles to fund personal protective equipment, including hand sanitizer, testing kits, and other expenses related to developing and implementing a COVID-19 response plan to care for individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. As well, $5 million will go towards countries in Africa, where the healthcare systems are not up to standard. A press release added that “about half will go toward protecting the homeless population in Los Angeles, with the other half focused on helping African countries prepare for a pending outbreak.”

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The money is coming from The Hilton Foundation - which was launched in 1944 by the late Hilton Hotels founder, Conrad N. Hilton, Paris and Nicky’s great-grandfather.

Ciara and Russell Wilson donate a million meals

Over in Seattle, Ciara and Russell Wilson are donating a million meals to their local food bank.

The couple hopes to "make a difference" to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic by teaming up with Seattle Food LifeLine and urged others to follow their lead. In a video shared on the couple's social media pages, the 31-year-old NFL player said: "This worldwide pandemic coronavirus is changing the world second by second, minute by minute. "People are losing loved ones. The elderly and the young. The people in between. You think about people losing jobs -- even in Seattle. "What we've decided to do is partner up with our local food bank, Seattle Food LifeLine, and we're gonna donate a million meals and hopefully make a difference." “We want to encourage everyone out there to join us in whatever way that you can, big or small. Everything makes a difference. Everything that we do together makes a difference. Together, we will conquer this tough time we are going through," Ciara added. The 'Level Up' singer - currently pregnant with her second daughter - went on to encourage their followers to continue practicing "social distancing".

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She said: "We have faith, we want to encourage everyone out there to keep the faith and practice social distancing."

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Matthew McConaughey and wife Camila deliver 110,000 masks to rural Texas hospitals Back in the U.S, Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila turned delivery drivers to hand out 110,000 masks to rural hospitals in their home state of Texas.

ÂŠREUTERS/MICHAEL WRIGHT/WENN.COM

The 50-year-old actor has been doing his bit to help during the coronavirus pandemic. He and Camila teamed up with truck

company Lincoln to provide hospitals with some much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE). Alongside an Instagram snap of himself and Camila in their Lincoln, which was loaded up with boxes, Matthew wrote: "Thanks to @lincoln for donating 110 thousand masks - me and @ camilamcconaughey hitting the road to get em to rural hospitals in need across Texas." It's not the first time the couple has helped out during the worldwide health crisis, as they have previously donated 80,000 masks to frontline workers in Austin, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Speaking about that donation in April, Camila told People: "Matt and I were able to get approximately 80,000 masks, and it's a combination of surgical masks and KN95 masks that will be distributed between Austin and New Orleans, where they were getting hit pretty hard as well. "It was important for us to make sure that here in Austin, not just the hospitals got them, but also the police department and the fire department as well. At this moment, we've got to find ways to help both sides because they're all on the front line right now, and we can't afford to lose any of them."

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Hugh Jackman Passes the Mic to Health Experts Online, Hugh Jackman has joined the #PassTheMic initiative as part of the ONE campaign. Jackman, among other celebrities like Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker, will be turning their social media accounts over to health experts to inform fans about the on-going pandemic.

©REUTERS/KEITH MAYHEW

The move is part of the #passthemic initiative from the ONE campaign, giving experts a platform to share their perspectives on the Covid-19 crisis and discuss why they believe a global response to the pandemic is crucial for eradicating coronavirus. Hugh Jackman is also helping out people in need through the mental health organization Gotcha4Life, where he has been an ambassador since 2017. The 51-year-old Australian revealed during a recent interview with News Corp Australia he's been working with pal, Gus Worland, who founded the non-profit, which is "dedicated to taking action and having a positive outcome on mental health". "I've learned so much from being on the board, and we are planning on more of those talks. Gus has been incredible," Hugh shared. "It's something we really need to pay attention to in the world and Australia, a lot." "Our need to look after each other, not just financially and physically, but mentally is a priority," Hugh continued. "There's a lot of loneliness out there, and this only adds to that." —Reuters

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GLOBALHEROES.COM

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BY RAYE MOCIOIU

THIS IS

ZERO HOUR HOW YOUNG CLIMATE ACTIVISTS ARE MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD

“Enough is enough. We, the youth, believe that #thisisZerohour to act on climate change.

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Young climate activists are done waiting for adults to get on their side about environmental issues. They know that they are the leaders they have been waiting for, and they are ready to protect their right to the clean, safe environment they need.

#ThisisZeroHour

In comes Zero Hour - a movement started by Jamie Margolin, Nadia Nazar, Madelaine Tew, and Zanagee Artis. These young activists were frustrated with the inaction of their elected officials and the way young voices get ignored continuously, especially when it comes to the conversation around climate change. In the summer of 2017, Jamie Margolin gathered several of her friends to start organizing a movement. They planned to arrange a day of mass action, led by youth. They knew that this movement would allow young voices to be loud and clear for elected officials and adults. Within months, young activists from across the country joined the team, thus creating Zero Hour. With the help of like-minded partners, the Zero Hour team devised a way to make sure that the right to a safe, healthy, clean environment is protected for the youth of today and tomorrow.

Youth Heroes The access to information the youth have today is insurmountable. Young people are keenly informed on countless issues, especially when it comes to threats to our planet and their future. Young climate heroes, acknowledging the potentially dire situation, are stepping up, speaking out, and holding the older generations accountable for the damage done to the planet.

The Zero Hour vision includes individuals from every community having access to clean air, water, and public lands. The needs and health of communities are more important than corporate gain. By harnessing the power of leadership by the youth of diverse backgrounds and experiences, the future looks safer and brighter for all of us.

The leadership of today’s youth is endlessly important, as they know that they have inherited a crisis that they did not create. They strive for a solutions-based approach, addressing the real needs of communities across the country and around the world.

GETTING TO THE ROOTS Climate change impacts all of us, but the impact of the crisis is vastly unequal. Communities around the world have been directly affected by climate change, some to a far greater extent than others. Zero Hour believes that those closest to the problem are also closest to the solution. That’s why they started the “Getting to the Roots of Climate Change” campaign. As explained in their platform, Zero Hour plans to educate communities around the world about the systems of oppression that they name as root causes of climate change. These roots include Capitalism, Racism, Sexism, and Colonialism, and how “these systems can intersect with climate movement to form climate justice” (from ThisIsZeroHour). The plan is to improve public opinion regarding the newly proposed Green New Deal in the U.S. Congress, focusing on creating equity for marginalized communities. Moreover, this campaign seeks to bring more people into the climate crisis movement, and educate the masses about what climate change is.

THIS IS JAMIE MARGOLIN

Crisis” panel. As part of the panel, teenagers involved in climate change were able to make their voices heard on the subject of the Washington Government’s lack of climate action. These young activists were concerned that the lack of tangible climate action denied the younger generation the right to a clean and liveable environment. Margolin is definitely no stranger to sharing her activism. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, Teen Vogue, HuffPost, and CNN, among others. She strives to center young voices on the frontlines of the climate crisis, making sure that it is handled in a way that doesn’t leave underprivileged communities behind. “So much love, hard work and labor has gone into this. —Jamie Margolin I wrote this book so you all would be able to easily access information about organizing and activism, this is the book I wished I had when I first got involved.”

YOUTH TO POWER, a guide to being a young activist & organizer, comes out worldwide JUNE 2nd 2020 in paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats.

Jamie Margolin, an 18-year-old from Seattle, started Zero Hour in 2017, after meeting a group of like-minded teenagers at a political summer camp at Princeton University. That summer, Margolin was inspired to start Zero Hour in reaction to her personal experience during the Washington wildfires, and the response she saw after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. She then recruited Mrinalini Chakraborty, the head of strategy for the national Women’s March, which was a huge inspiration to Margolin. Chakraborty began to assist students with filing for permits and planning logistics. In late 2019, Margolin was part of a youth group that sued Governor Jay Islee and the State of Washington over greenhouse gas emissions. She was asked to testify against them, as part of the “Voices Leading the Next Generation on the Global Climate

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GLOBALHEROES.COM

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BY RAYE MOCIOIU

Co-founders India Baird, Kelly Petersen, Audrey February, and Lee-anne Jenkins

BRAVE traveled to Kenya in May 2019 to train girls aa conservationists and filmmakers

BRAVE

EMPOWER A GIRL,

Strengthen the World

In South Africa, girls and women are facing a local threat. With one of the highest incidences of rape and sexual violence on the continent, many girls, women, and boys feel unsafe walking to and from school or work. BRAVE, a girl-led South African nonprofit, plans to change this reality. BRAVE works to create opportunities for girls, empowering them to share their stories with others and build networks of safety and support. They search for the resources, knowledge, experience, and safety that girls need to feel safe, strong, and lead with confidence.

“When you strike a woman, you strike a rock.”

homage to the quote, and as a way to solidify their stance as brave women, capable of making a difference.

This was the anti-apartheid slogan that inspired a group of ten-year-old girls from Manenberg, South Africa, to start a program that would make their gang-ridden community safer. With the help of human rights lawyer and children’s and women’s rights expert India Baird, the girls created an after-school workshop, where they could learn about their rights and how to stay safe. They called themselves Rock Girls as an

And make a difference, they did. The group of young girls (and boys) banded together to create safe spaces in their communities. With the help of their teachers, parents, and caregivers, they built 58 Safe Space public benches around the city of Cape Town, even building a new school and inspiring a city-wide campaign. Their after-school program continued to run for two more years before expanding

to other schools in the community. Over the next five years, they were able to reach over 500 girls through their workshops, weekend programs, and holiday camps. They took their first road trip in 2015, where they rescued 18 girls from gang wars. That year, BRAVE also partnered with the Open Society Foundation and the Children’s Radio Foundation to create radio programs that advocate for safer communities - not just for girls, but for everyone.

Bravery Inspires Bravery BRAVE does more than raise awareness for South African girls - they train young girls from urban and rural communities to advocate for themselves and their safety. They inspire confidence and stability in young women and then take them on road trips across their own countries to share their message with other girls. Through the BRAVE initiatives, young women and girls can be agents of change in their lives. By banding together, they form a community of confident and strong women, and inspire others across the country, and beyond, to do the same. By far the most meaningful aspect of the BRAVE road trips is meeting and interacting with other girls around the country, and the globe. The girls who participate in the trips are surveyed afterward, and the number one thing they would like to do more of is “meet more girls”. While they love to travel and the exposure to new experiences and cultures, they are most excited about connecting with their peers and finding ways to work together to create change. —India Baird, Co-Founder Now, BRAVE has helped change the lives of more than 500 girls. Through the BRAVE community and social programs, young women and girls can improve their critical thinking skills, gain self-confidence, and become resilient leaders.

Before the lockdowns started in South Africa, the BRAVE team took the time to educate the 60 Junior Girls in Manenburg about the virus and how to protect themselves and their families from the risk of infection. As well, BRAVE delivers weekly care packages with cleaning supplies, sanitary pads, and educational materials.

The Future of Brave Once restrictions ease, BRAVE plans to launch an exciting new program, in collaboration with Cape Leopard Trust and Table Mountain Fund. The program, called the Daring Disas, will train girls as filmmakers and conservationists, with members sharing their stories about the insection of reproductive rights and climate change. As well, BRAVE plans to continue their after-school workshops and travel expeditions, hoping to add four more groups to their program by 2021 - that’s an additional 60 girls! Brave is transitioning to a youth-led organization, and they are proud to be among the first of their kind in Cape Town and South Africa. Already, BRAVE is expanding its storytelling work by filming and sharing stories of girls ‘Staying BRAVE’ and being a girl during the on-going COVID-19 crisis. With the support of BRAVE partners like CTAOP, these stories will be shared on Mandela Day in July. The girls, like 13-year-old Tamia, below, will be able to make sure their voices are not lost amid the noise of the virus.

Bravery in Crisis Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the BRAVE team is doing all they can to ensure that the girls stay connected and safe. Due to a lack of remote data or internet connectivity in their homes, the girls are unable to continue their studies or attend their classes. For many, the risk of dropping out is heightened due to family pressures and the high likelihood of school being out of session for an extended period of time. Some girls are also living in unsafe homes, whether due to abuse, assault, or other risks to their physical and mental health.

BRAVE Senior Leaders inspire at-risk girls to take on new challenges

BRAVE gives girls like Tamia the confidence, skills, and mentorship to succeed

Each month, Junior Girls go on microadventures around Cape Town

BRAVE Road Trips connect girl leaders across the world

“COVID-19 is very difficult for us. Some people are dying and many people are thinking about what they can do about the situation. I’m worried about the people staying on the streets. What are they eating and where do they sleep during this time? I’ve been spending a lot of time with my family during this time and I’m really enjoying it. We are playing games together and also helping my mother cook. So far, the lockdown is not so bad. I just wish school was still open as I miss my friends. I’m hoping that everything goes well and that our doctors find a cure soon. I’m also thankful for the doctors and all other people that are working during this time. They are really doing a great job, I salute them.” —Tamia Hendricks, 13 •••

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I C C U G ghlights

hi mal n o i i t n a serva h n t i o c rts w 0 effo-fall 202 pre paign cam

Executives at the Italian luxury fashion house unveiled the pre-fall 2020 marketing imagery on Tuesday. Gucci has emphasized its commitment to animal conservation efforts with an adorable new campaign. Executives at the Italian luxury fashion house, helmed by creative director Alessandro Michele, unveiled the pre-fall 2020 marketing imagery on Tuesday. Titled "So Deer to Me," the pictures were shot by photographer Alasdair McLellan and feature models in eclectic outfits surrounded by a variety of animals, including deer, rabbits, hedgehogs, squirrels, and ducks. "An ode to innocence, when as children we reveled in nature and life, is the idea behind the new Gucci pre-fall 2020 campaign shot by Alasdair McLellan with creative direction by Alessandro Michele and art direction by Christopher Simmonds," a brand representative commented on the concept. "A childlike imagination is woven through the scenes depicting the beauty and the personalities of a group of men, women, and their beloved animals including a frog, an owl, deer, a skunk, squirrel, hedgehog, and rabbits. With its call to nature, the campaign is ultimately an invitation to enjoy the simple things in life. Sometimes, it just takes very little, or a burst of imagination, to find some balance." The campaign comes after bosses at Gucci partnered with The Lion's Share Fund, an organization that raises money to help protect endangered species and their habitats, last year. The fashion house has promised to donate 0.5 percent of its media spend to the fund every time an animal is featured in one of its advertisements. In addition to the campaign, Gucci has also released a 90-second commercial set to Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood's 1967 song Some Velvet Morning. ALL PHOTOS © REUTERS/SHOWBIZ

—Reuters/Showbiz

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whole New

BUSINESSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: Farmers innovate to get food from field to plate

From Europe to Asia and across the Americas, the global food supply chain is innovating to keep the world fed in the absence of street markets and field laborers. Didier Lenoble has gone online to sell vegetables grown on his farm near Paris, as the usual street stalls he supplies are temporarily shut due to coronavirus. "It's a whole new business," said Lenoble, whose family-run farm has been selling to customers via a new website. Elsewhere, an Indian farming cooperative

is delivering directly to city dwellers as a lockdown closed its usual distribution channels. The coronavirus pandemic has put a huge strain on the complex chains that usually bring food to people's tables, forcing suppliers to adjust their normal routines to cope with snags to harvesting, transport, and distribution. The crisis has exposed the world's reliance on international trade and on a vast number of seasonal workers who usually travel from farm to farm, often crossing borders, to help gather in produce as it ripens. Parts of the chain are creaking. The closure of processing plants due to coronavirus outbreaks has threatened the U.S. meat

supply. Some farmers have left crops to wither in the fields, as laborers cannot reach them. However, many farms and firms are adapting quickly. Lenoble's website has helped him restore sales volumes to about half their normal level, saving part of his lettuce and radish crop from being destroyed. Rungis wholesale center, south of Paris, Europe's biggest food market, launched an online service that made 250 home deliveries a month ago and now makes 6,500 a week in and around the French capital.

India's Sahyadri Farms, a cooperative in the western state of Maharashtra that processes fruit and vegetables for export, now makes daily deliveries to 3,000 urban consumers, who order online, after a nationwide lockdown disrupted supply chains and left some farmers feeding their crops to cattle. "As we are eliminating middlemen in the distribution chain, both farmers and consumers are happy," said Sahyadri Chairman Vilas Shinde. In the United States, restaurant owners and suppliers are taking a new approach.

Chicago-based restaurant Park and Field sells grocery and meal boxes to households. Gunthorp Farms in Lagrange, Indiana, is selling chicken that was once bound for high-end Chicago restaurants direct to consumers. For some suppliers, the challenge has been keeping up with the demand for staples like eggs, flour, and pasta, which have flown off supermarket shelves as people stock up to eat at home. Pasta and flour makers in North America and Europe are running some production lines round the clock. They have reduced their ranges to maximize volumes.

ALL PHOTOS © REUTERS

'ELIMINATING MIDDLEMEN' Other suppliers are turning to new pools of workers. U.S. berry distributor Driscoll's has taken on laid-off restaurant and hotel employees at its U.S. distribution warehouses to work as forklift drivers and quality assurance inspectors, said the firm's president, Soren Bjorn. Green Gold Farms in Mexico, a supplier to Driscoll's, has hired factory workers like Omar Cortes Arteaga, who was furloughed from an automotive plant. He works at Green Gold's berry farm in Jalisco, where laborers wear masks and have temperature checks before going into the fields.

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NEW RECRUITS "The job is helping me with my bills," said the maintenance technician. "Here, I do chores, carry pots, prune plants." Finding seasonal workers is a priority in Europe, where spring harvests are at risk because the usually vast armies of migrant laborers cannot leave home. Spanish asparagus grower Jaime Urbina cannot turn to an eastern European workforce as he usually does. "They are stuck in their countries because the borders are closed," he said.

Spain, the European Union's biggest fruit and vegetable exporter, has responded by allowing the unemployed to take farm jobs while keeping welfare payments. They have also extended work permits for migrants already in the country. France has mobilized 15,000 French workers idled by the crisis so far to help offset a potential shortfall of 200,000 foreign laborers this spring. "It's positive for farming because these are profiles that are not usually drawn towards

seasonal work," said Jean-Baptiste Vervy, head of Wizifarm, a start-up behind a job-matching website that took off in the lockdown with government backing. But he said some farmers were frustrated that the recruits lacked skills or had quickly quit. Poland, meanwhile, is struggling without Ukrainian seasonal laborers, and the Russian Agriculture Ministry said prisoners might help out on farms in the absence of Central Asian workers.

Germany, Britain, and Ireland are allowing companies to bring in trained workers from Romania and other European Union states on charter flights with quarantine measures.

Iraq's Agriculture Ministry said farmworkers were exempted from curfew measures, and farmers were allowed to move harvesting machinery around the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump has exempted such migrants from a temporary curb on immigration during the crisis.

To keep transport links running smoothly, Brazilian toll-road operator CCR SA has distributed over 1,000 food and hygiene kits a day to truck drivers as service outlets are closed.

Elsewhere, Nigeria's federal government is making identity cards, so farmworkers can move freely during a national lockdown after many were stopped by police.

In Kenya, Rubi Ranch has been sending avocados to Europe by ship due to limited air freight capacity, as airlines have grounded aircraft and cut off the company's usual supply route.

There is no denying that some farmers will prosper and others will struggle. Many growers are vulnerable to labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating prices linked to the pandemic, while smaller farmers are enjoying the new trend of selling directly from farm to table, lending to higher revenues than ever before. One thing is for sure; we all need to adapt to the challenge of doing things differently.

—Reuters

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GLOBALHEROES.COM

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BY RAYE MOCIOIU

Inspiring Positive Change: Starbucks Sets Planet-Friendly Targets WHEN they’re not

providing coffee lovers with artfully-crafted drinks, Starbucks is working to become more environmentally f riendly! Since 2015, Starbucks has taken great strides to improve the sustainability behind their business processes - and they’ve been completely transparent about how they plan to continue making positive changes. In a public letter explaining the Starbucks’ mission to inspire positive change, chief executive officer Kevin Johnson announced a “multi-decade commitment to be a resourcepositive company.” Through sustainable

and climate-friendly initiatives like targets for reducing carbon emissions and waste, Starbucks aspires to give more than it takes from the planet. Starbucks has already taken strides to make its processes more environmentally friendly and ethical. In partnership with Conservation International, they achieved the milestone of sourcing 99 percent of their coffee through C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices. By implementing those standards, they effectively halved their carbon footprint! Starbucks is also part of the L.E.E.D. program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), partnering with experts at the U.S. Green Building Council to bring sustainable practices to life in their stores. As well, Starbucks has been

publishing its Global Social Impact Reports since 2001, “one of the longest-running and most transparent reporting commitments of any public company.” These public reports show that Starbucks is committed to upholding their promises, and allows the public to hold them accountable as well. The letter also outlined five major ways that Starbucks plans to achieve its climatefriendly goals. Starbucks plans to expand its plant-based menu options, migrating toward an environmentally friendly menu. They also plan to shift to reusable packaging, removing single-use plastic from their stores. Starbucks also intends to invest in innovative and regenerative agricultural practices, including reforestation, forest conservation,

©REUTERS/JOSHUA TRUJILLO;

and water replenishment. As well, their investments will go towards finding better ways to manage waste and ensure more recycling to eliminate food waste - making stores more eco-friendly, to boot. In his letter, Johnson also detailed the preliminary targets that Starbucks has set for 2030; A 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions in direct operations and supply chain. 50 percent of water withdrawal for direct operations and coffee production will be conserved or replenished with a focus on communities and basins with high water risk.

A 50 percent reduction in waste sent to landfill from stores and manufacturing, driven by a broader shift towards a circular economy.

STARBUCKS FOODSHARE For years, Starbucks has successfully donated pastries - but fresh food poses a bigger challenge. By investing in research and quality assurance testing, Starbucks launched the FoodShare program in 2016, in partnership with Feeding America. The goal is to donate healthy, nourishing, and readyto-eat meals to the 1 in 8 Americans who struggle with hunger and food insecurity. Dedicated drivers are sent to each store to collect food that is ready for donation, providing nutritious meals for those in need,

and minimizing food waste. In 2019, the Starbucks FoodShare program expanded to Canada, partnering with Second Harvest. Over 1,100 Starbucks locations in Canada are now committing to send 100 percent of the food available for donation to those in need. To date, Starbucks has donated more than 25 million nourishing meals to those in need across the U.S. and Canada. “A lot of people don’t realize that hunger is an issue in our country every day,” said Matt Knott, president of Feeding America. “One in six children in our school classrooms may not have enough to eat. It’s a hidden issue for many.”

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GLOBALHEROES.COM

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BY SARAH SHEARMAN

DO THE

RIGHT THING

With millions of job losses expected and the world heading towards a deep recession as countries shut down to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, the way companies treat workers is under scrutiny. "Now, more than ever, (companies) are in the spotlight," said Hortense Bioy, a research director at financial services firm Morningstar. "That is when you are going to see the true leaders, the ones that are delivering, and those that are not." Ethical investment, which weighs up companies' commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, from carbon emissions to supply chain transparency, has become one of the fastestgrowing areas of finance in recent years. But it has tended to focus on environmental performance because of the pressing, long-term risks posed by climate change. Analysts say that is starting to change. "The 'S' (in ESG) - which was kind of a bit forgotten, or not considered as important as the 'E' - now it's emerging as an important dimension in this crisis," said Bioy.

ÂŠ RAZVAN CHISU UA

Pandemic puts workers' rights on ethical investor hitlist

From paid sick leave to protective gear for staff, the coronavirus crisis has pushed workers' rights up the list of priorities for companies and individuals looking to invest ethically, experts say.

©JUD MACKRILL

This month, a group of 286 investors representing more than $8.2 trillion in assets issued a statement urging firms to provide paid leave, prioritize health and safety, limit exposure to the virus and retain jobs. "Investors should be asking tough questions," said Simon Rawson, director of corporate engagement at ShareAction, a British charity that promotes responsible investing. "It is essential that companies have good oversight of their workers, especially the most vulnerable."

RESILIENT Early analysis indicates that companies with strong ESG records and the funds that invest in them are faring better in the market turmoil caused by the crisis. In Britain, the average ESG fund fell 14% in March, compared to 16.8% for their non-ESG rivals, research from Morningstar has found.

This is partly because these funds tend to be less exposed to sectors badly hit by the crisis, such as oil companies or airlines.

"We need to define afresh what responsible investing looks like for social issues like decent work and public health," he said.

But Bioy said it was also because companies with high ESG scores tended to be run well, treat their stakeholders well, and have fewer controversies, making them more resilient to market downturns.

When the Workforce Disclosure Initiative (WDI), founded by ShareAction and backed by more than 130 investors managing $14 trillion in assets, approached 750 major companies for a recent survey on this, just 15% responded.

Many companies have taken steps to protect jobs by deferring shareholder payouts or cutting executive pay, while others have changed their business models to help in the fight against coronavirus, such as manufacturing protective equipment. There have also been myriad reports of companies failing to prioritize employees' health, encouraging them to come to work unnecessarily or firing staff. Unions in developing countries that manufacture and export to wealthier Western nations have warned that the pandemic could lead to a rollback in labor rights improvements as stores close and sales fall. ShareAction's Rawson said companies needed to be more transparent in their treatment of supply chain workers as well as staff.

Yet the pressure from investors is there, according to Fiona O'Neill, deputy head of research inequities at investment firm Fidelity International, who predicted the coronavirus crisis would boost existing momentum behind ESG. She said many companies would need to raise capital because of the current challenges, and potential investors would expect them to prove their commitment to ESG as well as show they had robust financial plans in place. "In the short term, it might cost more," said O'Neill. "But long-term, they reap the rewards of that by having more loyal staff, by customers wanting to shop with them." —Reuters

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COVID

RECOVERY A Green Finance Plan Should Lead the Way

Â©REUTERS/YVES HERMAN

BY KATE ABNETT AND SIMON JESSOP

Planned European Union rules requiring investments to be in line with climate policy should be used to guide economic recovery measures after the coronavirus pandemic, despite not yet being law, said the bloc’s expert advisers. With the bloc headed for a steep recession and its executive, the European Commission, drawing up a trillion-euro recovery plan, calls are growing from politicians, companies, and campaigners to make sure the money does not prop up environmentally damaging industries. The Commission had planned to introduce rules on which investments can be called “green” from 2021, forcing providers of financial products to disclose which investments meet the criteria known as the EU “sustainable finance taxonomy.” However, the Commission’s Technical Expert Group (TEG), a 35-member panel of investors, business leaders, and climate policy experts, said the rules - designed by the TEG, at the Commission’s request - should inform stimulus plans now. “The opportunity for a resilient, sustainable, and fair economic recovery is right before us. We encourage all governments, public institutions, and the private sector to use the right tools for the job,” it said in a statement.

“If some of the financing goes to propping up polluting practices, it just increases the risk exposure for these investors when more disruptive (climate) policies have to inevitably be implemented later.” Ultimately, it will be for the Commission and member state governments to decide how to spend the money. Sandrine Dixson-Declève, co-president of the Club of Rome think tank and also on the TEG, said criteria to block polluting investments should be applied “if you want public investment from the European Investment Bank, the European Central Bank – if you want anything from the European pot.” The European Commission could not immediately be reached for comment. Allianz Global Investors’ Steffen Hoerter, also a TEG member, said while COVID-19 had battered the economy and caused extreme market volatility, the fallout from climate change “will be much worse and, unlike the virus, it will not go away.” “There is absolutely no reason for governments and investors to step back from corporate climate objectives,” he said. “If we do this right now, it will backfire.” —Reuters

©REUTERS/STOYAN NENOV

©REUTERS/YVES HERMAN

©REUTERS/JOHANNA GERON

The TEG has also drawn up a green bond standard for the EU and a framework to assess whether financial instruments, contracts, or investment funds conform with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“There’s going to be, potentially, a surge of public and private spending to reboot the economy,” said Nathan Fabian, chief responsible investment officer at the U.N.-backed Principles for Responsible Investment investor group and member of the TEG.

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Put it in Park Entertainment Moves Outdoors Slowly but surely, the world is opening up non-essential businesses and shifting back to normalcy. While the threat of the virus lingers, many look to live entertainment as a reprieve from their television sets. However, due to the challenges of social distancing, concert venues and movie theaters are expected to be among the last to reopen. As a result, musicians around the world have had to change how they engage with their audiences, with many performing online from their homes in virtual concerts. In a move that feels both vintage and modern, drive-in venues are emerging as a trend that allows performers to connect with fans in real life

while maintaining safe social distancing as the threat of the virus lingers. In Nashville, country music star Keith Urban performed a surprise live show at a drive-in movie theatre, a test drive for how concerts might look in the era of social distancing. It was thought to be the first major live music show of its kind in the United States, following the cancellation of hundreds of concerts and tours and the closure of large venues due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, all over the world, entertainment is moving outdoors. From concerts, to film festivals, to sports, drive-in venues may be the new normal for entertainment at a safe distance.

©CESIRA ALVARADO

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GERMANY

In Sydney, singer-songwriter and Australian Idol star Casey Donovan performed on stage in a free concert that treated fans to some of the first live music many had heard in months.

In Duesseldorf, fans starved of live athletics action could consider bringing popcorn to an event next month, where top pole vaulters are set to compete at a drive-in cinema.

"I've been missing live music so much that I'll go and see it in a car park, in my car just so I can see live music in front of me. It's good," said audience member Mick Radojkovic.

Germany's top pole vaulters Raphael Holzdeppe, Bo Kanda Lita Baehre and Torben Blech will be in action at the June 12 "Flight Night" event, with fans able to watch from the confines of their cars at the Autokino Duesseldorf drive-in.

To ensure physical distancing, audience members were not allowed to leave their cars but could tune into an FM band on their radios to get full high-definition sound, or simply wind down their windows despite the rain. Instead of clapping or cheering, fans blared their car horns. Drive-in Entertainment Australia plans to have several more car park concerts in the coming months, with many more people being able to attend as COVID-19 restrictions are eased further.

They will also have the option of watching it live on big screens, and organizers will ensure that all health protocols are adhered to, European Athletics said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to the first showdown after the lockdown. The competitive atmosphere, the great atmosphere for which the Duesseldorf audience is known," Lita Baehre said. "I'm sure this event will also be a real highlight due to the special location. I don't think a pole vaulter ever jumped in a drive-in cinema."

ALL PHOTOS ÂŠREUTERS

SYDNEY

CANNES The Riviera resort of Cannes should have been playing host to the world's biggest names in film. Instead, with its annual film festival postponed and the red carpet rolled up, locals made do with a drive-in cinema in a beachfront car park. As dusk fell, the audience settled down, with their popcorn on the dashboard and children hanging out the windows, to watch Steven Spielberg's 1980s classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. "You've got to make the most of the moment. It makes up for things a bit," said one woman. She had driven to Palm Beach with her grownup son, who sat next to her wearing a face mask. The 51 vehicles allowed to the screening were parked in every other space and staff wearing face-shields scanned barcodes on tickets. The Cannes Film Festival was originally scheduled to take place from May 12-23. Beyond the star-studded screenings, production and distribution firms head to the Cote d’Azur to complete deals. It is not the first time the festival has been postponed. Its inaugural event in 1939 was cut short after the opening screening of the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” because of Germany’s invasion of Poland the next day. It was also interrupted in May 1968 as a student revolt and labor protests swept across France. Cannes mayor David Lisnard said it was the town's way of paying homage to cinema and to show that "we miss the movies." —Reuters

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BY RAYE MOCIOIU

GOING GREEN(HOUSE): The Canadian Beverage Company Promoting Healthy Living Through Bottled Greens Co-owners Emma Knight, Anthony Green, and Hana James

reenhouse is a Canadian organic beverage company thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s making it easier to get your daily dose of healthy greens. In the midst of living a busy life, drinking a big bottle of fruits and vegetables is an easy and efficient way to soak up nutritious, plantbased energy. Greenhouse aims to make it easier to access sustainable, highquality plant-based nutrition. Founded in 2014 by co-owners Emma Knight, Anthony Green, and Hana James, Greenhouse quickly gained a following of juice-lovers 42

that were also looking for an efficient and sustainable way to get in their greens! Greenhouse offers a wide variety of plant-based food and drinks, all made with love in Canada. Their range includes cold-pressed juices, plant milks, lemonades, kombuchas, and more, all packaged in sustainable glass bottles, ensuring healthy products of the highest quality. Cold-pressed juice is made by using hydraulic pressure to extract liquid from plants, without denaturing enzymes or damaging nutrients with

heat or oxidation. Using this method, Greenhouse can squeeze out every healthy drop from its organic ingredients, keeping nutritious properties intact. Now, Greenhouse operates a Safe Quality Foods (SQF)-, organic-, kosher-, and HAACPcertified production facility, with multiple store locations in Toronto and juices distributed throughout hundreds of grocery stores nationwide. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve received numerous brand awards, including DesignThinker of the Year in 2019, and Strategy Brand of the Year in 2018.

A Commitment

to Green As part of their support for sustainable, non-toxic growing practices, Greenhouse juices are made from organic produce, meaning they use plants that are grown without the use of chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides. Much of the produce used in Greenhouse juices are purchased directly from local, organic farms. They also prioritize “seconds,” which are the misshapen fruits and vegetables that often end up in landfills. During Canada’s growing season, Greenhouse sends the fibrous byproducts of their fruit and vegetable juices back to local farms, where it is used as compost to help new crops grow. It’s a well-known fact that much of the ocean is polluted with humanmade garbage. Beneath the surface of the North Pacific Ocean, just between California and Hawaii, is enough garbage to cover the surface of Quebec. This is one of the reasons why Greenhouse chooses to bottle their delicious drinks in sustainable glass bottles over plastic ones. Aside from being recyclable, glass bottles also last far longer than plastic and can be reused over and over without absorbing colors and odors the way plastic bottles do. Studies have also shown that chemicals used in plastic bottles (even the safest ones) can break down and filter into whatever liquid is being carried - especially when the bottle is exposed to heat or sunlight. When producing drinks filled with healthy greens, as Greenhouse does, it just makes sense to package them in the healthiest way possible.

The Future of Green

Now, Greenhouse is looking into partnering with other planetfriendly businesses to upcycle their organic fibres and pulp byproduct. They currently work with plant-based brand Heal Doggy, which makes sustainable, allergen-free dog treats. Just recently, Greenhouse partnered with Canadian wellness company Outcast Foods, to upcycle pulp byproduct from Greenhouse’s juice processing operation into dried fruit and vegetable powders. These powders can be used to create sustainable new products, saving the pulp that would otherwise end up in landfills. Ultimately, this partnership will eliminate millions of pounds of surplus food byproducts and create valuable materials for innovative projects.

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Plant-Based Recipes to Fuel Your Summer Grapefruit Kombucha Float “This tangy, sparkly, nostalgic treat tastes like a creamsicle and takes all of two minutes to make. Add a shot of vodka or gin to turn it into a cocktail. Makes 2 floats.”

INGREDIENTS: 2 scoops vanilla ice cream of choice 1 bottle Grapefruit Kombucha Fresh herbs for garnish Vodka or gin, to make it boozy (optional)

STEPS: 1. Scoop ice cream into tall glasses. 2. Top with kombucha (and optional shot). 3. Garnish, and float away on a cloud of joy.

©ELENA MARI AND NATHAN LEGIEHN FOR GREENHOUSE

Roasted Beet Salad with Herb and Garlic Cheese (V, GF) “One of the wonderful things about this salad is that it can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold out of the fridge. So it works equally well as a last-minute, healthy supper and as a makeahead lunch. You can use any cheese that tickles your fancy, but we are quite jazzed about this local, organic, plant-based option from Toronto alt dairy company Culcherd, which is now available in our Plant Pantry. It has so much flavour that you don’t need to add much else to make every bite of this simple salad flavourful and exciting. Serve with a glass of Blue Lemonade.”

INGREDIENTS: Serves 1-2 2 beets, halved ¼ wheel Plant-Based Herb and Garlic Cheese, cubed Drizzle of olive oil Juice from a quarter of a lemon Salt and pepper to taste Fresh dill

STEPS: Preheat your oven to 425 F. Place your halved beets in a rimmed baking dish with a quarter cup of water. Wrap aluminum foil tightly over top of the baking vessel to seal it (this will simultaneously roast and steam the beet. Roast until soft—around 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool Slice the beets into bite-sized wedges, and assemble cheese overtop. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh dill and serve.

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The Spirit of Community: How

Dixon’s Distilled Spirits is Making a

DIFFERENCE The on-going coronavirus pandemic has sent normalcy into a whirlwind, with usually-accessible hygiene products like hand sanitizer in short supply as the virus continues to spike the demand. As a result, some Canadian distilleries, like Guelph-based Dixon’s Distilled Spirits, have started producing hand sanitizers alongside their regular alcoholic drinks. Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team, JD and Vicky Dixon, with the help of Kevin (Chevy) Patterson, Dixon’s Distilled Spirits was the first craft distillery in Guelph, Ontario, locally famed for their high-quality spirits and sustainable distilling process. 46

©RICK CHARD

BY RAYE MOCIOIU

©RICK CHARD

Despite the potential for high profits, Dixon’s Distilled Spirits has decided to donate hand sanitizers and disinfectants made at the facility to front-line healthcare workers.

©RICK CHARD

KEEPING SPIRITS HIGH:

Co-owner Vicky Dixon has worked parttime as a lab technician at Guelph General Hospital for 20 years. “I see the demand. I realize that if front-line workers don’t have it, the general public is probably screwed,” she told Reuters in March. “We had the resources to adapt our business to incorporate the production of sanitizer and felt pulled to do what we can, with what we have, to help in a time of need.” Now, Dixon’s is distributing across Guelph and surrounding areas, even as far as Toronto. They’ve made about 50,000 liters of sanitizer, and have donated 20,000 liters to local doctors’ offices, first responders, fire departments, police departments, and hospitals. They also acknowledge how important community is, especially during times like these. The process of producing hand sanitizer in-house is not an easy one, and Dixon’s praises the community members in Guelph who have donated their time, resources, and support.

GRAIN TO BOTTLE, AND BACK TO FARM: Dixon’s prides themselves on their remarkable grain-to-bottle-back-to-farm process. It starts with spirits fermented from locally-grown Ontario corn, which gets distilled 18 times (that’s 6x the industry average!). It then gets carbon filtered for 30 hours, to remove the harsh tones, while leaving some of the corn’s sweetness behind, and mixed with Guelph’s famously pure water. The result is crystal clear, smooth-as-silk spirits that go into all of Dixon’s premium gin, vodka, and whiskey. The remaining grains, once fermented and distilled, make for clean feed for pigs and cows. Dixon’s also donates their spent grains back to local farmers, making a sustainable, full-circle process. It’s a win-win for spirit-lovers and local farmers!

Producing hand sanitizer for the public was a lengthy process, with plenty of ups and downs. Dixon’s told us that finding the resources needed to bottle the sanitizer was often difficult, as a variety of bottles, caps, and jugs were needed. Amid coronavirus fears, they had to keep their team small to ensure everyone’s safety - which meant that scheduling production would often be difficult as well. Between the tireless efforts of the Dixon’s team and the support of the community, Dixon’s local sanitizer has been hugely successful and helpful in maintaining the safety of frontline workers and community members alike.

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THE SPIRITS OF SUMMER

DIXON’S WICKED ROOT BEER

BLUEBERRY GIN FIZZY LEMONADE:

ADD TO GLASS:

Cubed ice 1 ½ oz. Dixon’s Wicked Licorice Gin 3. Top with your favorite root beer 4. Quick stir until wicked smooth 5. Serve in a highball glass 1.

ADD TO GLASS: Lots of ice 2. 1 ½ oz. Blueberry Gin 3. 1 wedge of fresh lemon squeezed 4. 1 slice of lemon 5. Soda water 6. Fresh blueberries as a garnish Mix it up by swapping soda water for sparkling lemonade, tonic water, iced tea, or Sprite!

CITRUS GIN ELDERFLOWER TONIC

SILVERCREEK VODKA: CRYSTAL-CLEAR AND SUPER SMOOTH.

ADD TO GLASS: 1 ½ oz. Citrus Gin 2. Elderflower Tonic

ADD TO GLASS:

1 ½ oz Silvercreek Vodka

Mix it with cranberry, lemonade, and a splash of soda water for a refreshing summer soda.

Mix it up by swapping Elderflower Tonic for lemonade or citrus soda water!

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BY RAYE MOCIOIU

COBS Bread

The International Community Bakery

Being a community bakery is about more than just making delicious, fresh baked goods - it’s about showing up and giving back. No one understands that better than the international-but-still-local bakery, COBS Bread. Founded in 1980 by Roger and Lesley Gillespie, COBS Bread is part of Bakers Delight, an Australian bakery franchise. Since its inception, COBS has grown exponentially, with over 700 bakeries internationally, including 125 bakeries in Canada. COBS knows that real change starts from within - that’s why they work hard to hold themselves accountable to their customers and employees, by always working to find better solutions and innovating opportunities to improve. COBS makes a true effort to ensure their business practices are sustainable, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly. The flour used to bake the famed COBS bread is grown on farms in Southern Alberta and milled by P&H Milling in Lethbridge. The blueberries come from local Canadian farms, and the feta and aged white cheddar cheeses are made from 100% Canadian milk. This year, as part of their effort to implement ways to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment and create positive change, COBS plans to introduce reusable bread bags to their stores, to encourage customers to use their own clean bags, or purchase one from the bakery. They have stated that their goal is to provide only recyclable packaging in all COBS bakeries by 2025. Currently, the environmentally-friendly materials used in COBS bakeries include 100% recycled fiber kraft boxes and compostable wax paper. COBS is also working to increase energy efficiency in its storefronts and equipment by constantly researching equipment that is more environmentally-friendly. They are currently working on converting all lighting in every COBS Bread Bakery into LED lighting. They plan to use LED in all new bakeries as they open and renovate, aiming for 100% of COBS bakeries to be fully converted by 2025.

The COBS Community COBS proudly shares their hand-crafted, freshly baked bread, and delicious treats all over the world, from artisanal loaves to traditional sandwiches. However, it doesn’t end there - the COBS experience goes beyond delightful baked goods. At the end of each day, all leftover product is donated to local charities. Dedicated volunteers visit COBS bakeries to pick up unsold bread and baked goods at the end of each workday, and distribute the donations through charitable food programs. In 2019, COBS Bread bakeries donated a total retail value of over $40 million in bread and baked goods through their End of Day Giving program. One such charitable organization is the Kerr Street Mission, in Oakville, Ontario. As part of their Community Meals program, volunteers from the Kerr Street Mission help with the nightly delivery of COBS end-of-day bread, which serves over 25,000 meals every year. “COBS Lakeshore has been a community supporter of Kerr Street Mission for many years. COBS Lakeshore donates $325,000 in baked goods and support to KSM each year… the bread provides families with healthy, fresh bread daily and also supports our meal programs.” – Kerr Street Mission COBS Bread also hosts national fundraisers each year for community partners, like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Breakfast Club of Canada. Every June since 2016, COBS Bread in Stamford, CT, has raised money for Swim Across America, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. As part of their commitment to the community, COBS is always looking for new opportunities to give back to charitable organizations. Since 2003, COBS has donated over $250 million of fresh-baked goods to charitable organizations across Canada and the United States.

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Raspberry Ricotta Stuffed French Toast

DIRECTIONS Divide the ricotta cheese between each slice of bread and spread evenly. Place raspberries on one slice of bread. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread. Place beaten egg and milk in a shallow bowl or plate with high sides. Dip the entire sandwich in the egg milk mixture and let it soak for about a minute. Flip the sandwich over to coat the other side with egg.

SERVES: 1 Ingredients • • • • • •

2 slices of COBS Bread Country Grain Loaf 120g Ricotta Cheese 1/2 pint raspberries, plus extra to serve 1 egg lightly beaten 2 Tbsp milk 1 Tbsp vegetable oil icing sugar, to serve Maple syrup, to serve

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium low heat. Cook the sandwiches slowly on one side for about five minutes until egg is golden brown and set. Turn and cook the other side. Remove French toast sandwich from the pan and place on a serving plate. Cut into half, drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and add fresh raspberries if desired. Optional: Try this recipe with our Cinnamon Loaf for an extra elevated breakfast!

Gourmet Bbq Burger Ingredients TIME: 30 - 45 MINUTES SERVES: 4

BEEF PATTIES

DIRECTIONS GOURMET BBQ BURGER INSTRUCTIONS 1.

• • • • • • • •

2lb ground beef, medium fat 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp soy sauce 3 Tbsp fresh breadcrumbs 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped 1 onion, finely diced 1 egg, beaten Salt and pepper

HARISSA MAYO • • • • •

¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup sour cream 4 tsp harissa paste Juice of ½ lemon Salt and pepper

PICKLED VEGETABLES • • • • • • • • • •

2 wide-mouth mason jars ½ cup rice vinegar 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp salt 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 cups cabbage, shredded thinly 2 sprigs dill, chopped 2 sprigs thyme, chopped 4 garlic, smashed Red pepper flakes

Assemble the beef patties, harissa mayo and pickled vegetables ahead of time.

Pre-heat the BBQ to 375°F.

Place the patties on the grill over indirect heat, close the lid and grill for 15 minutes or until desired colour.

Toast the Gourmet Hamburger Buns for minutes or until slightly browned on the edges.

Assemble your burger with the harissa mayo, pickled vegetables, butter lettuce and sliced watercress – enjoy!

BEEF PATTIES INSTRUCTIONS

PICKLED VEGETABLE INSTRUCTIONS 1.

Wash 2 mason jars and rings in warm soapy water and rinse well.

Set aside to dry completely. Wash, dry and cut the vegetables into desired shapes and sizes.

Pack the cucumbers into 1 jar adding 2 garlic, dill and red pepper flakes and cabbage adding 2 garlic and thyme into the other jar and make sure there is ½ inch of space at the top in each jar.

Pack them as tightly as you can without squishing the vegetables.

Combine the vinegar, water, salt and sugar in a small saucepan over high heat.

Bring to a boil stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour the brine over the vegetables in each jar filling until within ½ inch from the top.

Gently tap the jars against the counter a few times removing all air bubbles. Place the lid over the jars and screw the rings until tight.

Let jars cool to room temperature and then place in refrigerator for at least 48 hours. The pickled vegetables can be stored up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Combine all ingredients and mix together (hand mixing is best!). Shape into 4 even balls and flatten slightly.

HARISSA MAYO INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients and refrigerate until needed.

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HIGH-FIBER DIET LINKED TO LOWER BREAST CANCER RISK

Soluble fiber has been associated with lower risks of breast cancer, researchers have reported. Eating a diet high in fiber has been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, according to a new study. Previous results investigating the potential relationship between fiber intake and breast cancer have generated inconsistent results. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed all relevant prospective studies published up until July 2019, and they concluded high fiber consumption was linked to a reduced incidence of breast cancer. The team analyzed data from 20 observational studies and discovered that individuals with the highest consumption of fiber had an eight percent lower risk of breast cancer. Also, soluble fiber, found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables, was associated with the lower risks of breast cancer. Higher total fiber intake was linked with a lower risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. “Our study contributes to the evidence that lifestyle factors, such as modifiable dietary practices, may affect breast cancer risk,” said Dr.

Maryam Farvid. “Our findings provide research evidence supporting the American Cancer Society dietary guidelines, emphasizing the importance of a diet rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.” The authors note that the findings do not demonstrate that dietary fiber directly reduces breast cancer risk, and a randomized clinical trial is required to test a cause and effect relationship. British guidelines recommend adults should eat 30 grams of fiber a day. Good sources of fiber include barley, oatmeal, beans, nuts, and fruits such as apples, berries, citrus fruits, and pears. The findings were published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. —Reuters •••

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BY FRANCESCO GUARASCIO AND CLEMENT ROSSIGNOL

Locked down shoppers turn to vegetables, shun ready meals

Shoppers cut spending on readymade meals and bought more fruit and vegetables, turning to healthier eating during coronavirus lockdowns, preliminary results of a research project showed. People forced to stay home also tried new recipes, and threw away less food, found the survey of nearly 11,000 shoppers in 11 countries. "Amid lockdowns, people are eating healthier, are cooking their own food and are consuming more fruit and vegetables," said Charlotte De Backer, who coordinated the study at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. As they deserted offices and cooked at home, shoppers cut purchases of microwaveable food in all the countries surveyed - Australia, Belgium, Chile, Uganda, the Netherlands, France, Austria, Greece, Canada, Brazil, and Ireland. "We switched from snacks, restaurant food, online delivery orders to home cooking," Firene, an Azerbaijan national who lives in Brussels, said, describing changes in his household during the pandemic. "I lost four kilos, so I'm proud of that." In nearly half of the countries surveyed, shoppers bought fewer salty or sweet snacks, although overall sales remained stable. Consumption of salty, fat, and sweet products usually goes up when people are under stress. During the pandemic, this heightened craving has been fulfilled in many countries with home-baked delicacies, said De Backer, who chairs FOOMS, a research group on food and media at the University of Antwerp. Chile, for instance, saw a large drop in sales of snacks, but also the biggest rise in purchases of flour and yeast.

HEALTH CONCERNS De Backer said the preliminary findings showed clear trends that were unlikely to be modified by new data, as the pandemic has strengthened people's attention to food and healthier options. Muriel Bernard, the founder of Belgium-based organic food online retailer eFarmz, had to nearly double her workforce to 25 to meet the demand for her fresh products. "After a few days of confinement, we have seen a big increase in sales," she said. In all surveyed countries, people bought more fresh, canned, or frozen fruit and vegetables throughout lockdowns, a change De Backer said could be explained by heightened health concerns. Careful planning to cut time spent in supermarkets could also have contributed, De Backer said. "If you make a shopping list, you plan your meals ahead, and you are less likely to add unhealthy food." Respondents to the survey, who were mostly women, also tried new recipes during the pandemic and used more left-overs, reducing food waste. De Backer said this attitude is linked to fears of food shortages and is likely to recede once consumers see no more empty shelves in supermarkets, which have suffered some supply disruptions during the pandemic. But some of the eating habits are likely to outlast the epidemic, De Backer added, because in many countries lockdowns lasted longer than the six weeks it takes to form a new habit. Also, as people grow more confident in the kitchen, trying new recipes, one of the key barriers to home cooking, may be torn down, De Backer said.

Consumption of meat, fish, and alcoholic drinks remained stable throughout the pandemic.

Some farmers lost out. The closure of restaurants cut demand for products like mushrooms, lettuce, and micro-vegetables, according to Freshfel Europe, an association representing the European sector for fresh produce whose annual turnover is estimated at 200 billion euros ($216 billion).

The survey, based on voluntary online responses from April 17 to May 7, of which 6,700 were from Belgium, will be extended to consumers in about 25 countries with final results due by the end of June.

And some shoppers bucked the trend. "We eat a little worse. We go on food binges with more sweets," said Salvatore, who is looking for a job in the catering industry in Belgium. —Reuters

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Â©CARL BARCELO

Regular yoga sessions may help to ease symptoms of depression 58

©BRUCE MARS

Experts

have discovered that yoga can have a hugely positive impact on those with depression and schizophrenia, and even those battling alcoholism. Regular yoga sessions may help to ease the symptoms of depression and schizophrenia.

New research has found that those who took part in weekly sessions lasting between 20 and 90 minutes saw lasting positive effects on their mental health. Data from 19 randomized international controlled trials involved more than 1,000 adult participants with a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance misuse. The yoga sessions, which focused on practices including Hatha and kundalini, involved a variety of movement and breathing exercises and lasted up to 90 minutes. The trials were analyzed, with the experts discovering that yoga had a hugely positive impact on those with depression and schizophrenia, even participants who battled alcoholism. Further examination revealed that the higher the number of yoga sessions completed per week, the greater the effect on easing depressive symptoms. "Consideration of yoga as an evidence-based exercise modality alongside conventional forms of exercise is warranted, given the positive results of this review," the study authors wrote. "Yoga may provide an additional or alternative strategy to engage people experiencing depression in meaningful physical activity." Full review results have been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. —Reuters

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AEROBIC WORKOUTS 'MAY BENEFIT THE BRAIN AT ANY AGE' 60

©AREK ADEOYE

It's never too late for people to try and get in shape. Taking part in aerobic workouts may significantly benefit the brain, a new study has found. Researchers from the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary have found that even older adults who do some form of heart-rate building exercise for six months could perform better on thinking and memory tests. The team analyzed more than 200 adults, with an average age of 66, who, before the study, worked out no more than four days per week for 30 minutes or less. They were enrolled in a supervised aerobic exercise for three days a week, and increased their workouts to an average of at least 40 minutes a day. They were also asked to

exercise on their own an additional two times per week. Participants were given thinking and memory tests at the start of the study, as well as an ultrasound, to measure blood flow in the brain. Physical testing was repeated after three months, and then again at six months. Accordingly, the researchers found that after six months, participants had an improvement of almost six percent on mental flexibility and self-correction tests, and saw an increase of more than two percent on verbal fluency, which tests how quickly you can retrieve information. "Our findings may be important, especially for older adults at risk for Alzheimer's and other dementias and brain disease," study

author Marc J. Poulin explained, noting that the benefit to starting an exercise regime, even later in life, could be "immense". The study also found that participants had an almost three percent increase in blood flow to the brain after ramping up their exercise sessions, which could, in turn, improve mental sharpness. "At a time when these results would be expected to be decreasing due to normal aging, to have these types of increases is exciting," Dr. Poulin added. The study was published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. —Reuters

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BY DYLAN MARTINEZ

OLYMPIC

CHAMPION

MO FARAH

PLANS TO

DEFEND

HIS TITLE

Multiple Olympic champion Mo Farah says the Tokyo Games’ postponement to 2021 could work to his advantage. He will now have around 20 months to train for the defense of his 10,000m title, having switched his focus back to the track.

to have something to work towards if it’s an Olympics, a world championships, any event,” Farah said. The six-times world champion over 5,000 and 10,000 meters said he had been enjoying more time with his family and getting creative in training in London, with gyms closed and limits on outdoor running.

The 37-year-old retired from track athletics in 2017 to focus on road marathons but announced in November last year that he was returning for one more tilt at 10,000m gold.

“In terms of training, it has definitely affected us because you can’t exercise, you can’t go to the gym, you can’t race, you can’t do a lot of stuff I’ve been doing,” he said.

The target then was only a matter of months away, but the year’s postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic has changed everything.

“I’m lucky I’ve got the treadmill at home, so I’ve been running on that, and sometimes I’ve been going for exercise outside. “I’ve also been creative in terms of getting busy with my kids - we’ve been working on the bridge (exercise).

Farah, who must still qualify, will be 38 by the time of the Games in July and August next year, but is looking on the bright side. “Having postponed it actually helps me a bit more,” he told Reuters while training in isolation in London’s Richmond Park. “It gives me a year to do more track races and then go into the Olympics. So in a way, I think it works out well for me.” Farah, who is chasing a third successive Olympic gold over 10,000 meters, said everyone was in the same boat and dealing with plenty of uncertainty.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist has also been doing 5k challenges and charity activities. “Mentally, I think we have to stay positive for all of us. As long as we can stay positive and have something to aim for, it hopefully gets easier,” he said. “But at the same time, there are a lot of people in a hard situation much worse than ours, people who can’t get out of the house, single parents or kids with a small flat. I’m lucky I’m one of those people who have got a little bit more space.”

“Hopefully, when it gets going, we can have some races and can start working towards something. As an athlete, you always want

—Reuters

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BY DANA WILSON

Breaking tradition:

The path to saving Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sloth bears

The exploitation of wildlife is often deeply rooted in generations of poverty. When animals are used as a means of subsistence income, people can become blind to systemic mistreatment and abuse. Human suffering begets animal suffering. Real and lasting change in the protection of wildlife can't happen without addressing the underlying causes. Both ethically and practically, without providing an alternative, you can't take away a community's livelihood and expect them to change their behavior.

All photos ÂŠ Dana Wilson/Wildlife SOS, 2020 - Wildlifesos.org

When I first started working for Wildlife SOS in 2019, I was immediately struck by their visionary, yet grounded and realistic, approach to protecting the vast wealth of wild animals in India. The thriving country of 1.3 billion people still has freeroaming herds of elephants and nighttime visits by leopards. Expansive megacities like Delhi still have skies teaming with soaring raptors. It's a critical time for wise conservation efforts, like the protection of wild sloth bear populations. Co-founders Geeta Seshamani and Kartick Satyanarayan ignored the skeptics. They took a long and difficult 15-year path to eradicate the barbaric "dancing bear" practice in India. They felt it was the only way to ensure lasting behavioral changes in

the communities who used sloth bears to generate income for their most basic needs. The cruel "dancing bear" trade dates back to the 16th century. Sloth bear cubs were taken from the wild after their mothers were killed. Their teeth were smashed out, and their muzzles were pierced with a redhot metal rod, then threaded with rope causing a painful chronic wound. As the rope was pulled, the bears would "dance" to avoid the blinding pain. Tragically, begging and "dancing" at the end of a short rope consumed the bears' lives from young cub to death. Entrapped by poverty and lack of education, communities of tribal Kalandar were forced to depend on the illegal practice of bear

"dancing" for their livelihoods. The Kalandar led a nomadic life being chased from town to town with no place they could call "home." Geeta and Kartick spent years earning the trust of over 3,000 Kalandar families spread out over six states in 15 groups with the lofty goal of permanently ending the exploitation of sloth bears. Amazingly and against all the odds, they achieved what they stubbornly set out to accomplish. On a recent trip to Jaipur, India, with Wildlife SOS co-worker Mahima Sharma to document the exploitation and neglect of elephants ridden to entertain tourists, I was fortunate enough to visit a Kalandar village an hour to the southeast. The plight of the "dancing bears" has been well-documented in National Geographic and BBC

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documentaries, and by conservation legends like Jane Goodall, so I was really looking forward to meeting the Kalandar firsthand. Mahima and I met the director of the Kalandar rehabilitation program Rakhee Sharma for the rural drive through arid Rajasthan. As we first arrived at the village, I was immediately humbled by the simplicity of the living conditions. Several families lived in traditional nomadic dwellings of nothing more than sticks and tarps, but most lived in small, solid brick, one-room houses. They built these homes themselves with materials provided by Wildlife SOS and its generous supporters. They hauled water more than a mile to mix the mortar, leveled the land by hand,

and placed the roof without equipment. However stark the living conditions, they had a strong community, and they were very proud of it. They should be. A woman carrying two children told me this was the first time she had experienced the respect of others, and you could see the light in her eyes when she said it. This was the face of empowerment. Often an abstract buzzword, I was looking into the eyes of a generation that jumped at the chance to make their lives better. Wildlife SOS tribal rehabilitation programs are vast, almost daunting in their scope. The focus is to empower the community by helping people earn incomes through dignified and legal means and improve

The polite and shy Kalandar children would scatter when I talked to them, but but whenever I turned around I had a posse behind me. 66

their living standards. They are helped to secure bank accounts and modest funding to become small business owners like tuktuk drivers, skilled tradesmen, juice stand owners, jewelry makers, and wedding DJs. Once these immediate subsistence needs are addressed, educating the children is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and building a stronger future. Everywhere in the world, women face cultural and societal pressures, but women in impoverished communities in India are up against extraordinary challenges. Programs for education, vocational training, and seed funding help empower Kalandar women to provide the financial security of a second income for their families, ensuring their

The beautiful and attentive Kalandar children were studying math. The school house and study materials were funded by generous Wildlife SOS donors.

status in the community. This newfound stability, combined with education and awareness, has dramatically decreased the prevalence of child marriage, so common in impoverished parts of the world. Most of us work very hard to further our careers and care for our families, but visiting a community like the Kalandar is a stark reminder of the huge advantages we have living in North America. Climbing a tall mountain is never easy, but starting from sea level can make reaching the summit seem unimaginable. Seeing the smiles and bright eyes of the school children, I can't help but think of all the suffering of both humans and wildlife that has been prevented by the determined efforts of a few caring and

resourceful people. The cycle of animal abuse wasn't just broken; it had been smashed.

traumatized animals with lifetime care at one of our sanctuaries.

As we were leaving the train station in Jaipur, a torrential hail storm struck the city, and news of the pending of COVID-19 lockdown was on the cover of every magazine and newspaper. I couldn't help but worry about the resilient Kalandar village I'd visited the day before. With a little help, they've made monumental progress, but they're still living on the fringes.

If you would like to learn more about the lifesaving work of Wildlife SOS, look for the Nat Geo WILD series Jungle Animal Rescue coming to Canada this fall, or visit wildlifesos.org.

Breaking a 400-year-old tradition of wildlife exploitation has never been so expansive, yet effective. By 2009, Wildlife SOS had rescued the last of 628 dancing bears in India, providing the injured and

Dana Wilson is Director of Marketing and Communications for Wildlife SOS. He is a longtime enthusiast and advocate for wildlife, companion animals and wild spaces.

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GLOBALHEROES.COM

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BY HUGO GREENHALGH

Finding LOVE among the gay penguins at London Zoo The chief curator of the London Zoo probably has more experience with penguins than most. When it comes to love, he thinks we humans could learn a thing or two from them. "I think there is something we can learn from penguins and other species in the way that they're tolerant of same-sex relations," Brian Zimmerman told the Thomson Reuters Foundation ahead of Valentine's Day on Thursday. "Humans could take lessons from other animals as it is about survival at the end of the day and caring. We have a lot to learn from penguins."

Examples of same-sex pairs at other zoos around the world are common. Earlier this year, two male penguins hatched an egg at a zoo in Australia.

London Zoo is currently home to three same-sex Humboldt penguin couples – two male and one female – out of a total of 95 penguins, a higher percentage than the 5 percent of the human population estimated to be LGBT+.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER Same-sex relations occur regularly amongst birds in particular, according to Zimmerman.

'Penguin Beach,' which encompasses a 1,200 square meter (1,400 square yards) pool and various forms of natural habitat.

"There are a lot of species where we haven't observed same-sex relations, but we are learning more all the time," he said.

"Penguins are one example, but (it is common in) parrots and doves as well," he said.

The Penguin Pool, designed by Russian emigre architect Berthold Lubetkin, was closed in 2004.

Penguins first arrived at London Zoo in 1865, 37 years after it first opened as a center for scientific study.

For Zimmerman, same-sex animal pairs capture the public's imagination because they hold a mirror up to society.

"The more we study them, particularly in a zoo environment where we can spend more time getting to know the individuals, the more we learn that same-sex pairings are more common than we suspected."

They have been housed since 2011 in

—Reuters

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GLOBALHEROES.COM

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The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

001 - Global Heroes - June 2020

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