003 - Global Heroes - December 2020

THE POWER OF POSITIVE, SOLUTION-BASED JOURNALISM.

POWER COUPLE

Chef

THOMAS SADOSKI & AMANDA

Feeds It Forward

TALK ABOUT PARENTHOOD, ADVOCACY, AND

JAGGER GORDON

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 4 - $9.99

SEYFRIED

9

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HOLIDAY RECIPES

NOT EVERY ASSIST HAPPENS ON THE ICE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

08

Thomas Sadoski & Amanda Seyfried: A Voice for the

VULNERABLE CELEBRITY HEROES

EVERYDAY HEROES

20

12 Champions for Change: Power Couples With a Cause

INDIGENOUS SOLIDARITY

15

Indigenous Amazon Activist

16 18 2

Plenty Then and Plenty Now… Who Knew Solidarity Could be so Much Fun?

A Survivor’s Story of Strength and Inspiration

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36 38 40

26 28 30 31 32 33 34

Cultivating a Lasting Legacy Celebrating Land Trust Heroes Bali Sisters Want Bar Raised on Climate Action Saving Canada’s Animals From the Brink of Extinction The Robot Dolphin 5 Ways Your Family Can Help Protect Marine Life Scientists harvest more eggs from near-extinct northern white rhino

Inspiring Positive Change: Starbucks Sets Planet-Friendly Targets Animal Health is Critical to Ensuring Animal Welfare

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

A Healer, A Hero: Captain Mary Ann Barber

CLIMATE & WILDLIFE

Gucci highlights animal conservation efforts with pre-fall 2020 campaign

42 46 48 50

Gifts That Give Back Outerwear Brand Nobis Helps the Most Vulnerable Stay Warm Shell Brings Carbon Neutral Driving to Canadian Customers What an Expert Wants You to Know About Ventilating Your Home

GLOBAL SUPPORT

52 53 54

Cuso International Believes in Lasting Results Global Friends and Unlikely Heroes Life After Prison: Empowering Women Through Compassion

TABLE OF CONTENTS 56 57

Help a Local Family

TRAVEL Holiday in a Can

A Gift That Warms the Heart

91

HEALTH & FITNESS

58 59 60 62 64

Easy TIps for Healthier Kids Healthcare Decisions for Someone Else Contiki Launches New Local Trips

Looking Good, Feeling Better

74 75 76

Not All Angels Have Wings Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada

72 92 93 94 95 96

A Flurry of Outdoor Fun in Canada’s Capital

Explore a Winter Wonderland in Niagara Falls

Home and Abroad: Navigating the Challenges of Covid-19

FOOD HEROES AND FEEL GOOD RECIPES

79 80

66 Health Equity in Motion

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Flavourful Funghi: Mushroom, Apple, Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash Sheep Can Help Mitigate Climate Change Cranberry Orange Ontario Lamb Chops Canadian Chicken Delivering on Sustainability Prosciutto Wrapped Roast Chicken With Root Vegetables Make This Winter Better With Beans

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A Sweet and Spicy Mocktail The Spirit of Community: How Dixon’s Distilled Spirits is Making a Difference

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84

Apple Bean Cake With Warm Cranberry Sauce

98

Navigating Covid-19 in the Greenhouse Produce Sector

Feel Fit and Fantastic With This Fast Home Workout

71 4

The Green Beaver Philosophy

85 86 87 88

The Essential Village Salad Feed Your Body, Feed Your Soul Kale Sweet Potato Superfood Salad Feeding Families and Nourishing Souls

No Guilt Holiday Treats: Apple Cinnamon Almond Galette

100

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Letter from the editor

Denise Koprich Shirazi While acts of kindness and generosity are present year-round, there is an unmistakable shift in the spirit of giving leading up to and during the holidays. In this issue, we embrace the spirit of the season by celebrating everyday people, front line workers, and corporations who went above and beyond the call of duty, spreading goodwill and helping those who need it most. We also shine a light on celebrity power couples who give together, reminding us that love and togetherness serve as a beacon of hope, making the holidays brighter for everyone.

The season’s joys are also filled with an assortment of festive meals, holiday goodies, and merriment. Behind our food, there are many people who plant, harvest, and produce it in a way that is mindful of the environment and the consumer. We explore several of these food heroes who work tirelessly, despite the direst challenges, to provide food to their communities and beyond.

Chef Jagger Gordon is mobilizing Canadians to combat world hunger by encouraging us to reduce our food waste at home. Chef ’s Holiday in a Can recipe will ensure that your turkey leftovers are transformed into gourmet creations that fill hungry bellies, not landfills.

Go ahead, leave room for a slice of Ontario Bean Growers Apple Bean Cake With Warm Cranberry Sauce, a treat you can feel good about, and a cup of Equator coffee, sourced ethically and grown organically.

Often ignored, but definitely necessary, self-care is more important than ever before. We are already coping with the stressors of a global pandemic, coupled with the undue pressure we often put on ourselves this time of year—it’s a lot to manage. Take comfort in knowing you are not alone; even our bravest heroes have to sum up the courage to ask for help occasionally.

Captain Mary Ann Barber, a military nurse, understands better than most the importance of putting on your oxygen mask prior to assisting others. Diagnosed with PTSD after two unimaginable, life-changing tours to Kandahar, Barber had the daunting task of putting herself first in order to heal. We also acquaint ourselves with Enrico Quilico, Ph.D. student and traumatic brain injury survivor, whose recovery was an inspiration to help other TBI survivors return to life. Enrico credits exercise as being the vehicle to his rehabilitation, but not without recognizing the importance of the support he received from his family, friends, and the healing community.

Michelle Levine, holistic health and wellness coach, can also attest to the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health. With the colder temperatures bringing us indoors and the pandemic limiting our access to public gyms, Michelle has created a fast and easy at-home workout for even the busiest of elves.

As 2020 draws to a close, we look to the positive moments and inspirational heroes that this year has brought to light. There is little doubt that the road we have found ourselves on has been challenging, but there is also comfort in knowing we have travelled it together.

Please, take care and stay safe. It’s the best gift you can give yourself and everyone you love.

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”

—Hamilton Wright Mabie 6

COVER PHOTO © GETTY/ WALTER MCBRIDE PUBLISHER Amir Shirazi EDITOR IN CHIEF Denise Koprich Shirazi EDITOR Raye Mocioiu CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sergio D. Spadavecchia GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelly Laufer SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Allie Murray FINANCE DIRECTOR Marie LaVoie CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Levine, Alex Carter SALES DIRECTOR Jaqueline Stewart ADVERTISING Adam West Stephen McDermott Nazeela Ahmed PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Susan Mestchian HEADQUARTERS 2020 Winston Park Drive Suite 200 Oakville, Ontario – L6H 6X7 Office: 905-815-1500 info@globalheroes.com

CANADA’S LAST DEFENCE FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES

Wildlife Preservation Canada’s mission is to save animal species from extinction in Canada through direct, hands-on action.

Our teams manage conservation breeding programs for the animals in our care— including endangered butterflies, bumble bees, birds, snakes, frogs, and turtles.

We release them back to nature, monitor their wild populations, and work with partners and local communities to save these animals from disappearing from Canada.

They rely on us for their survival.

Please consider supporting our efforts today as we work together toward a more sustainable future.

Your gift will ensure that this work continues to save endangered species in Canada.

Donate securely online at wildlifepreservation.ca

A VOICE FOR THE

© REUTERS/SHOWBIZ/JOSEPH MARZULLO/WENN.COM

VULNERABLE

THOMAS SADOSKI AND AMANDA SEYFRIED TALK ABOUT PARENTHOOD, ADVOCACY, AND WAR CHILD War damages every aspect of a child’s life. Between stripping their families of vital means of support to taking away their access to education and legal protection, war makes it impossible for a child to enjoy their childhood.

Known for their roles in films like Wild and Mamma Mia, actors Amanda Seyfried and Thomas Sadoski met while co-starring in the off-broadway play, 8

The Way We Get By. Five years later, the couple now co-parent two children, all the while using their platforms to promote positive change and raise awareness for charities striving to improve the lives of adults and children all over the world.

Their passion for the safety of children is what led them to War Child in 2018.

Inspired by War Child’s mission to protect children from the brutal impact of war—by providing them with education, the resources they need to escape poverty,

and access to legal protection—the couple has since organized fundraisers in Los Angeles and used their influence to spread awareness for children in war-affected communities all over the world.

For over 20 years, War Child has worked with children and their families at the frontline of the world’s major crises, from Iraq to Afghanistan, to Sudan, and beyond. War Child uses a bold, community-driven approach to deliver programs that give children the best

chance to overcome the challenges of war and grow up to see a brighter future.

This year, Amanda and Thomas introduced a new co-star to their family.

The couple announced the birth of their second child on Instagram, giving a shout-out to War Child.

“Since the birth of our daughter 3 years ago, our commitment to the innocent children that are so brutally affected by conflict and war has been a driving force in our lives,” Seyfried and Sadoski said in a statement. “With the birth of our son, the work of INARA and War Child has become our North Star.”

Their children have reinforced their passion for helping children worldwide find safety, peace, and justice. We sat down with Amanda and Thomas to discuss the importance of War Child in their lives and how they’re continuing to make a difference from home.

How did you learn about War Child? What drew you to work with this organization?

THOMAS: I had worked on the Board of Directors at Refugees International, and War Child’s work was put on my radar by my friend and colleague at RI, Dara McLeod, who is now War Child’s Executive Director. After looking into the organization and its philosophy, we asked to meet with Dr. Samantha Nutt and Barbara Harmer to see if we would be a good fit, and by the time we had put in our drink order, we were family.

This year, especially, the practice of being mindful and helping others has become so much more popular. How can everyday heroes help achieve War Child’s mission from afar?

THOMAS: Spread the word! Get to know the organization and talk about it with your family, friends, and colleagues.

When people hear about the work we do, how we do it, and most importantly, who we help, they jump on board. These days, the heartbreaking reality is that there are so many causes worthy of time and support, but providing opportunity, comfort, and salvation to women and children whose lives have been devastated by war is especially important and essential for the future of our global community.

If you can donate, set up a monthly recurring donation. Instead of giving $100 once, you can have $10 each month given, and it helps us plan our budget better!

What can people at home do to become better allies for refugees and children living in conflict zones?

THOMAS: Understand that we are all connected. The decisions made here have incredible consequences for people in other parts of the world. You may not be aware of the arms deals or military cooperation that your elected representatives are putting into motion or supporting, but I assure you there are implications that at the least would give you pause. We belong to each other.

“The opposite of war isn’t peace, it’s creation,” This is War Child’s empowering mantra for those who want to be involved in their mission to help children affected by war reclaim their childhood. What does this quote mean to you?

AMANDA: I think it explains part of what makes War Child’s mission so important.

THOMAS AND SAM NUTT. DR. SAMANTHA NUTT, FOUNDER OF WAR CHILD CANADA

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Not only does war destroy civilizations, but it also destroys any path for children to overcome the side-effects left by war. It’s essential to understand the complexities in these circumstances and how important it is to help create a space for them to triumph and overcome, despite the devastation surrounding them.

While fundraising events can be immeasurably helpful to the cause, COVID-19 has made them less accessible. You recently praised social media as a way to raise awareness— can you tell us more about how you use your platforms to make an impact?

AMANDA: I believe there is an unsaid human rule: if you have a platform, use it for good. Information spreads rapidly, and we can connect directly to each other and to good causes with ease. The more I advocate for War Child, the more people will learn about the organization. This is a cause that I think everyone can get on board with once they’re aware.

Has becoming parents of two young children impacted or added to your passion for War Child’s work/initiatives?

AMANDA: ABSOLUTELY. Children are innocent and need to be protected.

They should never have to experience the devastation and trauma of war.

Anyone who has ever cared about a child is devastated when they see what’s happening and hear these stories.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about War Child?

AMANDA: 99 per cent of the people at War Child are locals who know their communities and what is necessary to help rebuild the infrastructures that have been destroyed. It creates both purpose and hope. And it takes so little to do so much.

To learn more about War Child and how you can help, please visit: WarChild.ca

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RISE TOGETHER

Presented by

THANK YOU FOR RISING TOGETHER WITH WAR CHILD

RISE TOGETHER, a virtual gala for War Child on December 7, 2020, was an evening of outstanding entertainment and philanthropy. All proceeds support war-affected children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and our donors, to our outstanding Ambassadors, Amanda Seyfried, Thomas Sadoski, and Chantal Kreviazuk, and to the incredibly talented Sting, Lyle Lovett, Sarah McLachlan, LP, Notifi, Wali Shah, Patrick J Adams, Beth Behrs, Troian Bellisario, David Harbour, Rachael MacFarlane, Sheaun McKinney, Ashley Park, Sarah Rafferty, Chef Mark McEwan, and ET Canada Host Sangita Patel.

Watch RISE TOGETHER and support this critical work here: Warchild.ca/RiseTogether

© REUTERS/IMAGE PRESS AGENCY

CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE:

POWER COUPLES

WITH A CAUSE

DO COUPLES WHO GIVE TOGETHER STAY TOGETHER?

These power duos say yes! From donating to coronavirus relief efforts, to supporting equality initiatives, celebrity couples are sharing their advocacy from all over the world.

RYAN REYNOLDS AND BLAKE LIVELY ADVOCATE FOR CANADIAN COMMUNITIES Ryan Reynolds has partnered with winter clothing brand Canada Goose to deliver parkas to Inuit schoolchildren living in the Arctic Circle.

The Canadian actor noticed that students attending Inuujaq School in Arctic Bay, Nunavut, Canada, were short of clothing supplies. He took it upon himself to speak to bosses of the parka brand to provide them with winter gear.

They then upped his donation of parkas and Baffin footwear to ensure 300 children will stay warm when they head to school.

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“It came to my attention students at Inuujaq School in Arctic Bay were going without adequate winter clothing,” the Deadpool star said in a statement, reports WWD. “Of course, it highlights a larger issue of basic needs going unmet in Canada’s northern communities. I reached out to Canada Goose to match me in providing these students with essential winter gear.

They not only said yes in under 30 seconds but went so far above and beyond matching me. I’m deeply inspired and grateful.”

The firm is also partnering with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national representational organization for Inuit people in Canada, to donate thousands of repurposed parkas to other Arctic communities.

Gregg Durrant, principal at Inuujaq School,

thanked Ryan and Canada Goose for their donations. “Living in a northern community, access to almost everything is limited, and the impact of COVID-19 has accentuated this,” he praised. “We are so appreciative of the warmth Ryan and Canada Goose have shown our students. Their gift will be remembered for years to come.”

The couple also made a significant donation to St. Francis Xavier University’s Coady Institute in Nova Scotia, Canada, for their new initiative, the Circle of Abundance, to amplify Indigenous women’s voices and leadership.

In a statement, the couple said: “We’re so happy to support the incredible work of the Coady Institute’s program with Indigenous Women. We’re blown away by the conversations we’ve had and the work they do and look forward to joining them on this journey.”

© REUTERS/SHERI DETERMAN/WENN.COM

Auction, raising $240,000. They also donated a million meals to their local foodbank, the Seattle Food LifeLine.

CIARA AND RUSSELL WILSON GIVE BACK IN SEATTLE Ciara and Russell Wilson have gone above and beyond to support coronavirus relief efforts this year.

In April, the couple auctioned off a double date as part of the All In Challenge

GEORGE AND AMAL CLOONEY DONATE $1 MILLION This humanitarian couple is always involved in philanthropic ventures. During the coronavirus crisis, George and Amal Clooney donated over $1 million to a series of charities helping those in need.

Ciara has recently declared that she will raise her children to appreciate the significance of giving back to their community. “It’s so important to us to instill

by oppressive governments and aiding the fight against poverty by protecting vulnerable individuals.

George Clooney also co-founded the Sentry, with partner John Prendergast.

The Sentry is an investigative and policy team that follows the dirty money connected to African war criminals and global war profiteers and seeks to shut those benefiting from violence out of the international financial system. The Sentry is a strategic partner of the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

In that spirit, the Level Up singer has partnered with Discover on its Eat It Forward campaign to give $25,000 awards to 200 Black-owned restaurants around the U.S. amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“The black community, in particular, has been disproportionately hit (by COVID-19) and affected by the magnitude of what has unfolded,” she mused. “A lot of these restaurants are pillars in their communities. It’s hard for the families that own them when it’s their lifeline to take care of their households.”

The couple gave The Motion Picture and Television Fund, the SAG-AFTRA Fund, and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Fund $250,000 each and split an additional $300,000 between the Lebanese Food Bank, the relief effort in the Lombardy region of Italy, and the National Health Service (NHS) in the U.K. The Lebanese Food Bank was among the couple’s beneficiaries because Amal was born in Lebanon and still has ties to the country, while they both live in the U.K.

© REUTERS/THE MEGA AGENCY

This power duo co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice, helping individuals who are unfairly targeted

The 31-year-old NFL player said in a video shared to the couple’s social media pages: ‘’This worldwide coronavirus pandemic 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 Seattle Food LifeLine, and we’re gonna donate a million meals and hopefully make a difference.’’

the same morals that were instilled in us growing up and the same philosophy that we had growing up,” she explained, adding that “one of the greatest rewards of what we do is being blessed enough to give back.”

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© REUTERS/BANG-SHOWBIZ

SACHA BARON COHEN AND ISLA FISHER DONATE PPE TO FRONTLINE WORKERS Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher have sent PPE (personal protective equipment) to U.K. frontline workers tackling the COVID-19 crisis. The couple partnered with Salesforce mogul Marc Benioff to donate the supplies to the staff at Britain’s NHS (National Health Service), as the organization struggles to provide enough equipment for its employees.

On social media, Cohen shared: “Isla and I are so happy to have such persistent and generous partners in getting this done. Businesses, please follow and get PPE in through.”

The British-Australian couple have also donated $1 million to two major charities to help Syrian refugees.

Half the money donated will be used to fund vaccinations for more than 250,000 children against a potential measles outbreak in Northern Syria.

The other half will be used to help support families inside Syria and in neighbouring countries with education, health care, shelter, and sanitation.

HARRY AND MEGAN LAUNCH ARCHEWELL WEBSITE No strangers to philanthropy, this royal team have both spent much of their lives giving back. Meghan regularly champions women’s rights initiatives, such as the Myna Mahila Foundation, and works as a Global Ambassador for World Vision. Prince Harry, having served in the Armed Forces for 10 years, advocates for servicemen and women, bringing awareness to the long-term support needed for veterans.

Harry also created the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veteran.

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have announced their new charity, Archewell, and their focus on the coronavirus pandemic.

© REUTERS/BANG-SHOWBIZ

“Like you, our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic but faced with this information coming to light; we felt compelled to share the story of how this came to be.

Before SussexRoyal, came the idea of ‘Arche’—the Greek word meaning ‘source of action.’ We connected to this concept for the charitable organization we hoped to build one day, and it became the inspiration for our son’s name. To do something of meaning, to do something that matters. Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon. We look forward to launching Archewell when the time is right.”

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BY BRUNO KELLY

INDIGENOUS

AMAZON ACTIVIST

SAMELA SATERÉ-MAWÉ, a 24-year-old biology student, has one guiding belief—if the rainforest dies, so will her Amazon tribe.

"Indigenous people are an extension of nature, and nature is an extension of us," said the environmental activist, who joined Greta Thunberg's Fridays for Future movement to save the forest.

She told Reuters that environmental activism is just a new name for what the Sateré-Mawé have been doing for centuries.

Samela posts videos on social media and takes part in Fridays for Future when she is not studying or making anti-COVID face masks in a craft workshop with other Indigenous women in a Manaus suburb.

Scientists say the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and its preservation is vital to curbing climate change.

Swedish activist Thunberg is an inspiration for her, but more so are her roots in Amazon Indigenous culture from

where she derives her concern for the environment and the rainforest, which is threatened by illegal loggers, encroaching farmland, and wildcat miners.

Her people's name comes from Sateré, meaning "lizard of fire" in their Tupi language—in reference to a dominant clan within the tribe—and Mawé, meaning smart and curious parrot.

The Sateré-Mawé are forest people whose ancestral homelands were near the headwaters of tributaries of the Amazon.

Their first contact with Europeans was with Jesuit missionaries in the middle of the 17th century.

Encroachment on the forests and illness brought by outsiders have driven hundreds of the 13,350 Sateré-Mawé to move to urban areas, as Samela's parents did before she was born.

Today, their primary source of livelihood is the caffeine-filled seed of the Guaraná fruit that grows on a vine in the forest and is ground into a powder used for energy drinks and as a dietary supplement.

the government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has eased environmental controls and plans to economically develop the Amazon. This has encouraged illegal gold miners and loggers to invade Indigenous reservations.

This year, fires mainly started to clear land for cattle and farming in the dry season increased to a 10-year high in August, according to government satellite data.

In a remote address to the United Nations General Assembly last month, Bolsonaro rebutted international criticism of his environmental policies and said the fires were started by Indigenous people who use fire to clear patches of land to grow food.

His comments outraged Samela, who believes Indigenous people are the forest’s best guardians because they depend on its biodiversity to survive and are not motivated by greed driving environmental destruction.

"The fires make me very sad because we are losing so much territory…If the forest goes, we will die," she said.

Samela says the forest is under threat from

—Reuters •••

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© REUTERS/Bruno Kelly

FIGHTS TO SAVE THE FOREST AND HER TRIBE'S FUTURE

Š MarkZelinski.com

PLENTY THEN AND PLENTY NOW...

KEIRA BARNHARDT PERFORMING THE HAUDENOSAUNEE SMOKE DANCE AT THE BASE OF NIAGARA FALLS FROM THE GREAT NIAGARA ESCARPMENT INDIGENOUS CULTURAL MAP.

Plenty Canada, a rural community-based nongovernmental organization, was formed in 1976 in response to an earthquake that devastated Mayan communities in Guatemala.

Utilizing sustainable technologies, combined with local Indigenous knowledge, its volunteers helped reconstruct over 1,400 homes and a dozen schools and clinics while communicating Indigenous concerns and protocols to international agencies.

The organization gained distinction for its innovation in the international development field for blending science with the humanities to design programs that met the distinct needs of its partners.

It was among the first to use solar voltaic panels to power its remote facilities in the mountains of Lesotho, Africa, in 1981.

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Plenty Canada solar panel array produces sustainable energy from the roof of its Lanark office.

Plenty advanced nutritional health for thousands of Sri Lankans in South Asia through its integration of soya protein into the traditional diets of the people in 1985. And among its seminal Indigenous work, it led the way in 1991 by providing reconstruction and rehabilitation support to Miskito, Sumu, and Rama communities destroyed during the Contra War. This tragic history remains all but ignored by the world.

In the early 1990s, led by Executive Director Larry McDermott (Algonquin), Plenty Canada began a shift toward working predominantly with Indigenous peoples. It was difficult and challenging, but proactive and ultimately a rewarding decision. The organization faced a backlash, both internally and externally.

But as it enters its 45th year, it does so with great pride for having acted upon its own vision and agency, guided by a call to consciousness and resolute quest for justice for Indigenous peoples.

Over time, the voices of resistance became muted by a number of high profile events, including Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission findings, the compounding national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, the publicized lack of potable water in First Nations communities, and growing data on persistent health and income disparities, all of which have vindicated

the organization’s work with Indigenous peoples internationally, and at home.

Guided by values centred on sustainability, Plenty Canada remains actively involved abroad assisting Mayan and Quechua communities, in Guatemala and Peru, respectively, in their pursuit of food security/sovereignty and COVID-19 preparedness and prevention:

with food nor with supplies to assist with hygiene, nor with adequate information on preventing the COVID-19 pandemic or how to care for affected persons. Plenty Canada is organizing to supply survival packages to these communities as well.

Plenty Canada Natural Resource Advisor Jeff Beaver from Alderville First Nation sows wild rice in and around Rice Lake to preserve this Indigenous food.

Quechua communities of Chawaytiri and Pampallaqta in Peru receive care packages and information on how to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

• In Guatemala, the emphasis is on assisting women elders and their families. The project supports food production and provides resources to increase the planting and harvesting of appropriate cultural foods that are staples of the Mayan diet. However, in the near term, emergency assistance is being provided during the pandemic to supply survival packages that include food, basic hygienic supplies, and instructional materials in support of hundreds of families.

Copy of the Fall 1992 Contact Plenty Canada newsletter which signalled its 1993 shift in focus toward Indigenous peoples.

Since 1993, Plenty Canada has also become more active in initiating innovative Indigenous projects within Canada:

Based upon a philosophical foundation that includes the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Love, Humility, Courage, Generosity, Respect, Truth, and Wisdom, and with decisions made in the best interest of the Seventh Generation, Plenty Canada continues its focus on environmental stewardship and sustainable activities involving Indigenous peoples.

Plenty Canada’s The Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map showing the location pin for the Landscape of Nations Memorial located in Queenston Heights Park.

Community elder Mayan women in Guatemala receive Plenty Canada care packages to meet urgent needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• For the people of the Chawaytiri and Pampallaqta communities in Peru, the pandemic has worsened an already difficult situation. There is little relief, neither

• Other Plenty Canada projects across Canada include working to protect species at risk (such as the American eel), ecosystem protection from invasive alien species, traditional medicine protection, sustainable forestry, heritage seed preservation and propagation (such as with Manoomin, wild rice), erosion control, and application of renewable technologies.

• More recently in Ontario, for example, the organization is developing Gchi-Bimadinaa, The Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map, an online multimedia resource containing stunning photography, captivating video, and information that identifies important Indigenous historic, cultural, and natural world locations along more than 750 kilometres from Niagara Falls to the western region of Manitoulin Island. The benefits of this remarkable educational platform extend to Indigenous communities, municipalities, and schools throughout the province.

Long before the international community ratified the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007 (with Canada’s late adoption coming in 2016), Plenty Canada has been active, remaining focused on Indigenous issues that were seemingly invisible yesterday, but today are obvious.

Please assist Plenty Canada by supporting its vital work. To learn more and to donate, visit plentycanada.com.

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© Courtesy of RAVEN

WHO KNEW SOLIDARITY COULD BE SO MUCH FUN? A renaissance is underway in this country.

After centuries of repression, Indigenous languages and cultures are undergoing a vital resurgence. As irrepressible as roots that break up concrete, stories—like peoples— have a powerful will to survive and thrive.

At RAVEN, we find hope in the resilience of Indigenous leaders who stand up to protect our shared natural environments.

Now, we are calling on people everywhere to stand with First Nations leaders who are taking legal action to defend the Earth for future generations.

Most people are unaware that, though Indigenous Peoples in Canada 18

have some of the world’s strongest environmental rights, those rights are only meaningful if Nations can afford to uphold them in court.

That’s where RAVEN comes in. We use the power of the crowd to fund legal challenges that have protected ecosystems, upheld Indigenous rights, and created better laws.

HERE ARE A FEW RAVEN CAMPAIGNS: Beaver Lake Cree Nation is taking on the tar sands with a legal challenge that aims to force governments to honour the land agreement (treaty) that is intended to ensure First Nation’s ability to survive

and thrive. A win in court would require decision-makers to adopt ecosystems thinking—transforming business-as-usual in Alberta’s oil patch and defending a safe climate for everyone.

Heiltsuk Nation is in court to seek legal redress for the Nathan E. Stewart oil spill.

The coastal B.C. nation is claiming title to a rich marine area to enshrine their sustainable stewardship practices into law. The case brings together Indigenous mariners, human rights defenders, and people who love orca whales, coastal rainforests, and wild salmon in an unprecedented alliance. According to Heiltsuk counsellor Jess Housty: “There is no force in the country more powerful than the movement we are building together.”

© Candice Camille

rights and ecological protection is spirited and creative. Having been invited by Indigenous Nations to donate, organize, and fundraise on their behalf, RAVEN has unleashed a torrent of passionate engagement. Whether they’re organizing “Pints not Pipelines” brew parties, making “RAVEN” brand chocolate bars, or hosting beachside concerts, our supporters are a force of nature.

In everything RAVEN supporters do, the glint of trickster’s eye shines through.

By kindling the sparks of justice, we are tending a bright fire that lights the way forward for this country.

RAVEN is honoured to stand with Indigenous champions of land, air, and water. When we join together, we can be heroes.

TRICKSTER JUSTICE

A TIME FOR COURAGEOUS ACTION

In northwest coast stories, RAVEN is a trickster who takes on jobs no-one else wants. By doing so, RAVEN transforms and reshapes the world.

READY TO STAND WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO PROTECT LAND, AIR, AND WATER FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS? JOIN RAVEN: RAVENTRUST.COM

© Melissa Groo

© Courtesy of RAVEN

CHIEF GERMAINE ANDERSON, BEAVER LAKE CREE NATION

Reconciliation is just a word if we don’t give it breath and life. What if you could do your part to put reconciliation into action by doing the very thing that makes your heartbeat quicken—the thing you dream about at night and the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning? Talk to RAVEN about your idea.

We love a good story.

This moment, where so many people are looking to overcome racism and embrace justice, offers an opportunity to set relationships right in a world full of division.

Like RAVEN, the community formed around the intersection of Indigenous

Consider making a tax-deductible contribution to RAVEN. Sponsor an event: hold a concert, host an online auction, do an in-store or workplace fundraiser. Involve your business or workplace: many enterprises match employee giving, give a percentage of their proceeds or donate monthly.

© John Risdale

Wet’suwet’en are carrying on a legacy of resistance in B.C.’s north to a fossil fuel corridor that so far, has been thwarted: first, by the RAVEN-backed quashing of the Enbridge Northern Gateway project, and now, by RAVEN-supported resistance to Coastal GasLink’s fracked gas pipeline. Says hereditary chief Na’Moks, “We know that if we do this properly, we can affect every other Indigenous Nation in this country.”

JESS HOUSTY, HEILTSUK COUNCILLOR

CHIEF NA’MOKS, WET’SUWET’EN

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A SURVIVOR’S STORY OF

STRENGTH AND 15

years ago, a horrific motorcycle accident nearly took Enrico Quilico’s life, leaving him comatose and with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). His recovery was arduous, but Enrico took on the challenge, incorporating sports, fitness, and studies into his rehabilitation. Since then, Enrico has participated in marathons, including the 2016 Lake Placid Ironman, and worked with the University of Toronto’s Rehabilitation Science Institute, where he is a PhD student, to develop a program designed to help individuals with

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TBI. We sat down with Enrico to talk about his story and how his experiences led him to where he is today.

YOU’VE HAD QUITE THE RECOVERY AFTER YOUR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY—A LIFE-ALTERING EXPERIENCE, TO SAY THE LEAST. HOW DID THAT CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

ENRICO: I was 23 when I had the motorcycle accident that led to a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). I spent two weeks in a coma, one month in intensive care, and two more in hospital. Then I was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation

© LOUIS-CHARLES DUMAIS

INSPIRATION centre for another month before continuing my rehab as an outpatient for two more years. I had to relearn how to speak, how to walk, how to do just about everything again with newfound disabilities. The things I took for granted in life were taken from me and I had to work twice as hard to reclaim them. I went back to school, which was incredibly challenging. I became a teacher and am now in the process of completing my PhD studies. The entire process was a very humbling lesson. I recognize how fortunate I am to still be alive and do not take anything for granted. The accident was the worst event of my life, but I chose to make it a turning point for the better. I believe anyone can do that, if they choose to.

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YOU ATTRIBUTE MUCH OF YOUR RECOVERY TO SPORTS AND RECREATION, WHICH LED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR SPORTS PARTICIPATION PROGRAM. CAN YOU SHARE MORE ABOUT WHY SPORTS & RECREATION ARE SO IMPORTANT TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A MODERATE-TO-SEVERE TBI?

ENRICO: I led a sedentary life before the accident, but I decided that fitness and sport were going to become the vehicles with which I was going to make a comeback after my TBI. Regaining my physical abilities and the 70lbs of weight I lost as a result of lying in a hospital bed for three months was very difficult. A year after the accident, I decided to take on the challenge of completing a triathlon. I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome anything. So, I started swimming, cycling, and running competitively for the first time.

In the summer of 2008, two years after the accident, I participated in the Montreal Esprit Sprint Triathlon and fell in love with the experience. I continued participating in endurance sport events, and by 2016, I was running full marathons and had completed my first full ironman.

TRAINING ASIDE, WHAT HELPED YOU THE MOST DURING YOUR RECOVERY?

ENRICO: I was surrounded by love and support from family, friends, and excellent rehabilitation professionals, which is invaluable. They never left my side, and I could not have done it without them.

Another big part of my successful recovery was going back to school. Just like my newfound involvement in exercise and sport, this was the training I did for my brain. I received support as a student with

disabilities and was exposed to incredibly inspiring teachers and mentors along the way. I was actually a very bad student growing up, and look at me now! I am working towards becoming a university professor. In summary, I would say that people are what helped me the most.

Despite the most difficult challenges we are faced with in life, we can always strive to overcome them, and great happiness can be found in the process.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY RESEARCH LAB IN THE REHABILITATION SCIENCE INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, THE CENTRE FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH IN REHABILITATION OF GREATER MONTREAL, AND MORE RECENTLY BRILLIANT (BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LIVING LABORATORY FOR INNOVATIVE ADVANCES FOR NEW TECHNOLOGIES) REHABILITATION PROGRAM TO BETTER ASSIST THOSE WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURIES. CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE AND HOW YOUR PHD IS INCORPORATED INTO THE RESEARCH?

ENRICO: As a PhD student, who coordinates a multi-site research program for adults with moderate-severe TBI under the supervision of two prolific leaders in the rehabilitation sciences: Dr. Angela Colantonio and Dr. Bonnie Swaine, I

am fortunate to know many talented and accomplished multidisciplinary researchers across Ontario and Quebec.

As a result, I am exposed to a number of unique rehabilitation initiatives that aim to further optimize recovery and function for people across multiple health-related domains, like BRILLIANT. Beyond my own research, my role as a student in these types of initiatives is to learn from the best-practice examples of other scientists in this area, make connections, and potentially create/seize opportunities for research collaborations in the future, as our objectives are all closely aligned.

YOU WERE PRESENTED WITH THE CHANGE MAKER AWARD FROM THE NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH CHARITIES CANADA AFTER BEING NOMINATED BY BRAIN INJURY CANADA, WHOM YOU HELPED RAISE $10,000 FOR IN 2016. YOU HAVE DIRECTLY MADE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF SO MANY SO FAR, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING SOMEONE WITH A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RECOVERY?

ENRICO: Thank you, that means a lot to me. The most important thing someone with TBI should know about recovery is that it will continue to improve with work and time. I have witnessed and measured life-changing improvements in dozens of participants as the result of being part of a community-based health promotion program. From personal experience, I know that I am further along now, almost 15 years after my accident, than I was five years ago, and five years before that.

Recovery continues as long as you keep working at it. Do not give up, reach for the stars every single day!

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A HEALER, A HERO:

CAPTAIN MARY ANN BARBER ON

occasions like Remembrance Day, Canadians come together to honour the service and sacrifices of our many brave soldiers and Veterans who work in conditions that would send most of us running for cover.

But the impact of war on those who serve is felt long after their deployment ends.

Captain Mary Ann Barber is one of those heroes. A passionate nurse and healer, the Sault Ste. Marie native’s time in the Canadian Armed Forces started in June of 1997.

After graduating from the regular officer training plan, she started her career as a new grad nurse. Her first deployment was in Bosnia as a Critical Care Nursing Officer, where she assisted in the management of the Unit Medical Station in Velika Kladuša in 2002. Upon her return the following April, she began working in the ICU. In 2005, she was deployed 24

to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the Nurse in Charge of the Resuscitation department.

“Nurses in the military were the first women in the military—the first commissioned officers in the Canadian military. They were these trailblazer women…there’s this incredible legacy of what it is to be a military nurse. I was pretty proud to be a part of that” —Captain Mary Ann Barber Captain Barber was deployed for two years in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and recounts her experiences there as heart-wrenching, yet incredibly rewarding.

“During the war, everything came to us. It was a non-stop flow of mangled bodies for the time that I was there. It was some of the most heartbreaking times of my life.”

She began showing signs of PTSD in 2008, and recalls experiencing nightmares and graphic flashbacks from her 2007 tour.

When she returned home in 2009, her mental health was at an all-time low.

She was officially diagnosed with PTSD in 2009, but it wouldn’t be until 2012 that Captain Barber accepted the help that she needed and began doing the work to heal.

“It really was an uphill battle, but it’s one that needed to be done. I didn’t want to become a statistic. I didn’t want my life to be what it was. I was really unhappy and I knew that if I wanted to be happy, it was me who had to change it. There was never going to be a magic pill, or one magic counselling session or one magic wave of some wand that was going to happen and all of a sudden my life was going to be better and my PTSD was going to be gone and that everything would be OK. It was an ‘aha’ moment like ‘OK, time to go. Off we go; start climbing this mountain.’ And I did!”

© All photos courtesy of Mary Ann Barber

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE

MENTAL HEALING But even healers need healing sometimes.

While Captain Barber made an incredible impact with her work overseas, her work also left a sizeable impact on her mental health. Barber was medically released in 2018 and has been open about her struggles with PTSD and anxiety during her time abroad.

In an interview on True Patriot Love’s For Her Country* podcast, Mary Ann spoke about her experiences in deployment and how she implements self-care and healing into her life.

“Something that I learned along the way was that it’s really important to acknowledge that it’s ok to not be ok. We have this expectation, especially as women, that we have to be able to juggle the world and keep going and put a smile on our face. What I’ve learned over time is that sometimes moving forward is just standing still. If all you can manage to do in a short period of time or even in a long period of time is just to get through the day, then that’s ok. I came to realize that I didn’t need to take on the world. When I look back at all the things I accomplished while

in uniform, I’m really proud of what I did and the patients that I took care of and the things that I did. But some of my ambition contributed to my demise. There was no time for me, there was only ever time for my career.

Looking back now I wish I had more of a balance. I really make a point now of finding balance.”

—Captain Mary Ann Barber Captain Mary Ann credits True Patriot Love with much of her recovery. The foundation hosts expeditions for soldiers and veterans, pairing ill and injured members with civilian business people, creating a transformational journey of healing and adventure, all while raising money for the military and veteran community.

TRUE PATRIOT LOVE The services that our nation’s brave soldiers and veterans provide last well beyond the lifespan of November’s poppies. While abroad, they are sustained and inspired by the support from home.

When they return home, that support is even more critical—and yet, many soldiers return to a society that is ill-equipped to understand and support an individual who has been through the stress of service and the atrocities of a war zone.

True Patriot Love is Canada’s leading national foundation that supports active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families, funds community-based programs, and contributes to the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research.

True Patriot Love is uniquely positioned to be able to understand the greatest needs of Canadian military families and then activate the resources required to deliver the most significant impact.

Their national perspective allows them to ensure that military and Veteran families receive the same level of support, no matter where they live.

IT WAS THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT US, NOW IT’S OUR DUTY TO HELP THEM. LEARN MORE AND DONATE TODAY AT TRUEPATRIOTLOVE.COM *For Her Country is a podcast series in honour of Capt. Nichola Goddard, an inspiring young artillery officer who became the first Canadian woman soldier to die in a combat role. The series features the stories of women in the Canadian Armed Forces, diving into their experiences from base training to deployments, and exploring the themes of leadership, resiliency, gender diversity and more.

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Cultivating a Lasting Legacy: The Future is in Good Hands

“No matter where I go, I always ask, ‘Where can I find some green space?’

Nature plays a vital role in my personal and family life because it is essential to our well-being,” Grenier explains. “I strongly believe it’s important to cherish it and to build a sustainable legacy so that our children and even those seven generations from now can have the same opportunities that we have had.”

Over the last decade, Grenier has held executive positions with some of Canada’s foremost nature conservation organizations. She has worked to create opportunities for Canadians to connect with nature and build a lasting legacy. As

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vice-president for national parks operations with Sépaq, she was responsible for the management and development of 27 Quebec parks and resorts. Before joining Sépaq, Grenier held senior roles with Parks Canada, where, among her achievements, she led the process to create Canada’s first national urban park in Toronto’s Rouge Valley.

climate change, Grenier believes the need for conservation has never been greater.

This fall, Grenier’s career took a new turn as she joined the Nature Conservancy of Canada as its president and CEO. Thinking about her role, she says she is most looking forward to building new relationships and cultivating Canada’s love of nature. With the increased pressures of rapid biodiversity loss and

“I am honoured to have been selected to lead a team that is shaping the future of conservation in Canada,” says Grenier. “This is such a unique opportunity to accelerate the scope and scale of conservation in our country, to connect with Canadians and to build lasting support for nature. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Canada is probably one of the wealthiest countries on Earth when it comes to our natural areas,” reflects Grenier. “Our love of nature is part of our culture, but it needs to be cultivated.”

©Waterton Park Front. AB - Photo by Karol Dabbs

Ask incoming Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) president and CEO Catherine Grenier to describe her favourite place or memory of a time in nature, and you’ll find she’s hard-pressed to answer. Not because her list is short, but rather because each day brings with it time in nature that is precious to her. A native of Quebec City, Grenier makes it a point to seek nature wherever she is and integrate it into her daily life.

LET YOUR PASSION DEFINE YOUR LEGACY

Your passion for Canada’s natural spaces defines your life; now it can define your legacy. With a gift in your Will to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, no matter the size, you can help protect our most vulnerable habitats and the wildlife that live there. For today, for tomorrow and for generations to come.

Order your free Legacy Information Booklet today. Call Marcella at 1-877-231-3552 x 2276 or visit DefineYourLegacy.ca

CELEBRATING LAND TRUST HEROES Working every day to save the land you love TODAY, WE CELEBRATE THE QUIET HEROES ACROSS ONTARIO WHO ARE PROTECTING THE LAND WE ALL DEPEND ON Suppose you want to build resilience to extreme events—flooding, storm damage, even pandemics, the solution is the same; protect and restore nature.

“We know that nature conservation and restoration could contribute over one-third of cost-effective climate mitigation needed by 2030. Through protecting nature, planting trees, and restoring habitats like wetlands, nature provides cost-effective ways of capturing and storing carbon, reducing carbon emissions, and helping communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. “These are called Naturebased Climate Solutions,” says Alison Howson, Executive Director of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA).

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Every year, thousands of volunteers across Ontario protect and take care of over 45,000 hectares of land through 36 local community land trust charities.

OLTA connects these Land Trust Heroes, provides resources, shares best practices, and helps overcome financial barriers. Together, this community is leading and supporting on-the-ground conservation work. OLTA also partners with provincial and federal governments to support the protection of nature.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THERE ARE A HOST OF HEROES ALREADY DOING THIS WORK FOR YOU When you join us and support this work, you directly contribute to protecting and restoring more land, water, and air for yourself, future generations, and all the species we share the land with.

Have you ever wondered if your actions really make a difference to climate change?

Economic prosperity and human health depend on natural habitats storing carbon and providing clean air, water, and food. And yet, it is easy to feel like no progress is being made. The fact is, a lot of great action is being taken to protect the land you love!

“A treasured Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) property is Big (Boyd/Chiminis) Island, located in Pigeon Lake. It is the largest undeveloped island in the Kawarthas and has significant cultural value to Curve Lake First Nation. Originally intended for development, a massive community effort in 2015 helped KLT to protect this island in perpetuity. OLTA’s support ensures that KLT has the greatest conservation impact in the Kawarthas and protects even more treasures.”

—John Kintare, Executive Director Kawartha Land Trust.

Did you know that the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating for 20 hours a day?

BY PROTECTING LAND, you can provide essential and relatively cheap solutions to climate change. Restoring and protecting forests, wetlands, grasslands, and farmland is a nature-based climate solution. Nature absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores carbon in plants and soil. Nature also shields against storm surges, absorbs the worst effects of flooding, and protects biodiversity.

Nature does the heavy lifting for us! All we have to do is protect it.

“The Long Point Basin is one of the most biodiverse regions in all of Canada—and one of the least protected. With over 40% of this country’s species at risk, Long Point Basin Land Trust has worked to protect and shepherd the land in this area for nearly 25 years. We couldn’t do that without the help of OLTA—their valuable resources and large, involved community are key to our long-term success.”

Did you know that forests absorb about 25% of the CO2 pollution produced by humans worldwide?

—Kristyn Richardson, Program Manager Long Point Basin Land Trust.

“The Ontario Farmland Trust works in partnership with farmland owners to permanently protect agricultural land and natural features with Farmland Easement Agreements, ensuring Ontario farmland remains available for farming, forever. Being a part of OLTA helps to strengthen our mission and impact across Ontario.”

Did you know that carbon stored under 1 hectare of unbroken grassland is equivalent to removing 150 cars from the road for 1 year?

—Kathryn Enders, Executive Director Ontario Farmland Trust.

Did you know that numerous studies show that living close to nature and spending time outside makes you healthier, happier and smarter?

“The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust is working every day to protect our vital properties, sensitive habitats for wild and at-risk species that live on the Moraine and Greenbelt and Simcoe County. OLTA shares our passion and commitment to protect lands for all our neighbours who enjoy these natural, public benef its while helping Ontario adapt to and mitigate climate change.”

“Muskoka Conservancy works with an entire community to protect numerous conservation properties among the Muskoka lakes. The Upjohn Nature Reserve is a terrific example where dozens of nature lovers have rallied to create a small trail network and wetland learning center known as The Wetland Access Trail. Hikers enjoy views of open water beaver ponds while learning how places like this prevent flooding and protect water quality. OLTA is an important part of our community, supporting our initiatives, and representing our efforts on a provincial stage.”

—Scott Young, Executive Director Muskoka Conservancy.

—Susan Walmer, CEO Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust.

Did you know that a wetland the size of four football fields can retain water runoff from an area 70 times its size, which can protect you against major storm events?

YOU CAN BE A LAND TRUST HERO You are part of nature. Plant a tree, go for a walk, volunteer with a land trust, share nature’s benefits with others. Our lives literally depend on it!

Donate today at OLTA.ca or your local land trust

Together, let’s celebrate our Land Trust Heroes and support the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.

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BY WAYAN SUKARDA

AFTER TAKING

ON PLASTIC, BALI

SISTERS WANT BAR RAISED ON

Dismayed by the plastic waste strewn over their home island of Bali, sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen have channelled Ted Talks and international conferences in raising global awareness through a youth-led movement to try to eliminate the scourge.

It was not “rocket science,” said Melati, 19, of the plastic waste problem that prompted the sisters to set up their “Bye Bye Plastic Bags” initiative seven years ago.

The campaign has grown internationally, with Bali leading the way in Indonesia banning single-use plastic bags.

The sisters aren’t resting on their laurels, however. Tackling climate change is now among the world’s most pressing issues, they say.

“We know the urgency, we have to take action now,” said Melati, speaking from their home surrounded by paddy fields.

“We need to see the bar set a lot higher and a lot sooner,” she said, calling on policymakers to take swift action.

Melati’s activism started when she was only 12 years old and her sister even younger at 10. They have since garnered global attention, speaking at international conferences including setting out their ideas in a Ted Talk.

The sisters say they were inspired by figures such as Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana, and Mahatma Ghandi when at school.

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© Bye Bye Plastic Bags/Jenya Kadnikova/Handout via REUTERS

CLIMATE ACTION

YOUTH ENVIRONMENTALISTS ISABEL WIJSEN, 17, AND MELATI WIJSEN, 19, SPEAK AS THEY STAND ON A PICKUP TRUCK DURING BALI’S BIGGEST CLEAN-UP 2020 IN PETITENGET BEACH, SEMINYAK, BALI, INDONESIA FEBRUARY 15, 2020.

Growing up on the tropical island famed for its beaches and temples, they were disconcerted by the plastic waste everywhere.

“Sadly...we could see that no matter where we went there was plastic constantly surrounding us,” Melati said.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is estimated to be the world’s second-largest contributor of plastic pollutants in the oceans after China, according to a 2015 study published in Science journal.

The Southeast Asian country this year unveiled a plan to cut marine plastic debris by 70 per cent within five years and to be plastic pollution-free by 2040.

But for the sisters, measures on the environment are often too slow and reinforces the need for the young to take action.

“We believe that us kids may only be 25 per cent of the world’s population, but we are 100 per cent of the future,” said Isabel.

—Reuters

SAVING CANADA’S ANIMALS FROM THE BRINK OF S

ince 1985, Wildlife Preservation Canada has been saving endangered species—species whose numbers in the wild are so low that hands-on conservation is required to save them from extinction.

Our planet is undergoing a biodiversity crisis unlike any other in our history. One of every four species on the planet is now considered to be threatened with extinction.

Extinction is not just happening in far-away countries! In Canada, species are also slipping closer and closer to the brink. If we don’t help them, they will disappear.

Wildlife Preservation Canada works with these species on the edge of survival, providing hands-on help to save them from vanishing by specializing in science-based techniques such as conservation breeding, head-starting, and releases to build wild populations back up.

Species conservation requires a multi-faceted approach that includes habitat protection, threat reduction, community engagement, and public education. WPC takes this one step further, with direct action to recover populations and prevent species from disappearing from Canada.

“This is what we do that makes us so unique,” says Dr. Lance Woolaver, WPC’s Executive Director. “We release animals to increase wild populations while working with partners to protect and restore habitats for endangered species. Our dedicated teams identify and mitigate the threats that have led to species decline and we encourage people to care about conservation. There is nothing that compares with the act of giving back, literally in our case, each time we put animals back into the wild to help their populations recover. I can’t imagine a Canada without these beautiful creatures.”

WPC also builds Canada’s conservation capacity by providing young scientists with the opportunity to gain direct experience working overseas with endangered species. For the past 31 years, one young Canadian biologist has been chosen each year to learn from world-leading conservation professionals as part of Canada’s New Noah program.

Most of all, the work of Wildlife Preservation Canada makes a difference.

Active conservation programs for endangered birds, turtles, snakes, frogs, and native pollinators like bumble bees and butterflies, are having an impact. Intensive monitoring has found that 30% of all of Canada’s nesting eastern loggerhead shrikes come from WPC’s release programs. Without these releases, there would likely no longer be any eastern loggerhead shrikes left in Canada!

Similarly, reintroduced populations of Oregon spotted frogs and western painted turtles in British Columbia are now starting to breed on their own in the wild, providing hope for the survival of these species in Canada.

You can help make a difference for animals like these across the country by learning more about endangered species and supporting WPC’s mission.

Find out more at wildlifepreservation.ca

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© NATHAN FRANDINO

BY NATHAN FRANDINO

The

ROBOT DOLPHIN

that could replace captive animals at theme parks one day

A

group of swimmers stand in the shallow of a pool, watching in awe as a dolphin darts around in the water.

But as much as the marine creature looks like those that jump through hoops and perform acrobatics at theme parks, this dolphin is unlike any other—it’s a robot!

"When I f irst saw the dolphin, I thought it could be real," said a woman who swam with the remotecontrolled creature.

Edge Innovations, a U.S. engineering company with an animatronic and special effects division in California, designed the dolphin, which starts at $3 million to $5 million.

It hopes that life-like animatronics used in Hollywood movies could one day entertain crowds at theme parks, instead of wild animals held in captivity. Swimmers could dive with robotic great white sharks or even reptiles that filled Jurassic-era seas millions of years ago.

"There are, like, 3,000 dolphins currently in captivity being used to generate several billions of dollars just for dolphin experiences. And so there's obviously an appetite to love and learn about dolphins," said Edge Innovations founder and CEO Walt Conti.

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"We want to use that appetite and offer kind of different ways to fall in love with the dolphin."

Conti says that animatronics may bring back audiences turned off by parks using live animals.

Some 20 European countries have already banned or limited the presence of wild animals in circuses.

At Edge's Hayward, California headquarters, its 250-kg, 2.5-meter animatronic dolphin with skin made from medical-grade silicone headlined a program for schools in partnership with TeachKind, part of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Edge also made the aquatic creatures used in Hollywood blockbusters "Free Willy," "Deep Blue Sea," and "Anaconda."

"The idea of this pilot is really to create a kind of "Sesame Street" underwater," said Roger Holzberg, creative director for Edge's animatronic program.

"Those characters taught a generation how to feel about different kinds of aspects of humankind in ways that had never been imagined before. And that's what we dream of with this project.”

—Reuters

5

Ways Your Family Can Help Protect

MARINE LIFE

M

arine species, such as whales and dolphins, are an important part of our ecosystem.

They’re also a favourite of many children, who fall in love with them through movies, TV, and stories.

If this sounds like your kids, take this opportunity to teach them how to help protect these magnificent and endangered animals.

1. STUDY YOUR FAVOURITE WHALES AND MARINE SPECIES This is a fun way to get started! Borrow some age-appropriate books from the library and check out videos on YouTube or documentaries on Netflix and the National Film Board. A good mammal to focus on is the Southern Resident killer whale, an endangered species living off the southwest coast of Canada. Did you know that these whales have their own unique dialects and travel with their mothers for life?

2. LEARN ABOUT CONSERVATION EFFORTS Many groups and non-profit organizations are taking special action to help protect marine animals. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the recovery of Southern Resident killer whales by improving access to an adequate food supply, restoring coastal salmon habitats, reducing underwater noise from marine traffic, and strengthening scientific research to inform future actions.

4. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE WATER If you’re out boating, you can keep the kids busy and having fun by asking them to watch for wildlife. You can explain that it’s important to keep our eyes on the water and report sightings of marine mammals that need help. If you see a tail, fin, or spray— slow down and stay away. Any accidental contact between your vessel or gear and a marine mammal must be reported by law.

Keeping a minimum of 100 metres away from most whales, dolphins, and porpoises is now the law. The distance requirement is greater for some species, such as the Southern Resident killer whale in British Columbia or St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga in the Atlantic Ocean.

5. MINIMIZE POLLUTION Talk to your kids about the connection between all bodies of water, big and small, and the harmful impact pollution has on all kinds of marine species. Do your part by recycling properly at home, and consider visiting a shoreline near you to safely clean up any debris that may get into the water.

—NC

3. EXPLORE LOCAL WATERWAYS Whether you live near an ocean, lake, river, or stream, the kids will enjoy checking out any wildlife, like turtles, frogs, fish, or birds.

You can talk about the food chain and explain how smaller marine species help feed larger whales and animals.

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BY NAZANINE MOSHIRI

Scientists harvest more eggs from near-extinct northern white

rhino Scientists racing to save the northern white rhino from extinction have harvested 10 more eggs from the last two females alive, which they hope will help create viable embryos that can be incubated by other rhinos acting as surrogates.

Neither of the remaining northern white rhinos on Earth - a mother and her daughter - can carry a baby to term, so scientists want to implant the embryos into southern white rhinos instead.

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Ol Pajeta Conservancy/Rio - The Photographer/Handout via REUTERS

The last male northern white rhino, named Sudan, died in Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy in 2018.

The northern white rhino once wandered through east and central Africa, but as with other rhino species, its numbers plummeted due to heavy poaching.

Northern white rhinos - now the world's most endangered mammal - have hairier ears and tails, are shorter and stockier, and have different genes than their southern cousins.

Scientists first harvested eggs from the females a year ago, as part of a team from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya Wildlife Service, Italianbased Avantea Lab, the Czech Republic's Dvůr Králové Zoo, and the Germany-based Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research.

They produced three pure northern white rhino embryos that are now frozen. But the scientists realized they must synchronize implanting embryos with the reproductive cycle of the surrogate mothers. The more embryos they have, the better.

One potential snag is that humans do not know how to detect when the time to insert the embryo is right.

ENTER THE ROMANTIC DECOY. A southern white rhino bull will be sterilized, transported to Ol Pejeta, and set loose among potential surrogate mothers. His response will signal when they are in heat.

"Thanks to his activities, we would be able to identify the right time for inserting the embryo," team coordinator Jan Stejskal, from Dvůr Králové Zoo, told Reuters.

"We start early in the morning, the first female is immobilized, and then the procedure lasts for about two hours," Stejskal said of the egg harvest.

The eggs are so delicate they must be immediately flown to a laboratory in Europe in an incubator hand-carried by a scientist.

"If you want to start a population of the northern white rhino, one baby is not enough. You need as many babies as possible," Stejskal said.

—Reuters •••

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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

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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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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 resource-positive company.” Through 38

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 ready-to-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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he Canadian veterinary medicines sector is small, representing only 2.5% of the global market.

While we may be small, we are committed to providing veterinarians, pet owners, and farmers with innovative medications to help keep our animals healthy.

Health Canada recently began increasing regulatory fees for veterinary medicine companies to register and maintain market access for their products. Fees will go up by as much as 500% over the next seven years.

As a result, Canada could face losing up to 90% of the products currently available to veterinarians and animal owners, because these increases do not reflect the realities of the Canadian market for animal medicines.

In addition, veterinary products available in other countries will be less likely to be licensed for sale here. This will have serious and unintended consequences that will affect the welfare of animals across Canada.

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Getting a veterinary medicine to market is not a simple undertaking; it can take over a decade and cost more than $100 million. In order to remain viable on the market, product prices need to be accessible to Canadian animal owners and reflect the size of the Canadian animal population. Because we are a small market, there is a limited return on investment for companies. By comparison, the human pharmaceutical industry in Canada is 35 times larger than that for veterinary medicines, and also benefits from provincially funded drug plans to help patients with drug costs.

CAHI will continue to advocate for continued access to innovative products to ensure life-saving medications are available to animals. We encourage animal owners to continue to work with their veterinarian to determine the best practices and medications to promote animal health and welfare.

For pet owners, the increased fees will ultimately mean their animals develop more health issues that could have been otherwise prevented or treated. For farmers and ranchers, they will mean a competitive disadvantage in global markets. For veterinarians, they will mean a limited ability to practice modern medicine, having fewer product choices for prevention and treatment, and possibly higher rates of euthanasia.

As the not-for-profit trade association representing the developers, manufacturers, and distributors of animal pharmaceuticals, biologics, feed additives, veterinary health products, and animal pesticides in Canada, CAHI is the unified voice and information source for the animal health industry in Canada. CAHI is a national association, whose members are responsible for the sales of approximately 95% of the animal health product market in Canada.

TO LEARN MORE OR GET INVOLVED IN OUR #KEEPANIMALSHEALTHY CAMPAIGN, VISIT: CAHI-ICSA.CA/SERVICE-FEES

ABOUT THE CAHI

ŠJPC-PROD - stock.adobe.com

Animal Health is Critical to Ensuring Animal Welfare

ŠMonkey Business Images

Dedicated to preserving animal health Because animal health affects us all 160 Research Lane, Suite 102 - Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 5B2 - 519-763-7777 - www.cahi-icsa.ca

GIFTS THAT

GIVE BACK This holiday season, share the love with friends and family by shopping local! These Canadian companies support community initiatives and give back to charitable causes and efforts. From socks, to chocolate, and everything in between, these feel-good gifts are a great way to support important causes and bring some holiday joy to your loved ones.

MANITOBAH MUKLUKS Manitobah Mukluks is an Indigenousowned Canadian company that produces the warmest, most comfortable winter boots–mukluks!

Manitobah Mukluks feature timeless designs shaped by the Canadian landscape—the same designs that helped our ancestors survive for thousands of years in some of the coldest places on earth. Manitobah Mukluks take pride in being a brand that actively participates in Indigenous communities, as board members, volunteers, and mentors, as well as providing scholarships and work opportunities to Indigenous communities. Their biggest give back 42

is through managing and funding the Storyboot Project.

The Storyboot Project aims to revive the traditional arts by creating partnerships with elders and artisans who fashion mukluks, and moccasins. The moccasins, mukluks and accessories sold through the Storyboot Project are all created by Indigenous artisans. For every Storyboot sold, the artist receives 100% of the proceeds. The Storyboot Project also includes the Storyboot School, where people learn to make moccasins and mukluks of their own. Classes are free for Indigenous youth.

Shop the collection at manitobah.ca/collections/mukluks

CHEEKBONE BEAUTY X CHRISTI BELCOURT Indigenous-owned beauty brand partners with Métis artist on sustainable lip trio.

This November, Indigenous-owned beauty brand Cheekbone Beauty launched a collection with celebrated Métis visual artist, Christi Belcourt. The collection features three new creamy shades, all housed in a custom-designed gift box decorated with Belcourt’s signature floral motif, meant to evoke customary Métis beadwork designs.

This painting is called This Painting is a Mirror because it reflects to the viewer all the beauty that is already within them.

VEGAN AND PLANET-FRIENDLY The lip trio has been created with the same practices as the brand’s recent SUSTAIN collection, featuring biodegradable packaging, sustainably-sourced ingredients, and vegan formulations. Each lipstick is

made and hand-poured in Canada. Learn more about Cheekbone’s sustainability mandates and how to dispose of the biodegradable packaging in four easy steps by visiting cheekbonebeauty.ca.

BEAUTY FOR GOOD Cheekbone Beauty will donate $5 from each purchase of the limited edition lip trio to support The Onaman Collective (pronounced ah-nah-min). The Onaman Collective was formed in 2014 by Christi Belcourt, Isaac Murdoch and Erin Konsmo. The goal of this Collective is to preserve and recover traditional knowledge, develop traditional art skills, and create new ways for traditional teachings in the arts to carry on within the next generations through the youth.

This limited-edition holiday collaboration is launching exclusively at CheekboneBeauty.ca, with shipping available in Canada and the U.S.

TRUFFLE PIG CHOCOLATE What’s in a name? When Truffle Pig Chocolate first decided to create a truffle chocolate bar, they researched where the word truffle originated from. They found that truffles are a rare mushroom found in the forest—and pigs have an innate ability to sniff out these exotic treats!

Even though chocolate truffles and truffles have nothing in common, this fun fact led to the creation of “The Truffle Pig,” on a mission to sweeten the world with chocolate!

Truffle Pig takes fair-trade a step further, proudly sourcing cacao directly from farmers, creating strong personal relationships, and paying them a premium above world market prices.

The cacao is grown wildly, beyond organic, without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. The cacao has been on their farms for centuries.

portions for very little. Truffle Pig aided in the purchase of two motorcycles to pick up their cacao, as some farmers have no means of transport.

Truffle Pig also helps farmers by teaching them how to properly prune trees and spread the empty cacao pods to selffertilize trees, as well as how to plant other tree species to encourage shade biodiversity and improve soil composition.

Truffle Pig goes above and beyond to make sure their chocolate is made as ethically and deliciously as possible!

Pick up something sweet at trufflepigchocolate.com

Half of Truffle Pig farmers are micro farmers, meaning the cacao grows wild on their small property, and is sold in small •••

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PROVINCE OF CANADA Province of Canada is the ‘Made in Canada’ brand the world has been waiting for. From starting online with a humble t-shirt collection, Province of Canada has expanded over the last six years to include well-made sweatsuits, everyday basics and home accessories.

The brand’s name comes from a short period in time when Canada was called The United Province of Canada—a time when things were made locally and with care.

This is what led to the launch of Province of Canada’s 1 For 1 Sock Program.

For every pair of Province of Canada socks purchased, they donate a pair to a Canadian homeless shelter. It’s a simple solution for a complicated problem.

Shop Province of Canada online, or at their first brick-and-mortar location in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood.

Welcome to Province of Canada, we hope you stay a while.

Province of Canada champions Canadian manufacturing by creating well designed, quality lifestyle products for your closet and your couch. Their mantra is, “It doesn’t have to look Canadian to be Canadian.”

BUY A SOCK, GIVE A SOCK Did you know that socks are the least donated but most needed clothing item among Canada’s homeless population?

GOOD FOOD FOR GOOD BIPOC Woman-owned, Good Food For Good is an organic food company with a philanthropic mission to do good for all people and the planet we share. Their award-winning portfolio includes Ketchup, BBQ sauces, and a range of home-made style vegan Cooking Sauces inspired by Indian and Mexican cuisine. All Good Food for Good sauces are USDA certified organic, sweetened only with dates, with no added sugar, gluten, refined sugars, soy, dairy or any kind of preservatives.

As a certified B Corporation, Good Food for Good is combating world hunger by donating one meal for every single jar of sauce sold through food banks and non-

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profit organizations—they call it the Buy One, Feed One program!

1 in 9 people still go to bed on an empty stomach each night. This fact is the driving force behind Good Food For Good. With every product sold, Good Food for Good donates a meal to fight world hunger, through partnerships with Food Banks Canada, LA Food Bank and The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

Shop Good Food for Good across various retailers including Whole Foods, Walmart, Costco, Sobey’s, Loblaws, and Amazon.com & Amazon.ca.

While supplies last, buy any two bundles and get a free tote!

TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES Ten Thousand Villages is more than a store. It’s a place where you can explore and connect with your global village!

From communities throughout the developing world, every inspired design is crafted with love using local materials (usually natural or recycled) and timehonoured skills by artisans we have known and worked with for years.

From fair trade foods to jewelry and accessories to home décor items and so much more, every purchase improves the

HAPPINESS IS...

Happiness Is Inc. is a Canadian casual clothing company inspiring gratitude, connection, and of course, happiness.

Busy lives and challenging times deserve a moment to reflect and connect to the moments that make us smile, the places we love, the activities we live to do, and most importantly, to each other. Working to do the right thing, the Happiness Is Inc. team of women is dedicated to making you feel happy about your purchases.

lives of artisans by supporting their craft and providing a fair, stable income. Your purchase is a way for you to become part of the story, to shop your values, and give gifts with meaning.

With the sad news of the national closure of Ten Thousand Villages Canada in the spring of 2020, only seven stores have carried on the mission across Canada, four of which continue as “Ten Thousand Villages.” The store in Cobourg, ON is the last remaining Ten Thousand Villages store in Eastern Canada, and you can shop the online lookbook at fairisfairtrade.org

their Youth Council mentoring program, and gives $10 from every sale to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

It’s easy to bring happiness to someone on your list! Shop for men, women, and kids at www.happinessisinc.com and follow @happinessisinc on Instagram.

Made in Canada, with eco-conscious supremely soft fabrics, is just a start.

During the spring health crisis, a shirt was donated to a healthcare worker for every item sold, bringing smiles to their stressful days. “Happiness is…our planet” is designed by high-school students from

CUDDLE+KIND cuddle+kind was started by a family of five on a mission to help feed children in need.

Their collection of stylish, award-winning hand-knit dolls make an impact—with every doll sold, they give 10 meals to children in North America and around the world. To date, cuddle+kind has donated over 14 million meals to children

in 66 countries! Every doll is lovingly handcrafted in Peru and helps empower 750 talented artisans with sustainable, fair trade employment, making a positive impact on their families and communities.

Best of all, their dolls are knit with premium cotton yarn that’s certified nontoxic and safe for even the littlest of littles.

Shop the cuddle+kind collection at cuddleandkind.com

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NO COLD

SHOULDER: C

anadian winters can be a battle against the elements for anyone— but what if you aren’t even properly equipped? With 8.7% of the Canadian population living below the poverty line, an estimated 1 in 12 families are challenged with finding the means to purchase appropriate winter gear to stay warm during the winter.

That fact alone was enough to convince Robin Yates, Vice-President and Cofounder of Canadian premium outerwear brand Nobis, to get involved. In November 2020, the brand launched No Cold Shoulder, a global campaign which upcycled gently worn winter jackets and put them on to the shoulders of the most vulnerable members in local communities.

The program’s heartwarming success is all thanks to generous Canadian consumers who helped by donating their jackets and supporting the cause.

“Nobis is Latin for ‘us’, and since our early beginnings we have embraced the responsibility of community support within both our personal and corporate conduct. The entire Nobis team was extremely excited to continue this commitment in launching the No Cold Shoulder global community campaign.

With the help of our retail partners, ambassadors and brand supporters, we helped keep those most vulnerable warm this winter season,” said Yates. “Even during an exceptionally challenging year, people were looking for ways to help. We wanted to make it easier than 46

Outerwear brand Nobis helps the most vulnerable stay warm

ever for Canadians to participate and provide warmth to children, families, and individuals in need with the No Cold Shoulder program.”

support without donating a jacket, where Nobis donated 100 per cent of the pre-tax purchase price to New Circles Community Services.

Starting in November, consumers were invited to participate in a variety of ways to help give the gift of warmth in their community. At the heart of the campaign was a resealable, biodegradable donation mailer bag with pre-paid postage to encourage the donation of a gently worn coat to a local charity in need. Consumers picked up the mailer at Nobis stores and at participating retailers.

Helping to promote the campaign was Nobis Global Brand Ambassador and actor Giacomo Gianniotti. “This is the year that we have seen the true meaning of the word community and how we are inextricably linked. I’d like to thank all my fellow Canadians for helping to keep the most vulnerable amongst us safe and warm this winter,” says Gianniotti.

In Canada, Nobis donated $50 from the purchase of every piece of outerwear sold during November to New Circles Community Services, a communitybased charity operating Toronto’s largest free clothing program GLOW (Gently Loved Outfits to Wear), which annually helps 13,000 newcomers, refugees and economically vulnerable families in Toronto to meet their basic needs and live and work with dignity.

Customers who purchased a jacket on Nobis.com or in-store at Nobis stores and participating retailers received a complimentary No Cold Shoulder beanie along with the mailer bag. No Cold Shoulder merchandise was also available for purchase for those wishing to lend

© Justin Wu Photography

NOBIS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI WEARS THE NO COLD SHOULDER BEANIE

WHO NOBIS WORKED WITH Nobis worked with charities across Canada to distribute all collected gently worn jackets.

The Bissell Centre, based in Edmonton, works with communities to empower people to move from poverty to cultural, social, and economic prosperity. Their 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness has helped over 6,000 people find homes.

The Brunswick Street Mission, located in Halifax, seeks to inspire a better quality of life that addresses physical, emotional, practical, and spiritual needs for those experiencing poverty.

Lookout Housing and Health Society is a Vancouver-based charitable organization and social safety net that provides housing and support services to adults with low or no income, with minimal barriers.

Mission Old Brewery in Montreal helps homeless men and women meet their essential needs while finding practical and sustainable solutions to end chronic homelessness, helping them take control of their lives and assume their rightful place in the community.

New Circles Community Services is a Toronto-based, not-for-profit, grass-roots agency that builds strong and caring communities by providing basic necessities to those living in poverty. They provide much-needed clothing, employment skills training, and more to support local families struggling with poverty.

The Lighthouse, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, aims to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families, and provide the best possible care through in-home respite services, variable lengthstays at Maison André-Gratton, and other resources to make their lives as healthy and happy as possible.

Main Street Project is a Community Health Centre dedicated to serving the needs of Winnipeg, Manitoba’s most vulnerable residents.

The House of Nazareth is a temporary emergency shelter, free of charge, that helps vulnerable people and families in the Greater Moncton area to become independent and active members of society.

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Income Survey, 2018 47

© HALBERGMAN

SHELL BRINGS CARBON NEUTRAL DRIVING TO CANADIAN CUSTOMERS

“Canadian customers have told us they want more ways to reduce their CO2 emissions and make a difference, but they don’t always know what actions to take,” said Andrea Brecka, General Manager Retail, Shell Canada. “Our Drive Carbon Neutral program is designed to make it simpler for Shell customers to address their carbon footprint today.”

Customers can opt into the program at no extra cost when they pay for their Shell fuel 48

purchases through Shell EasyPay™ in the Shell app during the promotional period.

Shell will then offset customers’ emissions by purchasing independently verified carbon credits generated from Canadian and international projects that protect and regenerate forests.

the world, including the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

Investing in nature-based solutions and offsetting customers’ carbon emissions are just some of the ways Shell is working to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner. On the road, Shell is also making a wider range of lower-carbon transport solutions available to customers, including fuels like biofuels and hydrogen, and growing the number of charge points for electric cars through Shell-subsidiary Greenlots.

www.shell.ca/CO2neutral

The launch of the Drive Carbon Neutral program in Canada follows similar programs Shell offers drivers around

We are finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint, recognizing that our customers are looking to do the same thing. Learn more about carbon-neutral driving here:

© KENT SMITH

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tarting November 2020, Shell will become the first retailer in Canada to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from customers’ fuel purchases at Shell service stations across the country. The offsets cover all emissions from the production through to the use of the fuel.

Kindness from the ground up

Make someone’s day better

Fuelling Kindness is employee acts of generosity including community volunteerism such as tree planting, building community gardens, helping families in need, United Way giving and random acts of kindness.

For more information, visit www.shell.ca/fuellingkindness

#FuellingKindness

WHAT AN EXPERT WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT VENTILATING YOUR HOME This year, building a healthy and safe home environment has become increasingly important. When thinking about home health and safety, we often think of tangible things like water filters or home security systems, overlooking the crucial aspect of indoor air quality. While we can choose to turn down food that we feel isn’t safe to eat, we can’t choose to not breathe in a room.

Studies show that there are higher concentrations of pollutants indoors than outdoors, especially in places with continuous exposure—like our homes, offices and schools. With many of us spending more time indoors, it’s more important than ever to make sure that our spaces are well-ventilated. So which products should you consider to improve indoor air quality in your home?

Dave Gosling, Vice President of Field Operations at Enercare, breaks it down for us.

HEPA FILTRATION SYSTEM “A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter works similarly to the facemasks that we’re all wearing. As air passes through these dense filters, it traps and removes particles that are as small as bacteria and viruses,” Dave shares.

Traditionally used in hospitals, HEPA filtration systems use the existing ductwork to deliver clean air to every room and are crucial to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading among family members. HEPA systems also remove particulates including tobacco smoke, dust, bacteria, viruses, cooking smoke, and much more.

HEPA EFFICIENCY ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

MICROSCOPE

NAKED EYE

wood and tabacco smoke fly ash hair

household dust

ULTRAVIOLET AIR PURIFIER “UV light technology is a known disinfectant and has been used effectively for decades to reduce the spread of bacteria like tuberculosis. A recent study by Innovative Bioanalysis tested a model of air purifiers and found that UV light inactivates the virus that causes COVID-19.” * UV light air purifiers use safe short-wave ultraviolet light, to effectively sterilize the air and inactivate pathogens that pass through it. UV light air purifiers also reduce or eliminate odours, toxic chemical vapours, as well as mould, bacteria and allergens. An air purifier is installed as part of a home’s central heating and cooling system.

AIR EXCHANGER WITH A HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR (HRV) An air exchanger is like the lungs of your home. It continuously breathes in fresh outdoor air and exhales stale air. Homes are built to be airtight, so the air indoors accumulates moisture and pollutants created from our daily activities. The installation of an air exchanger replaces stale indoor air with fresh clean air, helping prevent moisture build-up, toxic mould, and rot. During the heating season, an air exchanger expels excess humidity, preventing potential health problems and moisture damage to windows and walls.

The average adult inhales and exhales about 7 or 8 litres of air per minute. That’s about 11,000 litres of air per day!

To learn more about Enercare’s air quality products and services, visit enercare.ca/safer-air-solutions.

bacteria viruses

pollen

dander

cooking & grease smoke

spores molds

smog insecticide dust fumes

coal dust

THE STANDARD EFFICIENCY OF A HEPA FILTRATION SYSTEM IS 99.97% FOR FILTERING PARTICLES THAT ARE 0.3 MICRONS OR LARGER IN SIZE. IMAGE CREDIT: AMAIRCARE®. (*) SOURCE: “SARS-COV-2 TEST RESULTS”, FRESH-AIRE UV, WWW.FRESHAIREUV.COM/CORONAVIRUS-UPDATE. ACCESSED NOV 13, 2020

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ABOUT ENERCARE Proudly Canadian owned and operated, Enercare is a leading provider of water heaters, water treatment, furnaces, air conditioners, and more, helping you create a healthier home.

DAVE GOSLING, VICE PRESIDENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS AT ENERCARE

A BREATH OF FRESH, CLEAN AND PURIFIED AIR. DISCOVER OUR SAFER AIR SOLUTIONS. Ensure your family is breathing the cleanest possible air at home with our Safer Air Solutions.

They reduce microorganisms, filter and purify air, remove contaminants, and circulate air effectively – everything your family needs.

Learn more at Enercare.ca/Safer-Air-Solutions

Cuso International believes in lasting results

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ogether, we’re building a more prosperous and inclusive future for all, in the most effective way.

For nearly 60 years, we have sent Canadian volunteers into thousands of communities worldwide to share their skills, and pooled local donations from generous Canadians so that communities can build better futures to end poverty.

But don’t take it from us. Take it from the people Cuso works with.

Nadette is saving for her own plot of land, thanks to an agricultural training program offered by Cuso in Porto Nuevo, Benin. She enrolled in the Songhai farming project and spent a year and a half learning the skills she needed to grow and sell her crops. “After my training, I decided not to work for anyone.

I want to be independent,” says Nadette, who grows and sells a variety of vegetables to support her family.

Currently farming on a rented plot, Nadette puts money away every month to purchase her own land. Her work ethic is inspiring for other young women. She wants to see more young women take up farming. When she’s not tending to her own plot, Nadette is teaching other women the tools of the trade. Véronique is one of those young women. She signed up for the Songhai program as a way to support her parents and siblings. Her dream is to also own a plot of land where she can grow and cultivate her crops. Learning from other female farmers and seeing their success motivates her every time she steps into the field.

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“It’s a big dream to have my own money. As a woman, that’s very important,” says Véronique. “I’m very happy to say this is my job because everybody should have a purpose and it’s very important to have your own money. That’s empowerment.”

We know the value of each dollar we receive and we’re effective at scaling it up to achieve big impact. We connect Canadian volunteers with local partners to drive our people-centred approach to the challenges of overcoming poverty and inequality, all while navigating the added challenges and pressures of COVID-19. As the year comes to a close and the giving season begins, know that a gift to support women like Veronique and Nadette can make a world of difference. A donation to Cuso before December 31st means much more than just a tax credit.

It means you’re directly supporting real people to drive their own development, community by community.

Visit cusointernational.org/savelives2020

GLOBAL FRIENDS

and Unlikely Heroes

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Extreme poverty is impossible to describe. It is mercilessly discriminatory and imposes barriers that stifle a child’s ability to dream, thrive, and contribute.

”

The most unlikely heroes can change the world. Catherine Mulvale met her first hero in Kampala, Uganda. He was a 12-year-old boy wearing a blue shirt, who bravely asked, “Will you save my life?” His question woke her from her privileged slumber and led her to establish the Global Friends Foundation.

Since 2006, the Canadian charity has grown from supporting 36 children to over 10,000 vulnerable youth. Run entirely by volunteers, Global Friends builds schools, offers scholarships, provides vocational training and supports community initiatives. Every initiative is designed with one goal in mind: self-sustainability.

In April of 2020, Michael Olomi, a Global Friends Ambassador and another of

MICHAEL M AKING MAS

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MULVALE, CATHERINE DIRECTOR FOUNDER & E AP AG ITH W

Catherine’s young heroes, was concerned that youth in Tanzania were at risk of contracting COVID-19. Feeling compelled to do something to protect them, he arranged for the donation of four sewing machines so he and his friends could make and donate masks. This was the start of Global Friends’ Stop the Spread program.

Michael’s team made 800 masks while other Global Friends heroes have now added over 14,000 masks to help battle the pandemic.

Stop the Spread is so respected that it is now part of Uganda’s National Strategy to Protect Citizens against COVID-19.

Catherine says Global Friends begins and ends each day recognizing that we have the opportunity, ability and responsibility to create positive and lasting transformation. This is done through local and global heroes like Michael and the boy in the blue shirt, who have changed and enriched the world with their courage and compassion—forever.

You can be a Global Hero …and look great doing so!

Stop the Spread now offers beautiful and comfortable masks that feature Canadian First Nations art. Each $15 mask sale provides a royalty to the artist and funds the making and free distribution of 10 more masks in Africa. Using 100% of the proceeds from Canadian mask sales, Global Friends employs graduates of their vocational training programs in Africa to make the masks that are given away to vulnerable youth. The foundation hopes to fund 50,000 masks by the end of the year.

View and order your masks at

CauseYouCare.myshopify.com

www.GlobalFriends.ca 53

Life After Prison: Empowering Women Through Compassion Canadian women in prison are in need of mental health support.

WOMEN ARE THE FASTEST-GROWING PRISON POPULATION IN CANADA but who are they? These women are mothers, victims of violence, and women who have experienced extreme poverty. The relationship between marginalization and incarceration is not coincidental; women come into conflict with the law because of their struggle to survive in the face of poverty, gender-based violence, mental health challenges, and other systemic oppressions. Conflict with the law puts employment, health, housing, family, and dignity at risk.

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Elizabeth Fry Toronto helps women rebuild their lives.

Elizabeth Fry Toronto’s programs help women build their capacities and skills to successfully reintegrate into the community and avoid future contact with the criminal justice system. 85% of women federally sentenced are victims of physical abuse and 68% have been sexually abused. After serving a term of imprisonment it can be extremely difficult for women to return to the community and family.

Our services and programs are critical for women trying to address underlying issues

and survive. For over 70 years, our agency has offered counselling, reintegration services, community support services, and transitional housing to support the women we serve. We strive to empower women to create meaningful change in their lives and families while simultaneously advocating for alternatives to the criminal justice system.

Women feel that Elizabeth Fry Toronto is a place of compassion, understanding, healing, and support.

To learn how you can help women create a positive future visit efrytoronto.org.

GIVE MONTHLY EMPOWER WOMEN CHANGE LIVES

$10.00/Month Gives 1 woman personal care items she needs to upkeep her hygiene.

$30.00/Month Gives 1 woman warm boots and socks to brave the cold winter.

$50.00/Month Gives 1 woman an outfit to secure potential future employment.

$175.00/Month ELIZABETHFRYTORONTO.ORG @ELIZABETHFRYTORONTO

Gives 1 woman weekly councelling sessions to address trauma

Help a

local family.

Create a Christmas memory that will last a lifetime for a child in need from your community.

Did you know that 1 in 4 children in Toronto live in poverty? Toronto has the highest rate of child poverty in all of Canada’s urban centres. Our lowincome families have been disproportionately hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPONSOR A LOW-INCOME FAMILY IN YOUR COMMUNITY THIS CHRISTMAS You can help by donating towards a poverty relief package for a low-income family with young children this holiday season. With your donation, Holiday Helpers will assemble a custom package and deliver it to the family’s door. Each family receives winter coats, a grocery gift card, presents for the children, necessary household items, and a fully decorated, artificial Christmas tree (optional).

Meet Albah. This is a picture of Albah staring at her first sparkly Christmas tree. Albah and her mother were new to Canada after fleeing violence in their home country. Her mother told us, “We did not have winter coats, hats, or boots, and I didn’t have the funds to buy them.

But you helped us. We used our grocery gift card to buy a special dinner and a cake. We loved it, and we will never forget your special treatment. You made our Christmas unforgettable.”

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Meet Youssouf. “Look at all the presents, Mom!”, Youssouf screamed. Laurie is a single mom, raising three children and recovering from breast cancer.

Through Holiday Helpers, Laurie and her family were provided with a full poverty relief package, including winter coats, presents, essential houseware items like blankets, a grocery gift card, and an artificial Christmas tree. Just a year earlier, the family lived in a shelter, and all their belongings were stolen. Laurie told us, “We were devastated, but because of your generosity, our stolen items were replaced, and my children had the best Christmas of their lives.”

THERE’S STILL TIME TO HELP A FAMILY IN YOUR COMMUNITY Holiday Helpers Canada has been bringing Christmas joy to families in need for over 20 years.

www.holidayhelpers.org/globalheroes

$75

Winter Coat

$250

Sparkly tree, decorations, dinner

$525

The full Christmas experience (family of 2)

A GIFT THAT WARMS THE HEART

CMHA Toronto Holiday Gift Program

O

ctober marked mental health awareness month, and the timing to be made mindful of such challenges is appropriate as we move into the holiday season. Our traditions will look a little different this year, but it will be even more dispiriting for those struggling with their mental health. Not having anyone to share the holidays with can be lonely enough, and the pandemic will only amplify those feelings this season. CMHA Toronto’s annual Holiday Gift Program is partnering with local agencies around the GTA to help those who need it the most during the holiday season.

This year marks the 65th annual Holiday Gift campaign and now, more than ever, CMHA Toronto is working with the communities to ensure those who need a little extra assistance are able to have what they need to have a joyful holiday season. Since 2008, the Holiday Gift Program has been a fundamental component of the holidays for the Scarborough Health Network’s (SHN) Pathways program, giving their service users the opportunity to participate in the holidays, as many of whom do not have family to share the holidays with.

It has been an amazing partnership over the years and has given the clients of the program many wonderful opportunities…It brings a lot of joy to people, and for some, it is the bright spot of their holiday, many of them still talking about the gifts they received years ago.

—Nicole Kitchen, Residential Counsellor, SHN Small acts of kindness can be powerful gestures for those struggling with their mental health. The Holiday Gift Program helps those individuals and their children keep a sense of community and belonging by involving them in the holidays. Your generous support and our community partnerships means you are directly helping women fleeing violence, the homeless, recently arrived immigrants, and other at-risk individuals and families. We will not allow the pandemic to stifle the generosity of the holiday season, so we will be distributing 3,500 gift cards instead of gift packs. Please consider giving, so we can continue to deliver even more gifts to those in need of a little warmth during the holiday season.

For more information and to donate visit: toronto.cmha.ca.

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EASY TIPS FOR HEALTHIER KIDS It can be a crazy time these days for parents of young children. The last thing you need is to hear about another health risk for your child.

The Foundation for Resilient Health (RESILIENT) makes it easy to skip over the worry and straight to simple actions that improve children’s health. Their new program, Healthy Habits for Healthy Humans, talks about some environmental exposures that many people are unaware of.

Exposure to plasticizers, flame retardants, radon, mould, and heavy metals can cause some serious immediate and long-term health impacts for some children and are common in most homes. The good news is that it is easy to reduce children’s exposure to these toxins.

You can play your part. These easy tips and brochures are available for parents on RESILIENT’s website:

■ Do not use plastic containers for

reheating or hot food. Choose glass or ceramic containers.

■ Clear away dust with a wet cloth or wet

mop regularly.

■ Avoid scented products.

■ Leave your outdoor shoes at the door.

■ Test your home for Radon gas.

RESILIENT offers a freely available Toolbox on this topic, so that other individuals and organizations can teach others about these easy actions. This provides excellent information for prenatal classes!

The goal of RESILIENT is to create changes that will lead to healthier, more resilient Canadians who can adapt to life’s challenges and contribute to a vibrant Canada. You can check out our platform for policy changes on our website. RESILIENT relies on donations from supporters.

■ If you smell or see mould, take action

to stop the dampness that mould needs to survive.

■ Keep any type of smoke outside.

Find RESILIENT on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

@SanteResHealth and online at

www.resilient-health.ca

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© shapecharge

You May Have to Make Healthcare Decisions for Someone Else—

Are You Ready?

H

eartbreaking and challenging conversations happened worldwide as people rapidly deteriorated from COVID-19. People found themselves being asked by healthcare providers to make critical treatment decisions for their loved ones.

questions is a place to start. When you make decisions, you will combine what you know about the person with the medical information provided by the healthcare team.

It’s not just for COVID-19. You may not know it, but you’re probably a Substitute Decision Maker (SDM) for someone. That means healthcare providers will ask you to make decisions if, for any reason, that person becomes mentally incapable of speaking up. Are you ready?

Dr. Nadia Incardona, an ER physician at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, witnesses DR. NADIA INCARDONA first-hand how SDMs struggle to make complex healthcare decisions when their family members face a sudden or serious illness. She’s part of Hospice Palliative Care Ontario’s expert team that developed a kit to help people have these conversations. The kit will help you learn more about who you might be asked to make healthcare decisions for, and suggests how to start talking about what matters most in life, illness, and dying.

“As an SDM, you may be asked to make a variety of healthcare decisions and it’s hard to guess what they will be. But even without knowing specifics, you can prepare. Begin by talking ahead of time, when the person is well. Learn what’s important to them, what they value most about their own health and wellbeing, and their health-related worries and fears.”

©StockPhotoPro - stock.adobe.com

Even in situations where the person can no longer talk to you about their wishes, thinking about how they might have answered those

“It’s not just talking about life support or end-of-life situations.

Learn what quality of life means to the person. It may be different than you think. Medical treatments come with harms or risks so try to understand what they would find acceptable—or not. Making decisions for another person still isn’t easy; for most, there are emotional connections to the person you’re making decisions for.

But having these conversations in advance may make it easier.”

It’s called Advance Care Planning. Go to speakupontario.ca

HPCO

Hospice Palliative Care Ontario 59

LOOKING GOOD, FEELING BETTER: How Aisha Got Her Spark Back When Aisha Quashie was diagnosed with lymphoma, Look Good Feel Better made all the difference in supporting her psycho-social well-being and helping her retain a sense of self and normalcy throughout her treatment.

Aisha revealed that one of the most challenging aspects of her diagnosis was the fear of losing her hair. After reading stories of other women’s experiences, she held onto hope that it wouldn’t happen to her. Look Good Feel Better helped her through the process, from teaching her where to get headwraps to sharing safe and effective skincare and cosmetic techniques.

“Appearance is who you think you are, and you’re a completely different person. It doesn’t get more real than that.”

When asked why LGFB is an important resource for women facing cancer, Aisha shared that it was immeasurably helpful to be in an environment where people are looking at the impact of cancer outside of a medical lens. She shared that the opportunity to connect with

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other women going through the same experiences as she made her “feel normal during a not-so-normal time.”

“It gives you hope that you can still feel human, still be attractive, even while going through cancer. You have all these things happening to you—you lose hair and eyebrows.

You don’t look like yourself, so you don’t feel attractive. You feel tired.

Just to have that shift is really good for your overall self-esteem and to give you that hope. Having something to have control over, like your appearance, is so important because you’re surrendering everything else in the process.”

1 in 2 Canadian women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, and pandemic or not, it is estimated that in 2020, 110,000 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer.

Medical care is vital, but there is a often a gap in providing support for a woman’s well-being and mental health.

Look Good Feel Better is Canada’s only

charitable program dedicated to helping women manage the effects cancer and its treatment have on their appearance and restore a woman’s sense of self. LGFB provides supportive care to women through workshops, panel discussions with experts in their field, and even workshops specific to teens.

At this time of social isolation and physical distancing, supporting self-care and building connections between women facing cancer are more important than ever! While the effects of COVID-19 have turned LGFB to hosting workshops online, what hasn’t changed is how much heart goes into every session.

Led by expert volunteers, the online workshops allow for women to attend from the comfort of their own homes, allowing LGFB to reach women in more cities and remote regions across the country. While LGFB looks forward to safely re-opening in-person workshops, online small-group formats are here to stay!

Canadians can be there for women facing cancer today—tomorrow. For more information, visit www.LGFB.ca

1 GIFT, 2X THE IMPACT

CANCER does not stop because of Covid Help even more women facing cancer feel like themselves again.

Until December 31st your gift will be doubled thanks to Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. LGFB.CA/DONATE

From November 22 to December 31st, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. will match all individual donations to LGFB, up to a maximum of $25,000.

Connect with us @LGFBCanada LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER. REGISTERED CHARITY: 13374 0316 RR0001

NOT ALL ANGELS HAVE WINGS A Network of Support for Moms with Cancer MATTHEW AND MELODIE

C

ancer touches the lives of so many Canadians, but its impact is not felt equally. Mothers are society’s caregivers, but when they are diagnosed with cancer, they suddenly find themselves in need of care. Forced to choose between their own care and taking care of their families, moms too often sacrifice themselves.

In 2009, Toronto-based business owner and mother Audrey Guth was diagnosed with breast cancer. While receiving treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Audrey couldn’t believe the number of women who had no choice but to bring their young children to their medical appointments. Sitting next to her one day was a frail young woman whose toddler was fussing on her knee. Audrey saw tears fall upon the young mother’s sunken 62

cheeks. She thought to herself, what this woman needs right now is time to rest and recuperate, but how will that ever be possible with a young child at home?

Having run a nanny agency for 20 years, Audrey realized she could leverage her expertise and make a difference in many moms’ lives with cancer. By engaging a network of volunteer Nanny Angels, Audrey would give moms the freedom to attend treatments without their children and time to rest when they got home.

Nanny Angel Network (NAN) was born.

Over time, Audrey realized childcare was not enough. Having lost her own father when she was 12 years old, she understood that kids needed the tools to cope with their parent’s illness and, in some cases, death. Research shows that children exposed to the long-term illness or death of a parent before the age of 18 have a 50 per cent higher incidence of mental health

issues. Audrey knew that NAN’s mission needed to expand and provide mothers with the necessary language and support to talk to their kids about their illness. “Kids are resilient, but they need to be able to talk about their feelings if they are to grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted adults.”

NAN’s services fill an important gap in cancer care and are critical for those families with a limited support network.

In 2018, Melodie was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer and given three years to live. “My first thought was my three beautiful children and everything I would miss in their lives.” But Melodie’s worries went further than that for her youngest child. Matthew has Down Syndrome and Autism, is non-verbal, and has significant cognitive delays, “I’m his primary caregiver, who would be able to look after him while I went through my treatments?” With family unable to help and financial resources already stretched,

Melodie was scared. She had been turned down by childcare agencies in the past who were unable to take care of Matthew, and she was expecting the same response from NAN. But NAN paired Melodie’s family with a Nanny Angel that had experience working with special needs children.

“From the first moment I met our Nanny Angel I knew she was the perfect fit. She immediately went over to Matthew and engaged with him. He smiled at her, and as they say, the rest is history.”

“NAN helped our family when we were at our lowest point.

The difference NAN makes is immeasurable.”

For NAN families, the arrival of COVID-19 compounded the difficulties they already faced. With immunocompromised moms avoiding activities like grocery shopping that would expose them to the virus, NAN partnered with local caterers and has provided over

10,000 healthy, nutritious meals. Nanny Angel visits went online, and NAN created a Homework Club, providing homework buddies to help guide, encourage, and problem-solve so that kids could maintain a school routine while working from home.

NAN’s summer camp program, which offers a financial subsidy so families with cancer can afford to send their kids to camp, also moved online. Kids received a weekly Camp in a Box package with fun crafts and activities, and Camp Angels engaged kids in virtual camp for two hours each week.

“This year has been one of the most challenging years for our organization. But what we learned is that there are so many more things we can do to help families living with cancer.”

to get the support they need, and their children can focus on just being kids.

Donate today at nannyangelnetwork.com/GlobalHeroes to help lessen the impact of cancer on families.

If you are a parent living with cancer and have children under 16, or if you are a parent or guardian of a child who has lost a parent to cancer, NAN is here to help.

NAN currently operates in the GTA and Kingston, and plans are underway to expand to Hamilton and Barrie in 2021. To request your Nanny Angel, visit nannyangelnetwork.com/request-ananny-angel, or to apply to become a volunteer, visit nannyangelnetwork.com/apply

Faced with the pandemic, many of us have been looking for ways to give back. NAN hopes to tap into that spirit of goodwill so that moms like Melodie can continue

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SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN—CANADA

BECAUSE OF YOU, I CAN! MEET EMMA. BECAUSE OF YOU, EMMA CAN RIDE A BIKE! Learning how to ride a bike may be a natural milestone for most, but Emma’s parents thought it might never be possible.

Emma was born with congenital scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine developed while in the mother’s womb.

Emma and her family came to Shriners Hospitals for Children—Canada when she was only 3 months old, seeking answers, as they had no idea what Emma’s future would be like. After their very first appointment, they left with the comforting feeling of hope and the reassurance that everything would be okay.

Emma is now a vibrant 6-year-old who is unstoppable in achieving anything she sets her mind to. “As a parent with a child with congenital scoliosis, your biggest worry is that you don’t know what the limitations your child is going to have,” explained Emma’s mother. “When Emma learned to ride a bike within 10 minutes, it brought tears to mine and my husband’s eyes.” It is thanks to generous donors, innovative care, and her strong determination that anything is POSSIBLE for Emma.

Throughout this holiday season, we will be sharing meaningful stories from our inspirational patients who want you to know how much your donations make a difference in their lives.

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Because of you, our Hospital CAN continue to provide exceptional, timely care to those who need it most.

Because of you, our patients CAN push forward and be their best selves.

Because of you, our patients CAN benefit from high-quality care, innovative research, and in-depth rehabilitation.

To watch Emma’s story, and some of our other exceptional patient stories, visit our campaign website for “Because of you, I can.” This holiday season; give the gift of exceptional care. www.Shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/ BecauseOfYouICan @ShrinersHospitalsforChildrenCanada @SHCCanada

Celebrating 5 years at our new location

“Because of you, we CAN!” A

t Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada, we dedicate our care, research, and education to ensuring that our patients are able to defy all odds and reach their full potential.

We provide advanced pediatric orthopaedic healthcare and rehabilitation to children from across Canada, the US and around the world.

Be a shining light, a beacon of hope, and help our patients find their way to us.

The impact of your generosity on the lives of our patients goes beyond the ordinary and allows them to reach new heights of success… to reach for the stars. Every dollar you give serves a purpose in helping us continue a tradition of medical excellence for many years to come.

Learn more at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/montreal/ways-to-give

Health Equity in Motion

As COVID-19 continues to spread, Ontario’s air ambulance and critical care transport service is adapting to the healthcare sector’s ever-changing needs.

In Ontario’s rural and remote regions, communities often do not have access to the same medical resources as more populous urban areas. In these regions, even one patient with COVID-19 poses a considerable risk to small hospitals and clinics, many of which do not have the ventilators needed for treatment.

Ornge makes an immense impact in these areas, transporting hundreds of sick patients across Ontario, many of which 66

require specialized care. With a fleet of 8 planes, 12 helicopters, and 13 land ambulances, Ornge pilots and paramedics work tirelessly to ensure that patients across Ontario can be safely transported to potentially life-saving treatment.

Throughout the pandemic, Ornge has been boosting its capacity to transport critically sick patients and vital medical supplies, and has been striving to ensure culturally appropriate and inclusive patient care. Three Ornge front-line staff members take us behind the scenes and share what it’s really like to transport COVID-19 patients across the province.

points across the province, including “hotspots.” A COVID-19 infection not only puts us and our families at risk, but also the patients and remote communities that we travel to.

HOWIE ISAAC

WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF TRANSPORTING A COVID-19 PATIENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE NORTH? Howie Isaac, Paramedic - Moosonee, Ontario: Geographical distances pose the most difficult barrier to accessing timely medical care for remote communities in the north. Depending on the transport mode for medevac, response time, patient assessment, preparation/stabilization, transport could take up to 8 hours to receive specialized care.

As well, medical facilities often do not have appropriate infectious isolation rooms to limit facility spread. Many professionals travel from COVID hot spots or outof-province to provide services in our communities. As a community member, bearing this in mind along with the highrisk exposure occupation, due diligence is a must to avoid or prevent possible community spread, considering there is only one grocery store that we all have to gather provisions.

Heidi Hanney, Paramedic - Moosonee, Ontario: Access to healthcare services is normally very limited in remote northern communities, and any serious injury or illness cases require a medevac to a hospital.

The movement of patients from remote communities can become a logistical challenge based on where they need to be sent, bed availability, weather, aircraft availability, and level of care required during transport. As flight paramedics, our shifts often require us to travel to various

Another unique challenge, particularly during this pandemic, is the inability to read one’s facial expressions and give a simple smile. Constantly wearing masks has made me conscious about not being able to offer a friendly smile to a patient, co-worker, or other health care worker we encounter.

These small gestures may seem insignificant, but a friendly smile can often reassure a frightened patient, parent, caregiver or even a co-worker who has been having a bad day.

DROHN BHANDARI

HOW DOES YOUR ROLE AT ORNGE HELP CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTH EQUITY FOR REMOTE NORTHERN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES? Drohn Bhandari, Fixed Wing Airplane Pilot - Thunder Bay, Ontario: Our operation greatly prioritizes bringing the highest quality of care to patients regardless of their background or where they come from in this province. I feel grateful to be part of an operation where we can deliver this promise daily. The spontaneous nature of my role allows me to fly into various areas of the province, which is quite exciting and rewarding.​ Dr. Homer Tien, President and CEO: In the North, many of the communities are a substantial distance from major regional hospitals and tertiary care centres. Some of the remote Indigenous communities are only accessible by air, so to get a CAT scan or to see a specialist, patients have to get on an airplane. We are an important part of their ability to access health services.

HEIDI HANNEY

HOW DOES DIVERSITY CONTRIBUTE TO CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE AND INCLUSIVE PATIENT CARE? Howie Isaac, Paramedic: Many of us go into the industry because we want to help people, and these values guide our practice long into our careers. Adding a familiar face or a person who comes from a similar walk of life brings trust to the relationship. It is a win-win scenario for better outcomes. We learn and grow by working professionally alongside people that come from different places and backgrounds. I have the valuable opportunity to serve and represent proudly as a Moose Cree First Nation member.

Heidi Hanney, Paramedic: A diverse workforce can benefit patient care. People with the same or similar backgrounds might better relate to a particular patient’s background and better understand their situation and fears. Taking the time to listen and understand someone’s background can help us be culturally appropriate and inclusive while providing patient care. By providing culturally appropriate and inclusive patient care, we are tending to their medical needs and their social needs hoping to make their transport and care a little less stressful.

Ornge has been one of the most inclusive workplaces that I have ever been a part of. I have never had any fear of being able to be my true self. I think this speaks volumes about my co-workers and their commitment to the inclusion of Ontario’s diverse population.

To learn more visit ORNGE.CA

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O

ver the last several months, we’ve all had to get a bit more creative with our exercise routines. With gyms and studios closed in most regions due to the pandemic, more and more people are working out at home. Staying motivated to exercise can be challenging—when you were going to the gym or a class, it was easier to stay committed. At home, there always seems to be something else that needs to be done.

FEEL FIT AND

BY MICHELLE LEVINE

FANTASTIC

WITH THIS FAST

HOME WORKOUT

MICHELLE LEVINE is a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, a Personal Trainer, Group fitness instructor, and lifestyle blogger. She strives to share easy tips for living your healthiest life, offering personalized meal planning, fitness classes, lifestyle tips, and one-on-one coaching.

Find more of her healthy living tips at michlwellness.com, and keep up with her on social media @michlwellness.

The trick is to find a workout that you can do quickly! A 30 to 45-minute workout is highly effective and easier to commit to.

The best news? I’ve got the perfect solution!

This workout can be done at your pace and can be modified for any level. You don’t even need any equipment. All you need is a little bit of floor space, a mat or a towel, and some great tunes to keep you pumped.

SQUAT SERIES 1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointed forward

2. Keeping your core engaged and your

chest up during the movement, lower yourself until you are standing in a seated position (think of it as sitting on an invisible chair)

3. Push back up through your heels into your starting position, squeezing your glutes when you reach the top

Repeat this move 10 times slowly, then 10 times faster, then hold in a squat and pulse to finish.

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All Photos by Maggie Blakney | @maeblakphoto | www.maeblakphotography.com

MICHELLE IS WEARING A WORKOUT SET FROM AUMNIE CANADA WHILE DOING A SIDE LUNGE

LUNGE SERIES

REVERSE LUNGE TO KICK-BACK

4. Step back to your starting position

Complete the side lunges and the reverse lunges on the same leg, before repeating with the other leg.

Repeat this move 10 times slowly, then 10 times faster, then hold in the side lunge and pulse to finish.

SIDE LUNGE:

1. Stand with your feet together

Now that you’ve completed the side lunges, move right into the reverse lunges on the same leg.

2. Take a wide step out with your

REVERSE LUNGE TO KICK-BACK:

right leg as you lower yourself into a seated position

3. Your back leg should also be at a

90-degree angle as you step back, and end with your shin parallel to the ground

HIGH PLANK SERIES Bring yourself into a high plank position.

Your hands should be right under your shoulders, your core engaged, and your back flat. You’re going to be holding this position for a few moves, so if you have soreness in your wrist, bring it down into a low elbow plank and hold for 30 seconds instead.

Bonus burn! Hold the high plank for 30 seconds before moving on to the next series.

HIGH PLANK SHOULDER TAPS

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart 2. Step back with your right foot as you lower your front leg into a 90-degree angle

3. Your back leg should also be at a

90-degree angle as you step back, and end with your shin parallel to the ground

4. Pushing through your standing foot,

straighten your standing leg and bring your back leg out parallel behind you

5. Pulse your back leg up once before

lowering it back to a lunge position

Repeat the move 10 times, reverse lunge with a kick up slow, then hold up the back leg and pulse up to finish.

Now that you’ve completed your right side, repeat the side lunge and reverse lunge on your left.

HIGH PLANK SHOULDER TAPS:

HIGH PLANK KNEE PULL IN:

1. In your high plank position,

1. In your high plank position, draw your

slowly lift your right hand, and tap your left shoulder

2. Lower your right hand to its starting position

right knee into your chest

2. Straighten your right leg back to its starting position and draw your left knee into your chest

3. Lift your left hand and tap your

3. Straighten your left knee and repeat

Repeat the move 10 times per shoulder

Repeat the move 10 times per knee

left shoulder

on the right

HIGH PLANK KNEE PULL IN

•••

GLOBALHEROES.COM

•••

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SIDE PLANK, SIDE KNEE PULL-IN

SIDE PLANK SERIES The setup for each of the below moves is the same. Lie on your side with your legs out parallel, one on top of the other. Your bottom arm should be in a 90-degree angle with your forearm flat on the ground. Use your forearm to lift yourself up, with your shoulder tracking over your elbow. Lift your top arm up straight above you. Start on the right, then repeat on the left.

SIDE PLANK, LOWER AND LIFT:

1. In your side plank position, lower your hips ½ an inch

2. Lift your hips back up to your starting position

3. Repeat the move 10 times 4. Side plank, rotate your top arm below your body

5. In your side plank position, rotate your top arm under your waist; you should be rotating through your core

6. Lift your arm back to its starting position

SIDE PLANK, SIDE KNEE PULL-IN:

1. In your side plank position, bend your top leg into your top arm, crunching through your side abs

2. Straighten your arm and leg back out

so that both are parallel to the ground

3. Your top leg does not come back down until you have completed your reps. It will come out to parallel each time

Repeat the move 10 times

Repeat the move 10 times

SIDE PLANK, LOWER AND LIFT

ABS FINISHER This is optional because you’ve already worked out your abs in your plank series.

To finish your workout, there is nothing better than giving your abs one final burn!

Lie on your back, and roll up into a sit-up position. Use your abs to lift your body up, don’t use your momentum! Slowly roll back down to the floor, one vertebra at a time.

Repeat the sit up series 10-15 times.

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The Green Beaver Philosophy:

Goodness Inside & Out

E

ach of us has the opportunity to create a positive impact in this world. For you, that might mean using reusable bags when you shop, donating to charitable organizations, or planting pollinator-friendly plants! For Green Beaver Company, that means creating products that do not harm animals, do not harm the earth, and do not harm you.

After years of working as biochemists and microbiologists, Green Beaver co-founders Karen and Alain were appalled at the number of dangerous ingredients used to create hygiene products, especially for children. They decided to put their knowledge to good use and create an all-natural alternative to harmful products, providing healthy options to future generations of Canadian families.

Green Beaver was founded on the belief that humans can live happily and healthfully off of the goodness that Mother Nature provides. By making it a priority to use organic, locally-grown ingredients, we can reduce transportation energy and waste while encouraging more Canadian farmers to adopt organic growing practices. It’s a win-win for Canadians and the planet!

In 2011, Green Beaver launched the first Canadian organic mineral sunscreen, a product that paved the way for how Green Beaver would change the way Canadians cared for themselves and their families. Soon after came the Organic Honey Lip Balm, which aimed to combat the precipitous decline of bees.

With natural ingredients like sunflower oil, potassium nitrate, sage, and other organic elements, Green Beaver creates sustainable, reliable products with the environment and people in mind.

In 2016, Green Beaver Company became the first Canadian company to be Plastic Microbead-free since day one!

“We all have the power to change the industries that are causing harm, and we can do it simply by choosing what we consume.” ALAIN MÉNARD—Co-Founder Green Beaver products are made without animal testing, animal cruelty, or synthetic substitutes. Why use chemically engineered vitamin E when natural vitamin E is so much better for your body? Using green-tech ingredients means we can create natural, vegan-friendly* products without any of the toxins.

Simply put, the Green Beaver philosophy is that healthy and happy is the best way to live, and that’s what we intend to do. And with our new, aluminum-free, all-natural antiperspirant, there’s no compromise between products that work and products that are natural. Green Beaver NaturaDri™ uses jojoba and mimosa flower wax esters to help keep you dry, naturally.

Shop Green Beaver products, including NaturaDri™, at GreenBeaver.com *The majority of Green Beaver products are vegan-friendly, except for a few products that contain organic beeswax.

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CONTIKI

LAUNCHES NEW LOCAL TRIPS

TO REBUILD TRAVEL AND OFFER UNIQUE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE CANADA OUTDOORS CONTIKI, the award-winning travel company for 18-35-year-olds, has launched a brand new series of local trips with four adventures that Canadian millennial and Gen Z travellers have never seen before.

Young travellers can explore the magic of their own backyard and give back to the local economy.

Travellers can book now and travel from December 2020 onward with these immersive Canadian trips, which help stimulate business across the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. All four trips have been designed for locals, by locals, with locals, and include well-researched activities that would appeal to young Canadians dreaming of getting outside and reconnecting with the world around them.

“Knowing that adventure is exactly what millennials and Gen Z travellers are looking for this year, we’ve crafted our new local trips to offer them a new way to see Canada while soaking up the outdoors,” shares Sheralyn Berry, president of Contiki Canada. “There are seemingly endless benefits to spending time in nature and getting active outside, which we know is the only way to cure those winter blues,” she continued.

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BIKE RIDE ALONG THE CONFEDERATION TRAIL The Confederation Trail in PEI is best known for its length, spanning across 445 kilometres extending into the heart of Charlottetown and across a few seaside villages that feature picturesque scenery.

All Contiki guests will enjoy biking along the trail and have the opportunity to stop at a selection of shops along the way where they can purchase goods and support the local economy.

Book on: Atlantic Canada – 6 days Available from: Summer 2021 onward EXPLORE THE ONLY WALLED CITY IN NORTH AMERICA A taste of Europe can be found in Quebec City, with charming cobblestone streets and culture that invites all travellers to experience true joie de vivre.

Adventure awaits between this walled city, and for those looking for that adrenaline rush, guests can add a trip out to Montmorency Falls, which are 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls and zipline across. Located just a few minutes from downtown Quebec City, travellers can use the Via Ferrata routes for the thrill of a lifetime and discover the Boischatel Crevasse, a cliffside adventure, no matter the level of expertise.

Introductory routes are available, as well as intermediate for travellers to enjoy in their free time.

Book on: Ontario & Quebec in a week – 6 days Available from: February 2021 onward

GET ACTIVE IN WHISTLER FOR THE ULTIMATE WINTRY ADVENTURE Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, snowmobiling, tubing, or snowshoeing, there’s a wintry adventure for anyone in Whistler. The finest slopes in Canada are calling all adrenaline lovers, and Contiki is taking travellers out from Vancouver to Whistler with optional lessons and easily available lift passes, new pals, and an aprèsski or pub crawl for those left with more juice at the end of the day.

Book on: Ski Whistler – 4 days Available from: February 2021 onward SOAK UP BANFF’S BEAUTY AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES Banff is another spot for those wintry sport lovers, which Contiki is helping travellers explore in unique ways.

Consider taking a helicopter ride to see the snow-capped mountains from the sky, or a dog sledding trip on the ground.

After a period of dormant senses and self-isolation, the perfect way to wake them up is by going for a hike in the darkness on the Johnston Canyon Night Icewalk, which travellers can choose to do in the evening. At the end of the 5-day trip, new friends can re-group and can add a hot spring dip to their adventure for some R&R. Book on: Ski Banff – 5 days Available from: February 2021 onward

ADVENTURE ON THE BAY OF FUNDY WITH A KAYAK Experience what’s known as a geological wonderland on the Bay of Fundy with a kayak adventure and new-found friends.

Tides can reach up to 12 meters, which makes the Bay unique, surrounded by ancient lava flows and towering rugged cliffs. Whether a beginner or an expert, travellers can join the fun and be guided by an expert sea kayak teacher for a real thrill.

Book on: Atlantic Canada – 6 days Available from: February 2021 onward With lost moments in 2020, how will you make 2021 count? Share your pledge with Contiki on social media using #ContikiPledge. This holiday season, Contiki is offering the gift of travel with

$150 OFF ANY CONTIKI TRIP

that is 7 days or longer with promotion code “GIFT150” and book by December 31st, 2021.

Want to know more?

VISIT WWW.CONTIKI.COM

CONTIKI is a sister company of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) 40 brands which established their TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on promoting sustainable tourism.

To date, TreadRight has supported over 50 sustainable tourism projects worldwide.

They are the driving force behind the pledge to #MakeTravelMatter.

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© Ottawa Tourism

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Running along the south shore of the Ottawa River, just west of downtown, the SJAM Winter Trail is a 16km groomed cross-country ski trail with room for snowshoers, snowbikes, and walkers. Even more winter trails can be found in the Greenbelt which hugs downtown Ottawa. With a 15-minute drive north to Gatineau, Québec, you’ll find the immense Gatineau Park filled with hundreds of kilometres of winter trails, with picturesque ski-in warming huts hidden within the 361 sq km park. Refrigerated skating rinks are also plentiful in downtown Ottawa, with the largest, the Rink of Dreams, standing outside Ottawa City Hall. Paired with the year-round attractions and welcoming people that make the capital city shine, Ottawa truly is a four-season destination!

Visit www.OttawaTourism.ca to learn more about all the city has to offer in the winter months!

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© Ivan Yu

Winter is a special time in Ottawa with tons of outdoor activities to keep visitors entertained and safe in a physically distant way. The epitome of winter in Ottawa is skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, an UNESCO World Heritage site and Guinness World Record holder for the largest outdoor skating rink in the world. At 7.8km long, its surface area is larger than 90 Olympic-sized rinks… lots of room for personal space! Stop by one of the vibrant neighbourhoods along the canal, like Preston Street (Little Italy), the Glebe, or Elgin Street, where you can warm up at Pure Kitchen, a vegan scratch kitchen, or indulge in a hot chocolate at the Ministry of Coffee.

© James Peltzer

anada’s capital city, Ottawa, is a must-visit for all Canadians.

With its national museums, natural beauty, diverse foodie scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, and rural treasures, it truly is Canada in one city. Ontarians looking for a weekend getaway or a longer break should consider nearby Ottawa for a change of scenery. Just a four-hour drive from Toronto, Ottawa gives visitors a taste of the rest of the country all in one place.

A WINTER WONDERLAND IN NIAGARA FALLS

© ANDREW FISHER

The 38th Annual Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights IS ON NOW!

Presented by Niagara Falls Tourism, this bright, cheery (and free!) festival is on now, and runs until January 10th, featuring over three million lights and dazzling 3D displays along Dufferin Islands, the Niagara Parkway, and across Niagara Falls.

What better way to light up the end of the year than by enjoying Canada’s largest outdoor lights festival, with options for physical distancing, surrounding yourself and your loved ones with inspiring, bright displays of happiness, hope and cheer.

This year's Winter Festival of Lights is delighted to add 10 brand new 3D displays, including an amazing gingerbread house, larger than life polar bears and their friend Rudolph, the Misty Kids Village, and more. Kids and visitors of all ages are invited to visit the village for pictures with the Misty Kids*, the festival’s own furry ambassadors, including Crystal Bunny, Cool Cat, Chilly Dog, and twins Flurry & Flake. (*Check wfol.com for schedule.)

Come for the lights and to reconnect with family and friends, stay for the colourful illumination of the city's famous waterfalls—a magical viewing occasion for all, every night of the year.

Experience the spectacular light displays safely by walking along the wide-open park pathways while maintaining physical distance, by driving along the route with your family, or by viewing from the warm comfort of Niagara Falls' many wonderful restaurant and

hotel windows. Increase your comfort level by bundling up with scarves, gloves, and facial coverings while you walk through the stunning displays.

The OPG Winter Festival of Lights route is a total of 8 km (5 mi) so some driving and parking may be recommended for those with young children and older adults. Driving is also a great way to enjoy the festival within your bubble, in the warmth and comfort of your vehicle. Paid parking is available in the Falls Parking Lot, across from the Table Rock Welcome Centre, at Skylon Tower and along Clifton Hill.

Make it your winter tradition to bundle up, enjoy the fresh air and add some sparkle to your holiday plans. Overnight getaways provide the perfect staycation to explore Niagara Falls by day and night!

Safe to Stay. Safe to Play. Our accommodations, restaurants and attractions have incorporated all safety protocols and look forward to welcoming you. To learn more about health and safety guidelines within Niagara Falls, visit www.safetoplay.ca.

For more information on the Winter Festival of Lights, please visit www.WFOL.com.

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Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19

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edical emergencies are unpredictable and can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime! When the unexpected occurs while you are far from home, you or your family must navigate all the complexities of repatriation to home or an appropriate hospital for ongoing care.

Today’s travellers are confronted with health and transportation concerns in a world with travel and border restrictions.

There are continuous changes to crossborder processes which include COVID-19 testing and quarantine restrictions for both medical teams and the ill traveller. The work of Angels of Flight is more important than ever, as there are fewer medical flight options and the cost of air ambulance service has gone up during the pandemic.

Whether within Canada or abroad, Angels of Flight is ready to help bring you home or to another healthcare facility. We provide guidance, support, and solutions for travellers, no matter where they are in the world.

This year especially has brought unimaginable challenges to medical flight services, leaving the ill or injured domestic and international travellers stranded and unable to return home.

COVID-19 has heightened the need for an emergency medical plan.

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When Canadian travellers were told to return to Canada, Donald boarded the next available flight from Italy to Toronto.

However, the unexpected happened on route. After a medical emergency on board, he was taken off the plane and hospitalized in Frankfurt, Germany. When his condition stabilized, preparations began for an air ambulance flight as he remained on life support to Toronto. However, hospital lockdowns now prevented his family

from being at his bedside, and language barriers became an obstacle to effective communication. As weeks went by, Donald’s condition deteriorated, and the stress and financial burden to the family increased. Angels of Flight Canada helped Donald’s family effectively navigate the language barrier and secured the necessary authorizations to safely fly Donald home in critical condition.

“You give reassurance when there is none, and what you did for our family was above and beyond kind, having so many problems and hurdles that faced us, but you never gave up on us...Thank you!” -CM Our team-based collaborative approach, under which our clients are case-managed for efficiency, and a timely medical flight home to family, treatment, or recovery, is available to all travellers, hospitals, group benefit plans, government, and businesses.

Unsplash/Ethan McArthur

Give us a call at 705 743 5433 to let us help put your plan in place. www.angelsofflightcanada.com

Unsplash/Ani Kolleshi

HOME AND ABROAD:

LEADING THE WAY IN AEROMEDICAL EXCELLENCE 30 Years of Service

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Food Heroes Feel Good Recipes

The holiday season calls for merriment, and we're kicking off the festivities by celebrating some very special food heroes, farmers and chefs who are taking action to solve world hunger and make the world a greener place.

Best served with a side of holiday cheer

Find festive dishes for every diet, plus a delicious drink recipe to spice up your holiday dinners. Meals this impressive are a gift in themselves!

A SWEET and SPICY MOCKTAIL to enjoy this season ‘Tis the season to be jolly! While celebrations may look a little different (and smaller!) this year, the holiday cheer definitely warrants indulging in a few holiday drinks.

If you’re tired of too-sweet drinks, this booze-less option is made with sugar-free ginger ale, flavoured sparkling water, and naturally sweetened with honey syrup and pomegranate juice.

Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 15 minutes • Serves: 4 Nutritional information per serving: Calories 80, fat 0g, Sodium 5mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Fibre 0g, Sugars 20g, Protein 0g.

The result is a subtle, sweet and spiced sipper you’ll want to make all season long. If you want to add alcohol, try a splash of white rum or vodka.

“You’ll make more spiced honey syrup than you need for four mocktails, but the leftovers will keep in the fridge,” shares Michelle Pennock, executive chef for the President’s Choice test kitchen.

“Use it to sweeten coffee, tea or sparkling water, or brush over cake layers before icing to keep the cake extra moist.”

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

SPICED HONEY SYRUP

1. To make the spiced honey syrup, combine peppercorns,

• • • • •

4 black peppercorns 3 whole cloves 1 each cinnamon stick and star anise 1 piece (about 3 inches/7.5 cm) fresh ginger, sliced 2/3 cup (167 mL) honey

cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, fresh ginger, honey, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10 minutes. Discard star anise.

Let cool to room temperature. Discard peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick and ginger. Tip: Refrigerate in a sealed jar or airtight container for up to one week.

MOCKTAILS

2. To make the mocktails, divide ice among glasses. Pour ¼ cup

• • • • • •

3. Garnish glasses with rosemary sprigs. If using, thread

1 ½ cups (375 mL) ice cubes 1 cup (250 mL) 100 percent pomegranate juice ½ cup (125 mL) spiced honey syrup ½ cup (125 mL) PC ginger ale flavour sparkling water 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary 8 pieces crystallized ginger (optional)

pomegranate juice and 2 tbsp spiced honey syrup into each glass.

Top with sparkling water, dividing evenly. Stir to combine. crystallized ginger onto wooden cocktail skewers and place in glasses.

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GLOBALHEROES.COM

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© Photo by Jessica Lewis from Pexels

Sparkling Ginger Pomegranate Mocktails

Chock-full of vitamins and antioxidants, pomegranate is a healthy and delicious superfood, sure to give your drinks an extra kick. At the same time, ginger is known for its powerful digestive aid and healthy bacteria to help your body fight off infections.

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.

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©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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DIXON’S WICKED ROOT BEER

BLUEBERRY GIN FIZZY LEMONADE:

ADD TO GLASS:

1.

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.

2.

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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.

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

1.

1 ½ oz Silvercreek Vodka

1.

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

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NAVIGATING COVID-19 IN THE GREENHOUSE PRODUCE SECTOR “Unprecedented times”—if there were ever a catchphrase for 2020, this would be it. For the Ontario greenhouse produce sector, the challenges faced have def initely been without precedent.

For over 50 years, family-run greenhouse farms have provided Ontario with safe, nutritious, high-quality vegetables. Ontario boasts one of the highest concentrations of greenhouse farms in all of North America. Due to their protected environments, greenhouses have a much longer growing season and can grow delicious and nutritious produce when the days are short and the weather is cold.

Farms acted quickly with health screenings, increased sanitation practices, PPE for on and off-farm use, and the installation of barriers on farms where social distancing was not possible.

Continuous education was also provided to new workers outlining the benefits of social distancing, hand washing and general safety.

Greenhouses employ thousands of people—Canadians and foreign nationals alike. Whether local or foreign, farm employees are essential to every greenhouse and to feeding all of Canada. Many employees have long histories with their farms and are considered friends and family members. Programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program provide opportunities for employees and their families that are unavailable in their home countries. For example, over $300 million in saved earnings are sent back to families in their home countries every year. These programs have also helped buy homes, start businesses, fund churches, and even build schools.

Even though many farms inspected were shown to have implemented the appropriate control and prevention measures, we recognize there is more to do. Our farmers are continuously striving to improve. We are working hard with our government partners to identify opportunities for change that further protect our valuable agri-food employees and protect the Canadian food supply.

Unlike field farms open to the elements, by March, greenhouse farms are already well into their busy season. But this year, it meant that the greenhouse produce sector would be one of the first agricultural groups that would have to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ontarians can trust that their greenhouse vegetable growers will continue to provide safe, affordable, nutritious produce. We are setting new precedents for the future of agriculture and our communities. Together, we are all working towards our new normal.

Immediately, the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers began guiding the fast-evolving regulatory requirement, best practices, planning tools, and support programming.

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However, outbreaks did occur.

Despite the outbreaks and severe stress in the background, there was never any point where grocery shelves stood empty. This is a testament to the farm families and their valued employees. They are more than essential; they are heroes.

This sensational easy-to-make salad, is perfect for the holiday season, starring Ontario-grown greenhouse vegetables

The Essential Village Salad Serves 4 to 6

1 lb (455 g) mixed ripe Ontario greenhouse tomatoes (heirlooms can add a punch of colour!)

4 Ontario greenhouse mini cucumbers (or 2/3 Ontario greenhouse English cucumber) 1 Ontario greenhouse pepper (be as colourful as you want!)

1/3 cup (80 mL) thinly sliced red onion 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped flat-leaf parsley 3 tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (30 mL) red wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Cut tomatoes into wedges. Cut cherry and grape tomatoes in half. Slice cucumbers on bias. (If using English cucumber, halve lengthwise first.) Cut pepper into bite-size pieces. Place vegetables in large mixing bowl with onion and parsley. Drizzle with oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix thoroughly. Transfer to serving dish.

FEED YOUR BODY,

FEED YOUR SOUL As the old saying goes, you are what you eat.

That’s why Sarafino takes pride in distributing high-quality, artisanal products, made from natural ingredients and traditional practices. We share our passion for food through an open and honest approach to educating our clients about where our products come from and how they are produced.

Angelo Tramonti, President & Founder of Sarafino, and Certified Olive Oil Taster, shares that Sarafino began as a way to

bring the award-winning olive oils his family was producing in Calabria, Italy, to Canada. Promoting the ancient farming methods his family was so passionate about is what led to Sarafino being built on Transparency, Tradition, Trust, Teaching, Taste and Togetherness.

Food is the most important thing in all of our lives—it’s what fuels us to take on the day, and what brings us comfort when we need it the most. By eating and sharing food that nourishes and heals us, we can bring balance to our lives and to the Earth.

“I worship the sun and the earth—Food—it’s what connects us to the earth and gives us energy from the sun. Food is the most important thing in my life.”

Tramonti started gardening at a very young age, as a way to help his parents. In his youth, he says he didn’t appreciate it very much, and it wasn’t until growing up that he realized how therapeutic it can be. Now, gardening is not only one of his hobbies, but also a key to how he relieves stress.

Sarafino aims to make real food more accessible—because we all have the right to nutritious, wholesome, and authentic food.

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FEATURED PRODUCT AWARD-WINNING MAURO ORGANIC EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: This unique, high elevation grove in Calabria, Italy, has a panoramic view of the land that the King once ruled in Terre di San Mauro. This is the ultimate palatepleasing, extra virgin enhancer to amplify any dish. Twist, pour, and eat like a king!

INTENSITY: TASTING NOTES: Moderately green and charismatic with complex layers of parsley, pear and pine nuts. Bitter and spicy with a sweet finish.

IDEAL PAIRINGS: Delicate greens, simple leafy or bean salads, fish and exotic dishes or drizzled on your favourite ice-cream.

sarafino.com/shop

KALE SWEET POTATO SUPERFOOD SALAD

LONG AGO, OLIVE OIL was used for everything from hair colouring, to healing stomach pains, to protecting the skin from the sun’s rays, and everything in between. Today, medical research has backed those uses with scientific evidence, and expanded on the many ways that olive oil can be beneficial to those with cardiovascular and circulatory illnesses.

Studies have shown that the particular relationship between unsaturated fats and saturated fatty acids in olive oil have multiple beneficial functions for the human body. Fat is essential to your health because it supports a number of your body’s functions such as cell growth, the regulation of your body temperature, nutrient absorption, energy levels & the production of important hormones. Let’s face it—we need fats in our diet! This Kale & Sweet Potato Superfood Salad is a healthy and delicious way to include olive oil in your diet.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

SALAD

SARAFINO PROBIOTIC DRESSING

• 2 handfuls baby kale (or mixed

• 1-2 tsps Sarafino Dijon mustard

1. Place baked and cooked vegetables in bowl (sweet potatoes, green beans, broccolini).

• ¼ cup Sarafino Marte red wine vinegar

2. Combine with raw vegetables.

• ¼-½ cup Sarafino Mauro organic

3. Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a blender or whisk together until thoroughly combined. Adjust tang, salt, and pepper to taste.

with spinach)

• 1 medium baked sweet potato (cubed and baked)

• Handful of green beans (blanched, or

slightly steamed/sauteed, still crunchy)

• Half a bunch tender stem broccolini

(blanched, or slightly steamed/sauteed, still crunchy)

• ½ - 1 pomegranate • ½ fennel, thinly sliced or mandolined (sub. ¼ cup thinly sliced leak)

• ¼ cup fermented or pickled shallots to top, to taste

• Optional: ¼ cup cooked quinoa

extra virgin olive oil

• ½ lemon squeezed (adjust to taste) • 1 small clove of garlic, diced or minced • Pinch Sarafino Sea salt, to taste • Pinch Aleppo pepper to taste (sub. for fresh ground black pepper)

• 1-2 tbsps labneh (sub. with greek

yogurt or kefir for a probiotic dressing)

• Optional: ½ tsp of honey (if you prefer a hint of sweetness)

• Optional:1 small diced shallot, mixed into the dressing

4. Add the dressing to the salad, toss and enjoy!

NUTRITION This salad contains liver supportive and detoxing cruciferous vegetables (kale, broccolini). The leafy greens provide additional fiber and minerals, are alkalizing and improve digestion. The dressing consists of anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, as well as gut supportive probiotics found in labneh (yogurt and kefir). The olive oil, vinegar, and mustard in the dressing promote healthy skin.

RECIPE AND PHOTO BY: ISRA AL-SALEM, B.A., CNP, RYT

Clinical Holistic Nutritionist, Recipe Developer, Yoga Instructor, and Global Health & Wellness Consultant | @isra.alsalem 87

FEEDING FAMILIES AND NOURISHING

SOULS

W

hen your passion is food, like it is for Chef Jagger Gordon, you tend to see things that others might not.

Chef Jagger Gordon Feeds it Forward

Gordon started as a contracted security specialist, and then began a career in catering, specializing in gastronomy. Gordon attended culinary school and travelled the world to work with great chefs, experiencing global cultures and culinary flavour profiles, which led him to bring all of that knowledge back with him to Canada.

Through his work in the kitchen, he became acutely aware and profoundly disappointed in the amount of food that would be wasted after every event.

After one event where Gordon was stuck with plates upon plates of wasted food, he decided to give out free meals to those in need. Hundreds of people showed up, and thus began his philanthropic and entrepreneurial adventure.

With the knowledge of how much of Canada’s food ends up in landfills and the promise to feed families, Chef Jagger made it his personal mission to find a solution to end food waste. He started Feed It Forward, a volunteer-run federal not-for-profit, as part of the solution to tackle this mission.

Chef Jagger knows that food is not a privilege, and with hungry people to feed, he knows that good food should never go to waste.

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That’s the kind of heroic thinking that took Feed it Forward from an idea to a rescue network for food-insecure individuals, with a full fleet of 38 food trucks and food-rescue vehicles (courtesy of Toronto’s own Blazing Kitchen), a PayWhat-You-Can Grocery Store, a Soup Bar, and even a farm—all fueled from food that would otherwise be thrown out.

“Our mission is to address the food waste and hunger crisis in Canada and, ultimately, the world.”

How We Feed it Forward THE PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN GROCERY STORE In June 2018, Feed It Forward opened Canada’s first and only Pay-What-YouCan Grocery Store, bakery and coffee shop. Located in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, the grocery store runs on food rescued and organized by volunteers.

Customers pay what they can, based on their budget, or take what they need for free.

Customers can also choose to give back by donating their food or volunteering with Feed It Forward.

THE FEED IT FORWARD FARM Located approximately 40 minutes outside Toronto, the Feed it Forward Farm provides healthy food that can be made into healthy, farm-to-table (literally!) meals.

Aside from providing fresh produce for Feed it Forward initiatives, the farm also grows clones to be donated to foodinsecure families so that they can grow food on their balconies, backyards, or even in shared public spaces.

better known as the Soup Bar, offers bottomless bowls of healthy soup for students. In its first year, Soup Bar served nearly 9,000 meals!

THE FUTURE OF FEED IT FORWARD Among the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now even more people worldwide who need food assistance. Instead of stopping operations, Feed it Forward has stepped up to the challenge and quickly scaled up.

Throughout the crisis, Feed it Forward has continuously adapted to society’s changing needs, while consistently following the most up-to-date health and safety protocols to keep everyone safe.

With Chef Jagger Gordon leading the charge, Feed it Forward has made a difference in so many lives throughout the GTA. But they’re not stopping now!

Feed it Forward is teaming up with social enterprise Blazing Kitchens, one of Canada’s largest catering companies, to turn Hollywood North into a zero-foodwaste operation. As Blazing Kitchen’s executive chef and partner, Chef Jagger Gordon will show Canada’s film industry how to stop food waste.

This holiday season, Feed it Forward will be launching a food-sharing app to connect food-insecure individuals with nutritious meals and eliminate food waste.

Chef Jagger Gordon shows Canada that food not only fills your belly, it also nourishes your soul. We can help end hunger by utilizing the 53% of all food that ends up in landfills and putting it onto the tables of those in need.

To learn more about Feed it Forward and join the network of donors and volunteers, visit feeditforward.ca.

THE BOTTOMLESS SOUP BAR Almost 40% of Canadian postsecondary students are food insecure.

Feed it Forward’s solution to help this struggling demographic is a concept restaurant in several university campuses across Toronto. This restaurant, 89

Holiday IN A CAN

Don’t be fooled by the name! This recipe in a can will give new life to your holiday leftovers and have your guests believing you are a gourmet chef.

Most of us do not realize how much food we throw away each day—from uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce.

Chef Jagger Gordon diverts food waste and fights world hunger every day. Join the food-rescue crusade by transforming your leftovers into an unexpected masterpiece using Chef Jagger’s tricks of the trade.

CHEF JAGGER GORDON’S HOLIDAY LEFTOVER GOURMET MEAL INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • • • •

4-8 empty soup or vegetable cans 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent rolls 1 c. leftover mashed potatoes 1 c. leftover stuffing 1 1/2 c. shredded leftover turkey 1 c. leftover cranberry sauce 1 tbsp. melted butter 1 tbsp. garlic powder Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish Leftover gravy, warmed for plating

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove both ends of vegetables/soup cans. Wash cans and remove labels.

2. Place cans upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

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3. Grease the inside of each can with butter, oil or cooking spray.

4. Preheat oven to 375°.

5. Unroll crescent rolls, arrange on baking sheet and cut 8 circles with the can.

6. Spread mashed potatoes in the bottom of each can, forming a ring. Top with stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce.

7. Place all 8 cans in a 350° oven for 2025 min, combined with the crescent on the same baking sheet.

8. Bake crescent 15 to 20 minutes or until

golden. Remove crescents from the oven but leave the cans to finish baking.

9. When the cans are done, take each

can one by one and push from the top down onto the middle of a plate for each guest (It’s best to use a small clean spice bottle from your cupboard).

10. Brush baked crescent dough with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.

11. Place baked crescent on top of filling from the can.

12. Pour hot leftover gravy around the cans filling on the plate.

13. Garnish with parsley.

Voila! A gourmet presentation and a delicious meal crafted from leftovers!

Flavourful Fungi:

The Year-Round Harvest Did you know that nearly every fresh mushroom you see in your grocery store is grown by a Canadian farmer near you? Canadian mushrooms are grown year-round and handpicked with pride from our farms to your plate. Thank you for buying Canadian mushrooms!

Mushroom, Apple, and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe developed in partnership with Ontario Apple Growers.

Prep Time: 10 mins. | Cook Time: 45 mins. | Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS • 4 small-medium sized acorn squash, seeded, cut in half lengthwise

• Salt and pepper • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil • 8 oz (227 g) fresh mixed mushrooms • • • • • • •

(portabella, shiitake, oyster), coarsely chopped 2 celery stalks, thinly diced 2 Ontario apples, peeled and finely diced 3 tbsp (45 mL) butter 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh sage leaves, finely chopped 1 cup (250 mL) vegetable stock ½ cup (125 mL) walnuts, roughly chopped 1 small loaf of day-old sourdough or French bread, cut into ¼ inch cubes (approximately 5 cups)

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. 2. Cut acorn squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds.

Season the inside with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake about 30 minutes or until soft.

3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan heat olive oil. Add

mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add celery and continue to sauté for 5 minutes. Lower heat and add apples. Continue to cook until apples become tender, about 5 minutes. To the pan add butter, sage, and vegetable stock. Heat just until butter is melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

4. Place chopped walnuts and diced bread in a large bowl.

Pour warm vegetable stock mixture over bread. Using your hands toss the bread until it is well-coated and most of stock is absorbed.

5. Remove squash from oven and turn it cut side up. Divide

the stuffing among each squash half; spoon the stuffing into the cavity of each squash until filled. Return to 350°F/175°C oven and bake until stuffing is golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes.

6. Serve hot alongside a festive ham or any other favourite holiday dish.

For more recipe ideas visit mushrooms.ca

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Sheep can help mitigate

Climate Change There is a misconception that farming is bad for the environment—it has been suggested that farmers are partially responsible for deforestation, water pollution, and stripping soil of vital nutrients. However, farmers and their livestock contribute to the environment in ways that continuously support sustainability and biodiversity, which is often overlooked.

Ontario’s sheep farmers, for example, play an integral role in the management of grasslands (land covered with grass and other low plants suitable for grazing animals). When sheep graze in pastures, they play a crucial role in improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, retaining soil organic matter, and increasing soil’s biological activity. Grazing sheep are moved from pasture to pasture, giving grasses a rest period to regrow and develop more roots. Their hooves help mix manure with soil, fertilizing it and building organic matter. This action opens the soil, seeds it, and allows plant roots to go deeper—all without the need for tilling or ploughing.

Sequestering carbon is another way that Ontario’s sheep farmers benefit the environment. Managed correctly, sheep help mitigate degraded soils and restore healthy ecosystems, which helps lock carbon deep in the ground. Grasslands can store up to 200 tonnes of carbon per hectare in the roots, grasses, and shrubs. That is equal to offsetting the carbon emissions of 3.62 million cars per year! If managed grazing could be implemented worldwide, it could sequester over 16 gigatons of carbon by 2050.

Sheep farmers in Ontario use innovative grazing techniques, such as silvopasture, orchard grazing, and grazing solar installations. These multi-use approaches to land not only provide habitats for pollinators and birds while building soil carbon, but it also decreases fossil fuel use through a major reduction in mechanical mowing of these areas.

© Carrie Woolley Ontario Lamb Producer

Another useful benefit that sheep contribute to biodiversity is providing a habitat for grassland birds. Grasslands are richly biodiverse and are home to over 1,000 species of animals, pollinators, and other insects. The Ontario Sheep Farmers work with Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario to implement nesting habitats for endangered and threatened species, such as the bobolink and the eastern meadowlark, on farms, increasing awareness of the value of agricultural grasslands for wildlife.

Ontario Sheep Farmers are committed to healthy soils and clean water and takes its responsibility seriously by providing leadership on the Lake Erie Phosphorus Ag Sector Working Group. This group has brought industry and government together to provide advice on potential actions by agriculture and government to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Erie.

It is possible to include lamb in your diet and still care for the environment.

We know we have a responsibility to be part of the solution, and part of that includes sharing how livestock can positively impact the environment.

To learn more about the positive impacts of livestock farming, visit ontariosheep.org 92

© Chris Moore Ontario Lamb Producers

Preparation time: 1 Hour Cook time: 40 minutes Makes: 2 Servings

CRANBERRY ORANGE ONTARIO LAMB CHOPS Lamb doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions!

excess fat is easily trimmed off, leading to fewer calories!

Lamb meat is a good source of iron and vitamins and has protein that is rich in essential amino acids, and deserves a spot on your table any night.

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to shake things up. This delicious lamb chops recipe will make for an easy and tasty dinner that even looks fancy.

It is particularly rich in vitamin B-12 and in niacin, zinc, and iron. Just 3 oz of cooked lamb, with any excess fat removed, provides the average person with 48% of their daily protein requirements, 30% for zinc, 10% for iron, 37% for vitamin B-12, and 27% for niacin.

A good quality lamb will have a nice fat finish, which not only adds flavor to the lean meat, but can also be—in the right amount—a healthy part of a balanced diet. Only one third of fat in lamb is saturated, the rest is mono or polyunsaturated, the “good” fat in one’s diet. The majority of the fat is on the edges of the meat, which means that the

INGREDIENTS ʶ 6 Lamb Chops (Frenched) or 4 Loin Chops 1” thick ʶ ½ cup sugar ʶ 1 cup cranberries ʶ ¼ cup orange juice ʶ 1tsp grated orange rind ʶ 1 tsp Dijon mustard ʶ Pinch of allspice

DIRECTIONS 1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cranberries, orange juice, rind, Dijon mustard, and allspice.

2. Cook until mixture boils and

cranberries pop (about 10 to 12 minutes). Set aside.

3. In a preheated broiler, 4” from heat, broil lamb chops on one side for 6 minutes.

4. Turn chops and broil 4 minutes longer.

5. Spoon one generous teaspoonful

of sauce over each chop. Broil for 1 minute longer.

Serve extra sauce on the side. Serve with parsley potatoes and vegetables julienne.

Looking to Buy Fresh Premium Ontario Lamb try using our lamb locator tool at

LAMBRECIPES.CA

CANADIAN CHICKEN DELIVERING ON SUSTAINABILITY THE CANADIAN CHICKEN SECTOR: DID YOU KNOW? Chicken farmers in Canada follow a national, mandatory Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program that is enforced and includes third party audits.

Chicken farmers in Canada follow a national, mandatory Raised by a Canadian Farmer On-Farm Food Safety Program which has received full recognition from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

Over the last 40 years, the Canadian chicken sector has: ○ Decreased its carbon footprint by 37% ○ Decreased its water consumption by 45% ○ Worked to ensure that now, 62% of the sector’s energy comes from renewable resources Canada’s 2,800 chicken farmers are here for you. For more information, please visit:

www.letstalkchicken.ca

Chicken is Canada’s number one meat–and for good reason. Its taste, nutritional profile, and versatility make it an excellent choice for Canadians and their families. The average Canadian consumes 35.1 kgs of chicken per year—and Canada’s chicken farmers are proud to deliver on your expectations for excellence.

We know that sustainability is important to Canadian consumers.

They want to know where their food comes from and they want to know that the work behind producing it is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable—chicken farmers deliver.

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Over 90% of Canada’s chicken farms are family-owned. Our farm families are proud to bring Canadians the chicken they trust.

Canadian chicken farmers take their stewardship seriously and are proud of the innovation and hard work they put in every day.

For Chicken Farmers of Canada, sustainable chicken production means protecting animal health and welfare, producing safe chicken, preserving the health of the land and of Canadian farms, and contributing to the Canadian economy by providing affordable food to Canadians.

Prosciutto Wrapped Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables It is hard to beat the classic roast chicken. While we aren’t trying to compete, this new twist on the classic is perfect for the holidays. To keep the prosciutto crisp without burning, make sure to baste the chicken often. If the prosciutto is still burning then tent it with tin foil.

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 2 hours 30 min

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom

of a roasting tin with a rack to let the juices from the chicken to drain.

2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.

Drape the six slices of prosciutto over the chicken until the top of the bird is completely covered. Place the chicken on the rack in the centre of the roasting tin.

INGREDIENTS ʶ extra virgin olive oil ʶ 1-4 lb (0.5 kg) roasting chicken ʶ 6 strips prosciutto ʶ 2 sweet potatoes, medium, chopped ʶ 3 red skinned potatoes, chopped ʶ 1 red onion, medium, peeled and cut into wedges ʶ 2 sprigs rosemary, fresh ʶ salt ʶ pepper

NUTRITION INFO

3. Place the vegetables into a large bowl and toss with 1

tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper.

Spread the vegetables around the chicken.

4. Place the pan in the oven and roast until the chicken is

cooked entirely and registers 180°F (82°C) on a meat thermometer, about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Every 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and baste the chicken with the juices at the bottom of the pan.

5. Remove from the oven and let the bird rest for 15-20

minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables.

Per 445g serving Amount ʶ Calories 780 ʶ Protein 56g ʶ Fat 50g ʶ Saturated Fat 14g ʶ Carbohydrate 21g

DIRECTIONS

Per 445g serving % Daily Value ʶ Fibre 3g ʶ Sugar 3g ʶ Cholesterol 225mg ʶ Sodium 470mg

ʶ Potassium 31 ʶ Calcium 6 ʶ Iron 25 ʶ Vitamin A 180 ʶ Vitamin C 30

ʶ Vitamin B6 73 ʶ Vitamin B12 47 ʶ Folate 18 ʶ Magnesium 35 ʶ Zinc 40 95

MAKE THIS WINTER BETTER WITH BEANS

As the Canadian winter closes in around us and the holidays approach, our thoughts turn to comfort foods and home baking. Looking to bump up the nutrition of your favourite dishes? Simply adding beans can double the protein and fibre content of a meal—yes, even your sweet treats.

Did you know that we grow dry beans right here in Ontario? Of the 28,000 grain growers in Ontario, just over 1,000 of them also grow dry beans. Dry beans include tasty varieties like navy beans, kidney beans, and Romano beans, all favourites for homemade chilis or autumn soups, and an excellent secret ingredient for baked goods. Our Apple Bean Cake with Warm Cranberry Sauce is made with navy beans and makes a beautiful, tasty, and protein-packed addition to your holiday dessert menu.

SHOPPING FOR LOCAL BEANS

Any meal is better with beans!

It is much more difficult to determine what province the beans you are purchasing come from, but we can give you some insider information to help narrow it down.

ONTARIO DRY BEANS ARE WORLD FAMOUS! Coveted for their exceptional quality, 90 per cent of the Ontario dry bean crop is exported to over forty countries around the world. You can find Ontario beans right here at home too—if you know what to look for.

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Many brands are starting to feature “Product of Canada” or “Grown in Canada” in prominent positions on their product labels. You can also check the fine print on products to see if “made with domestic ingredients” is listed. If the product you are purchasing includes any of this information the beans within are coming from either Ontario, Manitoba, or Alberta.

WHAT BEANS GROW WHERE IN CANADA? • White Pea beans (Navy Beans)–Ontario, Manitoba • Black beans–Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta • Kidney beans–Ontario, Manitoba

• Cranberry beans (Romano Beans)– Ontario, Manitoba • Pinto–Alberta, Manitoba, and a very small amount in Ontario • Great Northern beans–Alberta • Adzuki Beans–Ontario For example, if you pick up a can of Romano beans, kidney beans or navy beans, that say product of Canada or made with domestic ingredients—those beans are from either Ontario or Manitoba.

Need some guidance on how to make your meals better with beans? Visit betterwithbeans.ca for lots of great recipes, how to videos, and so much more. @ontariobeans

betterwithbeans.on.ca

12 servings

Apple Bean Cake with Warm CranberrySauce

INGREDIENTS: APPLE BEAN CAKE ʶ 1 1/2 cups (350 mL) white pea beans, soaked and cooked or canned in water, drained and rinsed ʶ 1/2 cup (125 mL) apple juice ʶ 1 cup (250 mL) vegetable oil ʶ 3 eggs ʶ 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla ʶ 1 1/2 cups (350 mL) cooking apples, peeled and grated ʶ 1 1/2 cups (350 mL) brown sugar ʶ 3 cups (750 mL) all-purpose flour ʶ 2 tsp (10 mL) baking soda ʶ 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon ʶ 1/2 tsp (2 mL) nutmeg ʶ 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cloves ʶ 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped pecans

DIRECTION: APPLE BEAN CAKE 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. In a food processor or blender, puree beans with juice until

smooth. Transfer puree to a large mixing bowl and stir in eggs, vanilla, apples and oil. Add sugar and mix well.

Combine remaining dry ingredients together and gently fold into wet ingredients. Pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes. Turn out of the pan and allow the cake to cool to room temperature. To lower the fat content of this recipe, substitute 1 cup of vegetable oil with 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and 1/2 cup of apple sauce!

INGREDIENTS: WARM CRANBERRY SAUCE ʶ 2 zest and juice of oranges ʶ 1/2 cup (125 mL) water ʶ 1/2 cup (125 mL) white sugar ʶ 2 cups (250 mL) cranberries ʶ 2 tbsp (25 mL) cornstarch ʶ 1/4 cup (50 mL) water

DIRECTION: WARM CRANBERRY SAUCE 1. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine juice, zest and water.

2. When hot, add sugar and cranberries. Dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup (50 mL) of water and add to saucepan. Simmer over low heat for one minute, stirring gently.

3. Remove from heat. Do not overcook or use high heat. Serve (warm) sauce over slices of Apple Bean Cake and garnish with whipped cream if desired.

NUTRITION (FOR 1 SERVING): Calories 525; Protein 7 g; Fat 22 g; Carbohydrates 75 g; Total Dietary Fibre 3.8 g; Sodium 253 mg;

3. Don’t have a bundt pan? Use a muffin pan for mini cakes instead.

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Holiday Treats

W

Without the Guilt

ith the holiday season comes sugary treats—and guilt about not making healthy choices! But it doesn’t have to be that way. By swapping unhealthy ingredients such as white sugar with healthier substitutes like stevia, you can dig into decadent desserts without worrying too much about the consequences.

Amazing Almond & Awesome Apple flavours. This beautiful, rustic dessert becomes guilt-free when white sugar is replaced with maple syrup and Flavoralls! We think it would look great as part of your holiday spread. Enjoy!

Greeniche Natural Health’s Flavorall is popular among Canadian chefs and bakers as a high-quality and versatile sugar substitute and flavouring ingredient. This calorie-and sugar-free liquid sweetener is extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana herb and available in 25 unique varieties, which can be used to add sweetness and flavour to your favourite foods and beverages, any cooking/baking recipe, or even plain water.

Below is a healthy galette recipe, featuring the Flavorall

Apple Cinnamon Almond Galette

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

FOR CRUST:

1. Preheat your oven to 375F.

ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ

2. Mix all crust ingredients, except sliced almonds. Cut oil into

1½ cup almond flour ¼ cup tapioca flour ¼ cup coconut oil (not melted) 2 tbsp pure maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼-½ tsp Flavorall Amazing Almond Stevia Liquid ¼-½ tsp almond extract ¼ tsp salt ¼ cup almond slices

FOR FILLING:

ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ ʶ

1 ½ large honey crisp apples, sliced 1 tbsp maple syrup 2 tsp lemon, juiced 1 tbsp arrowroot or tapioca flour 1½ tsp cinnamon ¼ - ½ tsp Flavorall Awesome Apple Stevia Liquid ¼ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp salt

the batter using a fork and then combine well using your hands.

Place dough in your freezer.

3. Gently mix all filling ingredients until the apples are well coated.

4. Remove the dough from the freezer and place on parchment.

Flatten the dough slightly with your hands and place another parchment on top. Roll the dough out using a rolling pin.

5. Lay out the apples in the centre of your dough, leaving 3

inches around your circle or square to fold the dough over the edges of the apple mixture.

6. Use the bottom layer of parchment to fold the dough on top of the apples.

7. Gently baste the folded dough in coconut oil and sprinkle with almond slices.

8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

Recipe by Rebecca Owusu, a wellness blogger who shares delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes on her blog, thathealthysprout.com.

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Enjoyed this recipe? Head to greeniche.com/cook-book for a free cookbook, filled with healthy holiday breakfast and dessert ideas!

Equator Coffee Roasters’ Sustainable Supply Chain E

quator Coffee Roasters is an Ontario-based company that believes that social justice begins with choices. They have chosen to be part of a genuinely sustainable import system, working directly with smallscale farmers and their exporting cooperatives.

Founded in 1998, Equator purchases exclusively fair trade, organic coffee.

Their relationships with coffee growers have been built through direct participation with their green coffee importing co-op, Cooperative Coffees.

Craig Hall, co-owner of Equator Coffee, says, “We believe that farmers need long term partnerships to create a sustainable business. That is why we pay more than double the industry commodity price.”

This stable base price allows farmers to finance and plan their seasons without fear of risk, contributing to more consistent and higher quality products.

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Redefining the “good” in good business, Equator has achieved B Corp certification. The interests of their stakeholders are equally important to those of their shareholders. The B Corp movement expands fair trade beyond a label on a product into a comprehensive, open-door, open-book, open-heart ecosystem of business in which these stakeholders—people, environment and community—matter.

One of Equator’s ongoing partnerships is with SchoolBOX, an organization that makes education possible for Central American students. Since 2010, Equator has donated a portion of every bag sold to provide school supplies and build classrooms for coffee growing communities in Nicaragua.

Through Cooperative Coffees, Equator supports farmers using monies from an Impact Fund, a vehicle for sponsoring innovations in the field, such as the Cool Farm Tool. This carbon initiative allows farmers to measure their environmental

impact with hard data. Using this data, coffee roasters like Equator are able to pay an additional carbon premium directly to the farmers, compensating them for their environmental services.

Recently, as a COVID-19 relief effort, the fund released $130,000USD for emergency needs in producer-partner communities. Many communities have been hit hard by the pandemic, which has affected jobs, food prices and health care.

The relief fund takes care of coffee farmers and their families, further strengthening a sustainable supply chain.

After more than 20 years of paying farmers higher prices, investing in relationships, prioritizing sustainability, and never giving up the fight for good, Equator and its thriving community are living, breathing proof that the investment is paying off.

To learn more, visit Equator.ca

We believe the world is a better place with coffee that is sourced ethically and grown organically. At Equator, coffee is more than just a beverage; it is a way of changing the world.

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