15 minute read
Celebrity Dads Making A Difference
Champions for Change: CELEBRITY DADS
Making a Difference
With Father’s Day just around the corner, we’re shining a light on stars who are not only heroes to their fans but also to their children! These celebrity fathers are using their platforms to support important causes and fight for positive change, sharing heartfelt family moments along the way.
Anderson Cooper's fatherhood wish
CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper says he wishes he had become a father sooner, as he has found fatherhood "extraordinary.”
He said: "I don’t think I would have decided if I didn’t feel I was really ready. And I just feel like this is absolutely what I should be doing.
"I wish I had done it sooner, and it’s extraordinary to me. I’ve been able to spend all my time with him really, during this pandemic, and it’s just, it’s been amazing."
The 53-year-old journalist is a supporter of many charitable organizations, including the American Heart Association, Elton John AIDS Foundation, GLAAD, National Wildlife Federation, and the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial.
Anderson previously admitted he feels his "life has begun" now he is a father.
He shared: "When I was 12 years old and knew I was gay and thought about my life, it always upset me because I thought, 'I will never be able to have a kid.' This is a dream come true. It feels like my life has actually begun. There's something about having a child that makes you feel connected to what is happening, and you want to make sure that the world this child is growing up in is a better one. You suddenly worry much more about the future of all of us."
Chris Hemsworth's 'special friend'
Chris Hemsworth's son Tristan called his dad his "special friend" in a cute handwritten note.
The 37-year-old actor took to Instagram to share a picture of his sixyear-old boy's sweet message he penned for a school writing project.
Tristan—who is a twin to brother Sasha, and little brother to sister India Rose—wrote about his favourite activity to do with his father, melting the 'Avengers: Endgame' star's heart.
The note reads: "My special friend is dad, together we go in the pool, together they make me feel happy."
Hemsworth, who is as much a hero off-screen as he is on, added the loudly crying emoji and a red heart in the caption to express being overwhelmed with emotion by the touching tribute.
Last year, Hemsworth pledged $1 million USD to Australian wildfire relief, urging his fellow stars to join in on the giving as well. The Australia native also spent time visiting some wildlife conservation organizations, praising their work in protecting Australia’s ecosystems.
George Clooney praises family life
George Clooney says his life was “empty” before he met his wife, Amal Clooney.
The ‘Midnight Sky’ star married the human rights lawyer—with whom he has three-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander—in 2014, and has said he didn’t realize something was missing in his life until he met his spouse.
“When I met Amal, I realized that my life had been pretty empty. And then when you throw these two kids in there, suddenly you realize how incredibly empty it was.”
George admitted fatherhood has given him “everything” that Hollywood could not.
Both George and Amal are deeply passionate about humanitarian work—in 2020, the couple donated over $1 million to a series of charities helping those in need during the coronavirus crisis. They also co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice, helping individuals who are unfairly targeted by oppressive governments and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Meanwhile, the star shares that he’s been teaching his young children to play pranks on their unsuspecting mother.
“My whole job really is to teach them terrible things. And I really do enjoy teaching my children to do things that shock their mother. It’s fun because…she’s having very serious conversations, and then my son will come in with a nappy on his head. This is a stroke of genius, you know.”
Prince Harry’s first Netflix project to focus on Invictus Games
Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will produce their first Netflix Inc. series that will focus on athletes competing in the Invictus Games for injured veterans in The Hague in 2022.
Harry, father of two and the founder of Invictus Games, will appear on camera in the documentary series called "Heart of Invictus" and serve as an executive producer through the couple's Archewell Productions, Netflix said in a statement.
The series will provide behind-the-scenes stories of athletes and organizers as they prepare for the event, which has been delayed until next spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Netflix said.
The Invictus Games is a multi-sport event created in 2017 by Prince Harry—who served as a soldier in Afghanistan—for military personnel wounded in action.
Harry and Meghan now live in Southern California with their son Archie, and are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their daughter, due this summer.
EZHI-NAWENDING: HOW WE ARE RELATED
This simple but immensely powerful phrase reminds us that treaties are not only between the First Nations and the government—they involve us all.
A treaty is an agreement made between the First Nations and the Crown. Some of these early agreements were peace and friendship treaties. Treaties explain the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and governments. Treaties included payments of goods, cash, land and the promises of schools. Many included the protection of fishing, hunting and harvester rights. Treaties are living agreements, and there are 46 of them in Ontario—almost the entire province is treaty land.
Every Canadian has treaty rights, and the Anishinabek Nation is committed to supporting a transparent and responsible understanding of the treaty relationship.
The promises made in dozens of treaties have been broken or ignored, and like 800 unresolved land claims, have become the subject of lengthy and costly court actions. The education and awareness of treaties made with First Nations will help Canadian citizens understand their obligations as subjects of treaty conditions in this country, and understand the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
WE’RE TAKING TREATY EDUCATION INTO THE VIRTUAL WORLD!
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission works to inform Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools. Part of this was the creation of a series of Calls to Action for the federal and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Indigenous peoples and educators, including a call to make an age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, treaties, and Indigenous people’s historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement.
The Anishinabek Nation is continuing this important work by bringing these resources to the virtual world. Our new resource, EzhiNawending: How We Are Related, aims to educate and facilitate public awareness about the significance and importance of bringing treaties into the classroom.
Students and teachers will navigate an online world as they take a treaty adventure!
The new resource includes videos and avatars explaining key areas such as Natural Law, worldview, the Anishinabek, wampum belts, treaties, and Anishinabek heroes. Information from Elders, Knowledge Carriers, and students will provide a base for this journey. Throughout this experience, users will have a variety of games and fun activities to explore. The content and activities are connected to the Ontario Curriculum in History, Social Science, Science, Art, Geography, and Language.
In addition to the online experience, a teacher’s guide will be available as an E-book. This teacher resource is intended to support educators as they guide their students through this experience. It includes a timeline of treaty education to demonstrate which concepts should be taught, connections to learning, suggested inquiry questions, and activities.
The Anishinabek Nation is a political advocate for 39 First Nations throughout the province of Ontario, from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn in the east, Aamjiwnaang in the south, Fort William and Lake Nipigon in the Northwest. The 39 First Nations have an approximate combined population of 65,000 citizens. The Anishinabek Nation has four strategic regional areas, Southwest, Southeast, Lake Huron and Northern Superior.
EXPLORE EZHI-NAWENDING: HOW WE ARE RELATED AND MORE FREE RESOURCES AT ANISHINABEK.CA/ EDUCATION-RESOURCES/
ENCOURAGING
STEM DEVELOPMENT AT HOME
Looking for cool new ideas to keep your kids engaged and learning this summer? Let’s Talk Science offers free, fun, age-appropriate resources that develop a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)—critical for a future shaped by innovation and complexity!
It goes without saying that COVID-19 has created unique challenges and an increased need for ways to engage children and youth. Throughout, Let’s Talk Science has been there to support educators, parents, and youth wherever learning has been taking place. The Let’s Talk Science STEM at Home page offers activities and resources that don’t require a lab or classroom to support learning. Fun, curriculumaligned resources are available in English and French and encourage kids to evolve their STEM skills and learn about various careers available to them through STEM learning. Activities encourage kids to look at the way the clouds move and talk about the shapes they see or explore the garden looking to see what critters they can find and listen to hear what sounds they make.
Hoping to inspire older kids? Watch fun, engaging videos and explore career profiles together at home. Help your child discover the broad range of careers that use STEM skills—from skilled trades to engineering to technical jobs in the music industry to health care professions. They will be amazed at the wide variety of career paths that involve (and even require!) STEM learning!
In a world increasingly dependent on science and innovation, today's children and youth will require the skills and competencies offered through STEM to succeed as innovators and critical thinkers. No matter where learning is taking place, Let’s Talk Science is here to help you help them.
KIRSTENE REYES
Carpenter “You have to enjoy what you are doing. If you find your job enjoyable and rewarding, that is the most important thing.” SCHUYLER KAHGEE
Industrial Millwright “Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, and absorb every bit of information that you can.” Explore the endless opportunities to engage your children in STEM, visit
LETSTALKSCIENCE.CA/STEM-HOME
SARAH DALLAIRE
Pilot, Canadian Forces Snowbirds “There are countless opportunities out there and the best thing you can do for yourself is to be ready when the occasion presents itself and take it.”
LETSTALKSCIENCE.CA/DALLAIRE
WHO WE ARE!
Toronto Education Workers/ Local 4400 is made up of approximately 17,000 Education Workers who primarily work for the TDSB (Toronto District School Board)
Within TEW 4400 alone, there are over 500 job classifications and over 1,000 worksites across the province.
We believe in well-funded communitybased education and resources for ALL ages!
The last year of the pandemic was anything but easy. Communities across the globe experienced a major shift as the world scrambled to stop the spread of COVID-19.
But while most of us stayed home to stop the spread and work, there were and are still people with important jobs who continue to work on site.
Schools, in particular, are an essential part of a community that rely on the work of hundreds of unsung heroes. Today, we celebrate ALL our Members who are dedicated to ensuring wellfunded community-based education and resources for ALL ages! Education should be a right—not a fight. Throughout the pandemic, our Toronto Education Workers/Local 4400 Members have continued to be present for the community, all while navigating through health and safety concerns and pivoting to learning new technology to support their students and colleagues and taking money out of their own pockets to do so.
Toronto Education Workers/Local 4400 recognizes and would like to thank our Members for their heroism, compassion, continued dedication and the caring you have all shown during these everchanging times.
You are the reason that TDSB (Toronto District School Board), Bloorview School Authority, NYAD (Not Your Average Daycare), MCCC (Maurice Cody Child Care), McMurrich Sprouts, Conseil scolaire Viamonde, and JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) are recognized for the level of service they provide.
During these times, we have all been or know someone who has been affected by this virus.
We have not been untouched, our members have contracted this virus, fallen ill, and some we have sadly lost. We mourn the loss of our fallen heroes and stand with those who continue to recuperate.
We cannot thank you enough, and we are here to support you. Please continue to stay safe and take care!
40
YEARS OF PRIDE IN TORONTO!
PRIDEhas been a long time in the making, from a small gathering of dedicated activists fighting for their right to love and be seen, to the vibrant celebration we know and love today.
Since 1970, Pride Toronto has been supporting 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the pursuit of the unequivocal right to be heard, understood, accepted, and respected.
From the first picnic organized by Toronto's first queer activist organizations that became "Gay Day Picnic," to the first Toronto Pride Week march in 1974, to the addition of the Trans March in 2009, Pride Toronto celebrates the communities that have continued to gather and celebrate the beauty and confidence that comes from being your truest self.
Pride Toronto was founded on the fundamental truth that love prevails and we are all deserving of it, and continues a legacy that is deeply intertwined with the rich, progressive history of Toronto’s queer community.
Pride Toronto’s 40th Anniversary Programming Lineup includes over 70 individual events showcasing more than 150 2SLGBTQ+ artists, 14 party collectives, and seven community committee programs.
On June 1st, the City of Toronto kicks off the celebrations by proclaiming June as Pride Month and raising the Rainbow and Transgender flags on the podium at City Hall.
Tune into Pride Live on June 19th and 26th, celebrating Toronto's incredible scene of 2SLGBTQ+ vocalists, musicians and performers. Listen in on panels and live podcast recordings all month long, where 2SLGBTQ+ thought leaders share their stories, knowledge, and experiences.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy so make sure to mark your calendar. Don’t let someone tell you, see it yourself.” —Sherwin Modeste, Executive Director of Pride Toronto
The full month of programming will conclude with two Festival Weekends on June 18-19-20 and June 25-26-27. As well, the digital Pride Parade, a one-hour production highlighting key Toronto talent and fostering community, will air online Sunday, June 27th at 2 p.m. at pridetoronto.com/watch.
The 2SLGBTQ+ communities, especially Indigenous and racialized people continue to be among the most vulnerable in Canada, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Supporting Pride Toronto means amplifying these voices and prioritizing local, community-focused advocacy.
Text GIVE to 647-362-8701 to make a donation and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and find the full Festival lineup online at PrideToronto.com/PrideGuide.
One girl’s dream to stay in school
Pavithra’s story of overcoming discrimination
Facing injustice in any walk of life is a major challenge. For Pavithra, a 15-year-old girl living in rural India, opposition to her staying in school was far worse, because it happened at home.
“It is not easy to grow up in a poor household and face discrimination in my own family,” Pavithra says.
Her father is a daily wage labourer and her mother has a physical disability, leaving the family in a precarious financial state. Before COVID-19 hit, Pavithra was forced to drop out of school. She was forbidden from playing with friends and told to do household chores and care for her mother.
“I was made to feel that because I am girl, I have to act like an adult,” she says.
A volunteer at a Children Believe-supported Creative Learning Centre in Pavithra’s village learned she had left school in grade nine. Through a Children Believe partner, program leaders talked to Pavithra’s family about respecting children’s rights and the importance of girls’ education. With their support, Pavithra returned to school and joined a children’s club through Children Believe, which helps children learn about their rights and work with community leaders and local authorities to improve protection services for children.
Sadly, Pavithra’s troubles continued. Overheard speaking to a male friend on the phone, her father accused her of a love affair and used the situation to arrange for Pavithra to marry a 35-year-old uncle.
“At that moment I asked myself, ‘why did I have to be born a girl’?” she says.
Once again the Creative Learning Centre volunteer and children’s club members intervened. They warned Pavithra’s parents that child marriage was against the law and they would face prosecution if the marriage went ahead.
Since then, Pavithra has completed grade 11 and is continuing her studies.
IN A MEETING BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PAVITHRA SPOKE TO A YOUTH GROUP ABOUT CHILD RIGHTS.
“I am so grateful I was able to overcome these barriers and pursue my education,” she says. “I am determined to complete school and pursue higher education.” While many schools in India have closed intermittently due to COVID-19, Pavithra makes use of the time to learn to tailor when classes are interrupted.
To help a girl like Pavithra access education, visit Children Believe's website:
childrenbelieve.ca/scholarship-gift
