0223-GHN - February - 2023

RAYE

NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam is building a golden reputation in Toronto. In a career telling of hard work and dedication, the star player went from an off-theradar draft to a sporting legend. He brought his dreams to life and is determined to show the world that they can do the same.

But Siakam is more than just a talented basketball player—he’s a philanthropist with a heart for

empowerment inspired Siakam to honour that belief and pass on the gift of education and opportunity to children who face barriers, both in Canada and Cameroon.

The PS43 Foundation seeks unique ways to make a difference in the lives of children through education, tying in financial literacy, sports, and life skills to inspire kids to dream big and, better yet, give them a chance to achieve their dreams.

“When it comes to education,

encourage children to pursue technological education by providing students within the Greater Toronto Area with access to opportunities to learn and develop various computer science-focused skills such as coding and programming.

In a press release detailing the launch of the program, Siakam explained: “As a child, I didn’t think I could accomplish what I have today. My father was passionate about education

to help young people see that they have a role to play in the advancement of technology no matter the barriers they face.”

That same motivation brought Siakam to the Toronto Metropolitan University, where the PS43 Foundation gifted a generous donation to the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, allowing the emerging law school to broaden the reach of its Summer Experience Projects initiative.

Through this program, 12 students gained meaningful, paid work experience with several organizations working towards positive social change, including frontline organizations that assist Indigenous, racialized, and other equity-deserving communities who face significant barriers to the legal system, education, and other services.

Siakam also spoke to students enrolled in the law program about pursuing a just society—the driving force of the program and one that PS43 aligns heavily with. opportunity to contribute to and learn from organizations that have the public interest at heart is exactly the kind of empowering experience that can transform their futures,” Siakam said of

PASCAL’S SHOES

Furthering Siakam’s commitment to children and education, the PS43 Foundation launched a partnership with the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in 2021, complete with a donation of $100,000 to support the hospital’s efforts in creating a world of possibility for children and youth, no matter the barriers

“The youth at Holland Bloorview are special,” Siakam shared. “Just knowing that they are so full of life, happy, and achieving greatness every day, regardless of their reality, inspires me daily. Being with them in person and feeling their pure energy is an experience I’ll never forget.”

The partnership between the PS43 Foundation and Holland Bloorview advances the Foundation’s vision of a generation of dreamers, empowering children to become anything they want to be through

“We have an awesome relationship with the Holland children,” Siakam continued. “We try to visit as much as time allows, and they are great at sending us pictures of the youth, providing us updates, and

on basketball stardom, it’s no wonder that the PS43 Foundation has made sports a focal point of its initiatives.

In 2022, PS43 partnered with The Kickback Foundation, a Toronto-based grassroots initiative that engages underserved communities through sneaker culture, creating unique educational experiences for young people of diverse backgrounds. The partnership provided the Kickback Foundation with funds for future initiatives and 30 pairs of sneakers.

“Coming from humble beginnings, where sneakers were scarce and hard to find in Africa, I could not be happier to support a cause that exemplifies ambition at a high level,” Siakam said in a press release detailing the donation. “... this is what life is about; helping each other in as many ways as possible, especially our youth.”

Siakam’s own career ambition started when he decided to attend a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa.

The Basketball Without Borders program, run by the NBA and FIBA (the International Basketball Federation), brings together the top young basketball players worldwide to promote the sport and encourage cultural exchange. Giving back to the program that gave him his start, Siakam has since participated in several Basketball Without Borders events, and has even served as a mentor to some of the young players who have attended.

The camps also served as inspiration for Siakam to start his own basketball camp in Cameroon, Skills Académie. The Académie serves as a homecoming for Siakam, bringing joy and inspiration to kids like him in his hometown and nurturing a love of basketball for the next generation of players. Each summer, the Académie invites coaches and former NBA players to participate in basketball clinics, allowing participants to improve their skills by learning from their heroes.

As a Toronto icon, Siakam has made a home for himself and his Foundation here while still showing his pride and support for his home in Cameroon. Through it all, Siakam’s goal is to share that dreams are limitless. If he achieved his dreams, tomorrow, it could be anyone. At the heart of the PS43 Foundation is the notion that if you inspire children to dream big and chase after their passions with education, opportunity, and empowerment, you can change their lives.

“The kids’ happiness at the end of the day always reminds me why I created the foundation,” said Siakam. “I feel great knowing that I may have

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Room 217 Foundation – Care Through Music

BEV FOSTER

It was in Room 217 at a rural Ontario hospital where my mom, brothers, and sisters surrounded Dad, singing his favourite songs as best we could remember. Even though he was heavily sedated, Dad managed to sing along. We were deeply connected by the music. We watched how the songs that had given him strength and insight into living helped to prepare him for his final journey.

I was left with two haunting questions that January night. Is there anything more powerful than music to bring people together through the passages of living and dying? Do caregivers have access to tools, understanding, and evidence about music in care?

Compelled to find answers, my husband and I started the Room 217 Foundation in 2009, working to improve the care experience using music. Answering these questions continues to be the mission driver at Room 217. Room 217 programs advance

a more relational and human approach to care. We enhance the quality of life for those in care with specifically designed music care products. Our Music Collections contain 24 albums made for end-oflife care, helping reduce pain perception and decrease agitation.

Our music supports loved ones with complex tasks such as saying ‘goodbye,’ ‘I love you,’ ‘thank you,’ and any unfinished business. Our Pathways singing program, a series of 13 video episodes, is made for dementia care and is guided by a singing host. Our sets of Conversation Cards are

moments. All our products are available in hard copy, from our website store, or digitally on the musiccare CONNECT app on Google Play or the Apple Store.

Our training and education programs increase the confidence of formal and informal caregivers to integrate music into their regular practice. Our annual music care conference moves across cities in Canada to spread awareness about the healing power of music. Standardized training provides tools and strategies for all caregivers. Our online training dives deeper into practical topics, like ‘Ukuleles for Care’ and ‘Drumming for Care’ and are designed to learn at your own pace.

We now recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating excellence in music care delivery through our music care certification program. This quality improvement model uses music to achieve better care outcomes. It is the first program of its kind in Canada.

knowing music makes life bet ter. We’ve developed the music care approach, the intentional use of music by anyone to improve health and well-being for self and others. Music care promotes the application of sound and music to be used in formal health care settings, in the community or within your home. Music care is inclusive, offering a variety of delivery methods and a means for both an intercultural and intergenerational connection. Music care can be implemented by all caregivers regardless of their musical ability.

Who knew that one family’s experience might impact thousands of other families? One thing is for sure: whether we’re living or dying, the intentional use of music enhances the care experience and brings moments of joy to those in care.

You can find out more about our LEARN and CERTIFY programs at www.musiccare.org

A Force for Good in the Fight Against Hunger: The Weeknd's XO Humanitarian Fund

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Known for his air of mystery, Canadian superstar The Weeknd seems to prefer actions over words, supporting important causes through sizable donations.

While the character of The Weeknd is known for music that evokes dark themes and feelings, the man behind the music, Abel Tesfaye, is known for sharing generously and making significant contributions to causes that are dear to his heart and history. One needs only to look at his partnership with United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to find proof.

In 2022, the combination of drought and climate shocks in southern Ethiopia and violent conflict in the north drove millions of families into devastating levels of severe hunger. WFP warns that millions are at risk of starvation due to a lack of rain, with hunger and malnutrition rates in Ethiopia well above emergency thresholds.

Early last year, Tesfaye partnered with WFP to launch the XO Humanitarian Fund. The new Fund supported the organization’s response to the unprecedented hunger crisis, which threatened to unleash starvation, destabilization, and mass migration worldwide.

“The goal with this fund is to provide immediate life-saving support to people who are on the brink of starvation,” the star shared in a statement. “I’m so thankful to have WFP as a partner and to further expand our reach to those who need it most.”

Tesfaye announced last November that since the launch of the XO Humanitarian Fund in March 2022, $5 million has been raised and pledged to provide food and support to millions of people experiencing hunger across the globe.

“The U.N. World Food Programme is doing urgent and important work to change and save lives on a daily basis and I feel passionately about addressing

world hunger and helping people in need. Our partnership is an authentic extension of all our efforts and intentions to help those in need and bring an end to so much suffering,” said Tesfaye.

Kicking off his partnership with WFP in 2021, Tesfaye announced a $1 million donation for hunger relief in his parents’ native Ethiopia through the World Food Program USA, the U.S. affiliate of WFP.

The significant donation, which equated to two million meals, provided life-saving food to those affected by conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray Region and supported WFP’s efforts to ramp up emergency food assistance response.

This year, The Weeknd made an additional $500,000 personal gift to the Fund. He also contributed $1 to the Fund from each ticket sold from his North American Stadium Tour, as well as proceeds of an exclusive XO Humanitarian Fund t-shirt.

Funds raised will support a variety of WFP activities, with a

first tranche of $2 million going to emergency food assistance and the nutritional support of malnourished children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers in northern Ethiopia, reaching more than 75,000 people across the country’s most food-insecure regions.

“On stage and off stage, The Weeknd is bringing hope and happiness to millions of people across the globe,” said

David Beasley, WFP executive director. “His inspirational XO Humanitarian Fund is a new dawn in the struggle to end global hunger at a time when we are seeing funding shrink and the threat of famine grow. As WFP’s Global Goodwill Ambassador, he is opening hearts and minds to our life-saving cause and offering millions the chance of a brighter tomorrow.”

Here for People When There’s Nowhere Else to Turn

McKaila had just tucked her fouryear-old child into bed when she answered the Hospice Palliative Helpline call on a Friday night in the fall of 2021. It was a fellow mom calling.

The mom was preparing for an unfathomable conversation. Her husband had a palliative illness and was nearing the end of life within days. She hadn’t yet talked to her two young children about what

would happen. The mom needed guidance to help her have the conversation and didn’t know where to turn. Thankfully, the Hospice Palliative Helpline was available, and McKaila, Hospice Services Coordinator at The Dorothy Ley Hospice in Etobicoke, was covering the nighttime on-call shift.

“I spent an hour and a half with the mom,” McKaila remembered.

“I supported her emotionally and

provided resources. I offered myself; I said let’s talk about this. Practice with me. I think she felt supported, and she needed that.”

The 24/7 helpline is one of the ways the team at The Dorothy Ley Hospice wraps care around people living with a life-limiting illness and their loved ones who are going through the end-of-life journey with them. The helpline is provided in partnership with other hospices in the GTA and is an innovation from the pandemic. Awareness of hospice services has increased in the last few years, along with demand. But still, there’s not widespread knowledge of this critical part of Ontario’s healthcare system or that hospice services are free to the community—made possible thanks to generous donors, dedicated volunteers and government funding.

Through The Dorothy Ley Hospice, Etobicoke and west Toronto residents with life-limiting illnesses and their families and caregivers have access to various services designed to reduce suffering and improve quality of life. Supports include care coordination

and counselling, palliative physician care, spiritual care, wellness programs, grief support, and caregiver support. These services are available through both the inhome community program and at the residence located near Sherway Gardens Mall.

“Often, people think of hospice as being there in the final days before death; of course, we are. But our support is available much before that, and long after, supporting people in grief and bereavement,” explained Dipti Purboo, Executive Director of The Dorothy Ley Hospice. “We’re there for the entire journey.”

The Dorothy Ley Hospice’s grief and bereavement supports include grief support groups, one-on-one professional grief counselling, peer companions, and various social, spiritual and wellness supports for grievers. Anyone in the Etobicoke community can access the services—you don’t need to have a loved one receiving hospice care.

Dipti noted, “Our goal is to build a community for those suffering losses—so they know

they’re not alone. Unprocessed grief can impact everything— relationships, work, addiction, health and the ability to find meaning, purpose and joy in life. We offer support to help people move forward.”

Dipti said that while the last few years have been challenging, managing through the pandemic has strengthened their team. “We’ve gotten through it because of our incredible staff, volunteers, palliative physician partners, board, donors and partners—they are true heroes with compassionate hearts. We’ve learned how nimble and creative we are. It’s shown us how, together, we can expand our services and accelerate innovation to meet the increasing needs of our community.”

The team is looking ahead to expanding the in-residence care program and increasing access to community-based care. To learn more about The Dorothy Ley Hospice programs and services, volunteer, or donate to support the growing need, visit dlhopsice.org

physical, emotional, and spiritual care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and compassionate support to loved ones

The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

Canadian Technologies Rise to Healthcare’s Challenges

Improved patient outcomes are an important goal of healthcare delivery, one that is increasingly made possible by the implementation of innovative technologies. Yet, the development, testing and adoption of technologies that address gaps in patient care can be a difficult process for Canadian healthcare companies and the healthcare organizations that want to embrace these technologies.

Responding to that challenge is the raison d’être of the notfor-profit, membership-based Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®). Founded in 2009, OBIO® is committed to furthering the commercialization of Canadian healthcare technology companies through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, patients and government.

“Canada enjoys a truly robust healthcare innovation ecosystem, which results in solutions that demonstrably improve patient care,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, CEO and President of OBIO®. “OBIO’s role is to help further commercialize innovative solutions and facilitate their adoption

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into the healthcare system.”

In 2019, OBIO® launched its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), a program that matches Canadian companies that have innovative, commercialready health technologies with member healthcare organizations to evaluate and adopt technologies including medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics and digital health solutions that enhance patient care, while also demonstrating efficiencies and cost savings for the delivery of Canadian healthcare. EAHN™ received support from the Government

of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“The relationships that OBIO® is fostering between healthcare innovators and providers through the EAHN™ program is critical to advancing healthcare technologies,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Matching healthcare innovators with organizations in need of innovative solutions will strengthen our healthcare institutions to provide better healthcare to Canadians.”

“Through EAHN™ and with support from the Health Science North Research Institute, we were able to test Flopatch [a wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound] and advance the technology to market,” said Andrew Eibl, Chief Operating Officer at Flosonics Medical. The result? Frontline healthcare workers have point-of-care clinical decision-making through rapid, repeatable assessments in just seconds without having to wait for an ultrasound.

Dr. Campbell points out that

EAHN™ is not exclusive to the hospital system. “Canadians receive care at different points along the healthcare system, and their experience can be improved wherever it occurs. Consequently, we have welcomed long-term care, primary care, and home and community care to EAHN™. Healthcare organizations can showcase the innovative technologies they have adopted and have access to adoption-ready solutions that other network members have validated.” EAHN™ currently boasts more than 40 healthcare organizations representing over 200 clinical sites, and more than 50 healthcare technology companies.

EAHN™ runs all companies through a rigorous vetting process before matching them with a healthcare organization. Upon successful completion of an evaluation, each member healthcare organization has the opportunity to obtain additional funding to support procurement planning. To date, a wide range of solutions—from an oncology diagnostic and treatment scheduling system to the management of toenail fungus in elderly

populations—have benefited from the EAHN™ program.

“As the leading research commercialization hospital in Canada, the University Health Network frequently acts as an incubator for the development of medical technologies. With programs such as EAHN™, partnerships between industry and Canadian hospitals can flourish, where both partners work to advance medical technologies for potential commercial success. This program is a great solution for life science companies in Canada who can in this way power the development of their products for future clinical use,” said Mark Taylor, Director, Commercialization at University Health Network.

For more information about EAHN™ or to join the Network, please contact bibaswanghoshal@obio.ca

Uniting the World, One Voice at a Time

At 18 years old, community leader and social entrepreneur Cameron Davis is on a mission for unity and positive change.

“For as long as I remember, I’ve travelled,” said Davis, founder of clothing line 721 Merchandise. “My parents took me with them from the time

I was a baby. By the time I was eight years old, I’d already visited more than 30 countries.”

The activist and designer shared that he’d always wanted to make a positive difference in the world, a mindset inspired and shaped by his travels.

“From a young age, my travels taught me that there are two sides to every story and

that it’s crucial that we include both sides when working toward peace and unity. It is a lesson that has served me well not only while travelling but when working within our education systems, with different levels of government, and within society.”

It’s also a lesson that inspired his clothing line, 721 Merchandise, a business with a critical mission: to unite the planet around the causes that make the world a better place for everyone.

“721 represents the seven continents coming together to advocate for the issues of our one earth,” explained Davis. “The seven continents ARE one, and through this clothing brand, we highlight ‘unity through travel’ as the bridge. It’s also an angel number, a number that is deemed to bring good faith or peace. 721 is the representation of love, peace and harmony, which is exactly what I’m striving for.” For Davis, striving for peace also means speaking out about

causes close to his heart. In Grade 10, while attending a Black Lives Matter protest, Davis shared his experiences as a Black teenager. Feeling empowered by the opportunity to use his voice, Davis posted a video on his YouTube channel sharing his thoughts and experiences, inspiring others to do the same.

“My educators need education,” Davis said in his speech. “They need to learn about our Black lives, our Black experiences, they need to listen to our voices when we speak up, but also recognize our pain when we’re silent.”

Davis has since been a vocal advocate for other youth to speak out and share their experiences as well, through speaking as a guest or panellist on news platforms and through his work as a youth council member, working to make beneficial changes to the York Region school curriculum.

“It’s an education issue, I think. For too long, it’s been normalized for youth to stay silent or to only complain

individually about injustices,” Davis continued. “It’s crucial that youth speak out together because only then will they realize the power of numbers and the power their voice holds. It’s up to all of us to help youth speak out and to encourage—not force—them to share their experiences.”

It’s through speaking up and advocating for issues we care about that we can truly achieve unity. Through 721 Merchandise, available at 721merch.ca, and by continuing to use his voice to inspire others to share their experiences, Davis is building a legacy of empowerment—and he’s only just getting started. “I may only be 18 years old, but I have already begun to inspire global change. I will continue to do so for the rest of my life,” said Davis. “As I say all the time, ‘we are more similar than different,’ and the injustices one person faces in the education system often are not unique. Together, we’re able to create real change that benefits everyone.”

Making Time for Leisure Means Making Time for Your Health

Between the hustle and bustle of daily life, how many of us make time for leisure? Be it walking, meditating, reading, playing games, or participating in sports, leisure is a way that we can take time for ourselves and relax.

Research has shown the benefits of engaging in meaningful leisure for one’s holistic health. This includes intellectual, emotional, environmental, physical, spiritual, and social needs. Recreation Therapists use a variety of modalities to support purposeful and meaningful interventions based on individual strengths and values.

Recreation Therapists are allied health professionals who work in various settings, including but not limited to older adults, children and youth, community, rehabilitation, mental health, addictions, and education. Recreation Therapists look at an individual's motivation to engage in an activity as it differs from person to person. They focus on person-centred care and ensure therapy is based on who they are to ensure successful outcomes.

Therapeutic recreation can also work in partnership with other healthcare practitioners such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Psychologists, and more, all based on the person’s therapeutic goals, making it an important part of a wellrounded health practice.

The Canadian Therapeutic

Recreation Association (CTRA) represents the interests and needs of all Recreation Therapists across the country. The CTRA believes in the vision to have therapeutic recreation accessible for all Canadians and works to promote and advance public awareness and understanding of what therapeutic recreation means and how they can make time for it in their health practice

and throughout their lives.

At their core, Recreation

Therapists look at reducing barriers to wellness, both by making adaptations and adjustments where needed and by using the strengths of the individual to produce a care and treatment plan that is reasonable and impactful. During the pandemic, Recreation Therapists played a vital role in supporting

thousands of Canadians' physical and mental care, ensuring that their wellness needs continued to be met no matter what.

Last July, The Canadian Journal of Recreation Therapy (CJRT) Vol. 1 No. 1 (2022) was published by Sagamore-Venture Publishing LLC. CJRT is a semi-annual electronic publication devoted to publishing scholarly and substantive manuscripts in the field of therapeutic recreation/ recreation therapy (TR/RT). The journal works to support excellence and advancement in education and research by illustrating the translation of theory to practice in a variety of settings.

The CTRA’s first in-person national conference since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic will be taking place in Jasper, AB, this May 10-12, 2023, with the theme “Climb, Connect, Celebrate.”

To learn more about CTRA and its profession, please visit our website canadian-tr.org where you can learn about our history, get to know the board of directors, and more.

© UNSPLASH/GABIN VALLET

© PEXELS / ANNA SHVETS

The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

Black History Makers at Tropicana Community Services

Sankofa: a word that comes from the Akan people of Ghana, Africa, that means “go back to the past and bring forward that which is useful." It illuminates the principle that one should remember the past to make positive progress in the future.

It’s a philosophy that forms the basis of Tropicana Community Services’ (Tropicana’s) outlook this Black History Month and beyond. From its humble beginnings in 1980, Tropicana has grown into a widely respected agency that provides a wide array of programs designed to help with challenges affecting youth, newcomers, members of the Black, African and Caribbean communities and others in need. Service offerings include Daycare, Youth Development, Employment, Scholarship, Food Security, and Culturally Appropriate Clinical Counseling programs.

This Black History Month, the organization is spotlighting history makers who have helped touch the lives and hearts of people everywhere, including those within the Tropicana community.

outside the Black community.

“They [Tropicana] could work within the Black community, and they also worked to enrich the views of others. You have to remember that years ago, there were many people in Toronto, Ontario, and Canada who had only stereotypical views of Blacks—who didn’t have real associations with Blacks. And I think that Tropicana did a great deal to make others familiar with what was going on inside the Black community by doing things with other communities.” Akande went on, “When we operate to build up our own community, it also gives us interactions with others that assist in breaking down the stereotypes and makes it possible for us to move forward.”

life skills development program provides education on enhancing social skills necessary for positive and healthy interpersonal communication, anger control and decision-making. Today, Tropicana carries on Chambers’ legacy, still delivering START for Life as the only Canadian organization certified to train START practitioners within school boards and other agencies.

She recalled his focus on alienated Black youth in Scarborough who had dropped out of school. “He would be amazed at the growth of things at Tropicana today. I know he would be very pleased,” she said. Reflecting on the agency’s contribution to Black History in Canada, Salmon added that “Tropicana was really a pioneer in what they were doing at the time… there were many other initiatives focused on education curriculum and race relations, but Tropicana carved out a special niche in focusing on youth that were drop outs and having difficulties. So I think the impact was obviously very lasting and meaningful.”

never forgetting our roots nor our immediate local neighbours.”

During his time at Tropicana, Guiste has overseen the design and launch of innovative new programs such as the PARRY Program, which engages youth and businesses in the struggle against Anti-Black Racism by building resilience in young job seekers. The program also aims to assist employers in identifying and eliminating systemic barriers in their workplaces. Funded by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the program is in its second year and continues to make a difference in the lives of Toronto youth.

One such luminous person is Zanana Akande. Akande is a former Ontario MPP who served in the Ontario Legislature from 1990 to 1994. But of greater note, she was the first Black woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and the first to serve as a cabinet minister in Canada, having been appointed Minister of Community and Social Services. Now retired from political life, Akande continues to be involved in the community, serving as a volunteer on boards and committees of local organizations, including the YWCA and Centennial College.

Reflecting on Tropicana’s early days, Akande recalled the agency’s unique approach to collaboration with groups

Another prominent individual who made her mark in politics as a way to serve the public is Mary Anne Chambers, former Ontario MP from 2003 to 2007. Chambers was born in Jamaica and emigrated to Canada in 1976. And while her career in commerce was where she started, public service became the medium through which she achieved eminence, serving as a provincial Cabinet Minister, first as Minister of Training Colleges and Universities (2003-2005) and then as Minister of Children and Youth Services (2005-2007). Prior to these roles, she was President of the Canadian Club of Toronto from 1998 to 1999. In 2003, she was awarded the Jamaican Prime Ministers Medal of Appreciation for Service for recognition of her work within Toronto's Jamaican community. Today, Ms. Chambers serves as Chancellor of the University of Guelph.

Chambers’ special connection to Tropicana is well known. A former Tropicana Board member, she personally donated the initial funding for Tropicana’s START for Life Program. The pioneering

Helping others can start small but lead to grander things. Beverley Salmon is an activist and former municipal politician in Toronto. She was the first Black woman elected to Municipal Council in Toronto, serving on North York Council from 198588. Her first motion changed the title “Alderman” to “Councillor.” A formidable history maker, Salmon began her career as a Registered Nurse and had the distinction of being a Victorian Order Nurse. Inspired by Martin Luther King, she became involved in civil rights activism. Salmon was a founding member of the Toronto Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) during the rise of racial tensions in the 1970s. She is also the founding chair of the Toronto Board of Education's Black Liaison Committee, where she worked to institute anti-racism training for teachers and to increase coverage of Black history in the curriculum. Her contributions were such that she became the Ontario Human Rights Commission's first Black female Commissioner. The distinctions are also truly notable awards, such as the Excellence in Politics, African Canadian Achievement Awards and Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Order of Ontario in 2016 and then the Order of Canada in 2017. Salmon was a close friend of Tropicana’s late founder, Dr. Robert Brown, in the early ’80s, when Tropicana was first incorporated.

Looking ahead, Tropicana’s future is as important as its past. Raymund Guiste, who currently serves as Tropicana’s Executive Director and CEO, has been at the organization’s helm for three years. He led the agency through the pandemic—growing its capacity and funding during those challenging and unprecedented times. With a background in social justice and a drive to make positive change in the community, Guiste was recognized in 2022 for his efforts, being named one of the country's 100 most influential Black Canadians and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award for his community contributions. “Any influence I have is because of the incredible leaders and people I’m surrounded by and get to work with,” said Guiste. He and his leadership team are moving Tropicana in a bold new direction that seeks to have an impact beyond its historical geographic boundaries of Scarborough. “A guiding principle of our new strategic direction is to ensure local care while striving to have national impact,” said Guiste. “We want to maintain our local linkages even as we expand our geographic reach,

Guiste is also a co-founder and co-designer of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), a historic national initiative that marks the first time, ever that the Canadian government has distributed funding to the Black Community through Black-led intermediary agencies. Since 2020, Tropicana has disbursed over $5 million in grants to over 150 black-led and serving, not-for-profit organizations across Canada. Established with a partnership between Tropicana in Toronto, the Black Business Initiative (BBI) in Nova Scotia, and Groupe 3737 in Québec and funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, the program has seen expansion since its launch in 2020. The founding group of Black National Funders welcomed Africa Centre, in Alberta, as a fourth funding agency in 2021.

“I’m proud and inspired by the life-changing work our teams and partners do day in and day out. Tropicana’s work touches children, youth, adults and seniors through our many programs that help build and secure their futures,” said Guiste. He continues to enjoy working alongside his motivated team of staff and volunteers. “It's the people whose lives Tropicana has touched who make our work so meaningful.”

Tropicana is truly a hub that delivers upon the needs of the community it strives to support.

These History Makers will be featured at Tropicana’s Second Annual Black History Month Excellence in Leadership Fireside Chat on February 25th, 2023. To find out more, visit mytropicana.ca/bhm

We helped... Nadia with counselling, Brenda with settlement services, Narayan with childcare, Hosseini with employment training, Keerthy with personal development, Cheryl with employment services. And so many others with so much more.

ZANANA AKANDE

MARY ANNE CHAMBERS

BEVERLY SALMON

RAYMUND GUISTE

Bernard Betel Centre: Community Support for Older Adults

Based in north Toronto, the Bernard Betel Centre is a vibrant, non-profit community centre with offerings for older adults. We provide educational and recreational programs, fitness, health promotion, clinics, volunteer opportunities, special events, cultural celebrations, and community support services, including Kosher Meals on Wheels, friendly visiting, at-home respite, crisis intervention and service navigation. We have been providing essential community programs and services for seniors for 57 years. Many of the seniors the organization serves are isolated, vulnerable, and live in poverty with limited access to family and community supports.

Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and closing the Centre to the public, the Bernard Betel Centre focused on our critical and essential Meals on Wheels program, cooking, packing, and delivering close to 159,000 meals this year. We moved our multilingual, accessible programs online and offered programming through telephone conferencing.

In April 2022, the Centre slowly re-opened and started to provide limited in-person programming alongside our online programs. We continue to support the most vulnerable, low-income, and isolated seniors by providing community support services and safe on-site chiropody services.

KOSHER

MEALS ON WHEELS

Pre-pandemic, the Bernard Betel Centre delivered kosher meals daily to 160-200 fee-paying seniors, along with 20 free meals. During the pandemic, that number ballooned to providing 620 vulnerable Holocaust survivors and seniors living in poverty free meals three times a week, with 450 food-insecure seniors sitting anxiously on our waitlist. Food vulnerability amongst seniors and Holocaust survivors in north Toronto and southwest York Region is not new. However, the pandemic exacerbated this existing issue.

Due to mobility issues and cognitive decline, some cannot cook or even shop for themselves. Many lack the financial resources and

family and governmental support to fill their pantries and fridges. They must make gut-wrenching decisions between paying rent and buying food. They rely solely on the Bernard Betel Centre’s volunteer-driven kosher Meals on Wheels program for not only food but for social interaction, “I’m living in a tiny apartment, with no one to talk to. You are the first person I’ve spoken to in weeks,” one 90-year-old client told us.

In addition to the 620 vulnerable seniors currently receiving the Bernard Betel Centre’s free, kosher meals, we screened 1,300 homebound seniors living in poverty in March 2022 alone. Over 700 of them do not receive any agency or community support, and 450 of them need ongoing food assistance to survive. The issue is critical.

• One hundred per cent of our clients are food insecure, most of whom are marginalized seniors, and 20 per cent are Holocaust survivors.

• Poverty and food insecurity affect our clients significantly, with over 80 per cent living off less than $20,000 per year.

• In the past year, 106 volunteers generously donated over 7,400 hours to prep, pack and deliver meals to seniors in our community.

• Our incredible team of staff and volunteers cook, pack, label and deliver between 2,000 – 3,000 meals each week.

• Our Meals on Wheels program provides free nutritious kosher meals three times a week to over 600 seniors living in poverty in Toronto and York Region.

• In the past year, the Bernard Betel Centre's Kosher Meals on Wheels program provided close to 159,000 meals to the community. Like many non-profits, our funding is flat-lined, but the need for support for seniors in our community continues to increase, with the pandemic putting an even greater demand for our services. The very dedicated Bernard Betel Centre staff have been writing grants, proposals, and running fundraisers throughout the pandemic to raise funds and advocating to various government bodies for specific funding to continue feeding these seniors.

Despite this incredible effort, our money and grants, particularly for our Meals on Wheels program, are running out.

To donate to the Bernard Betel Centre and allow us to continue to provide the critical services we do, visit betelcentre.org/donate-now

Shania Kids Can: Creating Safe Spaces for Underserved Kids

International sweetheart and reigning Queen of Country Pop

Shania Twain knows what it is like to be a child living in a dysfunctional family.

Much of Twain’s childhood revolved around keeping up appearances so that no one would know that her family life was dysfunctional, even if it meant going to school hungry.

“If I had a compassionate program leader in my life who listened and understood me—a person who helped me face and overcome the challenges I was dealing with daily—I think my school experience would have been vastly different,” Twain shared.

True to the vow she made as a child to someday find a way to give back to kids like her, Twain created Shania Kids Can (SKC), a nonprofit organization supporting children living in similar circumstances to those she faced as a child. Through one-on-one consultations, academic support, group activities, and nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, SKC offers a safe environment where

children can feel supported. “I promised myself that one day I would help kids who are facing crises and economic hardship in their young lives, as I did,” Twain explained. “SKC programs are fulfilling that promise every single day. We continue to see improvement year over year in social and emotional behaviours, mental health, and academic achievement. This assures me that our programs are working.”

Even before founding SKC,

Twain was a well-known and outspoken advocate for disadvantaged youth. In 1996, she donated all Canadian profits from her single “God Bless the Child” to the Canadian Living Breakfast for Learning program. All U.S. profits were donated to the Feeding America food banks. Twain also provided funding closer to home to support nutrition programs at schools in Timmins and Dwight, ON, long before breakfast programs

were widely implemented— these became the basis of SKC.

Now, with locations in Timmins, Dwight, Thunder Bay, and Brampton in Canada and Las Vegas in the U.S., the SKC Clubhouses are a safe space for kids where they know they can go for help every single day. Thanks to a new partnership with Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School has joined the SKC family.

“I am so excited for Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School to join the SKC Foundation family,” said Twain. “I’m rooting for all the students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School who have so much potential to succeed in school and in life.”

Across all SKC locations, program leaders work with the kids on social and emotional learning, providing access to academic support and a sympathetic ear. The kids know they can count on a caring adult to be there for them and help them through their daily struggles.

“Sometimes it takes just one

caring adult to change the direction of a young person’s life,” Twain said. “By supporting these children, teaching them to become responsible, confident, proactive members of their school community, they will have a much better chance at personal success in the future.”

QUEEN OF FUNDRAISING

Shania Twain is behind the many fundraising initiatives for SKC, but her shows and tours are the biggest revenue generators. With every ticket sold, $1 supports SKC initiatives and fundraising. In addition, sweepstakes will be running throughout the tour for a chance to win VIP experiences; now is your chance to meet Shania in Hollywood by visiting winshania.com. A private meet-and-greet with Shania, round-trip airfare, swanky hotel accommodations, a guided tour of Hollywood, and dinner backstage are all included. You'll also walk away with autographed “Queen of Me” merchandise and more!

A Safe Space to Speak: Life-Saving Support for Survivors

On November 4th, 1985, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline answered its first call. In that first year, 5,000 calls from across

the GTA were answered. Thirtyseven years later and over one million calls later, AWHL now answers more than 90,000 calls

annually from women across the province and beyond.

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, AWHL provides telephone and TTY crisis line counselling, online counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information, and referrals in over 200 languages. The Helpline is often the first point of contact for abused women, especially for those whose vulnerability is exacerbated by isolation, language barriers, or disability.

Women call the Helpline for many reasons, including information, emotional or psychological support, referrals, safety planning, or for emergency crisis help. They vary in age, ethnicity, education and income. They are urban, suburban and rural. They are students, mothers, and grandmothers. Simply put, they are women. Are you in a safe location to speak? When a woman calls the Helpline, her call will be answered by a professional counsellor. Although each call is unique, AWHL counsellors will ask questions to understand

her situation better. Questions such as, are you in a safe location to speak? Can you tell me a little about your situation? What concerns do you have about your relationship? What have you considered at this point? Whatever the case, our counsellors are there to listen and support.

Home is supposed to be a safe space, but for victims of domestic abuse, it’s the most terrifying place to be. In Canada alone, one in four women has experienced domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is a complex issue with no easy solution; when people hear about cases of intimate partner violence, they ask the same question: “Why doesn’t she just leave?” Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t as simple as ‘just leaving.’ There are very often children in the home, financial repercussions to think about, or other barriers to support. Many women are also too scared to flee for fear of what their partners might do. Some women do not want to leave; they just want the abuse to stop.

COVID-19 dramatically impacted the Helpline, with call volumes nearly doubling. That impact continues to be felt as rates of domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) continue to rise. AWHL continues to adapt our policies and procedures to ensure we are helping all the women we can.

“Thank you so much for what you do. You have helped me immeasurably, from when I was in the midst of my abusive relationship to the extremely difficult time I faced after leaving, including connecting with me a counsellor and helping me work through PTSD attacks. You are lifesavers,” said an AWHL caller.

Every day we continue to assist with the challenges facing our callers. We continue to provide a lifeline to thousands of women when they need it most. In many instances, a call to the Helpline can and does save a woman’s life and that of her children. Learn more at awhl.org

Providing multilingual educational, cultural, and wellness programs to encourage active, creative living for individuals 55+ betelcentre.org

© 2022 BAYLEE JO PHOTO

The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

Association of Community Centres

Rare Diseases Affect One in Twelve or Nearly Three Million Canadians

Each day presents a new challenge for the more than 30,000 Canadians living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), an incurable and fatal lung disease. And despite these numbers, PF is considered a rare disease in Canada.

What is rare is the courage of those living with the disease and their families, and their determination to work with the

Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF) to advocate for improved access to care and raise funds to invest in PF research. The disease kills more than 2,500 Canadians each year but remains a little-known, despite having survival rates lower than many cancers. This chronic and debilitating condition causes irreversible scarring (fibrosis)

of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and reducing oxygen flow to the body. For some patients, medication and physiotherapy can slow the progress of the disease, but the only long-term treatment is a lung transplant.

Jeannie Tom of North York, ON, describes her journey with PF as an incredibly long and difficult one. With her amazing

positive demeanour, each day is still a challenge as she plans out each day in meticulous detail to work the restrictions of this terrible disease.

When Jeannie is home, she is tethered to a 50-foot tube that is connected to a stationary oxygen concentrator. Stories like Jeannie’s become all the more heartbreaking when you consider that some PF patients can’t get access to oxygen therapy when they need it, to breathe easier each day.

Although it should be an effortless act, breathing, for people with a rare lung disease like PF, can be a painful, anxiety-inducing experience. A 2022 CPFF patient and caregiver survey found that 20 per cent of patients did not receive an oxygen therapy prescription when they needed it. In addition, more than onethird have no backup oxygen in the event of a power failure.

Provincial government policies on oxygen therapy access vary widely, and access in remote areas and in the Maritime provinces is particularly dire. Some physicians report that their

In 'Wildcat,' Amazon Fauna

ROLLO ROSS

patients have to experience dangerously low oxygen levels before they can access publicly funded oxygen therapy.

“Our survey results highlight the need for change and action,” said Sharon Lee, CPFF Executive Director. “The situation is disheartening, but we need to keep fighting for change, and with increased awareness and continued investment, we believe we can help lessen the countless burdens this terrible disease has on people across this country.”

“Breathing should never be hard work, but for Jeannie, and for all those living with PF, breathing is a precious and highly precarious endeavour,” said Kirk Morrison, CPFF Board Chair. “The sheer act of breathing for people with pulmonary fibrosis, something we all take for granted, is incredibly hard work.”

Rare Disease Day is February 28. Take a deep breath, then help support the brave, resilient, and rare individuals living with pulmonary fibrosis. Donate today at cpff.ca/raredisease

Helps Heal Emotional Wounds of War

Harry Turner, a former British soldier who deployed to Afghanistan at the age of 18, was struggling with PTSD and depression when he decided to try something completely new in the Peruvian Amazon.

Far from home and civilization, Turner found the joy of taking care of an ocelot kitten who would later be re-introduced to the wild through conservation group Hoja Nueva, started by his girlfriend Samantha Zwicker.

Their triumphs and travails are at the heart of "Wildcat," a documentary filmed deep in the rainforest that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in December.

The film begins on a tender note with Turner falling for the playful ocelot Khan, but then turns dark when Khan is killed in an accident, leaving Turner in despair and Zwicker worried for him.

Then they get a call from a friend that an ocelot kitten was found by loggers, and little Keanu helps Turner out of his grief.

Turner said people have expressed their gratitude for his raw depiction of PTSD and depression.

"They're very grateful and thankful that I have been able to be vulnerable on screen and show this side of depression that not a lot of films actually manage to make look real," Turner told Reuters. "I think the only way we managed to do that was just to be completely honest."

The documentary came about after Zwicker shot videos documenting Khan's upbringing, hoping it would help other conservationists return cats to the wild.

Directors Trevor Frost and Melissa Lesh came on board to document the lives of Turner, Zwicker and their animals after receiving Keanu.

"I never knew it was going to

be so personal," Zwicker said. "I thought it was going to be a lot more about the cats and nature and kind of weave in some of these greater issues of wildlife trafficking and illegal logging."

Keanu needed 18 months to be reared alone by Turner before being released into the jungle, posing a unique situation for the filmmakers.

"It was just Harry that saw Keanu because they wanted to make sure that no other humans were around him so he was as afraid of humans as possible," Frost said, adding that "it was something that we really embraced and I think it really lent itself to a stronger film."

With proceeds from the reported $20 million Amazon Studios paid for the documentary, Zwicker is building up her conservation program Hoja Nueva, while Turner has set up his own charity, Emerald Arch. He is buying Amazonian

land in Ecuador, conducting scientific research and helping animals in need. He will also create a retreat geared toward military veterans with PTSD and depression.

"It only took me about two weeks to realize that my life had purpose," Turner said.

"I know that it can be a fresh start for other people who are struggling and I hope that can be the case, kind of combining mental health and conservation together because, at the end of the day, we need this world to be healthy."

Hospice Muskoka: Quality of Life to the Very Last Breath

Andy’s House is Muskoka’s palliative care home, providing 10 endof-life and palliative care respite beds for permanent and seasonal residents of Muskoka, and their extended families, at no charge. Run by Hospice Muskoka, we are located on the shore of the Indian River in Port Carling. Our roundthe-clock care team includes palliative nursing experts, PSWs, trained volunteers, and medical support, all of whom are there to help make a person’s final journey peaceful and dignified.

We believe grief is the last act of love, and we teach people to honour the love, not the loss. Grief and bereavement counselling and support are available, free of charge, to children, youth, families, and adults, and is delivered by a team of specially trained providers.

Advance Care Planning services assist you and your family prepare for an unexpected emergency or life-limiting diagnosis while you are still well enough to communicate your wishes. We help you turn difficult conversations into an opportunity to bond with loved ones and share

your wishes for your future care and end-of-life plan.

We receive funding for 45 per cent of our staffing costs from the provincial government for three beds and 45 per cent of staffing costs from our local hospital for five beds. Access to these beds is crucial, as it enables the hospital to preserve acute beds for people who need active treatment and

surgery. For the remaining 55 per cent, Hospice Muskoka relies on donations and grants to fund our operational and program costs, which include a pediatric suite and overnight room for visiting guests. The need for our programs and services has never been greater, and we know it will continue to increase over the coming decades as our population ages.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Check out Willpower.ca or speak to your financial advisor to learn about the tax benefits of legacy giving. In addition to estate tax benefits, providing a legacy gift ensures Hospice Muskoka can continue to positively impact the lives of others for years to come. You can make legacy donations using securities, life insurance, or

property. Alternatively, you may wish to leave an endowment for education, research, or explore naming opportunities within Andy’s House or our new butterfly garden, a place offering solitude and reflection for those who have lost a loved one. By donating even a small portion of your estate, you are creating a philanthropic legacy for you and your loved ones.

A growing number of people are embracing the power to influence real change for their family and their charities of choice. Please consider making Hospice Muskoka part of your Legacy Giving Plan by going to www.willpower.ca/charities/ hospice-muskoka.

Visit hospicemuskoka.com for a complete description of our services and a full selection of opportunities to contribute to our growth and continued ability to serve the needs of those in the final stage of life.

JEANNIE TOM WALKING UP STAIRS WITH OXYGEN © COURTESY OF CANADIAN PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION

The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

It found that teens feel like society is asking them to fix the “end of the world” through self-discipline. Students want climate action to be a positive social experience that is connected, experiential, nature-based, and aligned with their life goals.

The Climate Action Lab is powered by Let’s Talk Science, a national charitable organization that offers STEM-based programs to support youth, educators, parents and volunteers. The project team included 82 high school students supported by 16 university student coaches. The teens learned to lead ethnographic and community-based research.

They especially want to know how to apply their learning to real life and how to be impactful.”

—University Student Coach

As the report noted, climate-related outcomes are converging: more violent and unpredictable weather, unprecedented biodiversity loss, precarious food production, climate migration linked to socio-political instability, and pollution threatening human health. The report identified four promising opportunity areas to explore from a youth perspective.

This is the world today’s youth will live in and lead. So it’s imperative to include them

are relevant for youth.

One barrier to greater action is that youth lack the power to make choices that will make a significant difference quickly. They don’t feel heard by adults and don’t see adults (especially government and industry) taking enough action. Youth also want to feel they’ve made a difference. Simply reading about climate science and abstract metrics like greenhouse gases and carbon calculators doesn’t get them there.

Another obstacle is framing climate action around stopping something, e.g. don’t buy new clothes, drive, or travel. Yet these pleasures are also associated with

navigate a lot. When climate action isn’t giving them anything but worry, it’s easy to ignore. The report identified several best practices to overcome these barriers:

• To drive youth climate engagement, focus climate learning on real-life solutions, and make climate action about helping people.

• Incorporate time in nature and hopeful content to both propel climate action and help youth disconnect from stress.

• Adopt different ways of teaching and learning, e.g. outdoor education, fieldwork, green job

STEM education develops climate innovators

Focus on the present, not on something good for “the future.”

• Offer numerous options (e.g. timing, location) and inclusive experiences for broad participation.

“We’re living at an inflection point when our collective decisions will have tremendous impact,” the report stated. “Young people must be engaged now to ensure equitable, long-term, positive and sustainable climate action.”

Read the full report at letstalkscience.ca/climateaction-lab-report

From Not Recognizing the ABCs to Reading Full Sentences

“My son, Adam, wasn’t able to identify letters before he started learning through Reading Recovery. Now he is reading full sentences to his younger brother before bed,” said Kelly. She says she isn’t sure what would have happened if her son didn’t have the one-on-one lessons with his Reading Recovery teacher. He did really well with the full attention and the individual focus on what works for him to learn best. It took just a few weeks of individual lessons with his Reading Recovery teacher to be able to recognize the letters, write them and read full sentences.

“I don’t believe every child is the same and Reading Recovery really focused on what worked for him. Now he knows his letters, loves to read and feels so proud reading to his brother. Reading is now part of our family time.” —Kelly

Many of us take reading for granted, and we hardly remember how we learned to do it. Most of us pick up the basics as preschoolers from older family members and

fine-tune our skills once we enter elementary school. Yet, if we struggled to learn to read, we remember it all too well! We know from research that about 20 per cent of all Grade 1 students will have difficulty picking up the reading and writing skills that will prepare them for a successful education and a promising future.

Imagine if those few students with the most difficulty learning to read and write in Grade 1 were provided with the resources and support they needed to successfully learn right in school. They could catch up to their peers, feel confident, have a positive report card, actively participate in their class, be set up for a successful educational future, and so much more.

“As a parent, I witnessed the transformation a child can feel when they learn to read and write.”

—Travis’ mom

For decades, the Canadian Institute for Reading Recovery, a national charitable organization, has worked behind the scenes in

schools to provide an early literacy intervention to those children in Grade 1 who are struggling the most to learn to read and write. Over the years, more than 250,000 children have gained immeasurable self-confidence as they successfully learned to read and write!

Reading Recovery is an intensive early literacy intervention that is delivered by a specially trained teacher working individually with a child for just 30 minutes every school day. Most students need just 60-90 lessons to master the skills of reading and writing. Each lesson

builds on the child’s strengths, existing knowledge and interests and features reading a book, writing a sentence, making words, understanding sounds, letter recognition, and so much more.

Each year, a trained teacher works one-on-one with eight to 12 students and at least 2,040 other students by providing early literacy support to classroom teachers.

Early intervention is key to the success of children like Travis and Kelly’s son, Adam. Working with a highly skilled teacher right at school means children can catch up and are well-equipped for the

rest of their educational journey. Reading Recovery is available in both English and French in schools across Canada, but it’s not in all schools. Your advocacy is needed to ensure all children can learn their ABCs.

“Hailey now looks forward to reading!” —Hailey’s mom

“Thanks to Reading Recovery, when we’re reading at home, I can see her trying to get the words on her own instead of just looking at us to tell her the word. We can see her trying to read her schoolwork more and more. We see her trying to use the skills she has learned. She wants to play ‘spelling bee’ to spell words herself. She loves to leave little notes for her dad and I too!”

To learn more about Reading Recovery or to find out how to get it in your school, visit nowicanread.ca

Opportunity in Adversity: How Titan Trailers is Helping Refugees Thrive in Canada

RAYE MOCIOIU

Ukrainian refugee families have found a new home and a new start in Canada thanks to the work of Titan Trailers, an Ontario-based business that is combatting the refugee crisis and workforce shortage.

In 2015, Mike and Sandy Kloepfer, the owners of Titan Trailers, purchased a 65-hectare property on Schafer Side Road, once home to a tobacco research facility, and for a short time, to a firefighter training academy.

The Kloepfers saw an opportunity to solve two local problems in their rural township of Delhi, Ontario: the labour shortage and a need for more affordable housing. They also saw an opportunity to make a difference on a global scale.

They refurbished the facility into a seven-unit building, including a common room that doubles as a play area for children, a communal laundry room, and a greenhouse.

Last August, the building, now known as Schafer House, opened, ready to welcome new residents.

Last February, when Russia’s war on Ukraine began, the Kloepfers knew that they wanted to do something to help—and realized they may have already done so. Ukrainians, they realized, would be remarkably well-suited to life in rural Canada—their land is similar, as are their weather patterns and overall climate.

“Mike is a long-term thinker and saw the opportunity to help refugees, the county, the province, the country, and Titan Trailers,” said Sandy. “I am the problem-solver who gathers the right people and ideas to execute Mike’s vision. Helping the Ukrainian families quickly was the biggest challenge. We soon had a great team of people to identify problems and find solutions. By connecting with many passionate local, provincial and federal players, we soon knew the best path forward.

“In less than one year, we have

welcomed over 40 Ukrainians with plans to welcome many more. The families have a safe place to live, a good job with opportunities for advancement, and ongoing language training. Titan is solving its biggest challenge to growth by finding great employees to fuel that growth.”

A WIN-WIN FORMULA Refugees are good for Canada, and Titan Trailer's win-win formula is proof.

Sandy Kloepfer shared that this is the kind of project that encapsulates the role of businesses in social issues—and she hopes to see it repeated throughout Canada.

“I see the role of business in addressing social issues like the refugee crisis as an opportunity to think outside the box and find a way to help that fits into their budget and plans,” she shared. “Every business owner I speak to has the same major problem that hinders business growth—they need more

employees that want to come to work every day.”

Statistics from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) show that, over time, refugees make essential contributions to the country’s economy and communities. Not only do they benefit from safety in Canada, but they also embrace the opportunity to build a new life and contribute positively to their new home.

“Refugees come to this country with four major needs,” Sandy explained. “A safe place to live, an immediate place of employment, access to transportation and long-term access to language training. If we can provide these needs, they will soon be 100 per cent self-sufficient. Businesses are uniquely positioned to find solutions to these problems.”

No More Stolen Sisters: The Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto Calls for Action

The Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT) began when a dedicated group of Indigenous women recognized the need for a gathering place in Toronto where Indigenous women could share resources, support one another, and practice their traditional ways. A registered charity, the NWRCT provides a safe and welcoming environment for all Indigenous women and children in the Greater Toronto Area, providing access to basic rights items, housing support, community wellness, family and children programming, employment, and education support.

Working to continue their initiatives of uplifting Indigenous women, NWRCT has launched a new project, 4000 Cover Stories. The project was created to commemorate the lives of thousands of Indigenous women and girls who have been taken from their loved ones, and to create awareness of the ongoing genocide of Indigenous women.

This project is with special thanks to Forsman & Bodenfors for their desire to learn, the commitment, time, energy and allyship to raise awareness.

The initiative launched on October 3, 2022, when NWRCT released the project at Queen’s Park, sharing stories of the 4,000 Indigenous women

and girls who have gone missing or been murdered.

Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered in Canada—and despite a national inquiry and 231 calls to justice, little has been done to address the crisis. Many of these stories date back as late as the 1970s and almost all of

them remain unsolved with no justice found.

In an open letter, NWRCT Executive Director Pamela Hart urged Canadians to join them in the fight for justice.

“This project demonstrates the many faces that continue to be ignored, it aims to honour the beauty stolen from our

community and their families who continue to grieve,” she wrote. “No more harm against Indigenous women, of any kind, and no more silence. We honour all of our spirit sisters, the families and the generations to come that will combat against harm.”

The NWRCT aims to be a safe space for Indigenous women and girls—with their location in Toronto, they offer a welcoming environment and a place to heal.

“Indigenous women are mothers, daughters, aunties, sisters,” Hart shared. “They are leaders, protectors, warriors, lifegivers, beautiful, artistic, strong, proud, ground-breaking and they are recalling their spiritual power. Indigenous women are SACRED.”

Read their stories, and demand action by scanning the QR code below.

Strong women build strong communities.

MYKOLA AND ROMAN 2022 IN FRONT OF SCHAFER HOUSE © COURTESY OF TITAN TRAILERS

I AM NOT DONE

Tumour Survivor Gets Back to Being an Active Mom

Rashmi Sanjay admits that it took her a while to “wrap her head around” what was happening to her. Five years ago, the mother of two was diagnosed with a rare tumour on her spinal cord that threatened to paralyze her from the neck down.

Only 40 years old at the time, she faced a terrible decision. She could have surgery to remove the tumour, with only a 25 per cent chance of success and a strong risk of immediate paralysis. Or she could let the slow-growing tumour take its course, knowing she would eventually become a quadriplegic.

Ultimately, she decided to risk the surgery. “I had so much going through my head,” she said.

“I bought Christmas and birthday gifts for my kids for the next five years because I didn’t know how I would be.”

One week after the six-hour surgery, she arrived at West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto. “I came in on a stretcher—I couldn’t walk, I had pain in my neck, and I needed help using the washroom, getting dressed and even feeding myself,” she recalled.

Mike and Sandy have said that this project is a win-win scenario: businesses like theirs get skilled workers who are excited to work and start a life in Canada, and the workers

But Rashmi had a goal— to get back to her husband, Sanjay, and her children, Rhea and Eshan, who were nine and seven at the time. Fortunately, West Park’s dedicated team of therapists, nurses and doctors were there to help.

One of the nurses came in to move her arms and legs in the morning so she wouldn’t lose muscle function. When she

could hold her head up, the team began taking her out for a walk in a wheelchair. Progress was slow, but eventually, she progressed to using a walker.

“The therapists were phenomenal,” she said. “They didn’t tell me what to do—they listened to how I was feeling and worked around that. But they knew when to tell me to slow down and when to keep pushing.”

She was buoyed up by the support she received from the entire West Park community.

“Everyone was so positive and encouraging,” she said. “It really gives you a boost to know that everyone is standing with you.”

Less than four weeks into her stay, Rashmi returned home.

“Walking into my own house and seeing the children and their ‘welcome home’ cards was very

emotional. I couldn’t have been happier,” she explained.

West Park is building a new hospital so more patients like Rashmi can receive the life-changing care they need to get their lives back. A nationally recognized leader in rehabilitation and complex care, we help people recover from serious injury and illness, and regain their independence.

Our new hospital will better integrate services while enhancing patient care and comfort, and we will make full use of our expansive grounds to provide outdoor, multi-use therapy spaces to help our patients navigate real-world conditions.

When our new complex is fully complete, it will transform rehabilitation and complex care to meet the needs of Ontarians for decades to come.

Donate today at WestParkFoundation.ca to support our bold transformation and help us set a new standard in patient care for people like Rashmi.

get the support they need to make a new start in a new country—a leg up instead of a handout.

“Knowing that helping others can solve the labour shortage problem is a win-win for everyone,” said Sandy.

For the Ukrainian families that have found a new home in Ontario, gratitude is plentiful.

“We are from the eastern part of Ukraine,” said Roman, who came to Canada with his wife Tetiana and son Vova. “Our hometown has been under occupation since 2014. We lived in those conditions for seven years, but we decided that it was time to leave everything and move on. We learned about Titan from friends when we were already in Canada and were looking for work. I sent an email, had an interview and got the job. In addition to the job, we made many new friends, making it less scary to start our lives all over again.”

Living in freedom and safety are feelings that many take for granted in a country like Canada. For Ukrainians, being free and knowing that their families have a chance to prosper in a safe place is everything. UNHCR statistics share that refugees work hard to thrive, join Canada’s middle class, and put down roots. Two out of three refugees in Canada become homeowners after 10 years, and refugee children

All You Need is LOVE

Everyone is on a journey. With a bit of faith and a lot of love, each of our unique talents and gifts can contribute to building a better world where everyone belongs—and Intriciti believes that business leaders have an unprecedented platform of influence.

Founded to inspire business leaders to integrate their faith and business, Intriciti has evolved into a Canadian organization that provides meaningful connections and relevant experiences. Since its inception, Intriciti has created countless connections with individuals and organizations, and is focused on building authentic relationships and a community to last a lifetime. Intriciti understands that everyone’s journey is unique and meets people where they are—free of judgement and full of love and respect.

Alana Walker Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Intriciti, believes that listening is an essential part of being a leader and that there is no greater privilege than listening to the stories of the people

she meets. With more than 20 years of experience in leading a ministry, Walker Carpenter has learned that keeping this goal at the forefront of every interaction is the foundation for all relationships.

Relationships have become a trademark of Intriciti, and their work has been able to make endless connections based on the needs and requirements of each individual and organization they work with.

“We simply meet people where they are at with a desire to authentically connect with no agenda other than to extend love,” Walker Carpenter said.

Throughout the week, the team engages with personal connections, old and new, to provide ongoing encouragement, counsel, and prayer. Everyone is met where they are regardless of whether one has a little faith, a lot of faith, or no faith at all.

“Intriciti understands that the love of Jesus has a ‘multiplier’ property to it. When that love gets released in businesses, in relationships,

in families—it takes moments that are dark and hopeless and transforms them into beacons of light and purpose.”

—Paul Burns, Former Managing Director, Twitter Canada

With a focus on supporting business leaders and corporate Canada, Walker Carpenter is a trusted confidant and advisor to some of Canada's most influential people. Forming these relationships has led Intriciti to a network of connections that provides boundless opportunities for philanthropy. Through partnerships with various charitable organizations, Intriciti can identify individuals for board appointments, source talent for paid and unpaid roles, and align donors financially and in-kind to organizations. As relationships form and are nurtured, new opportunities often arise. Intriciti uses that to their advantage—and to the advantage of those they work with. Intriciti uses the power of connection to empower and support corporations, non-profits, and individuals within their sphere of influence.

perform as well in school as Canadian-born children.

“Titan Trailers helped us get into our new life without wasting any time. Our family got a roof over our heads right away. I know many Ukrainians couldn't find a place to live in Canada and went back to where they came from. They faced difficulties that we avoided, thanks to Mike and Sandy. In return, Titan got hard workers and new friends in us.”

Another of Titan’s employees, Iana, said: “I can't imagine how many difficulties newcomers face when they have to do it on their own. We feel Mike and Sandy's support at every step. We have plans and dreams for our future in Canada now.”

The Kloepfers shared that their community has shown incredible support for the project, from teachers offering to assist with English lessons, neighbours and business partners offering handmade quilts and tickets to local events, and even donations, which the newcomers have said they would prefer to have go to those in need in Ukraine.

Up to now, Titan Trailers has been spearheaded privately

by Sandy, Mike, and their team. But Sandy shares that the need is immediate, and a long-term plan for success, both for newcomers and existing Canadians, will require support from the government.

“Many businesses may not have the means to provide housing due to the high cost and legislation required,” explained Sandy. “Canada has committed to allow Ukrainian refugees entry. They need places to live, and it is not fair to tap into the short supply that existing citizens are struggling with. If the government could come up with a plan to have long-term, interest-free loans to companies willing to invest in housing for new immigrants, it would benefit everyone. A safe and secure place for the families to live, access to great employees, and a steady stream of hardworking, tax-paying new Canadians building on our proud history of diversity and inclusion.”

“Ukrainians will do everything for the future of their children, and therefore, will be hard workers and good citizens,” said Iana. “You will never regret providing jobs for Ukrainian families!”

“I’ve seen firsthand this love in the boardroom, at the coffee shop, and charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity build sites or at the Daily Bread Food Bank distribution centre. The gift of Alana and the Intriciti team is the ability to support people while uplifting the community."

—Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank

Relationships can change lives for the better. Our communities can flourish when we focus on forming connections based on love, empathy, and compassion. Make every season one of reconnection. Make a connection today at intriciti.ca

THE CANADIAN DREAM

RASHMI AND FAMILY © JULIE RIEMERSMA

A spinal tumour tried, but couldn’t slow me down

BALANCE: Supporting Blind Adults In Toronto

The keys to achieving an open world for people with sight loss lie in trust, empathy, respect, and independence. Barbara, a client with sight loss, found all those things at BALANCE. This Toronto-based organization fosters inclusion and support for adults who are blind or living with sight loss.

“I have struggled with finding community recreational activities for seniors that could accommodate my sight loss into their programming,” said Barbara, who is a senior. “I found myself feeling more isolated with each passing year. I now attend BALANCE’s Strength and Stability program once a week.”

BALANCE focuses on the whole person. They provide a variety of services on an individualized basis, including technology training, mobility training, occupational therapy, mental health and wellness counselling, and more. By providing fully customized support and instruction to each individual, services address the needs and wishes of the whole person. This is what BALANCE’s participants

say makes the most significant difference to them: the program flexes to their needs and wishes, rather than expecting them to fit into set offerings.

“Although I’m hesitant to learn assistive technology, I’m now feeling more confident in my ability to put myself out of my comfort zone and learn new things,” Barbara shared.

BALANCE's relatively small size has allowed them to rely on innovation and out-of-the-box thinking to better service their clients. With a very low rate of employment for blind persons in Canada, and their focus on the importance of AT training, BALANCE saw an opportunity to train trainers, provide more service to those in need, and provide work experience to blind persons in Ontario.

With core funding from Ontario Health and additional sponsorship from CIBC Foundation and several assistive tech companies, BALANCE introduced the cutting-edge Assistive Technology Apprenticeship program. Open only to people with sight loss, the program

provides paid work experience and is self-paced. The program is meant to act as a head start for blind adults looking to explore technology and gain valuable work experience. A graduate of the program shared: “Working with the AT Lead and other apprentices allowed me to learn and further enhance my knowledge about a wide range of technologies…I loved seeing the clients succeed.”

Building on the success of this program, BALANCE has created the new Pre-Employment Program. Funded by United Way Greater Toronto and donors, this new program provides information and support to employment service providers in Toronto so that they can more confidently accommodate job seekers who are blind or partially sighted. In coordination with the Assistive Technology Apprenticeship, this program will give blind job seekers the knowledge and support they require to find employment and learn new skills. As one apprentice shared: “BALANCE builds community and changes lives.”

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Tips to Boost Your Mental Health

Alongside physical health, mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. Being mentally healthy can help you enjoy life while coping with its challenges.

Many factors can affect it, and they aren’t all within our control. But we can take some actions to care for ourselves and help protect our mental health overall. Here are some ideas

to help you boost your mental health on a day-to-day and longer-term basis. Get some regular exercise: Whether it’s playing a team sport, going for a walk or doing yoga, and whether it lasts five minutes or 50 minutes, getting your body moving can have a positive impact on your mental health. Reach out to others: Feeling lonely and socially isolated

can harm anyone’s mental health. Connect with family and friends or join activities like recreational sports or a choir where you can meet new people. Even if it feels intimidating to reach out, positive social connections are a crucial part of well-being. Find what’s meaningful to you: We all need something fulfilling in our life to help give it meaning. Experiment to see what activities or practices bring you joy or satisfaction and make them part of your routine. Re-evaluating your goals can be an important part of this process too. Learn to recognize your patterns: Do you binge on junk food when you’re stressed and then feel guilty about it? Or forget to eat when you’re overwhelmed? Maybe you tend to get snappy when you’re feeling tired. Once you recognize common patterns in your own thoughts or behaviours you can try to plan ahead to prevent them, like stocking up on healthy meals ahead of a busy

week at work or doing your best to get enough sleep.

Remember what you can and can’t control: Taking a few moments to be mindful, thinking about the big picture, and recognizing the things you can and cannot change can be valuable ways to shift perspective and get you thinking more positively.

Consider working with a professional: If you feel like you’re struggling with your mental health, there is help available. Seeking out extra support can help you get through whatever challenges you’re facing in the moment.

While we all struggle from time to time, if you find you’re experiencing long-lasting sadness, worry, loneliness or anger, or if these feelings are interfering with your daily routines, consider reaching out for help.

Practice self care: Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you handle difficult experiences, help you feel more confident in yourself and your abilities and

improve your ability to regain some control after you’ve been through a tough time.

Of course, many things can affect mental well-being, and they aren’t all within our control. But having things to look forward to and putting aside time to prioritize yourself are important parts of everyone’s well-being. As many of us learn the hard way, you can’t do your best for anyone else if you’re not showing up for yourself.

If even the small things seem challenging or you’re finding that emotions like sadness, worry, loneliness or anger are long-lasting or interfering with your daily routines, it may be time to reach out for help. There are free and credible resources available online, including self-guided therapy, one-on-one counselling with qualified health professionals and moderated peer-topeer support. There are also culturally safe mental health resources for Indigenous Peoples available.

Hospice Residences Alleviate Intense Pressure on Health Care System with Compassionate Care

Talking about end-of-life care is rarely easy, but when it happens with compassion and thought, most people share their desire to die at home. Not a surprise, since it's a natural impulse to spend time with the ones we love in an environment that is comfortable and non-clinical. The harsh reality, however, is that about 60 per cent of all deaths in Ontario occur in acute care hospitals, even though many of these patients could have died at home if adequate support had been available.

But for some people, dying at home is not an option—they may require more supportive roundthe-clock care, or they may not have the necessary support system. It can be devastating to learn that your end-of-life wishes to die at home can't be fulfilled. Still, for those patients, a hospice residence where 24/7 support is available in a warm, home-like environment surrounded by loved ones is the most meaningful and impactful choice. And critically, it would keep those patients out of the hospital.

Investing in hospice residences makes sense. With demands on hospital beds exceeding current capacity, redirecting patients facing end-of-life to hospice residences would free up much-needed beds in acute care hospitals and provide deeply compassionate care in a home-like environment in a more economically viable model for our system. A new hospice residence is taking shape in North York called Neshama Hospice. Driven by a desire to provide high-quality, compassionate

comfort to people approaching end-of-life in a home-like setting, a group of community members is in the final fundraising stretch to break ground in the Bathurst-Wilson neighbourhood. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has already committed to subsidizing the funding of the beds, and the city has approved its drawings.

"Neshama will bring exceptional clinical expertise of an inter-professional team," explained Dr. Sandy Buchman, one of the founders of Neshama Hospice. "But what's

special about a hospice residence is that the approach to medical care focuses on addressing physical, psychological/social, and spiritual/existential needs of patients and families."

Neshama is a Hebrew word that means spirit or soul. The community members chose it to describe the philosophy and approach to care. "We want the care to be directed to the essence or spirit of the individual being cared for, to their personhood, reflective of their unique individual background, culture, values, and faith. In other words, true person- and family-centred care," explained Co-founder Debbie Berlin.

Hospice Care also makes economic sense for our healthcare system. In 2014, the Ontario Auditor General's Report showed that the cost of end-of-life care in an acute care hospital was $1100 a day compared to $460 a day for hospice residences. There is an estimated savings of about $9 million for every 10 per cent of patients who can be shifted from receiving palliative care in an

acute care hospital to receiving care at home or in a hospice.

One of the intense pressures on acute care hospitals is patients waiting to be transferred to more appropriate care settings. Often referred to as Alternative Level of Care (or ALC) patients, 40 per cent have a prognosis of fewer than 90 days.

In Ontario, $161 million could be saved annually if ALC patients were cared for in the appropriate setting, such as a hospice residence, in their final three months of life.

"I wish care in a hospice residence like Neshama had been available to my beloved mother when my family faced the end of her life. Everyone deserves to live out their final days in peace and with dignity. I feel honoured to be part of building this important resource for our community," said Board Chair Mindy Herman.

To learn more about how you can support compassionate end-of-life care at Neshama Hospice, visit us at NeshamaHospice.com

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A clear future for Canadian energy

Oil sands are a signi��cant contributor of carbon emissions in Canada. So we’ve teamed up to take climate action.

See what we’re doing at PathwaysAlliance.ca

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DEVELOPMENT FOR THOSE WHO HELP.

CHANGEITUP.CA

Change It Up Changes Lives: Education for Everyone

Since 2010, Classroom Connections has been running the Change It Up (CiU) program within Alberta First Nations—and the results have been amazing. Run primarily as a six-month program for those who had left the education system and were struggling to

move forward in a healthy and productive way, the program has helped people to connect with and value themselves, recognize their strengths and take action for a positive future. Classroom Connections knows that learning is a lifelong process, and the CiU initiative

is built on the belief that self-development and barrier removal will create the necessary foundations for acquiring the skills needed for success and, ultimately, for getting and keeping employment.

"Being in CiU taught me to be more responsible, outgoing, independent, and most importantly, confident. Without the program, I wouldn't be where I am today. I became a better person, I make wiser choices. I am more knowledgeable in both life and working skills. I obtained a job that I enjoy doing. I've come a long way from where I was before."

—Lorna, CiU Participant, Maskwacis

Thanks to support from Skills for Success Canada and the Government of Alberta, Classroom Connections is now sharing what they learned by offering free online Professional Development to train others in the CiU philosophy and approach.

"We saw that what we were doing worked," said Heather MacTaggart, Founder and

Executive Director of Classroom Connections and the CiU initiative. "The question was, how to spread the success? It wasn't just a matter of sharing our programming, as good as it is, because the 'how,' our approach and philosophy, of working with people was even more important than the 'what' of our training material. That is why we began running online group facilitator training, to share our 'how' with those in human services, the people working with people to facilitate growth and change."

Learner-centred, trauma-aware, and strength-based, the Change It Up Professional Development (PD) program provides an opportunity for facilitators, educators, and instructors to dig deeper, asking questions like:

• How do we help facilitate growth and change in the people we serve?

• How do we support learners or clients with a multitude of complexities that can impact their journey?

• How do we support ourselves while navigating working in a 'helping' profession?

Change It Up PD is designed to build the capacity of facilitators, educators, instructors and client or learner-support professionals—and it works. Feedback from the hundreds of participants reports that:

• 100 per cent "feel more confident using strength-based approaches with learners and clients."

• 98 per cent "have more tools, techniques or approaches that will help me do my job better."

• 97 per cent "would recommend this course to others."

• 99 per cent feel the course was "worth the time invested."

Informed by a large body of research on how humans learn and how people can mitigate the lasting effects of trauma to thrive in their own lives, the CiU program is an intense collaboration of staff and participants. When we build connections and relationships, we fortify confidence and leadership.

To learn more or register for Change It Up professional development training, please visit changeitup.ca/ facilitator-training

Sacramento to Host the 2023 Homeless World Cup

The Homeless World Cup is delighted to announce that the 2023 annual tournament will be held in Sacramento, USA. This year, The Homeless World Cup will be celebrating its 20th anniversary and it will be the first time that the tournament has been held in the USA. The tournament was first held in 2003 in Graz, Austria. California State University, Sacramento and national nonprofit Street Soccer USA will host the tournament in July 2023, with the action taking place on campus at the iconic Hornet Stadium. The Homeless World Cup brings together a network of Homeless World Cup Member Countries from around the globe to celebrate the beautiful game. The Homeless World Cup is a unique and pioneering tournament that uses soccer to inspire and demonstrate the power of sport in changing people’s lives. After the postponement of three tournaments since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s tournament is a step in the right direction for the Homeless World Cup and its 70+ Member

Countries as the much-loved tournament returns to the global stage. Sport for Social Change nonprofit and the Homeless World Cup’s American partner, Street Soccer USA, will organise the event and field the U.S. Men’s and Women’s national teams. The tournament will take place from Saturday, July 8 to Saturday, July 15 at California State University, Sacramento. The university will also accommodate the visiting countries from across the globe and their players on campus.

Mel Young, Homeless World

Cup President and Co-Founder, said: “Since 2003, we have proved that the power of football can change lives and through our annual tournament and our partnerships across the world, we are committed to tackling and ending homelessness.

“Everyone at the Homeless World Cup, our global Member Countries, and our loyal supporters have deeply missed our annual tournament, so we are delighted, excited and encouraged to be in a position to announce alongside our partner Street Soccer USA that the state

capital of California, Sacramento and California State University, Sacramento will be hosting the Homeless World Cup in 2023.”

California State University, Sacramento President Robert Nelsen said: “The University’s role as tournament host is another illustration of its commitment to building deep and meaningful connections in our community and beyond.

“I am proud that we will host the Homeless World Cup in 2023, and I look forward to welcoming athletes from around the world to our campus. This event will

reimagine the conversations surrounding the global issue of homelessness while transforming the lives of the athletes as well as the spectators.”

Lawrence Cann, Street Soccer USA Co-founder and President, said: "Hosting the Homeless World Cup for the first time in the United States is a signal of Street Soccer USA's ambition to drive social impact through soccer at scale and from the bottom up. “Be prepared to feel the true power of teamwork and community before, during, and after this one-of-a-kind event. The Homeless World Cup places those across the world who are most in need at the very centre of our attention and showcases not their challenges, but their abilities and humanity. We are grateful to the leadership of Sacramento State University and excited to partner with them to host the event and ensuring its legacy in the California capital.”

Getting Outside on the Trans Canada Trail is

Winter brings cold weather, shorter days, and with it, the urge to hibernate: Stay in. Wear slippers. Drink hot chocolate. Gaze out the window at the falling snow. While that does sound lovely—and tempting—research shows that people of all ages who spend more time in nature experience a sense of well-being, improved focus and attention, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

CONNECTING PEOPLE ACROSS THE PROVINCE ON THE TRANS CANADA TRAIL

As we emerge into a new (semi) post-pandemic reality, we’re all looking for ways to connect: with new people, with loved ones, with ourselves, and with nature. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, trail use is up by close to 50 per cent, with 95 per cent of Canadians saying their increased use boosts their physical and mental health. What’s more, 99 per cent of people polled intend to continue using trails in their communities going forward, with

69 per cent saying they intend to use trails in the winter months. With over 6,000 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail running across Ontario, from the Manitoba border to Barrie to Ottawa and more, there are many excellent options for those looking to get outside and enjoy everything nature has to offer over the winter months and beyond.

HELPING YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

Winter can be tough—the lack of sunlight and shorter days in northern countries like Canada are known to affect mood and motivation. To support your physical and mental health over the winter, Trans Canada Trail has kicked off its third-annual Blahs to Ahhhs winter wellness campaign, designed to get you outside and on the Trail all winter long.

Wondering what you can do on the Trail? Walking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are great activities to get your heart pumping and stay active and

warm along the Trans Canada Trail, where you can enjoy a slice of nature and boost your mood. From family fun to short solo treks and serious winter adventures, you’ll find endless options for all sorts of winter activities throughout Ontario.

WHERE TO TURN YOUR BLAHS INTO AHHHS ALL WINTER LONG

Looking for top Trail suggestions in your area? Check local trail

group websites for permitted use and trail conditions. Try out some of the following ideas:

• Walk, cross-country ski or snowshoe along the OttawaCarleton Trailway.

• Cross-country ski, walk or snowshoe through Frontenac Provincial Park on the Cataraqui Trail.

• Walk the Waterfront Trail in Toronto and enjoy incredible lake views.

• Cross-country ski–or take your kid for a walk (or sled ride)–in lovely, forested areas along the North Simcoe Rail Trail.

• Head out for a snowshoe in the Casques Isles section of the Voyageur Trail.

• Fat biking on the Caledon Trailway in the Palgrave Forest area.

Chances are high that there’s a Trans Canada Trail section near you—after all, 80 per cent of people across Canada live within 30 minutes of one—so find your local Trail section using our map and head outside! You’ll be so glad you did.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES @TCtrailSentier on Facebook @TCtrail on Twitter @TransCanadaTrail on Instagram @TransCanadaTrail on YouTube

THE HOMELESS WORLD CUP IS AN ANNUAL, WORLD-CLASS, INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT. EVERY YEAR, TEAMS OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE HOMELESS OR HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS GET THE CHANCE TO REPRESENT THEIR COUNTRY DURING THE TOURNAMENT.

STREET SOCCER USA © HOMELESS WORLD CUP CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SACRAMENTO © HOMELESS WORLD CUP

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Antigua & Barbuda: How One Of The World’s Bluest Countries Became One Of Its Greenest

In the heart of the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands chain, the dual-island nation of Antigua & Barbuda charms travellers seeking white sands, welcoming vibes, and breezy luxury. With a total area of only 440 km—a third of which is pristine Caribbean coastline—the popularity of Antigua & Barbuda is a product of a dynamic tourism offering that leverages the unique character of both islands. Antigua is an energetic romance haven known for its historic colonial towns, calm azure waves, and lovely coastal resorts. Quieter Barbuda is a time capsule from the Caribbean of centuries past, its unspoiled beauty captured in teeming reefs, hidden caves, and vibrant mangroves.

While owning 365 of the best beaches in the Caribbean has certainly helped this tropical duo win hearts and minds, it is the destination’s regional leadership in climate change and conservation that deserves special applause. With a committed, all-handson-deck approach drawing in partners from the government,

ALLIE MURRAY

tourism industry, and local community, Antigua & Barbuda has embraced the green movement in a way few other destinations have. For Antigua & Barbuda, climate change cannot be left to future generations: the struggle against rising sea levels and environmental degradation is a most present battle, but one that the destination appears to be winning.

In 2016, Antigua & Barbuda

became the first nation in the Caribbean to ban single-use plastics in a bid to protect the health and diversity of its aquatic habitats. The destination has only intensified its commitment to ocean stewardship in recent years, having been recognized as the single smallest emitter of ocean plastics out of 180 other countries on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Just this year,

Antigua & Barbuda kicked off a reef restoration program known as ‘Oceanshot,’ a scientific project that combines manmade structures and cultivated coral to reinforce natural reefs, create erosion barriers, and provide habitats for endangered sea creatures. Antigua & Barbuda is officially the first country in which this solution has been implemented, placing the two islands once again on the cutting edge of conservation.

Supplementing these topdown initiatives is a series of community-driven organizations aimed at making a difference for the destination’s finned and feathered inhabitants. From the tiniest toads to the massive Giant Aldabra Tortoises that make their home in a sanctuary on nearby Laviscount Island, Antigua’s Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) fights tirelessly for the destination’s endemic species, channelling proceeds from sustainable tours into outreach campaigns. The establishment of a sea turtle sanctuary on Galley Bay Resort’s stunning beach is a notable

triumph and one that allows visitors to get directly involved in helping hatchlings reach the water. On Barbuda—home to the largest colony of red-throated frigatebirds in the western hemisphere—the EAG has been a staunch defender of Codrington Lagoon, ensuring that guests and locals alike will be able to enjoy the spirited mating dances of the sanctuary’s avian inhabitants for generations to come.

With 2023 marking a year of wellness-focused tourism initiatives, travellers seeking superlative spa treatments and zen relaxation will find a whole host of new reasons to visit Antigua & Barbuda. Yet, the destination’s commendable dedication to the wellness of its aquatic habitats remains enduring and timeless, establishing Antigua & Barbuda as a truly green oasis amidst a sea of endless blue.

The beach is just the beginning. Learn more about Antigua & Barbuda at visitantiguabarbuda.com

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji: Where Conservation and Tourism Meet

Opening as one of the first eco resorts in the world, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji is a haven for sustainable travellers.

Located on the breathtaking island of Vanua Levu, the luxury resort overlooks the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay. It’s not only an impressive destination for tourists to escape to, but it’s a destination that is working towards leaving the planet better than how we found it.

“My father said ‘people protect what they love’ and so we want more people to fall in love with water, with the ocean,” Jean-Michael Cousteau shared in a video. “And I say, protect the

ocean, and you protect yourself.”

Cousteau’s namesake resort opened in Fiji as part of his life’s mission to communicate to people of all nations and generations his love and concern for our planet.

Cousteau, a notable French environmentalist, wanted to show travellers that sustainability and travel can go hand-in-hand.

The destination has become well-loved by families for an exciting trip with the kids, or couples seeking romantic luxury. With his love for the ocean, Cousteau’s resort is known for its snorkelling. The waters surrounding the resort are home to the largest variety of fish and coral on the planet.

To make the underwater

experience even more exciting, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort has a marine biologist onsite to share the wonders found around the resort. The resident marine biologist, Johnny Singh, leads snorkelling trips, educational workshops and more.

Since the resort opened, the team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji have launched further initiatives towards prioritizing sustainability, including their “Every Day is Earth Day” campaign.

“We see opportunities to make a difference in the areas of climate change and social sustainability,” Bartholomew Simpson, General Manager of Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji explained. “Mitigating

APage Worth Revisiting

For globe-trotters looking to venture beyond the Grand Canyon, there’s a place that holds its own list of must-see and must-experience destinations: Page, Arizona. With Lake Powell and the Colorado River on its doorstep, Page puts you right at the heart of unparalleled outdoor beauty, offering a unique exploration of Arizona. Page is perhaps best known as being home to one of the most Instagrammable spots in the world: Horseshoe Bend, featuring a shimmering blue U-shaped ribbon of the Colorado River cutting through red-rock canyon cliffs. Less known is the 17-kilometre continuous Rim Trail in Page, a hike that provides more than enough photo-ops with views of red rocks, blue water, and beautiful wild flowers.

There’s more to love about Page if you’re looking for that perfect photo. The area is home to a network of slot canyons, narrow trails that wind their way through wildly wavy rock formations. The most popular is Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon. Another excellent slot

canyon trail is called Buckskin Gulch and provides one of the Southwest’s longest and deepest canyon experiences.

When it’s time to shake the dust off your boots from all the outdoor fun, Lake Powell is where you want to be. Created when the Glen Canyon Dam was formed, Lake Powell is over 290 kilometres long and offers over 3,219 kilometres of shoreline, surrounded by beautiful canyon structures. The best way to see the lake is by watercraft. Rent a kayak, powerboat, pontoon boat, or even a houseboat. Or simply zip around for a while on the back of a jet ski. How about a float trip down the Colorado River? Half-day trips from Page to Lee’s Ferry are available through Wilderness Adventure Company. Wind down from your explorations by finding the perfect spot to enjoy the lake and go for a swim.

Want even more? Make Page your basecamp and make day trips to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National

Park, and Bryce National Park. Come to Page to experience the world-famous Wave. The Wave is the premier photographic destination in the Southwest. Located in Coyote Buttes, it is just a 30-minute drive from Page. After all your adventures, be sure to make it back to Page’s downtown. Enjoy a beer at the new Grand Canyon Brewery, elevated dining at Rim View Terrace, or a movie in the park. With over 20 hotels to accommodate you and your family, from affordable stays for the whole family to luxurious nights of spoiling yourself, Page’s hotels have something for everyone. Page is home to many mom-and-pop, family-owned small businesses. From our oneof-a-kind donut shop to the Sugar Factory, your family will love their time in Page, Arizona. When making your Arizona itinerary, bookmark Page as your top destination. The best time to visit is spring, summer, and fall!

Start planning your adventure at VisitPageLakePowell.com

or reversing the damage from these areas can seem like an impossibly daunting task. But, we believe that, through our hotel’s efforts, we start by empowering and inspiring people at an individual level. From there, it ripples out—growing and evolving to where everyone believes in and supports sustainable solutions to move us forward.”

The year-round campaign highlights the resort's commitment to sustainability, leading conservation efforts in and around the greater-Savusavu community. One initiative the resort is working on is in partnership with the Savusavu Community Foundation to plant 20,000 teak trees. The teak trees, which were once abundant in the

region, were torn down to make way for grazing cattle. Guests are encouraged to partake in the tree planting excursion, allowing them to participate in a vacation that helps rebuild the environment around them.

In addition to the replanting of teak trees, the “Every Day is Earth Day” campaign includes a variety of more activities that guests can join in on, including a mangrove planting program, giant clam repopulation, maintaining an organic garden, and more.

The resort makes for a vacation that will not only allow you to unwind and enjoy a tropical getaway, but also make an effort towards bettering our environment.

PRISTINE BARBUDA BEACH © SIMPLY ANTIGUA BARBUDA

Invent Your Perfect Winter Day in Lake Placid

Welcome to Lake Placid, New York, a special Adirondack mountain town with an extraordinary history! This charming, vibrant village nestled in the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains became America's first winter vacation destination in the early 1900s, when one of the local resorts, Lake Placid Club, remained open for the winter season and welcomed guests to discover the delight of cold-weather activities. Since then, Lake Placid, located approximately three hours from Ottawa and only two hours from Montréal, has become a premier winter destination for travellers. Now, you are welcome to Lake Placid to invent your own perfect winter day! Indulge yourself in some of the best and most enjoyable winter experiences you can't find anywhere but here.

The Adirondacks are brimming with possibilities for the most adventurous among us to those seeking a quiet getaway filled with rest and relaxation. There's so much to do! No matter your vacationing style, we've got you covered. Solo adventurers, families, couples, retired travellers, and even pets will love the endless opportunities in this Olympic Village. We are sure you will find Lake Placid to be the perfect place to enjoy the best of winter. Imagine a serene morning exploring the snowy woods, followed by coffee next to a cozy fire overlooking frozen Mirror Lake as you watch a dogsled team circle the ice. Next, explore the unique, welcoming shops and galleries on and off Main Street of Lake Placid, the perfect spot to search for creative, locally made items that you won't find anywhere else. From charming Adirondack keepsakes, foodie-friendly delicacies, books and jewelry to outdoor outfitters, shopping in Lake Placid is a delightful experience. You can finish your afternoon with a scenic drive or a spa treatment and then settle in for a delicious evening meal at

make up Lake Placid's diverse and innovative dining scene. You will be delighted at the wide array of dining options, including Adirondack-style barbecue, locally sourced farm-to-table goodness, gourmet delicacies, and casual dining and takeout opportunities.

Maybe the pace of your perfect day is more of a play-all-day theme! Possibilities are limitless for outdoor activities, with wintry fun and excitement around every bend. Spend a day full of fresh, frozen fun as you ice skate, cross-country ski, ice fish, enjoy a pick-up hockey game, or take a brisk hike through the snowy woods. For a unique winter experience, ride the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute onto frozen Mirror Lake, snowshoe through history at the John

High Falls Gorge. You can even experience the woods by horsedrawn sleigh! A perfect day in Lake Placid wouldn't be complete without at least acknowledging that this sparkling winter playground has bragging rights to say the Olympics took place in our backyard, hosting not just one but two Winter Olympic Games! Today, you can tour many of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Legacy Sites. In the heart of the village, you'll find the famed Olympic Center, full of history, great fun, and activities. Enjoy public skating, hockey tournaments, the Olympic Museum, figure skating, and tours of this amazing complex, the site of one of the most dramatic upsets in Olympic history, where the U.S. hockey team beat the Soviets on February 22, 1980, in the famous

Towering just outside of downtown at the Olympic Jumping Complex are the 90- and 120-metre ski jumps. Ride the new Skyride gondola to the base of the ski jumps, and from there, take the scenic elevator to the sky deck for stunning views of Lake Placid and the Adirondack High Peaks. Nearby, at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, you'll find the 1980 Olympic bobsled track, luge experiences, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing opportunities, an indoor climbing gym, and much more. Take the short, scenic drive from the town centre to Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, where you can make tracks on the same slopes as Olympians! With the biggest vertical drop of any ski centre in the eastern United States and more than 288 ski-able acres of diverse trails,

and riding on pristine trails, catching the breathtaking views, or grabbing a mid-trail bite to eat. Whiteface Mountain is the perfect mountain for every skier, from beginners to experts. For nearly 100 years, the Olympic legacy has burned bright in this little mountain town, but the party isn't over! Besides being one of the few places to host two Olympic Winter Games games, Lake Placid has hosted a plethora of World Cup events annually and, for the first time since 1972, will be the site of the 2023 World University Games! Lake Placid is no stranger to the high stakes of competition, the thrill of the crowds, or the excitement of monumental athletic wins. Since hosting the Olympics, Lake Placid has become a reliable host for all things winter sports. From training world-renowned winter athletes to hosting World Cup events, Lake Placid continues to champion winter athletes from all over!

End your perfect day by settling in for the night at a full-service Adirondack luxury resort, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a rustic cabin surrounded by fresh mountain air and expansive High Peaks scenery. Many places to stay in Lake Placid are situated within walking distance of historic Main Street and the surrounding dining, trails, and activities. The beautiful wintry backdrop of the Adirondack High Peaks makes for a postcard-perfect scene, and many of our hotels and motels offer big views and balconies. Special packages are available at many properties throughout town to help you make the most of your vacation.

With so many possibilities to enjoy, don't let the season pass without creating your very own perfect day in Lake Placid. The "what to do" is up to you, but we promise the memories made in Lake Placid, New York, will bring home the gold!

Plan your trip today at www.lakeplacid.com. There is

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER

Protecting Nature, Inspiring Change How Green Spaces Are Growing Environmental Heroes in Halton

Ontario is home to some of Canada’s fastest-growing towns and cities. In Halton Region alone, the population is set to almost double by 2041. And while this region is expected to see rapid population growth, it also features some of the most beautiful and biodiverse green spaces in Ontario. These ecosystems play an essential role in our daily lives. From protecting clean water and mitigating climate change to providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and respite, natural systems sustain us, as well as thousands of other species, in critical ways.

Given the importance of healthy ecosystems to our communities and our planet, conservation groups around the world are on a mission to ensure that natural areas, like creeks, wetlands, forests and meadows, are effectively managed and preserved for future generations. In Ontario, local Conservation Authorities are at the forefront of this work.

As community-based environmental agencies, these Conservation

Authorities operate on a watershed basis to manage over 150,000 hectares of land, including more than 300 publicly accessible conservation areas. These protected green spaces provide invaluable ecosystem services to communities across the province, but they are especially important to children and youth in urban and fast-growing regions like Halton. That’s because conservation areas serve as engaging outdoor destinations for local, curriculum-linked learning.

CONSERVATION AREAS AS LIVING CLASSROOMS

Within the boundaries of the Halton watershed, there are eight unique conservation areas that Conservation Halton manages. Hilton Falls, Kelso and Rattlesnake Point are popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, while Crawford Lake and Mountsberg operate as the Conservation Authority’s busiest sites for school programs.

Each year, these school-tour destinations reach over 60,000 children and youth from across the

Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, providing hands-on, curriculumlinked programs that inspire students from kindergarten to Grade 12 to explore local watersheds and build their environmental literacy. These spaces are unparalleled locations for outdoor education. As Conservation Halton educators always say, “Conservation parks are some of our province’s best ‘living classrooms’ because they are brimming with life.” With nature-as-classroom, students have the opportunity to learn outdoors and lead their own discoveries in forests,

wetlands and other natural areas, allowing them to build meaningful connections to the species and systems that help sustain our planet.

OUTDOOR LEARNING: PATHWAYS TO STEWARDSHIP

Learning in nature can inform students’ worldviews and deepen their understanding of local environmental health and resilience. And when awareness is paired with firsthand knowledge, it becomes a powerful springboard for action.

“These learning experiences

empower students to take action at home, at school and in the community—to inspire change for a greener and more resilient future,” said Garner Beckett, Executive Director of the Conservation Halton Foundation, a charity dedicated to advancing the environmental projects and programs of Conservation Halton. “By letting nature guide learning, we encourage students to find that space, species or story that matters most to them. It’s this personal connection to local nature that awakens future environmental heroes.”

Conservation Halton leads over 40 unique programs for school groups, including the annual Halton Children’s Water Festival—a special, multi-day learning experience on the importance of healthy watersheds.

To learn more about Conservation Halton’s work or to donate and support the mission of the Conservation Halton Foundation, visit www.conservationhalton.ca

Sustainable Skiing: Ecotourism in Tremblant

ALLIE MURRAY

Mont-Tremblant has long been a go-to destination for skiers and eco-tourism has always been a top priority.

Over the past 20 years, Mont-Tremblant has deployed countless green initiatives, from waste management best practices promoting recycling and composting, reducing light pollution to save energy, watering with untreated water, using free shuttles, off-road vehicles and electric carts, and introducing solar panels and e-car charging stations. The resort also protects the mountain’s ecosystems during development and snowmaking and has implemented a green hotel program while encouraging promoters to host and manage eco-friendly events.

In 2021, Tremblant became the first Québec business to earn Ecocert Canada’s Level 3 certification, which is done by passing all sustainability inspections. Similarly, throughout 2021, they planted 643 trees, offset 90 tonnes of CO2

TREMBLANT

For a sustainable stay yearround, many of the resort hotels offer a green program, which helps to preserve the mountain’s natural resources. Some examples include recycling initiatives, phosphatefree and environmentally friendly cleaning products, and unfinished soaps sent to the non-profit organization Clean the World, which recycles the soaps and delivers them to people in need around the world.

THINGS TO DO

emissions, and diverted nearly 35 per cent of raw materials. From events to the ski slopes themselves, Tremblant is an eco destination through and through.

"Environmental issues are certainly a high priority for Tremblant, and it is important to educate employees, visitors and children about environmentally friendly practices that extend well beyond our installations,” said Felix Burke, Responsible for Public Relations. "Nature is intrinsic to all of our happiness and, as we help our visitors experience its rejuvenating qualities on the mountain, it is

important to take responsibility for its well-being for posterity."

Tremblant is working towards continuously pursuing its green initiative, installing 20 new electric charging stations in the parking lots—10 this year, and 10 in 2024.

ON THE SLOPES

Every year, Tremblant uses 1.3 million cubic metres of water to mechanically produce snow, which is the equivalent of 430 Olympic size swimming pools. To create this snow as responsibly as possible, Tremblant uses water sources Lac Tremblant and the

Rivière-du-Diable, with 80 per cent of water returning to its source with the spring melt.

Tremblant sits at 875 metres and offers a breathtaking view of the Laurentians. On the hill, there are 102 ski trails, four slopes, 14 lifts and 305 skiable hectares. The ski slopes appeal to skiers of all abilities, from total beginner to extreme skier.

IN THE SUMMER

Tremblant is open to tourists year round—welcoming visitors to the golf courses, hiking, swimming in beautiful Lac Tremblant, walking the pedestrian village and more.

Make the Most of a New Year in Sarnia-Lambton

WIDDER STATION © DUDEK PHOTOGRAPHY

© FIND YOUR NEXT WINTER ADVENTURE

LEARN AND DISCOVER

One of the best things about the new year is that it is a fresh start to explore and learn something new. Taking the time for you and your family to discover the interesting history of different regions or revel in the ingenuity and creativity of creators are inspiring additions to any visit to a new location. Sarnia-Lambton

offers a wide variety of museums and galleries that are sure to fulfill the knowledge seeker in you. From ancient artifacts and prehistoric creatures at the Stones ‘N Bones Museum in Sarnia or the history and heritage at the Oil Museum of Canada in Oil Springs, to the famous and awe-inspiring exhibits at the Judith and Norman Alix Art

Gallery in Sarnia, you can learn and discover something at every new stop in Sarnia-Lambton.

GET OUTSIDE AND EXPLORE

A fresh new year sometimes requires a fresh new view, and in Sarnia-Lambton, the views along Ontario’s Blue Coast are inspiring and memorable. Take a stroll along the shores of the St. Clair River and Lake Huron and witness the worldfamous sunsets along Ontario’s Blue Coast. Explore trails and paths like the winter walking trails at Widder Station in Lambton Shores and experience the beauty of the rural SarniaLambton setting.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

There are so many options for participating in new sports and hobbies, both first-hand and from the cheering crowds. Take a stab at axe throwing at Valley Axe in Sarnia, keep your golf game strong with a round of indoor golf at Bunker in the Bend in Grand Bend, or attend a fast-paced OHL

hockey game with the Sarnia Sting. Whether you want to try a new sport or cheer on world-class competitors, Sarnia-Lambton is a sports fan’s destination.

A FRESH NEW PINT

With 16 different and unique craft beverage locations across Sarnia-Lambton, making a weekend plan to sip and enjoy a fresh new pint is the perfect way to cap off your new year of exploring the best of SarniaLambton. From urban and artsy settings to rustic and laid-back rural locations, you can try new brews from creative craft brewers across Sarnia-Lambton and find a perfectly crafted new favourite to take home and enjoy. From breathtaking natural landscapes and cozy cottage retreats to fun family experiences, Sarnia-Lambton is the perfect place to make new memories with loved ones.

Plan your 2023 adventure in Sarnia-Lambton today: ontbluecoast.com @tourismsarnialambton @ontariosbluecoast

See the Sunset Twice in Canada’s Prettiest Town, Goderich, Ontario

There is no equal to a Lake Huron sunset, and Goderich boasts the best! The Town of Goderich is located only 2.5 hours west of Toronto, right on the shores of Lake Huron. The Port of Goderich has been known nationwide since Victorian times as the ‘Prettiest Town in Canada.’ There is much to see and do in this architecturally rich port town, which sits on the bluffs overlooking Lake Huron.

BEACHES, BOARDWALK

It may not seem like beach weather right now, but we assure you that the view of the waterfront is beautiful at any time of year. Goderich's natural setting along Ontario's West Coast provides an incredible number of recreation and leisure choices. Goderich's three beautiful beaches are must-sees.

The 1.5-kilometre boardwalk is over 10 feet wide and runs along the waterfront, passing by all of the beauty and amenities. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, and public washrooms stand out along these beaches and are the perfect location for a day trip.

From late spring to early fall, The Beach Hut and The Cove have

RAYE MOCIOIU

scrumptious treats and snacks to fulfill your tummies' needs. The picturesque Beach Street Station restaurant is located just across from Main Beach and has a pretty amazing history itself. It was built in 1907 as a Canadian Pacific Railway Station and was moved over 100 feet from its original location in 2013 and was restored and opened in 2015. Their menu dazzles with local food and drinks with a wide selection for every appetite.

You can be sure to catch their famous sunsets from all the beaches or any of the 13 viewpoint parks at the top of the bluff. The beach is accessible by road, foot and bike, with staircases extending from Lighthouse Park, Sunset Park and Rotary Cove, allowing you to see the sunset twice if you climb quickly enough!

UNIQUE DOWNTOWN

Goderich is well known for its distinctive downtown, an octagonal

core known as The Square. While visiting Goderich, we trust you will be welcomed with the town’s trademark hospitality. We welcome you to experience the tradition of our award-winning Downtown Goderich. At the heart of our Downtown is Courthouse Square—a gem of Canadian Heritage Architecture. Courthouse Square features a weekly farmers’ market (from spring until fall), outdoor concerts during the summer into fall,

specialty shops, and outstanding restaurants and cafés.

From Courthouse Square, it’s just a short stroll along West Street, a designated heritage district, to our beautiful lakefront. There is so much to see and do here. Visit us soon. Spend a few hours or a few days. Once you have visited Goderich, your heart will never leave.

Plan your adventure at exploregoderich.ca

The Benefits of Taking the Road Less Travelled

There are as many reasons to love travelling as there are destinations to travel to. Travel brings with it a chance to escape, explore, and learn, and

there’s no shortage of incredible places to see—especially with the abundance of travel destinations and tips provided through social media.

But as more people take to travelling, finding bucket-listworthy destinations online, many places are becoming overrun by tourists and adventure seekers, leaving them to deal with the consequences of overtourism.

WHAT IS OVERTOURISM?

Overtourism occurs when there are too many people travelling to an area. Too many tourists lead to a diminished quality of life for the local community and potential environmental issues for the surrounding nature—in short, overtourism is unsustainable tourism.

Your hometown might be a charming and idyllic spot that welcomes visitors, but an overabundance of travellers would impact your daily life and that of your community—and you’d notice it pretty quickly.

When rent prices rise to push

out local tenants and build tourist accommodations, local roads are packed with non-stop traffic, and even the wildlife seems to retreat, that’s overtourism.

It doesn’t just impact locals, either. As travellers, the quality of our experiences visiting destinations plagued by overtourism can be reduced. Crowds make it difficult and even unpleasant to stroll through the streets or visit landmarks, desecrated natural environments become sobering rather than inspiring, and your trip may begin to feel less like an escape than you’d hoped for.

Tourism is growing, and some places can’t seem to keep up. While not a new problem, between cheaper flights and an increasing number of tourists getting their travel ideas from television and social media, overtourism is growing, impacting destinations big and small, and leading to consequences that could change the landscape of travel forever.

Air, noise, and light pollution can disrupt natural habitats and animal breeding patterns, natural

resources degrade due to overuse and accumulation of trash. As well, in increasing tourism development, these destinations may turn to unsustainable practices, like deforestation, to keep up with the demand that they were not built to handle.

A CASE FOR FORGING YOUR OWN PATH

Of course, when done sustainably, tourism can have many benefits, and sustainable tourism is on the rise. When tourism is sustainably managed, it can be an incredible tool for protecting the environment and empowering the local economy. For example, ticket and admission prices often return to the economy, protecting natural spaces and enhancing education.

As tourists, we also have the power to reverse overtourism and support sustainable travel. Shopping at local markets to support small businesses, properly disposing of our waste (or even joining local clean-up projects), and exploring areas outside of tourist hotspots are

great ways to positively impact the destinations we visit. Travelling outside peak season is also an excellent opportunity to practice sustainable travel, with the added benefit of avoiding crowds, putting less pressure on residents and public transport, and saving you a bit of money. While you’re there, keep your travel cash local too. Eat at local restaurants, take tours with local guides, join in on conservation initiatives, and even participate in voluntourism—a fantastic way to offset your carbon footprint as you travel.

For adventurers who really want to get off the beaten path, there is no shortage of destinations that have yet to be popularized to the point of overtourism. From Madagascar to Monaco, Bhutan, or San Marino, there are many beautiful places to explore responsibly. Taking the road less travelled not only helps avoid overtourism but will also lead to a greater connection with local cultures and grant you a far more authentic and enjoyable adventure.

SPEND A FEW HOURS OR A

DAYS. ONCE YOU HAVE VISITED GODERICH, YOUR HEART WILL NEVER LEAVE.

Family Night-Ready Raclette: Fromagerie Bergeron Style

Raclette is a comforting dish, ideal for warming up during the long winter months. This meal requires little preparation—virtually everything can be set up in advance. It allows you to take advantage of your day to celebrate the best of winter or enjoy the presence of your guests.

Another advantage is that this dish can be easily adapted, so guests can eat what they prefer according to their tastes and appetite. Make the recipe allergy-friendly by opting for lactose-free cheeses and gluten-free bread, or make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with marinated tofu! The raclette is also a brunch favourite, pairing perfectly with quail eggs or even small pancakes.

WHICH CHEESES TO

CHOOSE FOR RACLETTE?

Raclette evenings are perfect for trying several cheeses and discovering new combinations. Try Fromagerie Bergeron's Inspiration sliced cheese sets for a hassle-free evening that will delight your guests. This selection of mild cheeses, Cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss,

complement each other perfectly, whatever the occasion. As a bonus, they're all lactose-free and gluten-free!

MEATS AND DELI MEATS

Charcuterie boards make an ideal addition to a raclette—think of salami, prosciutto, ham, or even chorizo.

Prepare marinated flank steak, shrimp or scallops in advance, and do not hesitate to integrate slices or strips of game to discover new flavours. Fondue meat is also a lovely option to consider. A selection of sausages in precooked or fully-cooked sections will complement your board perfectly. Several flavours are now available in grocery stores and specialty stores.

VEGETABLES AND POTATOES

Potatoes are essential for raclette. Opt for baby potatoes, boiled beforehand, to facilitate the course of the meal. To shake things up, sweet potato and squash are delicious and exciting alternatives!

Other vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, broccoli,

zucchini, asparagus, cauliflower, and bok choy are good side choices. Remember to blanch firmer vegetables first.

THE SIDES FOR A SUCCESSFUL RACLETTE

How can we forget the sauces?

Choose them based on the ingredients you have already chosen. Garlic sauce, dijonnaise, devil's sauce, honey and herb sauce, curry sauce…let your creativity run wild. Add a few slices of baguette or quality bread to the spread, and remember to get gluten-free bread if your guests have an intolerance. After filling your table with delicious indulgences, don’t forget to add a green salad or raw vegetables—balance is essential.

WHAT TO DRINK WITH RACLETTE?

Let your drink match your mood—there are so many wonderful pairings! If you prefer white wine, choose a slightly fruity wine such as a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. It's important to look

for some acidity to help balance the fat.

For red wine drinkers, opt for a fresh wine that focuses on the fruit, since the cheese tends to bring out the tannins.

Finally, for beer lovers, look for light beers, white or blond, and not too sweet. For example, white wheat beers (wheat ale) of the Belgian type, an IPA session (watch out for the bitterness!) or a pale ale.

FROMAGERIE BERGERON'S RACLETTE

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES • COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES •

TOTAL TIME: 35 MINUTES

Ingredients

For one person, you’ll need the following:

• 100 to 150g of cheese (2 or 3 varieties)

• 150g cold cuts, meat, seafood, or sausages

• 350g potato

Directions

1 Cook the sausage pieces.

2 Cut and marinate meat and seafood.

3 Blanch vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus).

4 Preheat the raclette oven 15 minutes before the meal.

Why Rice Might Be a Secret Superfood

One of the most widely consumed foods in the world, rice is a staple across many cultures, households, and diets. But rice isn’t just your typical pantry staple, it also checks the boxes for healthy food since it’s a nutrient-dense, complex carb that the

body slowly digests so you can stay energized throughout the day. Carbs also provide energy for other cells in our bodies, including muscles.

In fact, rice has more than 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, B vitamins,

potassium, fibre, iron and zinc. B vitamins are linked to supporting cognitive health and reducing chronic inflammation in the brain. One of the biggest advantages of rice is that it can be a go-to even for those who have food intolerances or sensitive stomachs. Aside from being gluten-free, rice is also virtually free of sodium, cholesterol, and fat and isn’t genetically modified if you buy rice produced in the U.S.

Even better? Research shows that eating carbohydrates, like rice, increases levels of the feelgood chemical serotonin, which helps boost mood, reduces anxiety, and keeps appetite in check. It's also the perfect vehicle for eating other nutrient-rich foods. Craving rice now? Here’s an easy recipe to try.

MEDITERRANEAN

BROWN RICE SALAD

This brown rice salad is nutritious, easy to make, and keeps well in the fridge! It also utilizes mostly pantry staples, including U.S.grown long-grain brown rice,

A

Instructions

making it an easy dinner option for busy weeknights. Try swapping in your favourite veg to make it to your taste!

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 45 MINUTES

SERVES: 4

SALAD

1 Cook brown rice according to package instructions.

2 While the rice cooks, prepare the vegetables. Drain and rinse chickpeas and artichoke hearts. Cut artichoke hearts in half lengthwise.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 ml) U.S. long-grain brown rice

• 1 (398 ml) can chickpeas

• 1 (398 ml) can artichoke hearts

• 1 cup (250 ml) jarred roasted red peppers, diced

• 2 cups (500 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups (500 ml) cucumber, quartered and sliced

• ½ cup (125 ml) kalamata olives

• ¼ cup (60 ml) parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper

LEMON VINAIGRETTE

• 4 tbsp (60 ml) lemon juice

• 1/8 cup (80 ml) olive oil

• ½ tbsp (7 ml) dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

3 Chop up the rest of the vegetables and parsley. Set ingredients aside.

4 Combine all the vinaigrette ingredients, plus a shake of salt and pepper, in a small jar. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the dressing is creamy and cloudy looking.

5 When rice is done cooking, let it cool to room temperature. Add rice to a large mixing bowl and toss with all the veggies, chickpeas and parsley, plus a generous shake of salt and pepper.

6 Drizzle 1/8 cup (80 ml) of vinaigrette into the salad and toss to combine. Add more dressing, 1 tablespoon at a time, to taste.

Deliciously Healthy Way to Enjoy Eggs

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring when you’ve got eggs!

A new year has started, and for many, that includes adding new health goals to their daily life. Whether you are looking to trim down or are just looking to add more healthy food choices to your day, eggs are the perfect fit. With 13 vitamins and minerals, plus six grams of protein per egg, that’s a blast of nutrition all wrapped up in a shell! Not only that, did you know that eggs in Ontario are provided by one of our more than 500 farm families across the province? Those eggs then go from the farm to the grading station to the grocery store in only four to seven days.

Eggs are not only nutritious, but they are also delicious and versatile for breakfast, lunch, din ner, and snack time. Take our Za’atar Lentil Power Bowl, for instance. It’s packed with crisp vegetables, creamy yogurt, zesty lemon and, of course, eggs! It’s a nutritious and powerful flavour combination that will become a favourite for the whole family to enjoy.

ZA’ATAR LENTIL POWER BOWL FOUR SERVINGS

This nutrient-rich power bowl comes together easily and keeps well for weekday meal prep.

Ingredients

LEMON ZA’ATAR YOGURT DRESSING

• ½ cup plain yogurt

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 clove of garlic, minced or grated

• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp each salt and pepper

• 1 cup cucumber, chopped

Directions

cucumber, tomatoes, radishes and red onion among four bowls.

3 Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry eggs, covering if necessary, until bottoms are crispy and whites are set; about 4 minutes. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds in the last 30 seconds around eggs and spoon them onto egg whites for an extra crunch. Remove eggs topped with sesame seeds from pan, allowing excess oil to drain before adding eggs to bowls.

4 Season bowls with pepper to taste and serve with Lemon

Za’atar Yogurt Dressing.

Tip: The dressing can be stored in a jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Tip: To blanch beans, cook beans in boiling, salted water for 1-2 minutes until tender-crisp. Strain and cool in an ice bath. Dry before using.

For this recipe and more, visit www.getcracking.ca/recipes

Easy and Affordable Ways to Keep Your Health Up This Year

It can be extra difficult to grow or maintain healthy habits when the cost of living is high. With an overloaded health care system, it’s also a benefit to stay in shape. Here are a few budgetfriendly ways to help you stay healthy this year.

• Choose in-season produce: We all know fruits and veggies are a core part of any healthy meal plan. So, learn to love some cheaper staples as they rotate through the season. Winter squash is a delicious choice that can feed a crowd and be incorporated into everything from baked goods and pasta to casseroles and winter salads.

• It’s okay to go frozen: If you crave summer favourites like berries or green beans even in the winter, opt for frozen varieties. Depending on the brand, they may be cheaper since you can use them over a longer period of time. Frozen foods have all the nutritional benefits of fresh produce, plus they’re usually frozen at peak quality.

• Store food right: We already spend so much on food, it pays to store it properly for lasting

freshness. Check the temperature of your fridge to make sure it’s set to 4°C (40 °F) or lower, and set your freezer at -18°C (0°F) or lower so your ingredients are stored safely.

• Protect your sleep: Sleep is precious for your health, but it can be hard to come by. Skip the pricey home remedies and consider adjusting your routine instead. Plan to go to bed at roughly the same time every night and wind down with a library book or podcast. It’s easier said than done, but if you can just let it go, you might start to fall asleep.

• Build activity into your day: Exercise doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or subscribing to costly programs. Take advantage of movement you get day-to-day, like choosing a hilly route when you take the dog out or doing a little dance while you wash the dishes. You’ll be more likely to fit in free activity if it’s a simple extension of your routine.

• Get help for your teeth: Dental care can be expensive—especially if you don’t have insurance. But a healthy mouth is a crucial

part of overall health. It helps you avoid more costly, uncomfortable and long-term problems down the line—so it’s not something to put off. If you don’t have access to private dental insurance for your kids, look into the new Canada Dental Benefit that provides up to $650 a year for the next two years to cover dental services for kids under 12.

To maintain healthy habits, follow tips to help you choose healthy foods that are budget-friendly.

• Look at location: It’s a common tip to read labels in the grocery store, but for products without nutritional information, look at the label on the shelf to see where the items are grown. Choose produce locally or from within Canada when you can, as it may be both fresher for you and better for the environment. Choosing

MUSHROOM TERIYAKI CHICKEN RICE BOWL

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES • COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES • SERVES: 2

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp (1 ml) each salt and pepper

• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder

• 1/2 lb (225g) boneless, skinless, chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tsp (5 ml) vegetable oil

• 2 large portobella mushrooms, diced

• 2 cups (500 ml) baby bok choy, sliced

SAUCE:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey

• 2 tsp (10 ml) rice vinegar

• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground ginger

• 2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder

• 2 tsp (10 ml) cornstarch

• 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame seeds

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh chives

Directions

1 In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper and garlic pow der. Season chicken with half of the seasoning mixture. In a medium sized bowl, toss together mushrooms, bok choy and the rest of the seasoning mixture. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet

Start your shopping along these perimeter aisles to fill up with healthy goodness like kale, mushrooms, eggs and beets.

• Don’t stress about colour: You may have heard that a plate or grocery cart full of healthy food is a colourful one, but that’s really a reminder to get you thinking of all the veggies you could add to your list and to encourage variety. But it’s not the be-all-and-end-all— in fact, some of the most nutritious veggies are not brightly coloured, including cauliflower and mushrooms.

• Plan your meals: Setting out a rough menu for the week helps you actually make use of the healthy food you get at the store to prevent food waste and a wasted food budget. Otherwise, it can be tempting to let that kale go limp in the fridge or not even pick it up in the first place. A little trial and error

to your rotation, and help you discover new healthy additions to include in them.

We all know how important our immune systems are, so look for a variety of nutrientrich foods to help your overall health. Some simple ideas:

• Mushrooms provide zinc, which supports the immune system; selenium, which helps keep your body’s tissues healthy; and vitamin B6, which helps your body get ready to use and store energy.

• Lean ground beef has vitamin B12 and iron to help out your nerve and blood cells.

• Spinach offers vitamins A and E which can protect your vision and help prevent blood clots.

• Milk is often fortified to help you get more vitamin D.

• Beans and legumes can help vary your sources of protein and provide fibre and iron.

• Oranges provide vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron

CABBAGE ROLLS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES • COOK TIME: 70 MINUTES • SERVES: 4–6

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef

• 1/2 lb (250 g) ground pork

• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) U.S. parboiled rice

• 1 cup (250 ml) minced onion

• 2 tsp (10 ml) each salt and pepper

• 12 large cabbage leaves

• 1 10 oz (284 ml) can condensed tomato soup

Directions

1 In a bowl, combine ground beef, pork, rice, onion, salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside.

2 Remove leaves from cabbage and blanch in a large pot of boiling, salted water until just

crisp, about 7 minutes. Rinse leaves in colander under cold water until completely cold.

3 Working with one leaf at a time, cut out any very large veins from the leaf using a sharp knife. Fill each leaf with 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the rice mixture. Fold over sides of each filled leaf and roll up to secure. Arrange seam-side down in a 13 by 9-inch (3 L) casserole dish. Repeat with remaining cabbage and rice.

4 Pour soup evenly over cabbage rolls. Top with water just to cover rolls. Tightly cover dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 60 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.