December • 2023
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Another Season of Joy at Scott Mission Scott Mission launches its annual Christmas Joy Program to provide gift cards, groceries, and toys—your donation will bring joy to thousands of local families this Christmas. The Christmas season is a time of giving, goodwill, and excitement for many, but for others, the holidays are also a season of anxiety and uncertainty as they struggle to provide food, shelter, and clothing, with extra items such as toys being out of reach. According to a report by the Toronto Star, the number of Canadians who reported financial stress jumped by 20 per cent this year. As the cost of living increases, many families are being forced to cut back on holiday spending this season. Scott Mission is among Toronto’s longest-serving social service agencies, grounded in Christian values, while providing an array of critical services— including nutritious food, shelter, gently used clothing, family services, child and youth programs, a daycare centre, and mental health counselling. “The poverty levels are unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” remarked Peter Duraisami, Scott Mission’s CEO. “Now, it’s even
more difficult for a single parent or senior to put a nutritious meal on the table.” Eight months ago, Enrique, Estefania, and their two young sons, Alessandro and Carlos,
arrived from Mexico as refugees. “We came to Canada for a new future for our sons,” Enrique said, a home-builder by trade. “Life is very difficult in Mexico and because of so much insecurity,
ESTEFANIA, ALESSANDRO AND CARLOS © COURTESY OF SCOTT MISSION
it is not a promising place for our children to have a future.” The young family was able to secure a small apartment in Etobicoke but had little left for other necessities. Members of their community shared about the resources offered by Scott Mission, so Enrique and Estefania found their way to the Mission on the TTC—filled with hope and uncertainty about what they would encounter there. But as they approached the Welcome Centre, they were met with warmth and kindness, and they received clothing and bags of groceries. This Christmas, Enrique and his family and thousands of other families will receive that same kindness as the Mission’s Christmas Joy Program provides 2,600 families with grocery gift cards and food hampers, plus toys for 1,000 children. “Our Christmas Joy Program has never been more necessary,” said Cynthia Laton, Manager of Intake Advocacy, “I see many moms who are so anxious about
providing the daily necessities. It gives them peace and joy knowing that they will be able to provide a Christmas feast and toys for their children.” Love is the way that Scott Mission delivers Christmas joy to the families in our community who need it most. While Enrique and Estefania will surely miss their family in Mexico, they will be surrounded by a loving community at Scott Mission this holiday season. “We don’t have the words,” Estefania said, “but we give many thanks to you all for your support in helping us have good food, warm coats, and toys for the boys. Because of you, we will have a good first Christmas here in Canada. Gracias y Feliz Navidad!” Thank you for delivering Christmas joy to the individuals and families who will walk through the doors of Scott Mission this December. Give now at scottmission.com/lovetogive
Fashioning Change: Kokom Scrunchies is Stitching Together a Legacy grow, I needed help, so my mom, my brother, and my dad joined Thirteen-year-old Mya is proving me, and we became a family team. that entrepreneurship knows Now, we all have jobs within no boundaries. High school Kokom Scrunchies. Having a freshman and founder of Kokom supportive team is so important.” Scrunchies, Mya didn’t initially Marcie, Mya’s mother, seconds intend to start a business at the this statement, sharing that one young age of nine—she was of the many benefits of working looking for a way to give back to together as a family is that everythe youth in her community. one is on the same page, so they “I was inspired by my auntie, can come together when things Dana, to give back to my comget busy. munity,” said Mya. “Originally, it One of the standout features was a fundraiser because I needed of Kokom Scrunchies is the to make money to buy gifts for unique meaning behind each the youth. It was so successful product, down to the very fabric that I met my financial goal they are made of. within six months and decided to “The core Kokom Scrunchies turn it into an online business at collection is made from Kokom kokomscrunchies.ca!” Scarves, worn by our elders,” With a wealth of creative ideas said Marcie. “It’s a nice blend of and the support of her family, taking something from the past Kokom Scrunchies continued to and incorporating it into the grow—and Mya quickly learned present by creating a product that that doing it all is nearly impos- everyone can wear. Our scrunchsible, especially when juggling ies are meant for everyone, young responsibilities as a student. and old alike.” “At first, it was just me making Mya revealed that when she the scrunchies. I would do first started creating the scruncheverything after school and on ies, she named each one after her the weekends,” she explained. Indigenous role models, honour“When the demand started to ing her heritage and the heroes she RAYE MOCIOIU
MYA © COURTESY OF KOKOM SCRUNCHIES
looks up to. Now, that mission has expanded even further, adding new layers of meaning to these unique accessories. “I wanted to honour my role models by naming the original Kokom Scrunchies after them,” Mya shared. “As my business grows, I meet many people who inspire me. To this day, I still
honour others by naming limitededition scrunchies after them. It’s important to me to show others how special they are and highlight their amazing work.” Mya and her family already have a lengthy list of proud moments: this past September, Kokom Scrunchies was invited to New York Fashion Week for
a collaboration with Indigenous designer Scott Wabano. Earlier this year, they celebrated the launch of the first Kokom Scrunchies vending machine in Ottawa’s Bayshore Shopping Centre—an especially proud moment for Mya. “I really wanted to put my vending machine at Bayshore—I pitched my idea to them, and they loved it! Within a few months, I had my vending machine installed.” This is Canada's first-ever Kokom Scrunchies Vending machine, but Mya knows it won't be the last. “My goal has always been to have Kokom Scrunchies in stores everywhere,” she said. “The vending machine is like having a store that runs itself!” Her advice for young entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: start small and don’t be afraid to promote your products. “Use social media to promote your products, have a support team, and set goals,” she said. “Kokom Scrunchies started as an idea, $15 and a sewing machine. It’s definitely possible to start small and grow.”
The Friends of Algonquin Park Celebrates 40 Years
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materials. If you have ever visited Algonquin Park and walked one of its many interpretive trails, stopped in at the Visitor Centre, or strolled the exhibits at the Logging Museum, you have witnessed firsthand some of the contributions of this impactful charity. Thanks to the tireless efforts of its members, volunteers, donors, and partners, the organization has been able to support a wide range of projects over the years, each one aimed at enhancing visitors’ enjoyment and appreciation of this natural wonderland. Algonquin Park is immensely important to Ontario’s natural, cultural, and recreational values. Its vast forests, winding rivers, and stunning lakes offer a glimpse into a world that is both awe-inspiring and humbling, and it is thanks to The Friends of Algonquin Park that these wonders are understood so that they may be preserved for future generations. Whether it be through interactive interpretive events like Loggers Day and Meet the Researcher Day, educating school-aged children about the wonders of Algonquin Park
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Algonquin Park lies nestled in the heart of Ontario. This sprawling natural oasis offers visitors a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This incredible area is world-renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife viewing and recreational opportunities. It is thanks in part to the ongoing work of The Friends of Algonquin Park that the natural and cultural wonders have been shared for all to enjoy, creating the next generation of stewards of this endearing place. This year, The Friends of Algonquin Park is celebrating an incredible milestone: its 40th anniversary as a registered charity. Since 1983, this organization has been dedicated to promoting educational and interpretive programs in the Park, helping visitors to learn more about the natural world around them and fostering a love and appreciation for Algonquin Park that will last a lifetime. The Friends of Algonquin Park is committed to enhancing visitors’ enjoyment of the Park through research, program development and delivery, workshops and events, and the creation of educational
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© COURTESY OF TINA MCAULEY
through the Group Education Program, funding research to explore the plants, animals, and cultural history of the Park, or sharing it through its many publications, The Friends of Algonquin Park is dedicated to sharing the magic of natural spaces with everyone. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate The Friends of Algonquin Park’s 40th anniversary, there’s no better way to do so than by planning
a visit to the Park. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, a paddler, or simply someone who enjoys being outdoors, Algonquin Park has something for everyone. And with the help of The Friends, you can be sure that your visit will be both informative and unforgettable. A milestone this impressive calls for celebration. If you’re feeling inspired to make a difference yourself, consider making a donation
Give the Gift that Helps Support Algonquin Provincial Park this Holiday Season Donate at algonquinpark.on.ca
Thank you for making Algonquin Park a priority in your year-end giving.
in recognition of the organization’s 40th anniversary. By doing so, you’ll be helping to ensure that The Friends of Algonquin Park can continue to share the wonders of the Park with visitors for years to come. To learn more about The Friends of Algonquin Park and the fantastic work they do to support this natural wonder, visit algonquinpark.on.ca
