December • 2023
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Give a Child the Gift of Sight and Watch What Happens Fifteen-year-old Jaonah is a bright light with a big smile and boundless energy. He is eager to head off to school in the morning and happy to return home and play soccer with his friends. But just a few years ago, this wasn’t the case. When Jaonah was just three years old, his vision started to fade. He got older, the blackboard at school, the soccer ball, and his friends' and family’s faces got harder and harder to see. His parents hoped beyond hope that there was something they could do for their son. They worked long, hard days farming the vanilla fields of Sambava, Madagascar, earning just enough to feed their five children and maintain their two-room home. They couldn’t afford to take Jaonah to a doctor, and even if they could, they didn’t think his poor vision could be treated. By eight years old, Jaonah had completely lost his sight. His mother had to stop working and stay home to care for him, putting even more financial strain on the family. Jaonah spent
his days isolated from his friends, depressed and unable to attend school. “When I was walking, I couldn’t see. It was really scary,” recalled Jaonah. “My biggest worry? That he would die,” his father shared in a soft voice. And they were right to worry; researchers have reported that children who are blind are more likely to die in childhood than those with good vision, especially in low-income countries. But when things were at their darkest, a glimmer of hope appeared. His parents heard about a Seva Canada-sponsored screening camp being held nearby. That moment—made possible by caring Canadian donors—would change everything. At the screening camp, Jaonah was diagnosed with cataracts. He and his mother were transported to the nearest eye hospital run by Seva Canada’s local partners in Madagascar, where he received sight-restoring surgery, paid for by Canadian donors. When his bandages were removed, Jaonah’s face lit up with
excitement as he saw his mother clearly for the first time in years. At his checkup the next day, he thanked the doctor and said, “I can’t believe the beautiful stars in the night sky!” “Globally, four out of 10 children who are blind don’t have to be—their eye condition could have been prevented or treated. It’s completely unnecessary that any child should lose their sight due to a solvable problem,” said Liz Brant, Seva Canada Executive Director (seva.ca). “These are kids who are full of potential and have everything it takes to pursue their hopes and dreams—but there are barriers in their way. Our donors are there to remove some of those barriers—to give these kids back their sight, so they can get on with their lives. When kids can see, they have higher self-esteem, they are safer, and they can go to school. Seva Canada donors give children, just like Jaonah, the eye care they need, so they can see clearly and realize their own potential.” And Jaonah didn’t just get back his childhood. He was able to go back to school, laying the
JAONAH © COURTESY OF SEVA CANADA
foundation for a full and inde- and help our community,” Jaonah pendent life. shared, his eyes sparkling with con“He’s top of his class now!” fidence and determination. his mother shared with joyful relief and pride. Head to seva.ca/see-their“I want to be mayor of our town potential to learn more.
Canadian Artist Von Wong Is Making Sustainability Cool RAYE MOCIOIU
Art is communication; it allows people from all across the globe to communicate with each other via images, sounds, and stories, shaping the lives and opinions of individuals whose paths may never cross. Art, as well, is a powerful tool for social change, making a statement that rouses emotions and rallies cries for change in those who encounter it. Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong, an activist who is always looking for unique ways to bring attention to traditionally “boring” topics, has become known for creating shocking and awe-inspiring art installations. His work has been featured in magazines and digital publications and has set records for most materials used to create his installations. “The art I create is made from materials that are locally and readily available,” the artist explained. “Waste is, unfortunately, everywhere. I think that allowing people to see objects they recognize from everyday
© VON WONG - GIANT PLASTIC TAP #TURNOFFTHEPLASTICTAP
use in such vast quantities shifts their perspective of the problem and challenges them to think of how they might get involved.” Von Wong’s art makes an impact while offering unique opportunities for partnership and promotion, and the artist is always looking for sponsors to drive future campaigns. In 2021, Von Wong partnered with the Embassy of Canada in France to create a three-story-tall structure
called The Giant Plastic Tap (#TurnOffThePlasticTap), a giant faucet leaking plastics into different settings, raising awareness of the dangers of plastic overconsumption. In a case study introducing this installation and its inspiration, Von Wong said: “I’ve created campaigns from 168,000 plastic straws, 18,000 plastic cups, and 10,000 plastic bottles. But those projects only raised awareness for individual objects and never pointed to the root cause of the problem: Plastic production. This was my chance to create more than a piece of art,” the artist shared. “It was my chance to create a symbol inviting the world to #TurnOffThePlasticTap.” A PLASTIC TAKEOVER This December, Von Wong’s Giant Plastic Tap is making its way to Toronto, settling into the new immersive exhibit, Arcadia Earth. Described as a multi-sensory journey and a captivating blend of artistic installations and cutting-edge
technology, Arcadia Earth uses educational content and the power of art to create experiences that inspire action. Committed to sustainability, Arcadia Earth’s exhibits utilize materials that are responsibly sourced and upcycled from waste whenever possible. “I think that there is a huge need to ‘make sustainability cool,’ and Arcadia Earth does a wonderful job of drawing people who are not necessarily environmentalists into a brand-new space of awe and wonder,” explained Von Wong. “My hope with this piece is to create something that is not only striking to those who experience the space but also for them to feel inspired to take a photo and share it with others.” Along with the Giant Plastic Tap, Arcadia Earth will also feature Von Wong’s E-Waste Generator, a new powerful installation exhibiting the vast amount of electronic waste that is generated every day. Using thousands of pounds of recycled e-waste provided by Uni-Recycle, Von Wong and his team created
an incredible “throne” that audiences can sit on and learn about the Right to Repair. In Arcadia Earth’s Summary Room, visitors will calculate their carbon footprint on displays as they dig deeper into the lessons shared in each room. The Giant Plastic Tap will be the centrepiece, as it represents hope towards getting plastic production back under control and represents the significant step made by 175 nations in early 2022 toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production, use, and disposal. Visitors will also discover a curated selection of innovative, eco-friendly products, offering alternatives to conventional purchases and contributing to protecting our planet. “I think we all have a responsibility to do what we can to make the world a better place,” said Von Wong. “I'm an artist, so I do it through art. Others do it through policy, diplomacy, corporate activism, purchase decisions…the list goes on. Alone, art doesn't do anything but paired with a movement, it can be quite powerful.”
Championing Understanding, Advocacy, and Support for the Autistic Community For over four decades, Autism Canada has been at the forefront of advocating for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with their families, caregivers, and allies. Utilizing their national perspective through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, advocacy, and support, Autism Canada is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and overall well-being of those on the Autism Spectrum.
© PEXELS/JONAS MOHAMADI
BRIDGING THE GAP With one in 50 people in Canada diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, there is an urgent need for a broader understanding of autism. Autism Canada's Literacy Program addresses this need head-on, offering tailored training sessions both virtually and in person. These sessions aim to educate individuals about autism, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for empathetic and informed interactions. This program is especially vital for those who may find themselves in potentially overwhelming and emotional situations when interacting with autistic individuals. By fostering a deeper comprehension of neurodivergence, the Literacy Program promotes inclusiveness and awareness across diverse cultures, personalities, and backgrounds. Furthering their commitment to enhancing education and advocacy, one of Autism Canada's flagship initiatives is the annual Au-Some Conference. This conference, written and presented solely by
individuals on the spectrum, provides a valuable platform for educational resources and community-building opportunities. Attendees gain insights into the unique experiences and perspectives of autistic individuals while fostering greater empathy and understanding, allowing them to take what they learn to forge more meaningful interactions.
enhancing autism awareness among First Responders and Emergency Personnel nationwide. This program equips these professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively respond to situations involving individuals on the Autism Spectrum. By providing specialized training and resources, Search and Rescue for Autism ensures that emergencies are handled with the utmost sensitivity and competence, COMMUNITY CARE ultimately ensuring the safety and Overwhelm in stressful situations well-being of autistic individuals in is a common experience for indi- times of crisis. viduals on the autism spectrum. In response, Autism Canada has THE FUTURE developed Sensory Support Kits, OF SUPPORT which contain a range of sensory Care begins in our communities, support items and communica- and Autism Canada recognizes tion aids. These kits are invaluable the importance of providing retools for helping autistic indi- sources and support to families viduals navigate overwhelming in need. Through email, phone circumstances, enabling them to consultations, and an online datathrive in their environments. base, they connect people with the Autism Canada is proud to information they need most. Their house a pioneering Search and dedication to supporting families Rescue for Autism program, the ensures that they have access to the first of its kind in Canada. This resources and guidance necessary to initiative has been instrumental in navigate the challenges in obtaining
support and services. Looking toward the future, Autism Canada's upcoming Community Assistance Program (CAP) is set to revolutionize the support available to autistic individuals and their care communities. This program will provide crucial financial aid, subsidizing the costs of psychological assessments, physical and mental health supports, and interventions not covered by provincial health plans. The CAP fund will also cover respite care expenses for individuals on the spectrum and their families and caregivers. This initiative aims to alleviate the rising demand on the mental healthcare system, offering much-needed relief and support. For many autistic people, the journey to life-changing support is filled with obstacles. Autism Canada is committed to changing this story and has been since 1976. Donate today and help us clear the way to more accessible support. Learn more and donate at autismcanada.org/donate
Advocating alongside, and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and caregiver. Support the Autistic Community by donating today.
autismcanada.org/donate
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