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GORD DOWNIE'S LEGACY OF TRUTH and even developed a digital library. Their library includes resources, links to helplines, stories, and other important information about residential schools and reconciliation.

In the same way, the Legacy Spaces program is an opportunity for corporations, governments, organizations, and educational institutions across Canada to play an important role in their communities. Legacy Spaces are safe, welcoming places dedicated to providing education and spreading awareness about Indigenous history and our journey of reconciliation.

RAYE MOCIOIU

Nearly 55 years ago, a twelve-yearold boy named Chanie Wenjack fled the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ontario. Chanie had been taken from his family, like so many other children, over 600km away from his home.

On October 22nd, 1966, Chanie died along the railroad tracks that he had been following home. Months later, the world read the story of Chanie’s short life in Ian Adams’ Maclean’s story from February 6th, 1967, “The Lonely Death of Charlie Wenjack.”

After hearing about it from his brother Mike Downie, Gord Downie, former-frontman of The Tragically Hip, began Secret Path as ten poems incited by Chanie’s tragic tale.

“I was driving in the car one day and heard the radio documentary by Jody Porter about this boy who ran away from residential school to get home 600km away.

I shared the [Maclean’s] story with my brother, Gord, the next day and we knew we had to do something to help share this story,” Mike Downie recalls.

“Here is this 12-year-old boy—my son Will was also 12 at the time—walking alone for days in northern Ontario trying to make it home. It’s a story we can imagine ourselves or our children living.”

Gord's poems were fleshed into ten songs that tell the story of Chanie Wenjack and the tragedies he faced. The album, called Secret Path, acknowledges a dark part of Canada’s history—the long-suppressed mistreatment of Indigenous children and families by the residential school system— with the hope of starting our country on the road to reconciliation.

CANADA’S SECRET PAST “Chanie’s story is Canada’s story.

This is about Canada. We are not the country we thought we were,” Gord Downie wrote in a statement. “History will be re-written. We are all accountable, but this begins in the late 1800s and goes to 1996.”

Canadians are known for their overarching politeness and kindness. While true in some regard, this can overshadow the darkness that is part of Canadian history—and recent Canadian history, at that. When we hear the stories of residential school survivors and learn about the grave

SECRET PATH WEEK & WALK FOR WENJACK In October and throughout the year, thousands of people © REUTERS/CHRIS WATTIE © GORD DOWNIE & CHANIE WENJACK FUND across Canada will be walking to raise awareness for Chanie’s injustices that occurred in those story and for the thousands what Gord and I wanted to create: legacy and story. schools, it feels incongruent with something that can’t be ignored. of other children who never “When we talk about reconhow we think about Canada. It Every Canadian should know ciliACTION, we’re talking about returned home. Secret Path can be discomforting to consider Chanie Wenjack’s name and I meaningful actions that move rec- Week, observed from October that Canada was not always a hope Secret Path helps to make onciliation forward,” shares Sarah 17-22, marks the days that welcoming and loving place. that a reality.”

Midanik, President & CEO of the Gord Downie and Chanie “Growing up white in southern Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Wenjack joined the spirit Ontario, I never learned about world, respectively.

THE PATH TOWARD Fund. “ReconciliACTIONs aim Chanie Wenjack or about any The first Walk for Wenjack RECONCILIACTION to bring Indigenous and non-Inof the tens of thousands of other took place in 2016 and retraced Inspired by Chanie’s story and digenous people together in the Indigenous children like him who Gord’s call to build a better the steps of Chanie Wenjack. spirit of reconciliation to create were part of Canada’s residential It started at the Cecillia Jeffrey Canada, the Gord Downie & awareness and learn.” school system,” says Secret Path Indian Residential School in Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to As more Canadians learn the illustrator and animator Jeff Kenora, ON, and continued build cultural understanding and truth about the dark side of our Lemire. “This is such a massive create a path toward reconciliation country’s past, Sarah urges every- to Redditt, ON, for a cerepart of our country’s history, yet mony representing Chanie’s between Indigenous and non-In- one to remember that reconciliaour schools didn’t teach us about final resting spot near Farlane, digenous peoples. tion will not be comfortable, but it. Why? Maybe because it’s ON. Since then, Canadians “Gord and I, and our brother we all have a part to play in it. easier to live with ourselves if we have hosted their own walks to Patrick, had the opportunity to go “We encourage all people in pretend stories like Chanie’s never to Ogoki Post and spend time with Canada to consider what reconeducate and raise awareness of happened. But they did happen, the Wenjack family,” Mike recalls. ciliation means to them, and what residential schools’ true history and still happen.”

“It was life-changing. While we role they can play in their homes, and impact.

In recent years, more and more were there, we saw the groundswell offices, and communities to move “These walks are one way to Canadians have been learning engage and invite folks in who reaction to the news that Gord reconciliation forward. As Gord about residential schools and the was soon releasing Secret Path, and once said, ‘Do something.’” might be afraid of doing the horrific stories of survivors. Many I thought, how can we harness wrong thing, feel uncomfortable, Canadians share that instead of or may not know how to start this energy and help build a better GORD DOWNIE’S learning about this dark part of their own reconciliation journey,” Canada? That’s when we came up LEGACY our country’s history in school, says Sarah. with the Gord Downie & Chanie Through the Legacy Schools they hear these stories through Events remain mostly virtual Wenjack Fund.” program, the Gord Downie social media. this year, but there are many onThe Gord Downie & Chanie & Chanie Wenjack Fund has “I’ve spent the last three years line resources and activities to parWenjack Fund embodies the helped thousands of teachers living with Chanie’s story and liv- Downie family’s commitment ticipate in, from NFB documentaeducate their students about ing inside Gord’s music,” Lemire ries to virtual events planned with to improving the lives of First residential schools so that the continues. “Gord’s haunting our Artist Ambassadors.

Peoples in Canada. In collabonext generation of Canadians songs introduced me to Chanie If you want to do more and ration with the Wenjack family, know our true history. help educate your friends and Wenjack. Music is universal. It the Fund works to continue the Norquay School, in Winnicrosses languages and cultures conversation that began with peg, MB, is an inner-city school family, host a Walk for Wenjack. and speaks to everyone, and I’ve Chanie Wenjack’s story and with a large Indigenous student If you’re not sure where to start or always felt the medium of comics aid our collective reconciliation population. The Grade 4, 5, and how you can contribute, start by could do the same. It’s our hope journey through a combination of 6 classrooms are involved in the reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to that one day Secret Path will be awareness, education, and action. Legacy Schools program and Action and pick one to action that taught in schools and that it will Chanie is survived by his have completed various help to shed a light on this all too sisters, Pearl, Daisy, Evelyn, reconciliACTIONs. They creat- resonates with you,” Sarah shares.

“The path has been laid out for often ignored part of Canada’s and Annie, among many other ed a poster for Orange Shirt Day us, we just need to take the steps.” past. I think, above all else, that’s family members who carry his to research residential schools ADVERTORIAL

When asked what made community work in the ‘old days,’ Global Indigenous Development Trust (GIDT) co-founder and Tahltan Elder Jerry Asp responded: “Everyone was busy, everyone was contributing, and everyone felt valued.”

There is a lot we can learn from the values, systems, and understandings of the Indigenous Nations. The Indigenous way is a deep understanding of Natural Law—that we are one with all life.

It is based on more than 10,000 years of direct observation of Nature and the Great Spirit that flows in all things.

GIDT is helping to re-integrate these ancient and highly complex ways of knowing into a modern way forward. Through a way of working with one another that is rooted in natural values and life-affirming principles, people are empowered to be part of the solution and reignite their true potential.

Led by a Board of Directors and Advisory comprising some of Canada’s most inspiring Indigenous leaders, with more than 200 years of combined experience in grass-roots community transformation, GIDT uses proven and practical practices

to support Nations across Canada and around the world in building a better way forward.

GIDT facilitates, mentors, and coaches leaders and teams to help them build the foundation for their Nations to thrive again. They assist with the tools, partnerships, and resources in such areas as economic and environmental governance, strategic and financial planning, business development, food systems, and green technology.

Together with their extensive global network, GIDT works to bring the best ideas globally to empower innovative solutions locally. Their impact proves that traditional knowledge is incredibly valuable, and when combined with strategic resources, can create a positive impact that spans generations.

Their latest Youth Leadership Champions of Change program is a six-month training program for young Indigenous leaders across Canada. GIDT is helping leaders tap into their own wealth of knowledge in biomimetic innovation, complemented with new technology in localized clean water, regenerative food systems, green energy, and healthy housing for a uniquely

transformative program that leaves these young leaders with the tools, resources, and relationships to create lasting change in their Nations.

At the helm of GIDT are Tahltan Elder Jerry Asp, founding President of the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation and 2020 Canadian Mining Hall of Fame inductee, and UkrainianCanadian lawyer, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and human rights advocate Sonia Molodecky.

Jerry Asp is credited with leading his Nation from 98 percent unemployment to 100 percent employment. 30 years later, the Nation enjoys education standards on par with the national average, contributing to the continued success of their Nation. He also helped establish new standards in resource development that works with the land, considers migratory paths of wildlife, and enhances the wellbeing of ecosystems throughout development.

After spending years working in corporate law, Sonia was searching for a method of economic development that valued people, the planet, and our relationships with all life. She met Jerry and

© GLOBAL INDIGENOUS TRUST

A New Way Forward, Inspired by a Traditional Way of Thinking

“To renew and survive, we as Canadians need to upgrade our way of living. We need values that will allow the next generation to thrive, create a prosperous, healthy future, and regain our relationship with our natural world,” say GIDT co-founders Elder Jerry Asp and Ukrainian-Canadian lawyer Sonia Molodecky. learned about how he led his Nation’s transformation by using the same values she held in high regard—they created a plan to show what is possible and help bring tools for success to other Indigenous communities worldwide.

Over the past eight years, GIDT has worked across 16 countries, having reached more than 100,000 people through education and training programs. They are bringing this experience back home to help

support Nation Re-Building on Turtle Island.

Get involved and support GIDT’s Prosperity4All Campaign or sponsor a Youth Champion of Change and help build a bright future for all Canadians.

Together, we can get it right!

Visit globalindigenoustrust.org to learn more and donate to support Thriving Nations at gofund.me/2fbde78f

THRIVING NATIONS. Remembering where we came from, while looking forward to the future. www.globalindigenoustrust.org

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October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

ADVERTORIAL

In schools today, there is little mentioned about the amazing contributions Indigenous Peoples have made and continue to make to the fabric and foundation of our society. The history and information about residual trauma caused by Residential and Day Schools and the links to the current social and economic issues facing Indigenous Peoples are rarely taught in schools, which leads to generations of Canadians having no knowledge of this history, resulting in ongoing discrimination and racism.

The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) understands that to create a brighter future for everyone in Canada and make strides toward Reconciliation, we need to address this gap in public education. We need to have comprehensive curricula throughout schools that highlight the diversity of our people, our cultures, languages, traditions, and most importantly, our history, including the impacts of colonialism.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led organization that works to raise awareness about the history of the Residential and Day School System (R&DSS) and subsequent Sixties Scoop (SS) on seven generations of Indigenous

(First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities.

For over 21 years, the LHF has been working to address discrimination and injustices to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and foster Reconciliation among all in Canada. By educating Canadians about the rich histories of Indigenous Peoples and the subsequent pain and injustices inflicted on generations after contact, we can highlight the strength and resilience of Survivors.

Even more, we can build respect, understanding, and empathy, inspiring meaningful connections and actions that work toward addressing racism and establishing hope and healing in Canada.

The LHF addresses this critical gap by offering a unique and comprehensive collection of exhibitions, workshops, training, podcasts, projects, and research reports for anyone and everyone to use to learn about Indigenous Peoples.

The LHF provides curriculum resources for K-12 that emphasize Indigenous voices and explore First Nations, Inuit, and Métis expe-

riences through comprehensive lesson plans, activity guides, and more for students.

Through workshops and training, the LHF teaches people how to become allies and empowers them to take positive action.

The LHF fosters Reconciliation initiatives by teaching about Indigenous history and the links to ongoing societal issues.

LHF exhibitions are standalone, unique, museum-like experiences that include first-hand Indigenous Testimonies and the links to ongoing issues such as the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQTS+ individuals.

True Reconciliation requires consistent, positive, and informed action by everyone, from schools to workplaces, families and everyone in between. We may not be personally responsible for what happened in the past, but we have all benefited from what Indigenous Peoples have endured, and we can take action to end ongoing injustices.

© PHOTO BY JOHN MACFIE, ARCHIVES OF ONTARIO, C330 C 330–13-0-0-162

A Lasting Legacy of Positive Action

TRUE RECONCILIATION requires consistent, positive, and informed action by everyone.

Together, we can create a legacy that will educate and empower Canadians for years to come.

For more information, go to: legacyofhope.ca or email us at: info@legacyofhope.ca

ALLIE MURRAY

In 1973, six-year-old Phyllis Webstad left her home on the Dog Creek reserve in B.C. and was enrolled in St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. Before she left, her grandmother, whom she affectionately calls granny, bought her a brand new orange shirt. On her first day at school, she was stripped of her clothes and all her belongings, never to wear her orange shirt again.

From what she experienced at St. Joseph’s and the longing for what was taken from her, Phyllis started Orange Shirt Day, an initiative observed annually on September 30, to create conversation about residential schools, to honour survivors and their families, and remember those who didn’t make it.

“I am humbled and honoured that my story of my orange shirt was chosen to be a vehicle for change in Canada,” Phyllis explained. “It’s amazing how the day has gained momentum and

continues to grow. I’m happy that so many people are beginning to understand and learn about residential schools and their effects; I’m happy that survivors and families can talk and even heal together. I’m thankful to everyone for participating and learning about what happened to us.”

Earlier this year, countless unmarked graves were found at residential schools across the country, which has prompted Canadians to learn more about the true story behind these schools and take action alongside survivors.

For Phyllis, this is a story she knows all too well.

“The unmarked graves are being confirmed, we have always known about the children buried at residential school sites,” she said. “I prefer to use confirmed and not discovered.”

Phyllis’ story isn’t independent to her—not only did thousands of Indigenous people attend these schools across Canada, but Phyllis is one of 14 in her own family who attended residential schools.

“My grandmother was the first

generation in our family to attend St. Joseph’s. All of her 10 children, including my mother, attended.

My son was at the last operating residential school in Canada when it closed in 1996,” she explained.

Sharing what her own experience was like, Phyllis said, “My experience was lonely, a lot of crying, I wasn’t sure what was happening or why. I was confused as to why we were there and why granny wasn’t coming to get me if she knew I was there.

I learned to disassociate, to leave my physical body and go home. I became very good at it.

Even today I can do this, it’s scary when I come back to my body and need to confirm to myself where I am and what I’m doing.”

Sharing her story has been a large part of Phyllis’ healing journey. She has released three books, one of which was released earlier this month, that explain her experiences in residential schools, all centred around the thing that started it all: her orange shirt.

“Writing the books has brought me to places I would never have

© JOHN DELL

How an Orange Shirt Became A Symbol for Truth and Reconciliation

gone to and I’ve met people I would not have otherwise met,” she said. “Travelling and meeting people and hearing their stories has helped me to understand the impact residential schools have had across Canada and beyond.

Knowing my story and the story of my family is not unique has helped me to not be so hard on myself and to love myself and my family more.”

Similarly, Phyllis teamed up

with Canadian Geographic and filmmaker Sean Stiller to bring her story to the big screen. The 90-minute documentary, called “Returning Home,” will tell the story about the parallels of the struggles of Indigenous peoples with residential schools and the salmon spawn on the Fraser River.

“Canadians need to learn the stories and the truth from survivors and their families and the impact it’s had on generations.”

ADVERTORIAL

Pandemic Precautions: How First Nations Across Ontario are Taking Measures to Combat COVID-19 ASHLEY ALBERT

© CHIEFS OF ONTARIO

First Nations across Ontario watched closely as COVID-19 began spreading across Canada last year. Leadership in First Nations communities were on high alert, considering many First Nations citizens fit into the high-risk categories for COVID-19 complications.

Indigenous populations have

a high proportion of citizens with underlying medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. Combined with the ongoing crises in First Nations communities, such as overcrowding in homes and lack of clean water, this meant that leadership needed to act quickly to stop COVID-19 from entering and spreading

CHIEF DEAN SAYERS, FORMER ORC ARCHIBALD

in their communities—and act quickly, they did.

While First Nations leadership across Ontario worked to stop the spread of COVID-19 from entering their communities by implementing Emergency Response Groups, community testing, border restrictions, and more, they remained cautious, given their history with past pandemics.

Given the history of health service overwhelm in Indigenous communities, the Ontario Regional Chief ’s office began sending information to communities in early March 2020.

According to Colleen Seary, Director of Policy (COVID-19 Initiatives) for the Office of the Ontario Regional Chief, the COO has provided this information through daily, weekly, and monthly COVID-19 updates. They have been tracking all COVID-19 cases in Ontario, including in First Nations communities and the local public health units. They follow re-

Chiefs of Ontario Every Child Matters

solved cases, deaths, and active cases to share with First Nations.

Sharing this information with First Nations lets them know of any potential hotspots near their communities. If a hotspot is located nearby, they can notify and advise their community members to take extra precautions when leaving the community.

While leadership worked with frontline workers in their communities to get preventive measures in place, the COO quickly sent out information that helped communities make decisions based on the guidance from the local public health units. The data shows that First Nations leadership’s preventive measures worked to keep COVID-19 at bay. The low number of COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities can be attributed to the quick actions of leadership to prevent the spread of the virus.

In Fort William First Nation, an urbanized community in northern Ontario, having zero

cases is a point of pride. “We have done everything to protect our community and that is something a lot of communities can be proud of—the work we did to keep everyone safe,” says Chief Peter Collins.

As the pandemic stretches into a fourth wave, Ontario has begun seeing a resurgence of active COVID-19 cases across the province. It is vital that everyone avoids complacency and uses the early pandemic experience to move forward into a “new normal” and keep vulnerable citizens safe. The responses from First Nations c o m m u n i t i e s a c ro s s t h e province have so far proven to be successful. So long as leadership remains vigilant, these communities may continue to see positive results as they continue to march into an unprecedented future.

Read the full story at chiefs-of-ontario.org

Supporting First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood.

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October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

ADVERTORIAL

Dare to Stand Up, Dare to Care

© 2017 WAVEBREAKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK

No child should ever feel alone, afraid or unwelcome in their school community. And yet, the reality is that so many children do.

This is the driving force behind Dare to Care, a program that works to address the pervasive issue of bullying and mental illness that continues to impact children and youth to this day. Created in 1999, Dare to Care equips and mobilizes children and youth with the skills and courage to stand up to bullying so they can thrive in life, learning, and play.

Our experiences as children shape the rest of our lives. One of the most important skills that young people learn is practicing self-care and building up their self-esteem—no small feat in a world where political, environmental, and financial unrest are all too familiar and childhood mental illness is at an all-time high.

Therein lies the importance of a program like Dare to Care, developed through the culmination of best practices in bully prevention and trau-

unsure how to help protect their children. Others may not know if their children are victims, bystanders, or even perpetrators of harmful behaviours.

As the shape of bullying ma-informed education to give changes, so do the ways we comyoung people a meaningful and bat it. This summer, Dare to Care helpful way to combat bullying facilitators added a new module through discipline with dignity about discrimination and racism and community building. which, like other Dare to Care “We need to know how to modules, can be implemented deal with inappropriate beat home (for virtual learners) or haviour before it escalates and within the classroom. becomes harmful,” says Dare to Dare to Care is a national Care creator Lisa Dixon-Wells. leader in bully prevention, receiving numerous awards for BULLYING IN A building stronger Canadian CHANGING WORLD Dare to Care understands that nars available for Grades 7-9). communities and their leaderAfter serving over 1,000,000 stu- the only way to evoke systemic 2 Three education modules ship in bully prevention. dents, parents, and educators over change in bully prevention is to for parents with students in the past 21 years, Dare to Care include ALL stakeholders within kindergarten to Grade 12.

Every child has the right to feel shifted its in-person workshops to the school community, including 3 Three professional learning safe, respected, and included in an interactive online program for parents. Dare to Care has created modules for teachers, suptheir school community. school communities—becoming three online programs that provide port staff and administration. the only Bully Prevention program students, parents, and school staff The parent and professional For more information and to acthat provides online programming with the opportunities to learn and learning modules for school cess the K-6 learning modules, the for the entire school community. develop the common language and staff also includes a resource parent modules, and the school Online learning will become skills needed to support children. portal with posters, FAQ’s, staff modules, please visit daretoa permanent part of educational handouts and much more. care.ca/virtual-learning-program institutes long after the wrath of THE THREE COVID-19, and never before ONLINE FLAGSHIP A COMMUNITY has it been more critical to cre- PROGRAMS ARE: PROBLEM, A ate and maintain safe, caring, 1 Fourteen grade-appropriate COMMUNITY SOLUTION and inclusive environments for learning modules for kinder- Although parents are aware that our children and youth. garten to Grade 6 (live webi- bullying is a problem, some are

artists like Wojnarovicz had to fight while also presenting the imagery in a way that offered a hopeful message. Tonight, we’re celebrating the resilience, the love, and the joy of the community while honouring a crucial American voice that was taken from us too soon.

“To mark the collaboration, Loewe has made a donation to Visual AIDS, an organization Wojnarowicz supported, that continues to promote AIDS awareness and education (sic).”

Levy has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, speaking up against adversity on social media. Recognized for his activism, Levy was awarded the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award in in September 2019 and the GLAAD Award for promoting LGBTQIA+ acceptance in media.

In Schitt’s Creek, Levy’s character, David Rose, was the first openly pansexual character depicted on television.

At the 2019 GLAAD event, Levy said: “When I found my-

self in a position to tell stories on a global scale, I seized the opportunity to make a television show that might, in its own way, offer some support, encouragement and love to those who might not have it in their homes or in their schools or in their day to day lives.”

The Canadian-born actor has discussed a variety of issues in interviews and on social media—last fall, Levy took

© BANG SHOWBIZ

displays fashion artifacts.

Sharing the meaning behind Dan Levy celebrated queer love the bold look, Dan explained and visibility with his Met Gala on Instagram: “A big heartfelt ensemble at the 2021 fashion thank you to @cartier for so generously welcoming and fundraiser, paying homage to the late LGBTQIA+ activist accessorizing me tonight. What I’ve so long admired about the David Wojnarovicz.

The ‘Schitt’s Creek’ star Costume Institute is its comwore a Loewe costume depictmitment to educate and inspire people through fashion. ing two men kissing, inspired “I was fortunate enough to

by Wojnarovicz’s work. The outfit used an image from the also get to work with @jonathan.anderson and the incredilate artist’s work as a way to celebrate LGBTQIA+ people. ble team of designers and craftspeople at @loewe on a look that Wojnarowicz was a prominent meant something to all of us. artist and activist for AIDS and LGBTQIA+ rights in New With support from the estate York, who unfortunately passed of American multimedia artist away in 1992 at the age of 37 and LGBTQIA+ activist David Wojnarovicz (1954-1992), after a battle with AIDS. The 38-year-old actor, who Jonathan and the design team was accessorized by Cartier, also built upon an image of two revealed that Loewe donated to men kissing from Wojnarovicz’s the charity Visual AIDS. work, F*** You F-t F*****, named after a homophobic carThe Met Gala, a fundraistoon the artist had come across. er in itself, raises money for But rather than feed on the the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The message of hate, we wanted to Institute is an exhibit in the celebrate queer love and visibilmuseum that preserves and ity—acknowledging how hard ALLIE MURRAY

© HAHN LIONEL/ABACA

Dan Levy Shares Support Through Fashion, Fundraising, and Other F-Words

to social media to encourage Canadians to learn more about Indigenous people, sharing that he enrolled in the University of Alberta’s Native Studies program. Levy also shared that for every donation made to the university, he would match dollar for dollar up to $25,000.

For his birthday this year, he and his fans raised funds for the university, raising over $50,000.

(Source: Reuters) ADVERTORIAL

Protecting the Future of Trans Youth survival. During a time when our safety mandates that individuals stay home, trans youth experiencing homeless were in an unwarranted position.

‘A Way Home Canada’ illustrates that 40 percent of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQI2S and trans youth are classified as the most vulnerable adolescent population. The unique challenges faced by trans youth means that although their needs intersect, they also differ from other members of the LGBTQI2S community. Trans youth face institutional erasure, homophobic and transphobic violence, and discrimination, placing their identities at the fringe of society. Trans youth also experience housing and health-care discrimination, resulting from a lack of legal protection, difficulties with legal identification documents, and lack of healthcare coverage.

Friends of Ruby’s Executive Director, Carol Osler states, “we know there is an urgent need to support trans youth within our communities.

The needs of trans youth are more

diverse, layered, and nuanced—each experience is unique to the individual. There is no one size fits all. As an organization dedicated to the well being of LGBTQI2S youth, we want to be a part of the solution.”

Friends of Ruby believes that every youth deserves a safe space, uninterrupted living, and access to sustainable mental health and social services. Our services and programs are led and facilitated by highly skilled LGBTQI2S individuals who reflect the diversity of the youth. They are informed by LGBTQI2S youth across the spectrum, grounded in evidence, and supported by research. Trans-focused support includes resources about gender identity and gender-affirming care, transition-related goals, and referrals to trans-inclusive doctors and clinics. We also provide a trans ID clinic, supporting the process of applications and legal documents. Overall, connecting trans youth to community, support, and advocacy.

The services Friends of Ruby offer only scratch the surface of the needs that exist. To pro-

© RODNAE PRODUCTIONS

When COVID-19 restrictions made their way to Toronto, the lives of many were put at a standstill. As the pandemic began to challenge access to essential needs and services, we observed a mosaic of disparities.

For LGBTQI2S communities, the impact on quality of life is significantly higher than the national average. Egale Canada’s COVID-19 Impact Report states 47 percent of members of LGBTQI2S communities have identified experiencing negative impacts on their mental health compared to 27 percent at the national average.

LGBTQI2S communities have been affected by the pandemic in unique ways, specifically transgender youth. Peer support and community are essential to trans youth; the consequences of the pandemic blocked access to networks, services, and support that are vital to their well-being. Research shows that transgender youth are often alienated from their family of origin, relying on local services including affirming organizations and peers for

tect the future of trans youth, action is needed toward challenging systemic violence, to empower trans youth to feel seen, heard, and valued. We can collectively work toward

a reality where all LGBTQI2S youth are validated, involved, and empowered to lead their lives, where they feel welcomed, and are given an opportunity to succeed.

Together we can

Invest in the lives of trans youth.

Donate at friendsofruby.ca

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October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

ADVERTORIAL

The Trails Way: Changing the Lives of Vulnerable Youth © TRAILS YOUTH INITIATIVES

“It was never a matter of IF we would continue to support our youth through the global pandemic, but simply HOW we could do it best,” says Melissa Millward, President of Trails Youth Initiatives. “Our youth depend on Trails and, like a family, we are always there for them.”

The relevance of—and need for—Trails has never been greater.

Trails’ mission is to challenge and equip vulnerable youth from at-risk areas of Toronto to become contributing community members.

Recognized as one of Maclean’s Best Canadian Charities in 2020 for their deep impact, Trails has changed the lives of over 500 participants in its 30-year history. A staggering 100 percent of Trails youth graduate high school, and currently, 41 students are pursuing post-secondary school, paid for by Trails.

Trails was built on the belief that all youth—and especially those facing barriers based on race, income, education level, and the neighbourhood they grow up in— benefit from a long-term, consistent approach to engagement, one that uses experiential learning to teach

leadership, resiliency, and conflict resolution, as well as physical and mental wellness.

“Before Trails, I was insecure, unhappy, and not confident. I was lonely because I didn’t have anyone to hang out with and the only fresh air I got was at the back of my house,” said Year 2 participant Hazel, this summer. After her two weeks at Trails, she went on to say, “Thanks to Trails, I have made friends, become happier and more secure than ever.”

Entirely funded through private donations, trails brings together youth from the lowest income and highest risk areas in Toronto. The “Four Seasons, Four Years, For Life” program welcomes participants aged 12-16 to Trails’ 143-acre lakeside camp property with their group of 20 peers. For two weeks every summer and one weekend a month during the school year, for at least four years, they do activities like canoe trips, swimming, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and yoga.

Trails is often their only chance to change the trajectory of their lives. This is true for alumnus Collin Caleb who says, “Trails

saved my life. I believe this with everything in me. Without Trails, I would be either dead or in jail.”

Collin is a far cry from the troubled boy he once was, now managing a successful music studio.

What’s unique about Trails is that it doesn’t end with graduation. Trails wants their graduates to experience privilege by providing equal opportunities to education and professional connections.

By deeply impacting one life at a time, Trails youth succeed, pay it forward, and lead by example so that they, as well as those they inspire, have a chance at a successful and meaningful future. This deep commitment to the success of its alumni includes initiatives such as a Leader-in-Training program, internships, AIM (Alumni in Mentorship), the Trails Danielle Dion Bursary for post-secondary education, and networking opportunities with the Trails’ Board of Directors, Governors, and donors.

To learn more or donate to change the lives of Toronto’s most vulnerable youth, visit trails.ca/GH

Joni Mitchell to Be Honoured as MusiCares 2022 Person of the Year MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, shared that the event will also include a tribute concert featuring musicians paying homage to Mitchell’s established career,

but did not say which artists would perform. As of writing, performers are set to be announced at a later date.

“She is being honoured not only for her iconic music and lyr-

© MAX MORSE

Beloved Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell will be honoured by the music world ahead of the annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles as the MusiCares Person of the Year.

Mitchell, 77, who has kept a low profile since suffering a brain aneurysm in 2015, said in a statement that she was honoured to be chosen.

“I’m honoured to be chosen as Person of the Year by this great charity,” Mitchell said. “I look forward to being part of this gala that will help MusiCares continue their inspired work in providing a support system for those in need.”

Mitchell will be presented as MusiCares Person of the Year two days before the 64th annual Grammy awards, which Mitchell has previously been honoured at, receiving nine awards over the course of her career.

The charity event will include a reception and silent auction, with proceeds from the event going toward MusiCares, a U.S.-based organization that assists musicians who are facing a personal, financial, or medical crisis.

ics, but for her trailblazing spirit and the inspiration she’s brought to so many artists,” Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares, said in a statement.

The Canadian-born “A Case of You” musician is regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 1970s, inspiring artists ranging from Prince to Brandi Carlile.

Mitchell grew up in Saskatoon, where she began her career by singing in nightclubs throughout the region, later moving to bigger clubs in Toronto. Often referred to as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Mitchell’s music discusses topics like romance, womanhood, disillusionment, and joy.

The MusiCares honour is one of many awards bestowed upon the iconic Canadian artist— Mitchell has been previously honoured at the 2002 Grammy Awards, where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and the Order of Canada. In 2020, she became the first woman

to receive the Les Paul Award, which honours the achievements of audio professionals, among many other accolades.

Mitchell has made her mark across Canada—receiving an honorary doctorate in music from McGill University and had two plaques put up in her hometown to commemorate her musical beginnings in Saskatoon. One plaque was installed by the Broadway Theatre beside the now-closed Louis Riel Coffee House, where Mitchell played her first paid show. The second was installed at River Landing near an art gallery and performing arts centre. Similarly, a Saskatoon street was named Joni Mitchell Promenade.

Recent MusiCares Person of the Year honourees include Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton and the 2020 honourees, Aerosmith.

Mitchell will be honoured at the Recording Academy’s pre-Grammys charity event in Los Angeles on January 29th, 2022.

The Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place on January 31st.

(Source: Reuters) ADVERTORIAL

Honouring our Frontline Heroes Humber River Hospital is lighting new ways in healthcare, combining cutting-edge technology with next-level compassion.

Between the emergence of the Delta variant and readjusting to post-pandemic life, Canada’s healthcare system is facing challenges it has never seen before.

This means that our healthcare heroes are facing a constantly changing battleground—but even so, they continue to bring their A-game to every patient, and that resilience is part of what makes their efforts so important.

“I’m so proud and grateful for our teams at Humber,” says Barb Collins, President & CEO at Humber River Hospital. “Yes, they are exhausted after 18 months, and just like the rest of us they want this pandemic to be over once and for all—but they are truly resilient. Going into a fourth wave of the pandemic is not something any of us want, and it’s going to take all of us coming together to make it through.”

The good news is that while these problems may be complex, they are not unsolvable.

Humber River Hospital works

to pioneer new ways to improve patient outcomes, using leading technology to provide healthcare workers with the tools they need to deliver excellent care.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel, and with vaccinations continuing to roll out in record numbers, our Hospital is looking forward to a bright post-pandemic future,” Barb continues. “One of the projects I’m most excited about is HEALIX™—a Humber-created, medical-grade social network that allows everyone to talk with their doctors, book appointments, track their care, and monitor symptoms right from the palm of their hand in their own homes. This will decrease the number of people coming to the Hospital, so that space is saved for only the most acute patients and is readily available to pivot during times of crisis— like a pandemic.”

As we navigate our post-pandemic world, Humber River Hospital has many projects in the works that will utilize technology to build a more resilient future while lighting new ways

in healthcare. In the meantime, we can share positivity by looking back at how Canadians came together throughout the last year and a half to share support, words of encouragement, and help in any way possible.

“Our donors have been by our side right from the start of the pandemic. From donations to offering deliveries of food, treats, transportation and other surprises, the people of Humber’s community have fueled the fight against this tenacious virus,” shares Sandra Sualim, President & CEO of the Humber River Hospital Foundation. “The idea for A Concert for Humber Heroes really came from an outpouring of messages and requests from our donor community who wanted to give thanks, give back, and support our Hospital while having fun at the same time! It’s our way of honouring our brave Humber doctors, nurses and staff who continue to work so hard for all of us.”

The tribute concert, hosted by Tyrone Edwards from Etalk, will be held in honour of our Humber Heroes. The virtual show is avail-

JIM CUDDY

TYRONE EDWARDS

able to stream online, anywhere, and from any device.

“I’m looking forward to all the celebrity performances, but what’s really special is that we also have some Humber talent performing that night.” Sandra adds. “Across the Board features orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Jacqueline August and Dr. Martin Heller, and the Ault Sisters are the daughters of Dr. Lisa Chiang!”

In addition, every Humber Hero will receive a special Cozy Kit filled with treats to warm the body and soul—our gift of thanks to them as they watch

CHANTAL KREVIAZUK

the show from home or during a break in their shift. Funds raised will support ongoing COVID-19 response efforts at Humber River Hospital and future priorities for the North West Toronto community that the Hospital will focus on post-pandemic.

On Thursday, October 7, 2021, let’s share the love, give them our thanks, and show the heart and humanity of a community that they have so bravely fought to save.

Get your free ticket and donate to support our heroes at hrhfoundation.ca/concert

A Concert for Humber Heroes Share the love and give thanks to our courageous frontline heroes | Get your free ticket: hrhfoundation.ca/concert Thursday October 7, 2021 | 7 PM

A New Era of Impact.

We're harnessing our diverse network and sharpening our focus to empower rising leaders. Together, we're creating an equitable economy as we build a better, more inclusive future for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

CIVfC ACT.ON

Visit civicaction.ca to learn more.

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October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

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When Dreams Become Reality: Maïka’s Journey

©SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN—CANADA

Maïka is a bright 13-year-old girl, an exceptionally talented dancer, and a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada. At only two years old, inspired by a dancing show on TV, Maïka asked her parents to sign her up for dance lessons. From her first moments on the dance floor, she was overwhelmed by a passion for the art

MAÏKA FORGET

of dancing. She enjoyed dancing with her peers, but she truly loved taking the stage as a soloist.

It was through an observation made by one of her dance teachers that Maïka and her family discovered that she had juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. This was when she began her journey at Canada Shriners Hospital. The Shriners Hospital team supported Maïka and her family, educating them about her diagnosis and what this would mean as her body developed. When dancing, Maïka had noticed that one side of her body had always been stronger, and now she was finally able to make sense of it all.

With big plans for her future in dance, it was inconceivable for her to imagine doing anything else! Luckily, with the amazing team at Canada Shriners Hospital and their unconditional support, care, and advice, Maïka never lost hope. In fact, every visit with her medical team left her feeling more optimistic. She got straight to work and was fully committed to her physiotherapy, working hard to correct her pathology and impressing her doctors at every visit.

“Don’t count the days, make the

days count,” says Maïka—words she certainly lives by.

Maïka is clearly passionate about dance, and her choreographies are limitless, but dance is not her only passion; she loves to play soccer, and she loves doing acrobatics, too! She is actively pursuing her dancing career not only on the stage but also on the big screen. She has performed on stages throughout Quebec and internationally in the Walt Disney Christmas Parade at Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida and in a video filmed in France called “Collective Music Charity.”

Maïka will always be grateful to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada, who have allowed her to continue to pursue her dreams, and she is determined to show the world that nothing should stop you from chasing your dreams.

Maïka is proud to be a Patient Ambassador for her Hospital to share her story with kids worldwide who are faced with challenges as she was. Thanks to her team at Canada Shriners Hospital and her hard work and determination, Maïka will continue to dance and spread her message of inspiration all over the world.

At Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada, our mission is centered around one goal: to change and improve the lives of children.

By providing innovative pediatric specialty care and conducting worldclass research, we can ensure that every patient that comes through our doors has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Learn more at shrinerschildrens.org/canada

The Future is Now: Toronto Youth Are Revolutionizing Mental Health GlobalHeros_2021-09_Final.indd 1

mindfulness workshops in shelters, started offering workshops in schools, and more.

Understanding the power With their partnership with our mental well-being has on Jack.org, CCP plans to expand our overall health, Toronto its workshops and education-fosisters Anya and Shania Bhopa joined forces to create a noncused programs in shelters and schools, focusing on mental profit organization, called The Canadian Courage Project health and well-being.

“The peer to peer connection (CCP), to support homeless that we will be able to foster youth across Canada. through our workshops will allow In hopes to reach even more youth nationwide, CCP has part- us to fight against the mental nered with Jack.org, Canada’s only health stigma that often circulates and hopefully inspire young peocharity dedicated to empowering ple to take charge of their health,” young leaders to revolutionize the sisters said. mental health.

“No child’s health should be left Fostering positive mental up to chance, as we know there is well-being is at the heart of no health without mental health,” everything CCP does. Amid the Shania and Anya explained. “Our COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters community’s prosperity is depen- saw a gap in support for homeless dent on how we treat our youth.” youth, ultimately harming youths’ mental health. This, and the lack Since beginning their passion of education and resources for project, the sisters have worked homeless youth, inspired them to alongside homeless shelters in Toronto, Hamilton, London, and create positive change. across Ontario to craft specialized “We wanted to support the mental wellness of youth facing wellness departure kits for youth homelessness, specifically those transitioning out of shelters. who own animal companions,” Similarly, they have held art and

ALL PHOTOS © SHANIA BHOPA

ALLIE MURRAY

2021-09-15 12:57

they said. “Homeless youth who own animals often have reduced access to shelter and support services, and we decided to fill the gap in the system.”

Their plans don’t end there: Shania and Anya have their sights set on making an impact for youth across the country.

Expanding nationally will allow CCP to make a difference for youth entering the next stage of their life with the knowledge and confidence to do so successfully.

Together, CCP hopes to build an army of changemakers.

ADVERTORIAL

Make Hope Happen with Youth Mental Health Canada based skills development.

Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group. As Canada’s largest online mental health platform, YMHC has played a significant role in providing top-quality resources and advocating for the needs of students with mental health disabilities. YMHC fo-

© YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CANADA

An estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness—yet, less than 20 percent will receive appropriate treatment.

This is the driving force behind Youth Mental Health Canada.

This community-based nonprofit organization aims to ensure that every young person has a path to success through support, mental health education, and strength-

YMHC DIRECTOR WITH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE AND OLYMPIAN, CLARA HUGHES

cuses on providing information, resources, peer support services, research, and programs based on international best practices in mental health and suicide prevention.

Led by Sheryl Boswell, an educator who has taught elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education in Canada and Africa, YMHC works to build an inclusive space for all, while at the same time developing the leadership skills of youth.

With a youth-led board of directors and a youth advisory group made up of volunteers, secondary and post-secondary placement students, YMHC is committed to providing accessible, inclusive, needs-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed tools for wellness and support.

BUILDING A LIFE WORTH LIVING YMHC has produced five mental wellness resources: Sources of Support, Sources of Strength, Beneath the Surface Creative Journal Workbook, Mental Wellness Workbook, and In This Together Creative Journal Workbook.

“The mental wellness series from Youth Mental Health Canada is something every young person should have. Like a daily fitness routine, the workbooks provide practices and action steps that can help build the mental muscle of resilience for when hard times hit. They also help youth focus on building a life worth living while also putting a personal safety plan in place for when they are challenged by what life throws their way. The tools and resources embodied in these workbooks are best practices in helping youth build the emotional intelligence they will need to survive and thrive now and in the years ahead,” Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, President of United Suicide Survivors International and Board Member of American Association of Suicidology.

students who are struggling.

YMHC will work with schools to create systems to support students in a variety of ways. The peer support program will complement the services YMHC offers: Compassionate Card Service, Indigenous Compassionate Card Service, and the Daily Message of Support. YMHC will provide free downloads of their greeting cards for school peer support teams at registered schools to use.

Driving real and lasting change requires a commitment from all Canadians. We need positive and proactive action that demonstrates the value we place on the lives, health, education, and future of young people. Let’s work with YMHC to make HOPE happen.

You can help Make Hope Happen. Learn more and FUTURE PLANS donate to send mental wellness In September, YMHC launched workbooks to struggling students an exciting new program, a and communities: ymhc.ngo/mhr School and Community Peer Support Program. Schools will @YMHCanada work with YMHC to provide @youth_mental_health compassionate wraparound Youth Mental Health Canada supports and resources to @ymhchope2013

Putting the tools for mental wellness into the hands of the people who need them.

Support, strength, and action steps to help build resilience, so you’re ready when hard times hit.

LEARN MORE AT EDU.YMHC.NGO/RESOURCES-AND-TOOLS

Inspiring tomorrow’s innovators starts with STEM education today letstalkscience.ca

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October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

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Healthy Breathing is Vital to a Healthy Pregnancy

Download a free Asthma Action Plan

lunghealth.ca/pregnancy

The Lung Health Foundation urges pregnant Canadians with asthma to get an “Asthma Action Plan.”

Healthy breathing is vital to a healthy pregnancy. That’s the message the Lung Health Foundation wants to convey to expectant parents living with asthma.

During pregnancy, symptoms get worse for about one-third of asthma patients, leaving them vulnerable to flare-ups and attacks that can affect the health of mother and baby. There’s no way to predict how your body will respond, so it’s best to aim for proper asthma control as soon as possible.

Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy has been connected with an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia—high blood pressure that can harm the mother’s organs and keep the baby from getting enough blood and oxygen. Poorly controlled maternal asthma can also result in lower birth weight. Some studies suggest that babies born at lower weights are more likely to develop asthma themselves.

“Our intent isn’t to frighten pregnant Canadians who are liv-

ing with asthma,” says George Habib, Lung Health Foundation President and CEO. “The news is overwhelmingly positive. With good asthma control, adverse outcomes can be avoidable. And, with the right tools, good asthma control is in reach for all Canadians, through all of life’s stages.”

A key component of maintaining good asthma control is using an Asthma Action Plan before, during, and after pregnancy. An Asthma Action Plan is a personalized guide that details what medicine the patient needs to take, when to take them, and how to adjust them if symptoms get out of control.

Having an Asthma Action Plan in place can improve quality of life and give patients better control over their asthma.

According to the Lung Health Foundation, only 22 percent of the approximately three million Canadians with asthma have an Asthma Action Plan in place.

Fewer than half take their medications as prescribed.

“Our goal is to ensure that no one loses a loved one to asthma.

We believe that reaching fam-

ilies during this key season of life could lead to better lifelong asthma control for parents and kids alike,” adds Habib.

The Lung Health Foundation’s advice doesn’t stop there.

Pregnant people can boost their breathing through other simple interventions on the Foundation’s Asthma-Safe Pregnancy Checklist, including vaccination against infectious respiratory disease. Both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe during pregnancy.

Getting the vaccines during pregnancy can also transfer protection to the baby.

The Lung Health Foundation urges Canadians living with asthma who are pregnant, planning to be, or postpartum, to download an Asthma Action Plan and explore the full Asthma-Safe Pregnancy Checklist.

After all, pregnant people are breathing for two (at least!).

To download an Asthma Action Plan and an Asthma-Safe Pregnancy Checklist, visit lunghealth.ca/pregnancy

ALLIE MURRAY

For far too long, the fashion industry has been lacking one important thing: disability-friendly clothing.

Now, brands are stepping up to create and offer adaptive clothing, striving to make the fashion world fun and inclusive for all.

Disability-friendly clothing has been dubbed as adaptive fashion, utilizing designs that are easier for those with disabilities or caregivers, such as rear-closures, velcro, softer fabrics for comfort for wheelchair users, and more.

These three brands are pulling on real-life challenges that they themselves, and others worldwide, struggle with every day, showcasing the importance (and style!) of adaptive fashion.

adaptive clothing to as many people as possible so that everyone can live in comfort, style, dignity, and empowerment. Within the enormous and ever-expanding fashion world, there are relatively few options for those in our global community that identify as living with a physical disability.

The IZ Adaptive timeless classics have the day-to-day physical realities of their customers at the forefront of their thinking, from the cut of the revolutionary Game Changer Collection to the Ease-of-Dress and seated fit of the outerwear.

ABILITEE What started as a side project that founder Marta Elena Cortez-Neavel took on while applying to medical school turned into an adaptive clothing IZ ADAPTIVE IZ Adaptive was born of brand that took the world by creative passion, love, and the storm. She was inspired to recognition that there is a great start an adaptive clothing line for infants by her friend who need in the world for stylish, well-fitting, comfortable clothes worked as a pediatric surgeon for people who are living with for babies with medical devices.

Blending her love for fashion physical disabilities. and passion and knowledge in At IZ Adaptive, it’s their the medical field, Marta created mission to provide timeless and

Abilitee Adaptive Wear, offering adaptive fashion for disabled infants, children, and adults.

“Everyone who was facing clothing-related challenges as a result of their disability could benefit from clothing designed with their preferences and needs in mind,” she explained. “And many people were asking for this, but the market wasn’t responding in a meaningful way.”

Abilitee paved the way for its own brand, which relaunched with new items earlier this year, as well as secured a partnership with American Eagle’s Aerie, releasing a collaboration with the brand and named their with multiple other conditions, including a stoma that was attached Adaptive Brand Partner. to her stomach to release waste.

UNHIDDEN CLOTHING “Every time the doctors came After becoming disabled in her round, she had to remove all her clothing, usually in front of 20s, Victoria Jenkins noticed a gap in clothing for those a team of doctors,” Jenkins exwith disabilities. After chatting plained. “She couldn’t access her with other patients during her own stoma, arm line, or chest hospital stay in 2016, Jenkins port without removing clothing realized that clothing for people or exposing herself in some way.”

This story inspired Jenkins with disabilities was uncomfortable in more ways than one. to create Unhidden Clothing, Jenkins met another patient who producing a variety of clothes had survived cancer and was left specially adapted for all conditions

© IZ ADAPTIVE

Fashion Forward: Leaving No One Behind

and abilities, including dresses with double layers for tubes and ports, shirts with magnetic or velcro sleeve openings, and much more.

In the U.K., where Unhidden Clothing is based, one in five people have a disability, but have limited representation or access to products to help them live a more equal and comfortable life.

Disability activists, including Jenkins, are calling on brands to be more inclusive and accessible.

All brands available internationally.

ADVERTORIAL

Operation Raise A Flag at Sunnybrook thanks to our Veterans.

You have an opportunity now to send your message of gratitude to Sunnybrook’s Veterans by visiting raiseaflag.ca They answered the call of duty, offering their lives to secure our freedom. Now is the

time to thank our Veterans for keeping Canada strong and free.

Please send a message of appreciation to our Veterans today. We can’t tell you how many smiles your kind words will bring to the wonderful men and women in Sunnybrook’s care.

Perhaps someone you love is cared for here at Sunnybrook.

Perhaps you’d like to send a message of thanks in honour of your own beloved Veteran.

It’s a very rewarding way to pay tribute to Canada’s Veterans, by saying thank you this

© SUNNYBROOK

On November 11th, in the early hours of the morning, dressed in their military best, our Veterans will awake to a sea of Canadian flags. A team of volunteers will have planted over 30,000 flags, blanketing the grounds. It’s truly magical and is important to our Veterans. Each of those flags sends a message: We thank you, we honour you, and we recognize your bravery and sacrifice, and the sacrifice of others who never returned home.

At Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre, Remembrance Day is a meaningful and deeply important day for more than 300 Second World War, Korean War, and Cold War Veterans who live here—the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for our country.

When our Veterans view the field of flags, they will know that Canadians truly support them.

We can never do enough to show our gratitude for all they have done for us—which is why we invite you, our caring community, to send a message of

ANTHONY (TONY) MASTROMATTEO

MARY JARVIS

MEL STORRIER

Remembrance Day. Their bravery changed our world—now it’s our turn to make a difference in theirs.

Please give our Canadian Veterans the hero’s salute they deserve at raiseaflag.ca ABOUT SUNNYBROOK VETERANS CENTRE: At Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, our staff ensure that every Veteran we care for spends their time in comfort with the best medical equipment and most compassionate care possible.

We plan our care with the Veteran and family to achieve what they consider to be their best life experience.

Community support allows Sunnybrook to offer various programs that keep our Veterans engaged, active, and connected. These programs range from the Raise a Flag Ceremony, musical events, dinners with family and friends, pet therapy, virtual visits, to granting heartfelt wishes that enable our Veterans to realize their hopes and dreams.

This Remembrance Day you can send a message of thanks to our Veterans, the courageous men and women who served our country in the name of peace and freedom. Their bravery changed our world – now it’s your turn to make a difference in theirs.

Visit raiseaflag.ca today.

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October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

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100,000 Volunteer Firefighters Answer the Call in Canada Did you know that the majority of firefighters and fire departments in our country are volunteers? These everyday heroes are individuals trained to the same standard as career firefighters, and they volunteer their services while holding other primary occupations.

While volunteer firefighters may receive a modest pay on call or honorarium, it is not a liveable wage. Their reason for volunteering is far nobler—they do it in service of their community’s public health and safety.

With a pandemic, climate emergencies, and increasing knowledge of firefighting’s physical and mental health demands, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) wanted to know: how many volunteer firefighters do we have in Canada? To find out, the CAFC launched the Great Canadian Volunteer Firefighter Census. Over 1200 fire departments participated in the Census, representing over a third of the country’s volunteer fire departments.

The research estimated the total size of the population of volunteer firefighters in Cana-

da at about 100,000 and found that about 32 percent of the country’s volunteer firefighters are over the age of 50, and about 11 percent are women.

The Canadian Fire Service is striving to be more demographically representative.

“Anyone with the courage, commitment, and compassion to serve is welcome to take our training and become part of our team,” says Chief Peter Krich of Camrose, Alberta, head of the National Advisory Council of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. “Diversity and Inclusion are essential, and all members of the service understand their importance in our communities.”

The fire department’s role has evolved over recent years; beyond putting out fires, today’s fire departments have taken on the increased responsibility of responding to climate disasters, hazardous material incidents, and more. Nearly all volunteer firefighters have some role to play in wildfires, climate emergencies, vehicle extrication, emergency medical response,

and industrial fire response.

“Our volunteer firefighters play a significant role in keeping communities safe,” shares Fire Chief Vince MacKenzie of Grand Falls Windsor, Newfoundland, head of the Answer the Call Committee. “That’s why our focus remains on building our network of volunteers and ensuring that they continue to bring their passion to our departments.”

These individuals train continuously and are ready to put themselves in dangerous situations if they can keep their communities safe—it’s the kind of job that requires true passion.

In service of these everyday heroes, the CAFC is always looking for ways to not only give thanks to their volunteers but is also urging the federal government to prepare for the next generation. This includes incentives like the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and a federal Joint Emergency Preparedness Program to make sure they can cover training and equipment for all types of fires in all types of departments.

“Being a volunteer firefighter in one of Canada’s fire departments isn’t something you do; it’s something you are,” says Fire Chief and CAFC President John McKearney of Whistler, British Columbia. “Our volunteers are heroes, and their contributions are incredibly valuable to their communities.”

CAFC has a vital program called Answer the Call, which helps fire departments recruit volunteer firefighters. If you have a desire to contribute to keep your community safe or want to become a career firefighter, you should consider being a volunteer firefighter.

Specific qualifications and train-

ing regulations vary by province, and volunteer firefighters are expected to train a certain amount of hours per month with their colleagues. Volunteering is also one of the best ways to get the necessary training and experience to be an attractive candidate for a career firefighting position. Many volunteer firefighters achieve other careers as well, as first responder life skills become significant assets to many professions inside and outside of emergency services.

“We believe that in a postCOVID North America, Halloween is primed for a reset,” Rich said. “We believe homes and entire streets can rally to practice Treat Accessibly at Halloween.”

The Treat Accessibly lawn signs are free of charge and available through participating RE/ MAX offices in Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic regions.

The signs are also available at Kinder grocery stores in Ontario, the Atlantic provinces, and Quebec. Or, you can create your

own sign using the design on the website, which is available in both English and French.

There are so many great reasons to Answer the Call and become a volunteer firefighter.

Find out more at cafc.ca

ALLIE MURRAY

As October 31st approaches every year, there comes a chill of excitement in the air. From preparing costumes to making plans with friends to, of course, trick-ortreating, Halloween brings so much fun to be had.

However, for children using a wheelchair, the evening can be more of a trick than a treat.

One Ontario family recognized a need for change and began a movement to make Halloween accessible to everyone.

“In 2017, a week before Halloween, I was putting pumpkins on my stairs to my front door. I looked across the street and saw a little boy using a wheelchair. It hit me like a ton of bricks that he wouldn’t be able to trick-or-treat at my home because of my stairs like other kids,” says Rich Padulo, founder of Treat Accessibly. “It hit me harder when I looked at all the homes in my

neighbourhood and how they all had stairs. That night, our family devised a plan to treat from our driveway and we made the first Treat Accessibly lawn sign to let families know in advance that our home would be accessible.”

Four years later, more than 40,000 homes across Canada participate in Treat Accessibly, donning the lawn sign and sharing the message that the happiest Halloween is one where everyone gets a treat.

As the initiative continues to grow, the family plans to offer the Treat Accessibly School Pilot annually on October 7 to schools across Canada to share the importance of providing a more accessible alternative to trick-or-treating.

Since beginning their movement, Rich, his wife Natasha, and his daughter Siena, have dedicated countless hours to finding ways for Halloween to be accessible to everyone. Their efforts have been

recognized by Canadian athlete Rick Hansen, who awarded Siena with the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Award for her work on the Treat Accessibly School Pilot.

“Siena and I speak about Treat Accessibly all the time,” Rich said.

“She was five-years-old when we first came up with the idea for the movement. Even then, her empathetic nature shone through and she devoted herself, often staying home versus trick-or-treating herself to spend extra time explaining to people why we treated from our driveway and spending extra time with the families with children with disabilities.”

This year, Siena was asked to speak at the Rick Hansen Foundation’s 2021 Accessibility Professionals Network Conference. Hoping to make the most of the experience, Siena created the “There’s No Can’t in Canada” t-shirt to showcase the message that if we come together as Canadians, there’s nothing we can’t do.

© COURTESY OF TREAT ACCESSIBLY

No Tricks, All Treats: How This Ontario Family Is Making Halloween Accessible

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN TREAT ACCESSIBLY: Visit treataccessibly.com for tips on how to practice Treating Accessibly at home this year and get a free lawn sign. Share with your neighbours to get the whole street involved!

Rally your local councillors, mayors, and school boards to participate and spread the message.

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Bringing Natural Calm to Canadians Since 2005 nesium for life essentials: managing stress, mood, sleep, and even relief from pain. The supplement is known to benefit people struggling with anxiety and depression, and it has anti-inflammatory benefits.

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When you make Natural Calm magnesium a part of your daily routine, you’re not only changing your life for the better, you’re helping change thousands more.

Kids and adults need mag-

DALE AND LINDA BOLTON, FOUNDERS OF THRIVE AND NATURAL CALM CANADA

FOOD ≠ EQUAL NUTRITION Two billion people—including 33 percent of children—aren’t getting enough life-giving nutrients to reach their full potential and fight disease. The problem is hidden hunger—a chronic lack of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients only whole foods can deliver.

Hidden hunger shows up when the priority is to get food in bellies, and nutrition means meal after meal of processed white grains and corn.

How does Thrive tackle hidden hunger? Simply, through Life Gardens.

Thrive trains and equips people to grow an abundance of healthy, organic, disease-fighting foods and medicinal plants.

With knowledge, simple tools, and starter seeds, people who can’t afford healthy food can grow their own—sustainably.

They call these projects Life Gardens because growing health is the first step to a thriving life.

Through their Life Gardens, Thrive has made a difference

for countless people in Africa— providing them with healthy fruits and vegetables, nutrients, and the power to overcome illness.

A Life Garden is a term unique to Thrive for Good, which refers to an organic, bio-intensive garden cultivated to grow nutrient-dense foods and natural medicinal plants.

Each Life Garden provides 40 community members with harvests, 105 healthy and nutritious meals each day, the value of food produced each year, and so much more.

Elizabeth: “The health of my family has been changed by learning how to make food our medicine. We make our own smoothies, eat raw vegetables and sell surplus, which has enabled us to sustain our living fully. Our garden has also attracted our neighbours, and the healing is spreading to our community!”

THRIVE ON KILIMANJARO To raise money for Thrive Gardens, the Natural Calm team climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise $500,000 to plant 5,000 gardens.

The climb was led by the founder of Thrive and Natural Calm Canada co-founder Dale Bolton and Chad Shears.

Chad took on the challenge of climbing Africa’s tallest mountain while his colleagues participated in a virtual climb from home and assisted in fundraising efforts.

FIELD STORIES Collins: “Before I came to Thrive, I used to suffer a lot from typhoid and malaria.

Once I learned about healthy foods and natural medicine, I changed my eating style. Since then, I have not had to go to the hospital again. Eating a variety of vegetables and greens has strengthened my immune system. I am thankful that I am now a Thrive trainer and can share this knowledge that Find out more at naturalcalm.ca changed my life.” or thriveforgood.org

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October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.

A Safe Space for Seniors

Are you being Mistreated?

Bullied?

Neglected?

Trained counsellors are available 24/7 to listen, support and help identify your options.

1-866-299-1011 • 1-866-299-0008 (TTY) www.awhl.org/seniors

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline 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.

The Seniors Safety Line (SSL) is a program of the Assaulted Women’s Helpline and has been in operation for over a decade.

SSL is the only 24/7 crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any type of abuse or neglect. Callers receive emotional support, safety planning, information, and more. Relatives, friends, and caregivers can also call the SSL to help them support the seniors in their lives.

We are a safe and inclusive space that supports the rights of older adults.

The Seniors Safety Line is an accessible and inclusive telephone-based program that is ‘senior-friendly’ with a live

counsellor. Trained professional counsellors help seniors navigate difficult systems and provide a one-stop resource for information, support, connection to services and programs and, where required, direct intervention. These personal interactions enhance callers’ social and emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life.

Elder abuse is complex and it is seldom isolated. Elder abuse is recurring in 80 percent of cases. Typically the abuser is a relative or someone known to the senior. Affected seniors often feel ashamed and do not view what is happening to them as abuse. As such, SSL also plays a key role in increasing community awareness and community capacity to address the issue of elder abuse through public education and the coordination of resources. These resources include fact sheets to help bystanders recognize the warning signs of abuse and how to respond safely and effectively.

In its over 12 years of operation, the SSL has helped well over 90,000 callers. The majority of

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callers, 86 percent, are seniors themselves. Their reasons for calling have been remarkably consistent over the years, with emotional abuse and financial abuse cited by 75 percent of callers.

Since the COVID-19 shut down, we have seen a significant increase in calls from older adults who are socially isolated and at a higher risk of experiencing elder abuse. Many others have called because they are having difficulty coping and have heightened levels of anxiety. Still, others are unsure as to what services are still available and how to access them.

Throughout the pandemic, SSL counsellors have been supporting seniors in any way possible. From being a friendly voice to speak to over the phone, to providing information about how to deal with difficult situations, to reassurance and validation, SSL is a valuable resource for seniors and concerned friends and family members. With your help, we will continue to be there for seniors beyond the pandemic.

Visit awhl.org/seniors to learn more.

The Future of Climate Heroes: Allie Rougeot on the Highs and Lows of Fighting Climate Change collective that is fighting on the same side and for the same demands can make them feel With the rise of the climate like one part of a much bigger movement, a new generation of activists has also risen. Fridays for whole. “Collective actions like striking not only bring us closFuture Toronto, a chapter of the youth-led-and-organized global er, they make those who try to climate strike movement, takes an oppose us feel smaller and less intersectional approach to climate powerful,” says Rougeot. action, recognizing that climate While Fridays for Future has change is as much a social crisis as certainly inspired collective it is an environmental one. action, creating a community of As 22-year-old Allie Rougeot young people who feel confiof Fridays for Future Toronto dent advocating for changes in climate policy, it often seems would put it, there is immense power in being social for good. like protests and demands for Rougeot co-led Toronto’s 2019 action fall on deaf ears.

“Unfortunately, our impact has Fridays for Future strike that saw 50,000 people fight for climate not been sufficient, and we are still not on the right path to address action, and throughout the pandemic, she has been taking climate change,” shares Rougeot. her support online, mobilizing “Governments and industries continuously try to answer our deyoung people to feel confident mands with shallow, greenwashed in making their voices heard.

Humans are social creatures, plans, so we still have work to do. strengthened by community Moreover, our fight is about more than climate change: it’s about and encouraged by solidarity. having a more just future for all.

While a person may not feel particularly powerful protesting And on that front, we are still far on their own, being part of a from a victory.”

ALL PHOTOS © JOSHUA BEST

RAYE MOCIOIU

However, there have been many victories worth celebrating, like the incredible turnout of the 2019 strike and seeing the city declare a climate emergency.

“We’ve seen an increasing amount of teachers, parents, and other allies join our fight and take on a climate activist role in their own spheres,” Rougeot says. “We have seen internal victories too, like building our capacity as a group and learning how to mobilize during a pandemic.”

Fridays for Future has also been incredibly successful when it comes to using the power of social media to energize young people and turn online interactions into real-life demonstrations that capture media attention.

“Because we walked in the footsteps of incredible change-makers before us, social media was able to connect us with others and spread our message faster,” Rougeout says.

“It’s important to learn about and build relationships with

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safe for either the mother or the baby,” shared Djama’s mother.

“We also learned that when girls get an education, they tend to look after their parents better when they are older.”

ADRA knows that longterm, integrated programs that bring education and income opportunities are necessary to break cycles of extreme poverty and bring about lasting, positive change.

“ADRA built a school compound near our village with beautiful classrooms, toilets, and a good well,” Djama’s mother added. “They gave the children everything they needed to learn, like backpacks, textbooks, exercise books, pens and pencils, and a solar lamp to study their lessons after dark! ADRA also worked with the teachers to help them improve their teaching methods so that they could become better teachers!

“ADRA has changed how our whole community now thinks about the importance of education and early marriage for our girls. After meeting with our village elders and community

© 2019 ADRA | FRANK SPANGLER

A Cancelled Wedding In Djama’s culture, a man will give a healthy girl’s parents at least ten cows when they marry. If the girl has agreeable traits, she could be worth as many as 25 cows!

When she was eleven, Djama’s father made it public that she was ready to be married. An older man from another village began negotiations with her father. The bride price was settled, and the engagement was announced.

Djama told us, “The man was someone that I did not know and he already had three wives.

I was to be number four. I didn’t like the idea, but in my country, it is not the child who decides these things, it is the parents.”

Djama’s mother said, “We didn’t mean to cause her any harm. It is quite common in our culture for girls to marry early.

We didn’t know how dangerous it could be for our daughter.”

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) gathered parents and teachers from Djama’s community to discuss the dangers of child marriages and the importance of education.

“We learned that having a baby before the age of 18 is not

people from other walks of life, so that we are not only in solidarity when we strike, but also sensitive to each other’s struggles. We need to normalize the fact that the climate crisis is permeating every part of our lives, instead of avoiding conversations because they are scary. We need to get into the habit of talking about it.

Talking about our hopes and ambitions is also an important action. The reality is that we all have different gifts, and we should be putting our best skills forward for this fight!”

DJAMA AT HER DESK

leaders to discuss these issues, they have also started recommending that we keep our girls in school.”

Djama said, “When all of this started happening, my parents decided to cancel the plans for my wedding. First, I was accepted into a special speed school where I was able to learn the ba-

sics so I could catch up to other children my own age. I am now in grade six and I am loving it!

It is my dream to finish here and go on to secondary school.

Someday I wish to become a teacher myself!”

ADRA Canada is collaborating with our partners in a fouryear project to increase access to

quality education for girls and women in vulnerable communities in countries such as Niger.

The communities are chosen based on their fragility due to remoteness, climate change, and post-conflict conditions. This project will help many young girls like Djama realize a much brighter future.

Education helps prevent child marriages.

Donate today ADRA.ca/education

VI RT UA L

#Bloating #FODMAP Diet #Probiotics

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A FREE Virtual Event! | CDHF.ca/events/trending-now/ Learn about the biggest gut health trends from experts!

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Until Last Breaths: The Rewarding Experience

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of Delivering Hospice Palliative Care As our population ages and more of us near the end of life and experience loss and grief, the more we’ll demand hospice palliative care—quality of life care supporting people to live as well as possible until last breaths.

“It’s inspiring to see the grace and beauty in end of life care and the genuine empathy and compassion our clinical team extends on a daily basis to perfect strangers.”

—Lindsey Jones, Volunteer and Support Coordinator, Nipissing Serenity Hospice, North Bay. © HPCO

“Dying, death and grief are experiences we’ll all face as a result of being human. I want to equip people to make caring for someone to the end of life manageable and meaningful and draw strength from the experience of learning to live with grief.”

—Betty Ann Rutledge, Manager of Volunteer Services, Hospice Toronto

Palliative care is provided in home, hospital, and long-term care, but communities across Ontario have grassroots hospice residences—for people who can no longer be cared for at home but don’t need hospital care. Hospices are unique residences offering holistic care and compassionate support for loved ones.

BETTY ANN RUTLEDGE

LINDSEY JONES

“I specialized in palliative care right out of nursing school and never looked back. I take pride in assisting clients and families along their journey to ensure that their end-of-life goals are met, their death is comfortable, and they’re surrounded by love and support.”

—Tamara Hennigar, Director of Care, Margaret Bahen Hospice, Newmarket, Ontario People who work in hospice palliative care gain enormous satisfaction helping ease fear, pain, and grief associated with dying and death. For the dying and their families, the experience is deeply meaningful and healing.

The first thing people notice when entering a hospice is the aroma of baking and simmering soup. Rooms are private with space for family and friends to gather, celebrate life and say goodbye.

“It’s because of the hospice that my father passed in such peace and comfort. We were able to really be there with him. We’ve so many stories of the memories made in that

room, in that hospice. We’re a close family and appreciated having that space and support to be together.”

—Family member - St. Joseph Hospice, Sarnia-Lambton

a raffle or event ticket, making a single or regular donation, or a legacy gift,” says Rick Firth, President and CEO of Hospice Palliative Care Ontario.

“Demand is increasing rapidly.

While hospices take the bur- Hospices are the humane and den and cost from hospitals, appropriate response to a very local fundraising still covers human experience.” about half of the operating costs of Ontario hospices.

“Hospices are desirable and To learn more, visit hpco.ca cost-effective. We’re working with Government to cover all clinical costs in hospices, but we aren’t there. It’s so important to support local hospices—buying Hospice Palliative Care Ontario

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RAYE MOCIOIU

As the situation continues to change in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and the humanitarian crisis deepens, women remain steadfast in their battle to have their faces seen, raising their voices for inclusion in society—a powerful statement, but a dangerous one all the same.

In the two decades since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, women have made incredible strides toward equality. As of 2020, women were gainfully employed as ministers, judges, soldiers, and governors. Now, the world watches in shock and horror as the same women fight to keep their rights intact and ensure the safety of themselves and their families.

Across the globe, countries and organizations are doing whatever they can to help get Afghan women and families to safety, holding evacuation missions to help vulnerable families escape. In the midst, those who have found refuge outside of the country are using their voices to share their vision of a brighter future for Afghanistan and asking everyone to remember the women left behind.

© REUTERES/SHERZAAD ENTERTAINMENT

Afghanistan’s Women Lead Calls For Peace and Solidarity learn to support and build a better country for the next generation.

“I learn and study because I want to build Afghanistan in the future,” Sarah says.

HOW WE CAN USE OUR VOICES FOR GOOD While we may be far from the problem on a global scale, we still have the power to provide much-needed support—in a way that is respectful of the women, children, and families who need it most.

“There is a way to be supportive of women on a global scale, without isolating and judging women locally who chose to practice their faith. It is possible to be a professional soccer player, a singer, or a chemist and also be an Afghan, and also be a Muslim,” says author Shireen Ahmed for InStyle Magazine.

Too often, well-intentioned advocacy can manifest in a way that is disrespectful of a person’s right to choose and practice their faith. As Shireen states, “presuming that a woman in Seattle who chooses to wear hijab is as oppressed as a woman in ARYANA SAYEED Kabul is perpetuating violence.”

While there is certainly reason revealed only her eyes and travelbike chains and car parts in the ever, in my opinion, this belief is to criticize the restrictive system SINGER ARYANA SAYEED ling with Sayed’s young cousin as early days of the COVID-19 pan- very wrong. Afghan women have of the Taliban and how horribly demic, was to prove that women many achievements in different it changes the rights of Afghan RECOUNTS HARROWING if on a family outing.

“We passed through five can do anything—and everything. fields and are successful.”

ESCAPE FROM women, it is important to keep Taliban checkpoints. One of them Before the virus outbreak, With the help of international AFGHANISTAN that criticism focused on the stopped our car,” Aryana said. the team built robots, studied human rights lawyer Kimberley Aryana Sayeed, an Afghan singer systems of oppression in place— “The minute he saw me and the programming, and prepared for Motley and a group of volunteers who has used her international not the religion of Islam. their final year of school under an who wished to remain unnamed, fame to amplify calls for women’s little boy, he said, ‘Go.’” The first step to that kind of Sayed, in a separate car, was initiative set up in 2015 to teach many robotics team members were positive and impactful suprights, wore an all-enveloping veil the first to reach the U.S. miligirls tech skills and instill confiable to flee Afghanistan and safely port is education. Access to to escape her homeland as the tary-controlled airport. Being a dence through science. resettle in Mexico and Qatar.

Taliban took Kabul. social media provides countless “We had to be creative when it “It’s extraordinarily heartbreak- opportunities to follow and A philanthropist and Goodwill Canadian citizen, he was allowed in and contacted Aryana. His rel- came to sourcing material,” said ing to see the democracy and ambassador, Aryana has long amplify the voices, work, and freedom crumbling,” Kimberley initiatives of Afghan activists, supported the #WhereIsMyName atives escorted her to the airport, team captain Somaya Faruqi last and the two flew out on a U.S. year. “Our machines are built out shared in an interview with leaders, journalists, artists, campaign led by Laleh Osmany, military plane. of a combination of a Toyota CBC News. “These girls want to and researchers. As rescue and which brought about change “I got lucky to get out of Corolla motor, chains from momake Afghanistan and the world evacuation missions continue, in Afghan law so that women’s Afghanistan. But what about torcycles, and separate pressure, proud and continue to work names could be included on refugees may need extra help in the rest of the people that are heat, and humidity sensors.” toward their dreams.” identity cards. getting settled. In Canada, reAccording to the United The dreamers won interThe women’s rights activist and there?” Aryana said. “For the past settlement agencies are accept20 years, I mean, so many girls Nations, Afghanistan’s literacy rate national awards and made her fiancé, Hasib Sayed, made ing donations (in the forms of and so many women, they went for women remains low at about headlines for their open-source, clothing, furniture, money, and reservations on a commercial 30 percent, with many girls in low-cost ventilators, receiving flight the day the Taliban entered to schools, they got educated. So more) and volunteer services. many of them are school teachers, rural, conservative communities guidance from experts at HarKabul, months after American “It is possible and necessary doctors…so many achievements.” unable to attend school. In Herat, vard University and eventually troops ended U.S. involvement to be an ally and supporter of the city’s university had its largest gaining the support of the Min- Afghan women as they navigate in the Afghan war. UnfortunateALL-GIRLS ROBOTICS body of women pursuing comput- istry of Public Health and the ly, the overcrowded commercial (again) a society that will try to TEAM FINDS REFUGE er science, topping 500.

World Health Organization. flight never took off. silence them, without condemnIN MEXICO “Many people in Afghanistan The members of the Afghan Fearful of being recognized by ing a culture and faith with which The Afghan Dreamers, an all-fethink that Afghan girls and wom- Dreamers team share a vision Taliban fighters, the couple left they identify. Supporting Afghan male robotics team founded in en are weak and incapable,” shares of leaving Afghanistan in search the airport and sheltered with women in what will undoubtedly the eastern Afghan city of Herat, 16-year-old Sarah in an interview of higher education in a unirelatives in Kabul. The next day, be a very difficult time requires is made up of teenage girls with with Rest of the World. “They versity where their ideas are not they heard Taliban forces were seeing them,” Shireen concludes. bright minds and even brighter think they cannot be good leaders just heard but understood and searching door-to-door in their “This fight cannot be won alone.” respected. They hope to return to neighbourhood. Aryana returned hopes for the future. Their vision, or push Afghanistan towards as they fashioned ventilators from progress and development. How- Afghanistan and deliver what they to the airport, wearing a veil that (Source: Reuters)

EDUCATION CHANGES EVERYTHING Help a child believe and achieve the extraordinary Become a sponsor today… childrenbelieve.ca/sponsor-a-child 1.800.263.5437

October • 2021

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FOOD HEROES & FEEL GOOD RECIPES ADVERTORIAL

Serves: 4 | Cook time: 30 minutes

• 1.5 lbs brussels sprouts, trimmed • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper • 1/3 cup Mother Raw Caesar Dressing For the plant-based parmesan: • 2 tbsp hemp seeds • 1/4 cup cashews • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil • Pinch kosher salt Directions

Find Mother Raw in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, online at www.motherraw.ca or through social media @motherraw

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1 Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 Divide the brussels sprouts into half. Chop the first half of sprouts down the middle and place on the baking sheet.

3 Toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4 Meanwhile, finely shred the remaining brussels sprouts very thinly using a knife or mandoline, and add to a salad bowl.

5 For the plant-based parmesan, add all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until the mix comes together, but is still a bit crumbly.

6 Add the cooked brussels sprouts to the salad bowl and toss with the Caesar dressing and add half of the plant-based parmesan.

7 Divide onto plates and serve with additional parmesan.

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Ingredients

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BRUSSELS SPROUTS CAESAR SALAD

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Mother Raw’s humble beginnings originated over 10 years ago, selling homemade dressings at local farmers’ markets.

The goal was to create delicious dressings that were made with only real ingredients.

Since then, we have come a long way and remain loyal to our Canadian roots with a line-up of delicious organic plant-based dressings and marinades, dips, quesos, and condiments that only use the purest ingredients.

Our CEO, Kristi Knowles, is committed to leading the good food fight, while building a company and culture that is inclusive and diverse. She is proud to say that “At Mother Raw, we respect our people, customers, suppliers, and nature’s bounty.”

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©MOTHER RAW

Leading the Good Food Fight

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Delicious Leftover Turkey Ideas for Weekday Meals ANNA OLSON

TURKEY AND STUFFING LUNCHBOX “BUDDIES” Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Makes: 12 Ingredients • 4 cups diced 2-day-old multigrain bread, cut into ½-inch cubes • 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped • 1 medium celery stalk,

© COURTESY OF ANNA OLSON

If you value not wasting food and prefer your leftovers to become an entirely different meal, this tasty recipe is the perfect way to repurpose your Thanksgiving extras.

“Cooked turkey, stuffing, and cranberries are baked into a stuffing-like base in these ‘buddies’—a name I give to any savoury, portable item that is baked in a muffin tin,”

explains chef Anna Olson.

“This recipe has all the familiar tastes and textures of a holiday dinner and makes creative use of your leftovers.”

Perfect for the school or office lunchbox, these “buddies” are delicious served warm or cold. For lunch or brunch, Anna recommends serving two per person with a side salad.

You can also make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the turkey for white beans.

roughly chopped • 1 medium carrot, peeled and roughly chopped • 1 garlic clove • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp poultry seasoning • ½ cup dried cranberries • 4 large eggs • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • ¾ tsp fine salt • ¼ tsp ground black pepper • 1 cup chicken stock • 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, cut into ½-inch cubes • 1 ½ cups grated Cheddar cheese

orates, about 5 minutes. The gas cooktop on the LG ProBake Convection range is great for this, as the quick heat and finetuned temperature controls ensure that the onions won’t overbrown or stick, creating the flavour base for the “stuffing.”

Stir in poultry seasoning and cranberries and stir 1 minute more. Set aside to cool.

3 Whisk eggs with mustard, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl; then whisk in stock.

Add bread cubes and toss well to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes, Directions then stir in turkey, cheese and veggies, tossing well.

1 Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). 4 Spoon this mixture into a mufLine a muffin tin with extra-large fin tin and bake for about 45 paper liners. If your bread feels minutes until the top of a “budsoft (still fresh), spread cubes dy” springs back when pressed. onto a baking tray and place The LG ProBake Convection them in the preheated oven for range ensures that these “budabout 10 minutes to dry them dies” bake quickly and brown out. Cool bread before using. nicely on top while cooking 2 Pulse onion, celery, carrot and easily all the way through. garlic in a food processor until 5 Let the “buddies” cool in the finely chopped but not liqmuffin tin for 5 minutes before uefied. Heat a sauté pan over removing. Once cooled, they medium heat and add oil. can be refrigerated or frozen Add vegetables and cook until and reheated or enjoyed at softened and any liquid evaproom temperature.

A Carton-Full of Reasons to Eat Ontario Eggs the birds. It allows the hens to perch, scratch, and lay their eggs in private nesting boxes.

As with other Ontario egg farmers, the Bos family makes sure their hens are given the highest level of care. The result is high-quality, delicious eggs for Ontario and families like yours to enjoy.

To learn more about the Bos family and others like them, visit getcracking.ca A SAVOURY SQUASH EGG BAKE Crisp autumn leaves and a chill in the air bring on the cravings for savoury meals. This Squash Egg Bake is so deliciously simple to make, it will be sure to squash your hunger.

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 5 minutes Bake Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Ingredients • 1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano • ½ tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper • ½ tsp (2 mL) paprika

• ½ tsp (2 mL) chili powder • 1 acorn squash, about 3 lbs (1.5 kg) • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil • 6 eggs • 2 tbsp (30 mL) crumbled Feta cheese • fresh oregano leaves for garnish Directions 1 Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 In a small bowl, mix together oregano, salt, pepper, paprika and chilli powder.

3 Leaving the skin on, slice the squash into six ½-inch (1 cm) thick rounds. Remove seeds, making the cavity bigger if necessary. Place on a prepared baking sheet and brush both sides of the squash with oil.

Sprinkle each side with the spice mixture. Bake for 15 minutes until tender.

4 Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Crack one egg into each hole. Bake for 10 minutes until egg whites are cooked through. Sprinkle with Feta and garnish with fresh oregano.

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REAL FARMERS REAL EGGS.

© EGG FARMERS OF ONTARIO

When standing at the egg section of the grocery store, do you ever stop and look at them all?

White, brown, large, extra-large, Omega-3, organic—the choices are endless. Have you ever wondered where they all come from?

In Ontario, most eggs in your grocery store come from farms across the province, many of them from families that have been farming for multiple generations.

Aric Bos is one of those farmers.

As a third-generation farmer from Huron County, Aric enjoys the fact that he can share the eggs from his farm every day with Ontario families. Together with his wife Andrea, they are raising their three children on a farm right next door to the farm he grew up on.

“We love being able to provide healthy, quality food for people,” says Aric. “We especially love knowing our eggs are enjoyed by consumers every day.”

The Bos family produces brown eggs from hens that are raised in enriched colony housing. After careful consideration and research, Aric decided on this type of housing because he believes it provides the best environment for

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Andrea Bos, Egg Farmer,

Huron County, Ontario

October • 2021

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Taste of The Swiss Alps From Our Farm to Your Table Shop Stonetown Cheese at Sobeys, Metro, Longo’s, and specialty food stores, or online at stonetowncheese.com

FOOD HEROES & FEEL GOOD RECIPES ADVERTORIAL

FREE Virtual Digestive Health Event: #TrendingNow - Putting the Biggest Gut Health Trends Under the Microscope The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF), in partnership with METRO Inc., is presenting an online educational event for members of the public and health care professionals on the biggest gut health trends that are often misconstrued in today’s world.

Hear leading health care professionals and experts in the digestive health space present on: • Fermented Foods • The Low FODMAP Diet • Feeding your gut with Fibre, Prebiotics, and Probiotics • Diets for Chronic Digestive Diseases • Celiac Disease vs Gluten Intolerance • Food Intolerances vs Food Allergies • How Do I Know If My Poop is Normal?

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#Bloating

ABOUT THE CANADIAN DIGESTIVE HEALTH FOUNDATION (CDHF.CA):

digestive conditions. Be sure to consult with your doctor or dietitian about whether a proThe CDHF is Canada’s trusted biotic is right for you. resource on digestive health. • LOW FODMAP DIET: Committed to providing useful, FODMAPs are a group of up-to-date information and resmall carbohydrate (sugar) search to help Canadians better molecules found in everyday manage digestive conditions and foods that may be poorly ablive healthier lives. sorbed in the small intestine of some people. Those with IBS Some of the #trendingtopics you can expect to learn more may benefit from a low FODabout include: MAP diet for overall symptoms such as abdominal pain, • FERMENTED FOODS are cramping, bloating, excess gas, foods or beverages that are constipation, and diarrhea. produced by controlled microbial growth. They include ABOUT METRO INC. things like yogurt, kefir, sau- METRO Inc. is a food and erkraut, and kimchi which can pharmacy leader in Quebec help with weight management and Ontario. and improve bone health and My Health My Choices is a blood pressure. new guide for customers who • PROBIOTICS come in pill want to simplify making the best Event kick-off: and powder form but can also product choices based on their November 3rd, 2021 be found in certain fermented own lifestyles, values or health Enjoy access to all presentations foods, including fermented needs when they shop. online until January 30th, 2022 milks like some yogurt and Register at: CDHF.ca/events/ kefir. They can help us digest trending-now/ fibre and help manage certain metro.ca/myhealthmychoices

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In partnership with

Peace by Chocolate: A Story of New Beginnings RAYE MOCIOIU

small town of 7,000 people.

Tareq recalls feeling accepted and welcomed upon arriving in Canada and says that rebuilding the chocolate business was their way of saying thank you to their community.

As newcomers to Canada, the Hadhad family rebuilt their family-run chocolate business into a symbol of international peace and hope. With every piece of chocolate, they aim to reflect something of the culture that they brought to Canada.

© PEACE BY CHOCOLATE

“Our story is about peace,” says Tareq Hadhad, founder and CEO of Peace By Chocolate. “Without peace, there’s no life. You cannot do anything without peace.”

Chocolate-making has been a Hadhad family tradition since 1986, when Tareq’s father Essam Hadhad opened a factory in Damascus, Syria.

For more than 20 years, they shipped their specialty treats all over the Middle East and Europe. Tragically, like much

of their homeland, the Hadhad chocolate factory was destroyed in a bombing that forced the family to leave everything behind and flee to Lebanon.

“In a blink of an eye, our lives in Syria were destroyed,” Tareq recalls. “We decided to leave the country and started thinking about moving to a country that would give us human rights and the freedom to live again. What better place to do that than in Canada?”

The Hadhad family settled in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, a

“Chocolate brings people together. With a piece of chocolate, you can form a connection. It’s about the people.”

—Tareq Hadhad, Founder & CEO, Peace by Chocolate With the support of their community in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, the Hadhad family has rebuilt their chocolate company and is once again doing the work they love. In late September 2016, they received international recognition when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told their story in an address to the United Nations.

More than just peace, the Hadhad family champions compassion. In 2016, they donated their profits to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the wildfires in Fort McMurray, British Columbia.

“The Hadhads said that they knew what it felt like to flee their country, to flee their homes and lose everything and they wanted to help by giving back what they could,” Trudeau said.

Peace by Chocolate has shipped and produced millions of chocolates across the country and the world. Their lived experiences inspire them to support their local community by offering jobs to community members—especially immigrants.

“Newcomers and immigrants are motivated to translate their skills and experiences. They have knowledge, hopes, and dreams, and they want to share them with their community,” says Tareq.

By 2022, Peace by Chocolate will hire 50 refugees at its facilities across Canada and provide mentorship and guidance to 10 refugee startups. Peace By Chocolate also donates 3-5 percent of its profits to the Peace On Earth Society—a Nova Scotia-based organization that donates funds to peace-building projects around the world.

Inside each Peace By Chocolate product is uncompromising quality, with each chocolate a little work of art in and of itself, exuding sophistication, style and excellence.

After all, One Peace Won’t Hurt™

The Heroes of Canada’s Fruit and Vegetable Sector CANADA’S FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

added (2018) • $2.6 billion in government revenue (2018) • 249,000 full-time jobs for GOOD FOR PEOPLE There are so many healthy attributes Canadians (2018) for Canadian-grown fruits and vegetables—it’s no wonder Health GOOD FOR THE WORLD Canada recommends Canadians Canadian farmers hire Canadiensure fruit and vegetables make ans first, but when Canadians up “half their plate” at each meal! are unavailable for farm jobs, • high in fibre, vitamins, farmers need international and minerals workers to help grow and har• may help reduce your risk of vest food for our tables. Seasonal some types of cancer workers are integral to the sec• help keep your digestive tor, making up 53 percent of system regular Canada’s agricultural workforce, • help keep your bones strong and we are grateful to them for • are generally low in calories the work they do and the opand fat and rich in fibre, so portunities they provide. they can help you maintain a • International farmworkers crehealthy weight ate full-time jobs for Canadians • are good for everyone!

• Income earned and sent home by workers is 11 times greater GOOD FOR CANADA’S than the Canadian foreign aid ECONOMY sent to these same countries The industry continues to do its • Farmers support a pathway part in creating a strong Canato immigration for internadian economy and is uniquely tional farmworkers poised to drive post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

International farmworkers are • About 125 types of fruit and paid the same, and have access to vegetables are grown in Canada the same medical coverage and oth• $1.7 billion in total value er resources as Canadian workers.

ABOUT IYFV

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations declared 2021 the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables in

an effort to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetables and their contribution to a balanced and healthy diet and lifestyle. © CANADIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Every day, thousands of members of the Canadian fresh produce industry wake up as early as 3 a.m. to produce, transform, pack, transport and sell the about 125 types of healthy, fresh, and delicious fruits and vegetables grown in Canada.

The work of the fresh produce supply chain is not easy. It involves meticulous planning, long days, a year-round commitment, and an endless supply of optimism as producers deal with many factors outside their control.

Why do they do it? Because they love it. For them, there’s no other way of life.

This year is the International Year of Fruit and Vegetable (IYFV), an opportunity for all Canadians to say THANK YOU to the farmers and the value chain members who dedicate their lives to producing the food that nurtures Canadians and people all around the world and powers the Canadian economy.

Take a moment to learn more about this robust, innovative, and resilient industry.

Learn more about Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry and how to incorporate more fresh produce into your diet: hortcouncil.ca/iyfv

Thank you to the thousands of food heroes who power Canada’s fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

Happy International Year of Fruit and Vegetables!

HORTCOUNCIL.CA/IYFV BRITISH COLUMBIA PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION

ADVERTORIAL

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PICKED AT THE PEAK OF PERFECTION

BY CANADIAN FARMERS

TM

Look for these Grown and Packed in Canada symbols on your favourite Green Giant* vegetable products

GROWN & PACKED IN

CANADA

FOOD HEROES & FEEL GOOD RECIPES ADVERTORIAL

PROUDLY GROWN & PACKED IN CANADA At Green Giant*, we take pride in the process that allows you to have field-fresh vegetables on your table throughout the year. Our Canadian farming experts use decades of experience and research to ensure we harvest the best vegetables at the best time, lock in their goodness, and get them to you as quickly as possible.

© 2021 B&G Foods Canada, ULC. All Rights Reserved.

Spooktastic Pumpkin Mummy Doughnuts

Doughnut • 1/2 cup gluten free flour 1 cup oat flour (or 1 ½ cups flour) • 1 tsp arrowroot powder (do not add this if you are using regular flour) • 1 tsp baking powder • Pinch of salt • ½ cup almond milk • ½ cup coconut sugar • 1 tsp ACV • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice • ½ tsp cinnamon

Glaze • ¼ cup icing sugar • 1 tbsp almond milk • 1 tsp vanilla

4

Icing You can use any icing recipe you like! We ended up adding extra icing sugar to the leftover glaze and a spoonful of coconut oil.

Eyes We got some eyes from Bulk Barn but you could also use raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.

Directions 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. 2 Mix all dry and wet ingredients separately then combine the two and mix well.

3 Lightly grease doughnut pan with coconut oil and pipe the batter into the pan. This

5 6 7

recipe also works for muffins so if you don’t have a doughnut pan, try a muffin tray!

Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean (muffins should take a little longer).

Make the glaze by whisking together all the glaze ingredients.

Dip doughnuts into glaze and set aside to firm up.

Pipe thicker icing mixture onto the glazed doughnuts and add some eyes to make them look like mummies!

Greenhouse is a Canadian organic beverage company that’s making it easier to get your daily dose of healthy greens. Their range includes cold-pressed juices, plant milks, lemonades, kombuchas, and more, all packaged in sustainable glass bottles, ensuring healthy products of the highest quality.

To learn more about Greenhouse and its commitment to green, visit greenhouse.ca.

© PHOTO COURTESY OF GREENHOUSE

While “boo” is the more traditional Halloween outburst, guests stopping by your haunted house won’t be able to help themselves but to cheer for these mummified doughnuts. Made with jack-o’lantern purée, they’re Halloween-y to the core—the perfect treat for tricksters. Check out the full recipe, translated from the original hieroglyphics, below.

ADVERTORIAL

© ONTARIO LAMB FARMERS

Lamb Doesn’t Have to be Reserved for Special Occasions!

Lamb is a good source of iron, vitamins and has protein that is rich in essential amino acids. Ontario Fresh Premium Lamb deserves a spot on your table any time of the week!

Ontario Lamb is particularly rich in vitamin B-12 and in niacin, zinc, and iron. Just 3 oz of cooked lamb, with any excess fat removed, provides the average person with 48 percent of their daily protein requirements, 30 percent zinc, 10 percent iron, 37 percent vitamin B-12 and 27 percent niacin (Source: American Lamb Council.)

A good quality lamb will have

mals, and producing high-quality food and fibre by visiting globalheroes.com/how-sheepare-mitigating-climate-change/ ONTARIO LAMB SHANKS BRAISED WITH STOUT BEER & ROOT VEGETABLES • Total Time: 2 hr 50 min (Save additional time with a pressure cooker) • Prep Time: 20 min • Level: Moderate • Yield: 8 Servings (For a serving a nice fat finish, which not only of 4, simply 1/2 the ingredients) adds flavour to the lean meat but can also be—in the right Ingredients amount—a healthy part of a balanced diet. Only one-third of • 8 Ontario Fresh Premium the fat in lamb is saturated, the Lamb shanks rest is mono or polyunsaturated, • Salt and pepper the “good” fat in one’s diet.

• ½ cup all-purpose flour Settle into the cooler weather • 2 tbsp olive oil with this delicious and hearty • 4 garlic cloves braised lamb shank meal for any • 1 tsp each dried rosemary & night of the week! thyme (or 1 tbsp chopped fresh) Learn more about what Ontario • 2 bottles (341 ml each) GuinSheep farmers are doing on enviness or other stout-based beer ronmental sustainability and their • 3 cups beef stock commitment to the land, the ani- • ¼ cup butter

• • • •

3 tbsp packed brown sugar Stir in 2 cups of the stock.

3 onions, cut into wedges Return shanks and any juic3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces es to the pan. Bring to boil, 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into cover tightly. Bake in a 350°F 1-inch pieces oven for about 2-1/2 hours • ½ rutabaga, peeled and cut into or until lamb is very tender, 1-inch chunks stirring occasionally.

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 3 Meanwhile, in a deep skillet, • 1 red sweet pepper sliced melt butter and sugar over medium heat; stir in onions, Directions carrots, parsnips, and rutabaga until well coated. Sprinkle 1 Sprinkle shanks lightly with with salt and pepper. Add resalt and pepper and coat maining stock and bring to with flour. In a large ovenboil. Bake uncovered, stirring proof casserole or dutch oven, occasionally, in a 350°F oven heat half the oil over medifor about 1-1/4 hours or until um-high heat. In batches, vegetables are tender but not brown shanks, adding more mushy. Stir in cooked shanks. oil as needed and removing 4 The stew can be cooled, covbrowned shanks to the plate. ered, and refrigerated for up to 2 Stir in any remaining flour, 2 days. Remove any fat from garlic, thyme, and rosemary; the top, bring to room temcook over medium heat for 1 perature for 30 minutes and minute, stirring. Remove pan reheat slowly on the stovefrom heat and gradually stir top, stirring often; or place in in beer; return to heat and 350°F oven, covered, for about bring to boil, stirring and 30 minutes or until bubbly. scraping up any brown bits Sprinkle with parsley to serve. from the bottom of the pan.

Boil for 5 minutes, covered, Social: @OntarioSheep or until syrupy, stirring often. @OntarioLamb

Looking for Ontario Fresh Premium Lamb?

Try using our Lamb Locator too!

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October • 2021

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WEEKEND STAYCATION

‘CLOSE TO HOME’ IN SARNIA-LAMBTON.

PLAN YOUR TRIP AT ONTBLUECOAST.COM

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER

Lions, tigers, and manure? Oh my!

The Toronto Zoo is more than just a fun place for families to visit and get up-close with animals! This August, the Toronto Zoo became the first in Canada to convert zoo manure into energy through the ZooShare Biogas project.

The ZooShare Biogas project is striving to make a wider impact on the fight against climate change. The project works to convert 2,000 tonnes of manure and 15,000 tonnes of food waste from grocery stores and restaurants into renewable energy for 250 homes across the Greater Toronto Area. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 20,000 tonnes per year.

“The mission of your Zoo is connecting people, animals, and conservation science to fight extinction,” Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, explained.

“New initiatives and technologies like the ZooShare Biogas plant are important tools in that fight to save species. Conservation is a team sport and we need more players. I am grateful for partners like ZooShare for joining us on this journey to fight climate change and ensure a brighter future where wildlife and wild spaces thrive.”

The project ultimately works to fight climate change, and through that, fight animal extinction. To achieve this, the ZooShare Biogas project is working in partnership with Loblaw, Canada’s largest food retailer and industry leader in the fight to eliminate food waste. With the help from ZooShare and Loblaw, the Toronto Zoo will work to educate students and the general public on the value of biogas and the importance of managing organic waste.

Similarly, this project will allow the zoo to participate in more low-carbon energy projects in the future, working alongside Canada’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The zoo’s commitment to climate efforts doesn’t stop there—earlier this year, the zoo received a $380,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund to continue their conservation initiatives. The funds will go towards the zoo’s

Climate Action and Leadership Project created to engage youth from underrepresented communities to take action against climate change.

The program, which is referred to as the CALL, will offer a 12-week internship for individuals aged 18 to 30, as well as the Engaging Climate Action Champions leadership program for youth aged 15 to 17.

“I am inspired by the initiatives brought forward by Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” explained The Honourable Johnathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “All across Ontario, local groups like the Toronto Zoo are engaging in meaningful climate action that supports Canada’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Together we are building a cleaner, healthier future for our children and grandchildren.”

In addition to the two internships, participants will take on conservation projects at the zoo and in their own community. By showcasing the immediate action required for climate change on social media and working alongside community partners, the youth involved in these programs will make a big difference for conservation in Toronto.

Alongside their conservation efforts, the Toronto Zoo has launched various initiatives to support animals, protect endangered species, and more.

Partnering with the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, the zoo is committed to stopping the illegal trafficking of wildlife, specifically the harvesting of black bears. Similarly, they partnered with Giant Tiger to support endangered Amur tiger conservation. Today, there are fewer than 500 Amur tigers in the wild, one of which, named Mila, they have on-site at the Toronto Zoo. Online, visitors can watch a live stream of Mila adjusting to outdoor adventures and make donations towards care and conservation efforts at the zoo.

Mila was one of three Amur tiger cubs born at the Toronto Zoo and the only surviving cub of the bunch. Mila and her mother, who the zookeepers affectionately call Mazy, are a part of the zoo’s Species Survival Plan, where they work towards

populating endangered species.

As part of their effort to save endangered species, they are building a new home for orangutans. The new habitat will enrich the lives of orangutans, allow for observational research and showcase the beauty of these animals to the public while explaining what efforts we can take to fight extinction.

The world has lost 120,000 orangutans throughout the last ten years due to habitat loss in the Sumatran rainforest. The

and personal with polar bears, Toronto Zoo is currently home European reindeers, and Arctic to six orangutans, and with a wolves in the Tundra Trek. new habitat, they can continue to rescue the endangered species.

While at the Zoo, book a Wild Encounter tour with THINGS TO DO AT THE scheduled behind-the-scenes visTORONTO ZOO its to the polar bears, kangaroos, While there’s an abundance of ani- penguins, and so much more. mals to visit while visiting the zoo, This Halloween, enjoy a there’s even more to explore— spooktacular visit to the zoo! both in-person and online!

One of the nicest times of the The animal exhibits are split year to visit the picturesque by continent—you can visit with Rouge Valley, you can don your ring-tailed lemurs and zebras in costume and enjoy the themed the African areas and get up-close decor onsite. © TORONTO ZOO

ALLIE MURRAY

MASAI GIRAFFE AMANI

ADVERTORIAL

natural area includes great hills, two ponds, and a 4.8-kilometre Waterloo Region invites you to walking trail. There’s also a wetexplore our wide-open spaces. lands area with a boardwalk to get Whether you’re looking for lei- you even closer to nature. surely paths that meander into city parks and past historic sites, HEALTH VALLEY TRAIL, or trails that wind through scenic ST. JACOBS countrysides and forests, these The Health Valley Trail runs along trails are sure to inspire. the Conestoga River and winds its way into Waterloo. It’s an unpaved SNYDER’S FLATS, trail great for cross country skiing WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP in the winter and mountain biking Located in the town of Blooming- in the summer. dale in Woolwich Township, you’ll find this 100-hectare conservation URBAN EXPLORING area open to the public year-round. ON KITCHENER The reformed gravel pit is now a WATERLOO’S IRON natural area featuring a large pond HORSE TRAIL and a 4.5-kilometre trail. Snyder’s This mixed-use trail connects Flats is home to fantastic wildlife, Kitchener and Waterloo. The including large brown and white Iron Horse Trail runs from Erb raptors and beavers.

Street West in Uptown Waterloo to Ottawa Street South in FWR DICKSON Kitchener. Along the trail, you’ll WILDERNESS AREA, find opportunities to take a break CAMBRIDGE and enjoy a bite to eat or pop Birders will find a fantastic selec- into a craft brewery to sample tion of feathered friends at FWR a local beverage. The trail also Dickson Wilderness Area. This runs through Kitchener’s beauALEX KINESELLA

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© ALEX KINSELLA

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring the Trails of Waterloo Region tiful Victoria Park and is a quick walk to downtown Kitchener.

HURON NATURAL AREA, KITCHENER The Huron Natural Area is Kitchener’s largest nature space, with six trails that wind through woodlands and wetlands. Open year-round, the space is used for exploration and education. With the City of Kitchener’s support, Huron Natural Area is home to an Indigenous-led project to present the art and culture of past and present Indigenous communities that call the space home.

WALTER BEAN TRAIL, WATERLOO REGION Waterloo Region’s longest trail is the Walter Bean Trail that runs through Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Woolwich Township. The 76 kilometre-long trail is open year-round and is enjoyed by hikers, cyclists, snowshoers, and more. The trail connects to the rare Charitable Research Reserve in Cambridge.

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RARE CHARITABLE RESEARCH RESERVE, CAMBRIDGE Located in Cambridge, the rare Charitable Research Reserve covers over 1,000 acres of protected natural area. The lands are used by researchers from across Canada as well as for hiking and exploring. rare is comprised of 24 different habitat types. It has an exceptional array of flora

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and fauna, with species that are ranked “significant” or “at risk” regionally, provincially, nationally and even globally. Although rare exists to protect these important landscapes, they also make them open to the public for appropriate recreation and independent learning.

Discover more Waterloo Region trails at explorewaterloo.ca

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October • 2021

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Fall for the flavours & fun of Ontario's Southwest

ontariossouthwest.com

RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER

ZITA COBB

FOGO ISLAND INN, NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA

logic, worried about how the overfishing would impact their For Zita Cobb, Founder and livelihood and insisted that Zita CEO of the Shorefast Foungo on to study business.

After studying business at dation and Innkeeper of Fogo Carleton University, Zita went on Island Inn, genuine hospitality to have a successful and profitable supports the flow of its community. As she puts it, “Good busiinternational career in high tech. nesses take care of people, too.”

In the early 2000s, Zita brought her father’s dream to life—feeling Earlier this year, the Newfoundland native became the first the draw of home, she brought her social entrepreneur to be induct- business knowledge back home to ed into the Canadian Business Fogo Island and founded Shorefast Hall of Fame for her incredible with her Alan and Tony. work in developing the Shorefast Foundation and its luxury prop- SUPPORTING THE FLOW OF LIFE erty, the Fogo Island Inn. Zita’s work displays her com- Shorefast is a registered charity mitment to the people of Fogo dedicated to securing cultural and economic resiliency for Fogo Island—one of Canada’s oldest Island, Change Islands, and to settlements and the place she inspiring similar rural communicalled home until age 16. ties worldwide.

The charitable entity and its BIG LESSONS FOR social businesses, the most interA SMALL CHILD nationally renowned of which is Zita describes herself as having lived in three centuries; she grew Fogo Island Inn, works with and within the community to revitalup on Fogo Island in Joe Batt’s ize the local economy, preserve Arm, a small town in outport and evolve long-standing cultural Newfoundland, in a barter knowledge, as well as strive to system where her family did not have electricity or running water. have a positive relationship with Growing up in a large nature and its resources. fishing family and tight-knit In the midst of a climate crisis community, Zita developed a and at the tapering end of a global profound respect for nature, pandemic, enterprises like Shoreculture, and community. fast and Fogo Island Inn are more In an interview after her necessary than ever. induction into the Canadian For Zita, whose passion is to Business Hall of Fame, Zita ensure place-based communities recalled a pivotal moment in can belong in our global econher life, in the late 1960s, when omy, revitalizing a community large industrial vessels were over- like Fogo Island was not a small fishing North Atlantic cod to the fix, but it was an easy answer— brink of extinction. Her father, a working from within to enable fisher who had a deep underagency for Fogo Islanders and a standing of nature’s ecological cycle of reinvestment.

RAYE MOCIOIU

DINING ROOM

“One-third of the households on this island work directly with us, either at the inn or at the foundation,” Zita shares.

All the surpluses from the Inn are returned to and reinvested in the community through the projects and programs of Shorefast.

It’s a mission that is part of what Zita calls “supporting the flow of life”—it’s also a great source of pride for the organization.

The Economic Nutrition Certification Mark, developed

by Shorefast, shows visitors exactly where their money goes and how the cost of each nightly stay breaks down.

“How do we all fit together? It’s a source of wonder, but it’s also a realization that we can do things to fit together better—and that is what hospitality does,” Zita shares.

dence, and community hosts, natural beauty awaits no matter when one visits.

Snowy winters are filled with socializing in warm cabins, hearty meals prepared on woodstoves and outdoor bonfires, and exuberant days spent snowmobiling, skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.

Pack Ice season (March) brings multi-year sparkling ice floes to the shores, a perfect opportunity for nature photography, and a hopeful spring follows to thaw the ice before June’s Trap Berth Season, named for the traditional staking out of fishing grounds, often in between bobbing icebergs. From Spring through Summer, visitors can do marine excursions and experience guided tours of Little Fogo Islands with a local captain and learn about this traditional SEVEN SEASONS inshore fishing destination.

OF LUXURY Summer on Fogo Island calls “Hospitality is a very simple thing: for time spent enjoying the grassy it’s the love of a stranger,” says Zita. hills decorated with plentiful Fogo Island Inn is a one-of-awildflowers before Berry season kind award-winning luxury prop- brings a bountiful harvest of erty with 29 unique rooms and blueberries, marshberries, crowsuites, each with floor-to-ceiling berries, and partridgeberries. windows that open onto the ocean.

Finally, Late Fall is the perfect Fogo Island is not limited time to reflect, relax, and prepare to four seasons; instead, the for the winter to come, all while islanders have seven seasons watching dramatic waves crash up that reflect the changes in against the Island’s 420-milliontheir weather and lifestyles year-old rocks. throughout the year. Each of the Island’s seven seasons is rife ECO-TOURISM AT THE with opportunities for advenCORNER OF THE EARTH ture, and most seasons invite Built on the principles of susthe exploration of Fogo Island tainability and a true love and on foot. With over a dozen respect for nature and culture, easily accessible trails on the Fogo Island Inn offers a holistic Island and guided hikes led by immersion into community develnaturalists, geologists-in-resiopment and cultural preservation.

community. The seemingly overnight evaporation of tourism hurt resorts and restaurants, of course, but also the excursion and tour operators whose success was critical for supporting conservation efforts.

Perhaps most pressingly, it meant facing the stark reality that Antigua and Barbuda’s populace, employed overwhelmingly in the tourism sector, would struggle to secure access to food and daily necessities.

Though its Caribbean neighbours shared the predicament faced by the people of Antigua and Barbuda, their response to the emergent situation stands out as singularly inspiring. Spurred on

by Aidan McCauley, a tourism industry operator and Wellness Ambassador for the destination, the community rallied around the Tree Tribe: an innovative, eco-friendly program founded with the lofty goal of planting 2000 fruit-bearing trees across the islands by year’s end. In doing so, the Tree Tribe would address two distinct crises, providing food in

the short-term for Antiguans and Barbudans through the pandemic and striking a blow against climate change and deforestation through the expansion and stewardship of the islands’ beloved green spaces.

Trucks sped across otherwise idyllic beaches and spades struck soft earth as community leaders, government reps, and volunteers organized a sprawling distribution and planting effort, targeting community beacons like churches, gardens, and schools. With businesses, families, and public figures on board, what began as something intended to be small but meaningful quickly became a profound source of lasting change. The Tree Tribe empowered the inhabitants of Antigua and Barbuda to take control of their food security and safeguard the vulnerable habitats of the islands’ wildlife, keeping their home beautiful for future generations to enjoy.

Today, as commercial tourism takes its first careful steps towards resumption, Antigua and

YOUR FREEDOM TO FLOAT OFF IN

The Inn is a community asset—all operating surpluses are reinvested to help secure a sustainable and resilient future for Fogo Island and contribute to the local and global economy.

Even during construction, the Inn worked from within the hyper-local Fogo Island community, creating jobs at every step of the way, from handmade furniture to hospitality staffing to locally grown ingredients, all while striving to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment.

The Inn also operates a zero-waste kitchen, using bottling, pickling, and fermentation to preserve food surpluses, and uses solar thermal panels on the roof to supply hot water for heating, laundry, and kitchen equipment.

Visitors can even take their impact a step further by opting to make their stay carbon neutral by supporting a carbon offsetting project in Stephenville and Appleton-Glenwood, Newfoundland, through the Newfoundland Climate and Ecosystems Conservancy Project.

In partnership with Carbonzero, this sustainability initiative works to balance greenhouse gas emissions with avoidances or removals in equal amounts, directly benefitting and protecting Fogo Island’s sacred natural land.

Experiences like Fogo Island Inn are proof that it’s possible to enjoy a beautiful and unique getaway that not only supports climate-friendly initiatives but that immediately and directly contributes to the cultural and economic future of a local community.

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Planting Seeds of Hope in Antigua and Barbuda The sun-kissed, dual-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has long been the destination of choice for visitors to the Caribbean seeking white sands, azure waters, and sublime tranquility. Originally born from a volcano, Antigua has since developed into a mecca for romantic and luxury getaways, ringed by coral reefs and buoyed by the famously hospitable spirit of its people. Barbuda remains mostly unspoiled, its lagoons home to a tremendous diversity of natural habitats, including the largest colony of the balloon-throated Magnificent Frigatebird in the Western Hemisphere.

When the emergence of the global COVID pandemic necessitated a near-cessation of international travel, few destinations felt the economic fallout more acutely than Antigua and Barbuda. For a small island nation of fewer than 100,000 people, losing the primary tourism industry was more than a blow to the GDP: it was a fundamental threat to the tight-knit

© ALEX FRADKIN 2013

© MICHAEL HAYTER

© DAVID HOWELLS 2018

Fogo Island Inn, Where Luxury and Sustainability Meet

Barbuda are standing strong with arms wide open, ready to welcome travellers old and new back to its world-class beaches, luxe resorts, and lush rainforests.

That Antigua and Barbuda could navigate the crisis with a community-led, grassroots effort is a testament to the power and spirit of its people and their shared desire to emerge from the pandemic stronger than they entered it.

As they continue to close on their goal of 2,000 trees, the Tree Tribe should serve as a tremendously positive blueprint for other destinations needing that last, little push to galvanize their communities about realizing sustainability with change that starts from the bottom.

The beach is just the beginning: visitantiguabarbuda.com

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October • 2021