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