Its been hard getting back on track.
I had figured that it would be, get to Aussie, take care of business, back to Canada, get over the lag.....back to work...baddah bing, baddah boom, baddah bang...back on track Jack!!
What actually happened is that I've been in a mental no-mans land these past couple of months, forgetting routine details, disappearing mentally during important sessions/meetings etc., getting emotional at exactly the wrong moment..indecisive..forgetful...just generally not my usual self. Fortunately I have a circle of friends around me who know me well and have no hesitation letting me know when I am veering off track. Andy finally shook me loose with a frank talk at our regular Sunday morning get togethers and then set me up with Jack, who put me in touch with a grief counsellor, who along with a couple of funeral parlours puts on a 6 week session on handling grief.
Jack also follows up with me so that I have someone to talk with. The time physically spent with my Mum was brief....those circumstances of life...but I always missed her deeply. In the aftermath of her passing I am coming to grips with the fact that I am indeed grieving deeply...as the counsellor put it....the deeper the love the longer it takes to get over. I like that!
Friends are indeed the flowers in the garden of life.....or to fit with the theme of this blog...The candles who light up my everyday life!!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
My first Christmas without my Mum
This is my first Christmas without my Mum. Never really spent many Christmases with my Mum, but always knew she was there. The circumstances of life kept us apart, situations beyond my and her control. It was like that then. One never talked about these things. Still don't. But she was always there. Alive here on earth with me. I feel shell shocked. I am missing obvious things, feel disconnected, I am constantly on edge emotionally and am ever in danger of crying. Me! The one who has never expressed emotions by crying. Crying like an abandoned babe, a forlorn desolate emotion hangs over me like a shroud.
I sit here at the computer and remember this woman who was my Mother. A woman, far ahead of her time. A quiet, unassuming woman, hard working, faithful, loyal to a fault. A woman who had a tremendous impact on the lives of those she touched. While I often regret that her life never touched mine that much, still I am grateful for the influence she has had on me, even from a distance. No matter where in the world I was, she always found a way to let me know she loved me. During preparations for her funeral, we found lots of inspirational quotes she had collected. In the spirit of her life I offer this, during the season of Christmas;
Touching words from the mouth of babes.What does Love mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds,
"What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined.
See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."Billy - age 4 (I love this one)
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."Danny - age 7
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"Nikka - age 6 > (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody .You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
Laura - age 5
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."Jessica - age 8
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge.The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbour was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said,
"Nothing, I just helped him cry"
I sit here at the computer and remember this woman who was my Mother. A woman, far ahead of her time. A quiet, unassuming woman, hard working, faithful, loyal to a fault. A woman who had a tremendous impact on the lives of those she touched. While I often regret that her life never touched mine that much, still I am grateful for the influence she has had on me, even from a distance. No matter where in the world I was, she always found a way to let me know she loved me. During preparations for her funeral, we found lots of inspirational quotes she had collected. In the spirit of her life I offer this, during the season of Christmas;
Touching words from the mouth of babes.What does Love mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds,
"What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined.
See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."Billy - age 4 (I love this one)
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."Danny - age 7
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"Nikka - age 6 > (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody .You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
Laura - age 5
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."Jessica - age 8
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge.The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbour was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said,
"Nothing, I just helped him cry"
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
My Mum
On October 15th I got the call I had been expecting but dreading. My Mum was in the final stages of her ilness and I was to get to Australia A.S.A.P.
I had thought myself well prepared for this, emotionally, intellectually etc., but that call virtually destroyed my mind. I had been packing for a trip to a place called Port Elgin, a lovely picturesque spot on the shores of Lake Huron. It is also a cold spot, so after recieving the call, I methodically unpacked the warm clothing, replaced it with lighter stuff, made a few phone calls to arrange for my absence, another call to get me a ticket out of the country, found my passport............and then I just lost it. I was alone at home, my partner off visiting her own Mum.
It started in my legs, which got inexplicably shaky and trembly, then moved to my belly which started quivering of its own accord, then a great gush of emotion spewed out of me as I grasped the fact that this woman, my Mum lay dying in a hostpital in Australia. The tears sprang out of my eyes as if they were powered by an emotion far deeper than I had ever remembered experiencing, splashed off my glasses and back into my eyes. I started what can only be described as a primal screaming, a keening, a letting go of my Mothers spirit, a realization of a cessation of a love that only a mother and her child share. I howled and I shouted and screamed, as I cried my heart out for my Mum. I felt a cold, bleak feeling of sheer and utter desolation as I slowly, ever so slowly started to come out of that initial bout of weeping. The phone rang. That phone call was the first of many that came in that weekend. Friends started dropping by. One stayed with me all evening, went home late. The ticket was arranged through the hard work and tenacity of another valued friend and I was driven to the Airport by yet another friend.
I had thought myself well prepared for this, emotionally, intellectually etc., but that call virtually destroyed my mind. I had been packing for a trip to a place called Port Elgin, a lovely picturesque spot on the shores of Lake Huron. It is also a cold spot, so after recieving the call, I methodically unpacked the warm clothing, replaced it with lighter stuff, made a few phone calls to arrange for my absence, another call to get me a ticket out of the country, found my passport............and then I just lost it. I was alone at home, my partner off visiting her own Mum.
It started in my legs, which got inexplicably shaky and trembly, then moved to my belly which started quivering of its own accord, then a great gush of emotion spewed out of me as I grasped the fact that this woman, my Mum lay dying in a hostpital in Australia. The tears sprang out of my eyes as if they were powered by an emotion far deeper than I had ever remembered experiencing, splashed off my glasses and back into my eyes. I started what can only be described as a primal screaming, a keening, a letting go of my Mothers spirit, a realization of a cessation of a love that only a mother and her child share. I howled and I shouted and screamed, as I cried my heart out for my Mum. I felt a cold, bleak feeling of sheer and utter desolation as I slowly, ever so slowly started to come out of that initial bout of weeping. The phone rang. That phone call was the first of many that came in that weekend. Friends started dropping by. One stayed with me all evening, went home late. The ticket was arranged through the hard work and tenacity of another valued friend and I was driven to the Airport by yet another friend.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Got this from my pal Jo, who is helping out with relief efforts in New Orleans.
If you want to make monetary donations, you can make the check out to Alabama AFL-CIO, mark it for Hurricane Katrina Relief, and mail to 435 S. McDonough St. , Montgomery, AL 36104. We, the CWA, have several technicians on loan to both Mississippi and Louisiana as both states are included in our CWA District, as well as Alabama. There was damage in south Alabama also. The Alabama AFL-CIO has 2 full-time labor liaisons with the Red Cross and United Way. So we are collecting donations thru our state labor council. U can also go to the CWA web site www.cwa-union.org and link to how to help. Let me know if you need any more info. Thank everyone for their concern. It has been horrific for everyone. Many of my friends have lost all and others are trying to pick up pieces that are left. It is now the time for all of us to take care of each other, as we are all brothers and sisters.
If you want to make monetary donations, you can make the check out to Alabama AFL-CIO, mark it for Hurricane Katrina Relief, and mail to 435 S. McDonough St. , Montgomery, AL 36104. We, the CWA, have several technicians on loan to both Mississippi and Louisiana as both states are included in our CWA District, as well as Alabama. There was damage in south Alabama also. The Alabama AFL-CIO has 2 full-time labor liaisons with the Red Cross and United Way. So we are collecting donations thru our state labor council. U can also go to the CWA web site www.cwa-union.org and link to how to help. Let me know if you need any more info. Thank everyone for their concern. It has been horrific for everyone. Many of my friends have lost all and others are trying to pick up pieces that are left. It is now the time for all of us to take care of each other, as we are all brothers and sisters.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
New Orleans
The unfolding human tragedy in New Orleans and throughout the region is provoking an equally generous response from around the world.
I will post links for organizations that need assistance.
I will post links for organizations that need assistance.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Lagging behind
I have been lax in posting to this blog. Just claiming that life itself is busy is no excuse, though it has been extremely busy.
I just have to devote more time to thinking and acting positively and to finding that which is good in all humans.
Each day is, I am sure, replete with examples of people doing for others. I just have to find these stories.
I just have to devote more time to thinking and acting positively and to finding that which is good in all humans.
Each day is, I am sure, replete with examples of people doing for others. I just have to find these stories.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
About; LightOneCandle
I was pondering my original intentions in setting up this blog. I set it up to record positive events that I come across in my daily life, in the still strongly held belief that dwelling on the positive aspects of human nature is the better course towards future peace and reconciliation. Interpret that however you would, given your own life experiences.
For me it means politics. I can criticize those I disagree with, ad nauseum. The challenge for me is to see "any" good in them at all and the even greater challenge is to give them any credit for anything positive they may have done in life. This blog arose out of the neccessity to inject some balance into my perspective. It seems to be evolving into a record of the generosity of humans across the globe and of positive sayings. I'm interested in seeing where this particular journey leads.
I invite those of you who read this blog, to share your own examples of people in your lives,"Lighting candles" in the lives of their friends, families and in many cases in the lives of strangers.
For me it means politics. I can criticize those I disagree with, ad nauseum. The challenge for me is to see "any" good in them at all and the even greater challenge is to give them any credit for anything positive they may have done in life. This blog arose out of the neccessity to inject some balance into my perspective. It seems to be evolving into a record of the generosity of humans across the globe and of positive sayings. I'm interested in seeing where this particular journey leads.
I invite those of you who read this blog, to share your own examples of people in your lives,"Lighting candles" in the lives of their friends, families and in many cases in the lives of strangers.
Getting old?
The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know. Old age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body - the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, skin spots and bumps, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family, for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for ! buying that silly cement gecko that I didn'tneed, but looks so avant garde on my patio. I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read until 4 a.m. and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the '50s, and if I at the same time wish to weep over a lost love, I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten -- and I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or when a beloved! pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength an d understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep groove on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. I can say "no," and mean it. I can say "yes," and mean it. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
A powerful quote from Nelson Mandela
Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our worst fear is that we are powerful beyond measure!
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually,......"Who are you not to be"?
You are a child of God! Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around us.
We were born to make manifest the Glory of God within us.
It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela...Inaugural speech 1994
Our worst fear is that we are powerful beyond measure!
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually,......"Who are you not to be"?
You are a child of God! Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around us.
We were born to make manifest the Glory of God within us.
It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela...Inaugural speech 1994
Lighting many candles
This is a story of how one man turned his personal tragedy into an opportunity to light many candles for those less fortunate than himself. Follow the link to his story and if you are as inspired by this mans courage as I am, then please contribute to his cause.
http://www.cbc.ca/correspondent/feature_050313.html
http://www.cbc.ca/correspondent/feature_050313.html
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Life
The Life given us by nature is short,
But the memory of well spent life is eternal.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
But the memory of well spent life is eternal.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Plant a tree
There are many ways to "light a candle".
Consider this;
Someone sits in the shade today,
Because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
Consider this;
Someone sits in the shade today,
Because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Our friend Jeannie
Our friend Jeannie had a way of lighting up the world she lived in. She was an enthusiastic participant in life and enjoyed it to the hilt. Sixty nine years old she was a dynamo doing service for those less fortunate than herself. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the whole universe, when she was sharing her life and her adventures with you. She'd find out someone was sick or in hospital and she'd hop into a cab and scoot on over to see them. She'd think nothing of spending hours and hours with us if she felt we needed her company. She would have barbeques at her condo, of which she was inordinately proud and she'd take us all for a walk before we ate. The oldest amongst us, she would always be up front leading the way. Jeannie fit the theme of this blog admirably, indeed she lit so many candles during her life that our whole world shines brightly because of her.
She had one daughter and 3 grandchildren, the youngest of whom was a long awaited grandson, Sean, who was just 14 days old when he met his granny for the first time, just before Christmas.
On her return from a gambling trip in September( she had incredible luck and always shared her winnings by taking people out to eat Chinese food), Jeannie took ill and discovered she had cancer.
We will remain forever grateful that she chose Deb and myself and another close friend Diane to care for her during what turned out to be her final battle. It was truly a time that memories are forged from. We laughed a lot, cried a bit, prayed and spent hours and hours at her condo with her. Diane and Deb learned to give Jeannie her injections, whilst I played the role of the supporter behind the scenes, calming everyone down when they got too emotional or fearful. During the days leading up to Christmas, Jeannie loved listening to Christmas carols and would sing along merrily. Sometimes she would get us to sing along as well.......poor dear, she was too sick to run away once I got singing. Deb and Diane magically disappeared whilst I was crooning along with Nat King Cole. Once after a particularly gruelling chemotherapy session, she hoarsely and weakly started singing, "Lean on me" a song that is indelibly etched in my mind. That was our Jeannie. Whenever anyone was sick or hurting she'd start humming that tune to let us know we had a friend to lean on.
On January/13th Our Jeannie lost her battle with the dreaded disease and passed away peacefully in her sleep.
This week Deb was thinking of Jeannie and said, "Jeannie if you are out there and can really hear me, please give me a sign.
When she turned on the radio in the car, the song "Lean on me" started playing.
She had one daughter and 3 grandchildren, the youngest of whom was a long awaited grandson, Sean, who was just 14 days old when he met his granny for the first time, just before Christmas.
On her return from a gambling trip in September( she had incredible luck and always shared her winnings by taking people out to eat Chinese food), Jeannie took ill and discovered she had cancer.
We will remain forever grateful that she chose Deb and myself and another close friend Diane to care for her during what turned out to be her final battle. It was truly a time that memories are forged from. We laughed a lot, cried a bit, prayed and spent hours and hours at her condo with her. Diane and Deb learned to give Jeannie her injections, whilst I played the role of the supporter behind the scenes, calming everyone down when they got too emotional or fearful. During the days leading up to Christmas, Jeannie loved listening to Christmas carols and would sing along merrily. Sometimes she would get us to sing along as well.......poor dear, she was too sick to run away once I got singing. Deb and Diane magically disappeared whilst I was crooning along with Nat King Cole. Once after a particularly gruelling chemotherapy session, she hoarsely and weakly started singing, "Lean on me" a song that is indelibly etched in my mind. That was our Jeannie. Whenever anyone was sick or hurting she'd start humming that tune to let us know we had a friend to lean on.
On January/13th Our Jeannie lost her battle with the dreaded disease and passed away peacefully in her sleep.
This week Deb was thinking of Jeannie and said, "Jeannie if you are out there and can really hear me, please give me a sign.
When she turned on the radio in the car, the song "Lean on me" started playing.
WE LOVE YOU JEANNIE!! YOUR CANDLE IS STILL LIT!!
Friday, January 14, 2005
Donations for Tsunami victims
As the world reels from the horrific results of the tsunami that took so many lives and caused such destruction, good people from around the globe responded by giving and giving generously.
A great many candles have been lit by the generosity of donors.
In Canada aid agencies were working overtime taking pledges from generous hearted Canadians. One agency reported it had enough funds to operate for 20 years. Just about every media company is featuring ways by which Canadians can donate.
There are workplace collections, donor boxes at local grocers, special bank accounts set up by various faith based organizations. The ways which people are coming up with in order to help thos in need is truly staggering.
Our globe should be glowing with the generosity of peoples spirit, if there was a way to measure this generous giving in physical terms.
Suffice it to say that in a world filled with war and violence, ordinary people are just opening their hearts and their purse strings to help those most in need, in the best traditions of "Light One Candle".
A great many candles have been lit by the generosity of donors.
In Canada aid agencies were working overtime taking pledges from generous hearted Canadians. One agency reported it had enough funds to operate for 20 years. Just about every media company is featuring ways by which Canadians can donate.
There are workplace collections, donor boxes at local grocers, special bank accounts set up by various faith based organizations. The ways which people are coming up with in order to help thos in need is truly staggering.
Our globe should be glowing with the generosity of peoples spirit, if there was a way to measure this generous giving in physical terms.
Suffice it to say that in a world filled with war and violence, ordinary people are just opening their hearts and their purse strings to help those most in need, in the best traditions of "Light One Candle".
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
The Grace of God
Out of darkness,
Shall come, "DAWN".
Out of winter,
Shall come,"SPRING"
Out of striving,
Shall come, "PEACE".
Not by our strength, But by
THE GRACE OF GOD!
Shall come, "DAWN".
Out of winter,
Shall come,"SPRING"
Out of striving,
Shall come, "PEACE".
Not by our strength, But by
THE GRACE OF GOD!
Saturday, December 18, 2004
In the spirit of Christmas giving
As the year draws to a close, many people are thinking about gifts for family and friends, and maybe also about rounding out their own charitable giving.
In fact, a growing number of people are making donations as gifts instead of more ‘stuff.’
To this end, we bring your attention to ten strong projects that have recently captured our interest. By and large they are less visible, small to medium-sized organizations that make a little go a long way.
Of course, there are thousands of excellent, deserving charities throughout Canada. To view the most recent list of charities that our donor partners have supported with their grant recommendations, please visit http://www.tidescanada.org/giving/giftsinaction.cfm#4b. Or to learn about groups who have funds at Tides Canada accepting donations towards their work, visit: http://www.tidescanada.org/whoarewe/ourdonors.cfm
Our best to you during the holiday season,
Tim Draimin and the staff at Tides Canada.
Tides Canada's 'Ten for 2004'
Nanaimo Foodshare
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Nanaimo Foodshare runs a number of programs aimed at increasing Food Security on Vancouver Island, including a Good Food Box that helps families stretch their food dollar while accessing good local produce, cooking skills programs for youth, active living and healthy eating workshops, a program that matches those with excess produce with those who can make good use of it, and a summer lunch program in public parks.
To learn more: http://www.nanaimofoodshare.ca/index.htm
To donate: http://www.nanaimofoodshare.ca/support.htm
The Stop Community Food Centre
Toronto, Ontario
The Stop Community Food Centre strives to increase people's access to nutritious food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds community and challenges inequality.
They provide programs and advocacy to some of the most vulnerable people in the City of Toronto, addressing problems of hunger and poverty by focusing on the ways food can bring people together to break down social isolation and improve their quality of life.
In 2004, over 7000 people accessed food, information and advocacy as well as social and recreational activities at The Stop. Two thousand pounds of fresh organic produce was harvested from their community garden for use in their food programs.
To learn more:
http://www.thestop.org/mainframe.htm
To donate:
Online:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=29545
Other methods: http://www.thestop.org/mainframe.htm
YWCA Vancouver (National Child Care program)
Vancouver, British Columbia
Active municipally, provincially, and federally, YWCA Vancouver is a lead advocate for an accessible and robust federal child care system in Canada. Working with many other non-profits, charities, and citizen groups across Canada, YWCA will be taking a strong stand on the need for quality, accessible child care.
To learn more:http://www.ywcavan.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4161
To donate:
http://www.ywcavan.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3635
Light Up the World
Calgary, Alberta
Light Up The World Foundation (LUTW) is an international humanitarian organization affiliated with the University of Calgary, dedicated to illuminating the lives of the world’s poor. It is the first humanitarian organization to utilize solid-state lighting technologies to bring affordable, safe, healthy, efficient, and environmentally responsible lighting to people currently without access to proper lighting. LUTW remains the world’s leader, globally active and setting standards in this field.
To learn more:
http://www.lutw.org
To donate:
http://www.lutw.org/howtodonate.html
Falls Brook Centre
Knowlesville, New Brunswick
Falls Brook Centre's local and international projects are focused on curbing the climate change trend and reducing rural communities' vulnerabilities to the associated changes.
Located on 400 acres of Acadian forest and farmland, the Centre acts as a demonstration site and basis for outreach, complete with a strawbale museum, organic gardens and orchards, and a solar conference centre.
Successful regional and international programs support local communities in adapting to a sustainable future, focusing on the promotion of sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, eco-forestry, and other income-generating sustainable livelihoods.
To learn more:
http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca/webmain/homeeng.htm
To donate:
http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca/webmain/donations.htm
The Sustainability Network
Toronto, Ontario
The Sustainability Network does crucial capacity building work with environmental non-profits in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to make them more effective and efficient. By improving management and leadership skills and fostering organizational development, the Network helps to strengthen the environmental community.
In the past, workshops have focused on social marketing, fundraising, media training, volunteer management, legal issues and many other NGO management topics.
To learn more:
http://sustain.web.ca/home.htm
To donate:
http://sustain.web.ca/donate.htm
Eva’s Phoenix
Toronto, Ontario
Eva’s Phoenix- a project of Eva’s Initiatives - is an innovative transitional housing and training facility in the King and Strachan area of Toronto. Up to 50 youth ages 16-24 may live at Eva's Phoenix for up to one year, while up to 160 youth ages 16-29 may participate in its employment and pre-apprenticeship programs.
Working with business, labour and community partners, Eva's Phoenix provides homeless and at-risk youth with the opportunities needed to develop life skills, build careers and live independently.
To learn more:
http://www.evasinitiatives.com/phoenix/phoenix-home.htm
To donate:
http://www.evasinitiatives.com/donate.htm
FCJ Hamilton House
Toronto, Ontario
FCJ Hamilton House Refugee Project offers temporary housing for women and children refugee claimants, training programs and publications for frontline workers and refugees about the refugee system, and legal information and referrals for refugee claimants, especially those who do not have legal aid.
To learn more:
http://www.fcjsisters.ca/HamiltonHouse/
To donate:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=53017
Tides Canada’s Drug Policy Reform Fund
Vancouver, British Columbia and national.
More and more, serious drug use is being acknowledged not necessarily as a cause of social instability, but rather a symptom of social inequity. Drug addiction and its accompanying effects are being seen more as health and social justice issues, and less as criminal issues. Drug policy reform is about acknowledging that the prevalent focus on criminalization and incarceration is lacking in its ability to solve problems in the long-term.
The Downtown Eastside neighborhood of Vancouver has become Canada’s unfortunate poster child for the vicious cycle of addiction, poverty, disease, homelessness, and tragic violence. But it is also the neighborhood that can lead the country in actively demonstrating effective solutions to be emulated throughout Canada.
Grants from this collaborative fund are directed to Canadian charities working on diverse aspects of drug policy reform: harm reduction, treatment, policy alternatives, legal aid, and education. The fund is focused on, but not exclusive to, charities in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
To learn more or to contribute, please contact:
Lesley Anderson
Director of Philanthropic Services, Tides Canada
604-647-6611 ext 245 / 1-866-843-3722
Lesley@tidescanada.org
Tides Canada’s Canadian Boreal Fund
National
Our Canadian Boreal Fund is directed towards charitable projects that sustain the ecological and cultural integrity of the Canadian Boreal region.
In the past year grants have been made to key Canadian organizations working to preserve the Canadian section of this global forest. These include the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and Ducks Unlimited for their work in Saskatchewan, and the Wildlands League for their work in Northern Ontario.
To learn more or to contribute, please contact:
Lesley Anderson
Director of Philanthropic Services, Tides Canada
604-647-6611 ext 245 / 1-866-843-3722
Lesley@tidescanada.org
In fact, a growing number of people are making donations as gifts instead of more ‘stuff.’
To this end, we bring your attention to ten strong projects that have recently captured our interest. By and large they are less visible, small to medium-sized organizations that make a little go a long way.
Of course, there are thousands of excellent, deserving charities throughout Canada. To view the most recent list of charities that our donor partners have supported with their grant recommendations, please visit http://www.tidescanada.org/giving/giftsinaction.cfm#4b. Or to learn about groups who have funds at Tides Canada accepting donations towards their work, visit: http://www.tidescanada.org/whoarewe/ourdonors.cfm
Our best to you during the holiday season,
Tim Draimin and the staff at Tides Canada.
Tides Canada's 'Ten for 2004'
Nanaimo Foodshare
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Nanaimo Foodshare runs a number of programs aimed at increasing Food Security on Vancouver Island, including a Good Food Box that helps families stretch their food dollar while accessing good local produce, cooking skills programs for youth, active living and healthy eating workshops, a program that matches those with excess produce with those who can make good use of it, and a summer lunch program in public parks.
To learn more: http://www.nanaimofoodshare.ca/index.htm
To donate: http://www.nanaimofoodshare.ca/support.htm
The Stop Community Food Centre
Toronto, Ontario
The Stop Community Food Centre strives to increase people's access to nutritious food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds community and challenges inequality.
They provide programs and advocacy to some of the most vulnerable people in the City of Toronto, addressing problems of hunger and poverty by focusing on the ways food can bring people together to break down social isolation and improve their quality of life.
In 2004, over 7000 people accessed food, information and advocacy as well as social and recreational activities at The Stop. Two thousand pounds of fresh organic produce was harvested from their community garden for use in their food programs.
To learn more:
http://www.thestop.org/mainframe.htm
To donate:
Online:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=29545
Other methods: http://www.thestop.org/mainframe.htm
YWCA Vancouver (National Child Care program)
Vancouver, British Columbia
Active municipally, provincially, and federally, YWCA Vancouver is a lead advocate for an accessible and robust federal child care system in Canada. Working with many other non-profits, charities, and citizen groups across Canada, YWCA will be taking a strong stand on the need for quality, accessible child care.
To learn more:http://www.ywcavan.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4161
To donate:
http://www.ywcavan.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3635
Light Up the World
Calgary, Alberta
Light Up The World Foundation (LUTW) is an international humanitarian organization affiliated with the University of Calgary, dedicated to illuminating the lives of the world’s poor. It is the first humanitarian organization to utilize solid-state lighting technologies to bring affordable, safe, healthy, efficient, and environmentally responsible lighting to people currently without access to proper lighting. LUTW remains the world’s leader, globally active and setting standards in this field.
To learn more:
http://www.lutw.org
To donate:
http://www.lutw.org/howtodonate.html
Falls Brook Centre
Knowlesville, New Brunswick
Falls Brook Centre's local and international projects are focused on curbing the climate change trend and reducing rural communities' vulnerabilities to the associated changes.
Located on 400 acres of Acadian forest and farmland, the Centre acts as a demonstration site and basis for outreach, complete with a strawbale museum, organic gardens and orchards, and a solar conference centre.
Successful regional and international programs support local communities in adapting to a sustainable future, focusing on the promotion of sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, eco-forestry, and other income-generating sustainable livelihoods.
To learn more:
http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca/webmain/homeeng.htm
To donate:
http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca/webmain/donations.htm
The Sustainability Network
Toronto, Ontario
The Sustainability Network does crucial capacity building work with environmental non-profits in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to make them more effective and efficient. By improving management and leadership skills and fostering organizational development, the Network helps to strengthen the environmental community.
In the past, workshops have focused on social marketing, fundraising, media training, volunteer management, legal issues and many other NGO management topics.
To learn more:
http://sustain.web.ca/home.htm
To donate:
http://sustain.web.ca/donate.htm
Eva’s Phoenix
Toronto, Ontario
Eva’s Phoenix- a project of Eva’s Initiatives - is an innovative transitional housing and training facility in the King and Strachan area of Toronto. Up to 50 youth ages 16-24 may live at Eva's Phoenix for up to one year, while up to 160 youth ages 16-29 may participate in its employment and pre-apprenticeship programs.
Working with business, labour and community partners, Eva's Phoenix provides homeless and at-risk youth with the opportunities needed to develop life skills, build careers and live independently.
To learn more:
http://www.evasinitiatives.com/phoenix/phoenix-home.htm
To donate:
http://www.evasinitiatives.com/donate.htm
FCJ Hamilton House
Toronto, Ontario
FCJ Hamilton House Refugee Project offers temporary housing for women and children refugee claimants, training programs and publications for frontline workers and refugees about the refugee system, and legal information and referrals for refugee claimants, especially those who do not have legal aid.
To learn more:
http://www.fcjsisters.ca/HamiltonHouse/
To donate:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=53017
Tides Canada’s Drug Policy Reform Fund
Vancouver, British Columbia and national.
More and more, serious drug use is being acknowledged not necessarily as a cause of social instability, but rather a symptom of social inequity. Drug addiction and its accompanying effects are being seen more as health and social justice issues, and less as criminal issues. Drug policy reform is about acknowledging that the prevalent focus on criminalization and incarceration is lacking in its ability to solve problems in the long-term.
The Downtown Eastside neighborhood of Vancouver has become Canada’s unfortunate poster child for the vicious cycle of addiction, poverty, disease, homelessness, and tragic violence. But it is also the neighborhood that can lead the country in actively demonstrating effective solutions to be emulated throughout Canada.
Grants from this collaborative fund are directed to Canadian charities working on diverse aspects of drug policy reform: harm reduction, treatment, policy alternatives, legal aid, and education. The fund is focused on, but not exclusive to, charities in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
To learn more or to contribute, please contact:
Lesley Anderson
Director of Philanthropic Services, Tides Canada
604-647-6611 ext 245 / 1-866-843-3722
Lesley@tidescanada.org
Tides Canada’s Canadian Boreal Fund
National
Our Canadian Boreal Fund is directed towards charitable projects that sustain the ecological and cultural integrity of the Canadian Boreal region.
In the past year grants have been made to key Canadian organizations working to preserve the Canadian section of this global forest. These include the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and Ducks Unlimited for their work in Saskatchewan, and the Wildlands League for their work in Northern Ontario.
To learn more or to contribute, please contact:
Lesley Anderson
Director of Philanthropic Services, Tides Canada
604-647-6611 ext 245 / 1-866-843-3722
Lesley@tidescanada.org
Friday, November 19, 2004
A touching story of true wealth
During the waning years of the depression in a small Idaho community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller's roadside stand for farm fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used extensively. One day Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today? "H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas ... sure look good."They are good, Barry. How's your Ma? "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time."Good. Anything I can help you with? "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas. "Would you like to take some home? "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.
"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas? "All I got's my prize marble here.
"Is that right? Let me see it. "Here 'tis. She's a dandy.
"I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?
"Not zackley ... but almost. "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble. "Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller. Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps. I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A shor time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had the occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there I learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.
Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket."Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size ... they came to pay their debt.
"We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho. With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.
"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas? "All I got's my prize marble here.
"Is that right? Let me see it. "Here 'tis. She's a dandy.
"I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?
"Not zackley ... but almost. "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble. "Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller. Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps. I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A shor time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had the occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there I learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.
Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket."Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size ... they came to pay their debt.
"We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho. With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Awareness
Being aware of things I should be changing about myself and the way I act, creates space for me to do just that.
Awareness is the first step.
Awareness is created by my being totally honest about myself within my small circle of friends.
I say small circle because I certainly do not want to go around broadcasting my lifes challenges to all and everyone. I have a small circle of trusted friends who know everything about me and who help keep me accountable to myself and to my values and ideals.
Once I become aware about something that needs to be changed in my life, I have taken the first step.
Without awareness there is only ignorance and darkness.
Awareness is the first step.
Awareness is created by my being totally honest about myself within my small circle of friends.
I say small circle because I certainly do not want to go around broadcasting my lifes challenges to all and everyone. I have a small circle of trusted friends who know everything about me and who help keep me accountable to myself and to my values and ideals.
Once I become aware about something that needs to be changed in my life, I have taken the first step.
Without awareness there is only ignorance and darkness.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Hope
On Sunday Oct./17th our national media organization, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, (CBC) aired a program called,'The Greatest Canadian".
People had been writing, calling and contacting the C.B.C. over the past few months to nominate the Canadian of their choice for this honour.
On the broadcast on Sunday night 25 Canadians who got the most number of votes/nominations were profiled.
One who stood out for me wasn't even the person of my choice.
He is Jean Vanier, a son of a former Governor-General of Canada. This man who though born into privileged circumstances, chose to devote his life to the caring for people who are marginalized in our societies, the ones who suffer from mental challenges.
It was touching watching people hug him and snuggle up close to him as he went about his duties.
He said something that really spoke to me. He stated that his wish was that he brought some sense of hope of a better life for the people whose lives he touched.
HOPE! It is my firm and unswerving belief that "hope" is the most beautiful gift that one human being can give another.
Hope is what is offered by the countless numbers of volunteers who staff the helplines, the distress call centres, to the people who call in during the darkest moments of their lives.
Hope could very well be that "light at the end of a very dark tunnel" to someone.
Who can "you" give the gift of hope to.......today?
Whose candle would you like to light today?
People had been writing, calling and contacting the C.B.C. over the past few months to nominate the Canadian of their choice for this honour.
On the broadcast on Sunday night 25 Canadians who got the most number of votes/nominations were profiled.
One who stood out for me wasn't even the person of my choice.
He is Jean Vanier, a son of a former Governor-General of Canada. This man who though born into privileged circumstances, chose to devote his life to the caring for people who are marginalized in our societies, the ones who suffer from mental challenges.
It was touching watching people hug him and snuggle up close to him as he went about his duties.
He said something that really spoke to me. He stated that his wish was that he brought some sense of hope of a better life for the people whose lives he touched.
HOPE! It is my firm and unswerving belief that "hope" is the most beautiful gift that one human being can give another.
Hope is what is offered by the countless numbers of volunteers who staff the helplines, the distress call centres, to the people who call in during the darkest moments of their lives.
Hope could very well be that "light at the end of a very dark tunnel" to someone.
Who can "you" give the gift of hope to.......today?
Whose candle would you like to light today?
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