www.unicef.ca/shop

With the holiday season coming up quickly, you are likely wrapping up the last of your shopping to get a little something for everyone on your list. Here in Canada, we can look forward to gifts we want such as clothes, gadgets, jewelry and toys. However, for many people in the world, the definition of luxury is very different. Unicef Canada is asking you to think a little outside the box this year with their #UnBoxPossibilities campaign. This campaign focuses on survival gifts. Items that can be quite literally life-changing in so many ways.

Survival Gifts from Unicef

I am honoured to be a part of this campaign and helping to spread the word of such an easy way for people to get involved. Giving back is an important principle in our house and I want my children to see us using the resources we’re blessed to have, such as steady jobs, a home, this blog, to promote social good and community involvement around the world.

We have had talks with Lilly many times, especially during a difficult dinner fight, about how many other people do not have the food we have, or clean water, or toys. We want her to understand that she should always think of others and look for ways to give back whenever possible. She’s still very young, but I know if we continue to foster a care for others, it can influence her choices in the future.

Unicef is offering a wide variety of survival gifts available on their site (www.unicef.ca/shop) but I have outlined a the details of a few of them below. These are the items that I highlighted in my unboxing video. These survival gifts are all things that we take very much for granted on a daily basis.

BABY BLANKET

• While it may seem so common to us, many do not have the warmth and comfort of a simple baby blanket.
• Keeps a baby warm and helps protect them from illness.
• Blankets for babies are only $22, and that gives 3 babies a cozy welcome!

PLUMPY NUT

• Boost a malnourished child’s chance of survival with this therapeutic, peanut-based food.
• Approximately three packets a day will help a malnourished child gain up to two pounds in one week, promoting health and well-being.
• $10 will provide a pack of 21 snacks.

THERAPEUTIC MILK

• Some mom’s don’t get the option of having a healthy milk based nutrition of their little ones.
• A powder based product that when mixed, gives moms the ability to feed their baby.
• For 25 packets, it’s only $20.

WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS

• Water is one of the biggest things we take for granted here.
• Once this water is purified, you can drink it, clean with it and cook with it.
• For $19 this gift provides 2,857 to families who need clean water.

When you look over these gifts and the simplicity of them, it seems like a very easy step to add UNICEF Survival Gifts to our shopping list this year. While we’re buying the hottest new toys or stocking the fridge with extras this season, these are gifts that can feel like a luxury to moms and children who need them.

To see what an impact UNICEF Survival Gifts are making to the recipients, check out www.youtube.com/unicefcanada for real life experiences. As I said in my video, watching people receive these gifts is beautiful and emotional.

Or join the conversation at #unBOXPossibilities. Help us and UNICEF unBOX Possibilities for children in need this holiday.

Ideally speaking, we can brings smiles to the faces of more than just those in our home this Christmas season.

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10 years ago today, I got on a plane for the very first time, with 28 complete strangers and went to spend a month volunteering in Kenya. I had gone with Leaders Today (aka Me to We) and had the most rewarding and life changing adventure.

I remember coming back and falling very quickly into the rest of my life. I had one year of college left and then onto my career, marriage and a mortgage.

A little over 2 years after our trip, Facebook made it’s way into our world. Several members of our “Kenya Family” hopped online and we created a group just for us. It was a great way to really reconnect and see what everyone was up to.

My Kenya Family. July 2004.

I recall looking through the various pictures from other trip members who had gone on to do more trips and working for Free the Children, traveled for themselves, were doing empowered things at college, etc. For a brief moment, I felt a bit of jealousy. They were having so many great adventures. And me? Well I had just gotten married, bought a house and started my career. I was settled. I wasn’t having adventures.

As quickly as that feeling came, it passed again. I had simply chosen a different adventure. I had started the rest of my life committed to my best friend, invested in a home and we became real adults. It was a terrifying but exciting new chapter to start. I was also involved in local volunteer organizations, active in politics and was working towards creating my place in the world.

A few years after that, I started my next adventure. I became a mother.

My strong willed, opinionated mini-me.

In recent months, I have really started to see just how much she takes after me. Recently she took her first selfie. She asked for the camera to take a picture by herself. I thought she meant of me, so I stood there smiling. Then watched as she turned towards the mirror and took one of herself. I remember thinking, “that really just happened.” It’s was a small and silly thing, but it proved a point. She is learning more from me that I even realized.

This moment of truth hit me and woke me a bit more to something I have been thinking for a while. I want to be an even better example for her and for my newborn son.

My handsome mini man.

This is my job. My adventure.

I may not be traveling the world volunteering my time, but I am raising someone who might. I am raising two pieces of the next empowered generation. I am responsible for two little humans who will enter society with the values they gain in our home.

They see what I do and Lilly is beginning to understand it. She knows Mama is involved with local events (political and volunteer) because I drag her to a good deal of them. She knows Mama runs a website and she loves to look through the pictures of her that I share on here. She is starting to understand that I have a voice and a line of communication to the world outside our home. I want to make sure that she sees me using that voice for good and true change.

This message of defining my role and my stance in the world, is one that I really came to terms with while at BlissDom last fall. Part of what I took away from the conference is a better idea of who I am and what I stand for. As my blog header reads, I am mild naïve and wildly idealistic.

From those words, was born my true tagline; I stand for the innocence of the world.

That is the message I want to pass on today. That even as we grow up and we might feel disconnected from our younger, more philanthropic selves, we can still stand for the things we believe in. We can still have an active role in our cause, even from our settled position in the real world.

That is my hope for the youth of today and my children’s generation coming up behind them. I hope that no matter what life puts in front of them, they can hold onto their innocence. I truly hope they can each remain mildly naïve to the evil in the world and wildly idealistic about the possibilities.

It is your life and your future. Ideally speaking, we can all choose our adventure. 

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As I have written about on here before, I have a particular love for organizations that improve the lives of kids around our world. While there are many incredible causes to be involved with, supporting children and standing up for their rights is the main cause I want to lend my voice to.

I was very happy to hear that Sears has an ongoing partnership with Because I am a Girl. One percent (1%) of all of Sears’ Girl Confidential brand sales go toward the charity! Donations support projects which improve the lives of girls in developing countries and give them equal access to health care, education, protection, independence and an opportunity to participate in society.

As the mother of a daughter, Because I am a Girl is an organization I am quite familiar with. All children deserve a fair chance to thrive in their future. Unfortunately, many young girls around the world do not have that opportunity simply because they are female. I know that we are blessed to live where we do and that my daughter will have no shortage of opportunities ahead of her. However, I want to ensure that she knows that this is not the case for other girls.

For the spring LOOK Sears collaborated with Plan Canada on limited edition t-shirts and totes made in Bangladesh. One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds of the sales will be given to Because I’m a Girl to be invested back into Bangladesh to provide education and community programs for girls. The shirts are now only $14.97 and the totes are $9.97.

I’m going to have to pop into Sears and grab a few of these great tees for Lilly to wear proudly! She may be a mere 3.5 years old, but she is a perceptive little one. I know if I explain the meaning behind the charitable line, ideally, she will think about it every time she wears her new shirt.

Disclosure: I am part of the Sears Mom Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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The hands-on workshop that I did at BlissDom Canada in October, was about change. It was about defining who you are, and what you stand for. When I saw this workshop on the agenda, I knew it was something that I had to do. I have often felt that I can easily be pulled in a million directions. I have a hard time saying no and not getting involved or taking on more than I can likely handle. I lack focus, even in the things I believe in. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is something I want to manage better.

During the workshop, we were asked to develop a tagline. Our tagline. Not one for our business, but for who we are as people. I went into the exercise maintaining most of the tagline you see up in my blog header. That I always want to look at the world from my point of view; mildly naïve and wildly idealistic.

Over the course of the session, we went through various exercises to help define what our tagline really is. Are we living up to that timeline? What obstacles are standing in our way, and preventing us from completely being that person?

I went in knowing that I would like to do more advocacy for children’s rights. Being a child abuse survivor myself, I would like to help create a voice for fellow victims and preserve their right to remain positive for their future. The exercises during the session forced us to speak honestly and out loud about how we feel. We had to mingle with fellow participants and tell them what we think and what we believe in. I came out an advocate.

I stand for the innocence in the world.

I stand for the innocence of the world because it deserves to be preserved. Every individual has the right to dream and imagine, no matter what life tosses at them. I am not shy about my past. I am open with the fact that my childhood was filled with abuse and molestation that I had to overcome. That wasn’t an easy road. It still gets hard from time to time. However, I still look at life with a glass half full approach. I am still optimistic.

I want to fight for that innocence and optimism. I want to nurture it in those who may be struggling to hold onto it. I want kids to know that they have a right to be mildly naïve and wildly idealistic, despite what life may throw at them. I want to reach out to fellow child abuse survivors, to bully victims, the child soldiers and so many more.

I want to tell them that nobody can take their innocence. Nobody can break it. Not if we don’t let them.

I have been giving some thought on how to get more involved for a while now. I have blogged before on behalf of organizations such as Kids Help Phone or Big Brothers Big Sisters. I have traveled with and blogged about Free The Children and Me to We. Organizations that strive to improve the lives of children here at home and all around our world have always be close to my heart.

I want to find a way to become more consistently involved. To use this voice in an even larger way.

Honestly, just as the case is with many people, finding the time to get involved in various causes can be difficult. However, I feel it is important to the legacy I build in my children’s eyes and the impact I can have around me.

How do I know this example can have an impact? Because I know where I get this drive. I grew up watching my mom volunteer with hospice, local women’s shelters and around our community. She worked in a nursing home and as soon as I was old enough, she brought me with her many days to read to the residents. This is the example I grew up with. A strong, caring and motivated women who has always had a passion for giving to others.

So this is me, putting it out there for the whole internet to see. I declare my intent to do more with my voice. I vow to get in touch with my inner self from 10 years ago. That girl who had the passion and drive to get involved and change the world.

I stand for the innocence in the world. Ideally speaking, I can inspire others to do the same.

What is your tagline for life? What do you stand for or represent? I’d love to hear – sound off in the comments below.

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UncommonGoods is an online and catalog retailer that Of beautiful things from around the world. They offer a shopping experience that blends fine boutiques with craft shows and bizzars from all over.

Their mission:
At UncommonGoods, we want to change the way business is conducted by making sustainability a part of every decision we make. Each month, employees from all areas of our company gather to discuss how we can make UncommonGoods more environmentally friendly, socially responsible and an ever-more rewarding place to work.

I was approached by UncommonGoods to help promote their charitable cause, Better to Give.

Better to Give is a charitable program run by UncommonGoods that allows their customers to choose a charity at checkout. UncommonGoods will then make a $1 donation to that charity with each order.

You shop. They give!

Why they started Better to Give:
As an independently-owned business, we have the freedom to support causes we believe in and to impact the world in a positive way. With every purchase you make, we’re proud to donate $1 to the non-profit of your choice. Since we started the Better to Give program 12 years ago, we’ve donated over $700,000 to charities around the world!

The UncommonGoods online store offers a wide variety of beautiful and unique items that range in prices from small gifts and stocking stuffers, to large pieces of art and furniture for your home. There is something there for everyone and they have it broken down convieniently to help you choose the perfect gift for someone else or maybe for yourself.

Many of the products offered are handmade and created from organic and recycled materials. I spent a lot of time “researching” for this post and now have my eye on quite a few incredible pieces of children’s art and decor that would go perfect in the toy room makeover we’re working on

Ideally speaking, what’s better than shopping for beautiful, one-of-a-kind items, while giving to charity?! I hope many of you add UncommonGoods to the list of places you’ll be shopping for the upcoming holiday season.

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A few weeks ago, Lilly and I had the opportunity to participate in a lead up and informative event for an upcoming Sick Kids Foundation fundrasier. Heading down to Toronto’s water front, we joined many other supporters and families for a 5K walk and open house.

The walk raised awareness for The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure, which will be taking place in September. Held at The Balmy Beach Club, this open house gave those who attended a fantastic preview of the fun that you can expect at the main even this fall.

This was Lilly’s first official 5k walk. Unless of course you count the time I did EarthRun while 5 months pregnant. Technically she was there She handled it quite well. Starting out ambitiously, she stated she wanted to walk it all herself. This of course quickly changed and she soon climbed into the stroller. The beauty of this walk was that we could take our time. There was no rush. The Great Camp Adventure in September will carry the same relaxed vibe. Participants can move at their own pace and complete as much of it as they feel up for.

About half way into our walk, we came across a “camp site” There was food and water to refuel, great music playing and games for the whole family.

Lilly quickly raided the apples, candy and discovered ballons. She was in her glory.

Once we’d had our rest, we carried on for the second leg of our walk. These “camp site” style rest stops will be set up all over downtown Toronto for the main event in September, giving your team the chance to take a break and have some fun along the way.

I was honoured to take part in this event and I’m really looking forward to heading down for the full Great Camp Adventure in September. This is a cause that is so easy for me to get behind. The health of children is something that is important to many people, but particularly to those of us that are parents. If anything ever happened to Lilly, I know that we would have Sick Kids Hospital as a valuable resource to us. I am incredibly grateful for that.

About The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure benefiting SickKids

The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure takes place on September 28, 2013 in downtown Toronto. Designed for kids and those that are young –at-heart, 0-99 years young; all are welcome. The event is a challenge-by-choice adventure walk (up to 20KM) with a camp theme to raise funds for SickKids. Participants are welcome to walk as far as they wish, stopping along the way at various ‘campsites’ to make crafts, have a snack, play a game, join a sing-along and more.

Website – www.campforkeeps.com
Twitter – @CampForKeeps, @SickKids
Hashtag – #CampForKeeps
Facebook – www.facebook.com/campforkeeps

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I just attended the Annual General Meeting for our Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in Barrie and Simcoe County. I walked in there knowing full well that I would be saying goodbye to the board position that I have held as Director of Youth and Education for the past four years (max term allowed to be served in the same board position). I was sad. Even though I have had a significant decrease in my participation since the arrival of my lovely little Lilly, I still feel a strong tie to the anti-impaired driving movement and to the people that make up our local MADD chapter.

I have been involved in the fight against impaired driving since I was 12 years old…yes, add that to the long list you read in my first post about me…It started out when I joined the OSAID (Ont. Students Against Impaired Driving) chapter at my jr/high school. I continued my involvement throughout high school and even ran the chapter for grade 11, 12 and OAC. I might add those were three of the chapters most successful years! I had attended the local MADD chapter as well and worked on bridging the gap between the Youth and Adult sections of this cause.

It was this connection that motivated me to seek out the local chapter after college and get re-engaged. MADD Barrie/Simcoe welcomed me with open arms and was incredibly grateful for my strong connection to OSAID and willingness to go directly into schools and work with Youth. I truly loved my position. It was as if there are two different groups, speaking very different languages (teen-speak vs parent-talk) and I was a translator It was because of all this that I was very sad to see the end to my board term.

I thought this would be it, I would move on and just become a regular volunteer for the time being. However, while doing our voting for the new positions, I realized we were going to be short a Director At Large…my hand shot up. I was powerless to stop myself. I have gotten to know this group of highly dedicated, caring and wonderful people and I can’t imagine not being around them in a stronger capacity. They, Jason (now past pres), Sari (new pres), Kim (prev. past pres and all around chapter queen), and so many others, make you want to be there. Only a few members have been personally affected, while the rest of us simply want to help bring about change. Tireless hours and hard work are put in to ensure that the message is getting across. It is NOT ok to drink and drive. You CAN KILL someone, or ruin them/their family’s life forever.

As I looked around the room from my new spot back at the head table, I can see Sari so happy that I stepped back onto board and with so many other new, eager and equally passionate board members, and I know that this is something I will ALWAYS be a part of.

Ideally speaking, this is how all organizations should make volunteers feel.

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