Frequently, I refer to a Tuesday, May 18, 2021 quote in my journal, and am in awe at what’s transpired since: “It’s a horrible feeling to be stuck in a dark, murky pond of past painful experiences; living them day to day, not knowing when the sun will shine into the pond and bring a measure of relief. I am searching to understand what is going on inside my brain, before I rush … [Read more...] about Local VOICES: ‘Defining event’ tipping point for PTSD
Nyanyas fundraising for African grandmothers
The Nyanyas of Niagara have teamed up with Sweets & Swirls Cafe at the Community Centre to sell Christmas cookie boxes, a fundraiser to help the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s grandmothers’ campaign. The local Nyanyas (Swahili for grandmother) belong to one of more than 260 grandmothers’ and grandmothers’ groups that raise money for the campaign, launched by the Lewis … [Read more...] about Nyanyas fundraising for African grandmothers
Gifts needed for kids on cancer ward over Christmas
Jane Neaves is hoping to wrap up a difficult year in a positive direction. Driving back and forth from McMaster’s Children’s Hospital has become routine for her, supporting dear friends whose little girl, Vivian, just three when she was first diagnosed with cancer, was in hospital for more than a year. That was six years ago, and five years later, the little girl, at … [Read more...] about Gifts needed for kids on cancer ward over Christmas
Volunteer firefighter helps with stress management
Virgil resident Graham Bettes doesn’t go out much, and when he does, he usually has his service dog and best friend Maverick by his side. The Niagara-on-the-Lake volunteer firefighter, a member of the Glendale station, suffers from PTSD, caused by stressful experiences accumulated over years as a first responder. But he still finds responding to fire calls a good way to … [Read more...] about Volunteer firefighter helps with stress management
Poverty doesn’t take a vacation, especially in pandemic
Their journey together has taken Ted van der Zalm and his wife Miriam in different directions since they first met as young adults volunteering in Africa, but each step of the way has been motivated by their deep faith and their dedication to improving the lives of the poorest of the poor. For almost 20 years, their goal has been to provide clean, fresh water to the … [Read more...] about Poverty doesn’t take a vacation, especially in pandemic
