Joanne Farley - "Never Turn Anyone Away"

With a $5,000 donation and a dream, West Island Citizen was born in 1976 with the idea that a community takes care of its disadvantaged residents with no other reward than the good feeling of a job well done.

Thirty-five years later, the philosophy hasn’t changed but the organization sure has.

Funding has ballooned from the initial $5,000 to more than $500,000 annually and the number of protégés has jumped from 15 matches in its first year to approximately 400 today.

Citizen Advocacy’s conception can be attributed to a Winnipeg conference founder Joanne Farley attended in 1976 where she was inspired by Dr. W. Wolfensberger and his “people helping people” philosophy.

As the parent of an autistic and intellectually challenged son, Joanne had already spent more than 20 years championing the causes of people with intellectual and physical challenges in the West Island of Montreal when she decided to open the first Citizen Advocacy office in Quebec. 

“She was strong, determined and nothing stood in the way of what she wanted,” said Mary Clare Tanguay, Joanne’s daughter and current Director of Citizen Advocacy.

When Paul was born in 1950 and later diagnosed with autism, a term unfamiliar at that time, it pushed her to spend the next four decades creating educational, recreational, and housing programs for the handicapped. 

In addition to helping establish the first special education program in Quebec with the Baldwin Cartier School Board, Joanne sat on the board of the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped and helped raise funds to get the Gary Taylor Centre built.       

If that weren’t enough, she helped establish a summer camp for the intellectually handicapped at Camp  Kinkora and she was involved in the development of the  Lakeshore Vocational Project which provided jobs with local employers for the intellectually handicapped. 

In 1985 WICA launched a housing project called the Church Apartment Program designed to provide supervised housing for people experiencing mental health problems.  CAP provides shelter for 42 residents in the community as well as in two apartment complexes called Heron House and Farley House. 

The primary mandate is to recruit, screen, match and follow up volunteers with disadvantaged people in the community.  It could include the intellectually and physically challenged, people experiencing mental health problems, and seniors.

Mrs. Farley’s philanthropic efforts have not gone unnoticed.  She was awarded the Order of Canada in 2004, which was hand-delivered to her Pointe-Claire residence by then-Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

“It was her philosophy to never turn anyone away,” said Mary Clare.

That philosophy has carried Citizen Advocacy into the year 2011 and counts almost 400 active matches, 350 volunteer advocates and almost 500 protégés.  

Written by Marla Newhook
Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

What Inspires You?

Imagine a leader. In your head. Or draw it out on paper. Describe them. Is this person a man? Or is this person a woman?

For me, that person is a woman. A woman who is extremely knowledgeable in her field. One who leads by example, and one who makes a difference in people’s lives.  I would like to celebrate the success of one of my professors who has shown us what it means to be a leader, and what a good leader is capable of.

Marilyn Laiken, PhD, has accumulated numerous accomplishments throughout her career. She has been serving consulting clients since 1975, and is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). In fact, she was the Chair of the Department of Adult Education and Counselling Psychology at OISE, and is still the Director of the Certificate Programs in Adult Training and Development, and Leadership Coaching for the Workplace. Marilyn has published numerous journal papers and authored several books, including “The Anatomy of High Performing Teams: A Leader’s Handbook”.

Despite all her success and accomplishments, many of which are not listed here, she is an ordinary woman who is not so ordinary in her own ways. She showed all of us that women can be great leaders. I can say that of all the teachers I have had throughout the years, she has had the greatest impact on me.

I had the fortunate experience of being in one of her classes last year, and it was an extremely memorable experience. Each and every single one of us in her class learned a lot about ourselves and each other. With Marilyn’s help we learned how to work through problems together. We also learned how to make ourselves become a better leader.

Marilyn was so calm and so patient with everything and everyone. She would always make sure each of us was comfortable, right down to the tiniest detail, such as food preferences. She led by example the entire time and taught us the gracious way to handle problems and find solutions. “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Every person’s picture of a leader is different. To me, the greatest quality of a leader is being able to inspire others. Inspiring is defined as “to prompt or instigate by influence, without avowal of responsibility”. And Marilyn does exactly that. She naturally fills her students with a feeling of trust and confidence.

I know this because I’m not the only one who thought so. As one of my classmates, Sharon, said, “Marilyn Laiken is an inspirational role model: she encouraged her students to be open, patient and respectful with each other, and she exhibited those very qualities in every class and in all correspondences. She is a teacher who practices what she preaches, someone who truly exemplifies what a good leader and role model should be.”

There are a lot of things Marilyn can be called: a great mother, a great Department Chair, and a great Director. The list goes on. But to me, and many of us, she is a great teacher, and most of all, a great leader.

Thank you, Marilyn, for making our classroom a peaceful and growth enhancing place.

Written by Queenie Cheung
Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

You Haven’t Been Forgotten

On May eighteenth of this year, the Serbian children of Orahovac and Brestovik, two small towns in Kosovo and Metohija, received an unimaginable gift: a playground equipped with swings, slides, and teeter-totters. The playground in Orahovac hides behind a concrete-wired wall erected to protect the Serbian minority that refuses to leave a town embroiled in ethnic conflict.

Radmila Micic, a Serbian-Canadian, has been visiting Orahovac and other communities in Kosovo and Metohija for several years now, bringing financial aid and assistance to Serbian families. Installing playground equipment in impoverished and war-ravaged areas was an entirely new project for Radmila. The project, she explains, was inspired by a conversation she had with Ljiljana Radic, a schoolteacher in Orahovac, who said “my children do not know what a slide is.” It was saddening for Radmila to think that the children could not conceive of the idea of a playground. She says, “Children need to feel like children. I could not see the fun and joy of childhood in a place surrounded with walls and wires.” Initially hoping to install a playground only in Orahovac, with the assistance of the Saint Sava Serbian Language School and many other generous sponsors, enough money was raised for a playground in Brestovik as well. 

Radmila’s humanitarian efforts stretch back almost twenty years. Shortly after arriving to Canada in 1989, Radmila began fundraising for Serbian people in 1992 during the Yugoslav Wars. For the past eight years, her efforts have been concentrated on the children of Kosovo and Metohija, a group that she recognizes as in most need of assistance. “I believe that if children feel that they are loved by someone other than their parents, they will be better people because they know that love and goodness exist. They will in turn learn to give and help others.”

In 2006, twenty disadvantaged Serbian youth from Kosovo were able to come on an eleven-day trip to Canada. They received dental care and visited some of Canada’s most notable landmarks and attractions: the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, and Canada’s Wonderland. Radmila and many other volunteers channeled their creative energy into theatrical performances in order to raise the money needed to sponsor the trip. The volunteer group of actors created and acted in short plays depicting the many struggles of Serbian families in Kosovo and Metohija. The shows continue to run twice a year, raising awareness and alerting others about the financial needs of Serbian families.

At least once a year, financial aid is delivered to families and children in Kosovo and Metohija. Radmila herself takes the journey to ensure that the funds are distributed to the proper recipients. She stays at the homes of Serbian families and partakes in their daily activities. For her, “It’s an opportunity to live their lives…to share their fears.” It is these direct experiences that motivate her to continue fundraising for victims of ethnic and international wars in Kosovo and Metohija. “These children need so little for a better tomorrow. I believe we can all contribute a little for that benefit.”

Written by Nikolina Postic
Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

Francesca Imbrogno: Small Acts with a Big Heart

“I have met amazing people, and feel blessed to have been able to share my passions while helping others”

Few women can say that they belong to a team called “The Sisterhood of the Pink Crusaders” – but Francesca Imbrogno can, proudly. In fact, she created it. The all-female team that Francesca formed six years ago for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is just one of myriad examples of her ceaseless benevolence.

A strong advocate for female leadership, Francesca has been an instrumental leader in student government at the University of Toronto for the duration of her undergraduate career. She has served on the St. Michael’s College Student Union and as a participant in numerous other endeavours. In her final year, she became the first female President of SMCSU in five years.

Throughout her time at U of T, Francesca successfully rallied students to raise thousands of dollars for notable causes such as Play for a Cause, ShareLife, the Canadian Cancer Society, Out of the Cold, and the Haiti Relief Fund.

As Social Events Co-ordinator, she organized a party that drew over 1,000 attendees and raised $6,000 for PlayPumps International, a non-profit organization that provides easy access to clean drinking water for millions across Africa.

In 2002, when Francesca’s father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, she began proactively researching opportunities to get involved and raise awareness.

This led to the eventual formation of Cuts for Christmas, an annual event recognized by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Each December, Francesca—along with the many courageous men and women whom she persuades—chops off her long locks and donates them to make wigs for those who have lost their hair during cancer treatments.

The event, now in its third year, has raised over $3000 and donated over 25 participants’ hair to Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths and Locks of Love. In gratitude, Francesca received an unbelievable outpouring of love and support from the U of T community, as well as the community at large.

Francesca is vivacious, inspiring, and consistently generous; she has a heart of gold (and a dance that can put Justin Timberlake to shame). In her 22 years, she has already become a role model for those around her and has done what often takes others a lifetime to achieve.

In her own words, “I have met amazing people, and feel blessed to have been able to share my passions while helping others”.

Her long list of achievements and accomplishments hardly compares to the long list of lives that she has changed along the way. A beautiful person inside and out, Francesca Imbrogno is impossible to define as anything but amazing – she is truly an example of an outstanding Canadian woman.

Written by Cristina Rizzuto

Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

Tribute to an Author & Pioneer of the African Arts In Canada

Fresh off the plane from a two-week tour in Tunisia last November, the energy emanating from 80 year old author Esther Dagan was so infectious it inspired me. Aside from her amazing stories about worldwide travels and the famous individuals she has met, I am intrigued by the creativity preoccupying this amazing lady’s mind. Esther’s ability to paint a complex and abstract literary portrait is demonstrated in one of her recent poems, Three Mothers, in which she weaves the historical, philosophical and maternal interconnections of three mothers encountering each other in an ambiguous online chat room. What will her vivid imagination, merged with a unique talent to expound on the rich treasure box of memories from her Jewish heritage, create next?

Seeing all that Esther has accomplished so far as a mother, author, poet, teacher, art historian and African art specialist is a truly inspiring example of what one individual is capable of doing. Born in Jerusalem, Esther graduated from Scola Cantorum Dance Academy in Paris, and later received her BA and MA in Theatre and Drama from Tel Aviv University where she taught the History of African Arts for ten years. Esther traveled the African continent extensively, collecting art and documenting her work in an impressive collection of photos, sketches, films, maps, stamps, journals and 13 published books on the African Arts.

In 1978, Esther immigrated to Montreal to further pursue her dreams and promote the African Arts in Canada. She opened Galerie Amrad African Arts in 1981, taught at Concordia University and was invited as guest lecturer to many institutions. Besides publishing a total of 17 books, hundreds of her articles and essays have been in print. Within the last two decades, Esther’s writing has shifted to fictional short stories, plays, screenplays and poems.
 
In 2009, Esther generously donated 400 selected pieces of her outstanding African Art Collection to the Royal Ontario Museum, along with her extensive archives and library. In January, as a continuation of celebration for a Season of Africa, the ROM displayed about 40 pieces featuring puppets, masks and musical instruments from The Amrad Collection. “The purpose of my donation is to promote the African Arts and educate Canadians”, Esther responds passionately when asked about her priceless collection of a lifetime.

Today, it is hard to visit Esther’s Westmount home without noticing the African art sculptures and paintings amongst an array of other personal collections; cacti, orchids, blue glass and seeds. If you are lucky, you may even get a personal guided tour. “I love these photos!” she adds warmly, stepping back to admire a collection of framed black and white photos of Africa, hanging a few feet away from one of her own remarkable paintings.

While Esther has forged many international friendships including prime ministers, artists, curators and African tribe chiefs alike, it is clear that she has made her way into the hearts of many in Montreal. She is endeared to a collection of devoted friends who joined her in celebrating her 80th birthday in March.

Written by Esther Briner 

Edited by Lucinda Atwood 

Published by Catherine Brindley

“Open your hearts and love everyone”

Barb Todd’s advice to Canadian women is “open your hearts and love everyone” – not so hard to follow as it relates to your neighbours or colleagues, but what about loving the marginalized and stigmatized members of Canadian society? What about loving sex trade workers?

Barb Todd moved back to her hometown of Toronto a few years ago, stepped into All Saints Church and immediately felt a strong connection. All Saints Church is located at the corner of Dundas and Sherbourne, a notoriously dangerous area of downtown Toronto. In 2009, a study by the Toronto Star reported Dundas and Sherbourne as the most dangerous area of Toronto, topping the list in street robberies, assault-related offences, shootings, stabbings and sex attacks.

Because of its location or maybe in response to it, All Saints Church has a drop-in centre four days a week. People from off the street are welcome to come in, sit, talk, use the internet, have a coffee, and be surrounded by extraordinary volunteers.

However, as Todd pointed out to me, as we sat in All Saints Church, 90% of the people that come in off the street are male, a statistic that is true for most services in the Toronto downtown core. The few women that do attend the drop-in are by and large sex-trade workers, ranging in age from 20-55. According to Todd, “these women are in the low track sex-trade meaning that they are not [working] in a massage parlour. They are not in an escort service – they are in the sex trade in order to feed their drug addiction”.

The women that Todd saw at the drop-in were in downward free fall – oftentimes coming in battered and bruised. And while Todd estimates that 100% of women in the sex-trade have experienced abuse, only approximately 2% of them report it to the police. A police officer once told Todd that even if a sex trade worker does report violence, they really have nowhere to take her other than jail or the ER. What makes the situation even more unfortunate for these women is that it is illegal in Canada to rent living spaces to women in the sex trade. All of the women that Todd sees live in stairwells or “couch surf” because there are not enough safe beds for women in Toronto.

Todd remarked that “these women are the ones that broke my heart…so I decided to do this measly little thing. I opened the doors [of All Saints Church] one Friday afternoon [for sex-trade workers]”. While Todd may modestly call this act “measly”, it certainly was anything but. Todd visited every agency in Toronto that dealt with women in the sex trade and when she told them about her idea of having a drop-in centre just for women in the sex trade she was “flabbergasted” at the response. “I would go meet with people at different agencies and they would say this idea was amazing! They were all jumping on board. Now we have too many volunteers that we need to make a schedule!”

However, as one might imagine, not everyone was pleased with the sex-trade worker drop-in concept. As Todd noted, “Society has a violent attitude towards these women. We have neighbours in the area who will say, “how dare you harbor those maggots, they’re garbage”.

When it comes to women in the sex-trade, an overwhelming consensus from society is to blame these women – as if they are somehow responsible for their situation. Most of the time, these women have drug addictions coupled with mental health issues. Because they are stigmatized, they tend to fall through every crack and don’t receive the help that they need. Todd refers to them as the “invisible population – all the issues are thrown in and then people say, ‘we don’t know what to do with them’”.

Despite the complaints from their neighbours, the drop-in has become the successful product of a collective of women. Every Friday morning, Todd and other volunteers do outreach in the neighbourhood stairwells providing crack kits and inviting women who would not normally think about entering a church to join them for a hot breakfast, crafts, and a safe space.

“There is something about bringing a group of women together. I’ve seen it in the different places I’ve lived, like the Arctic and Nova Scotia – women get together, the elders and moms – well, so do women in the sex trade”.

Another important aspect of the all-women drop-in is to provide women with services that they might not be as willing to receive at other drop-ins. For example, there is a nurse at the All Saints drop-in centre every Tuesday; however, Todd noted that in her five years at All Saints, no women in the sex trade have come in to be seen by the nurse. Todd acknowledges that the lack of privacy at the Tuesday drop-ins may be a deterring factor for these women. So Todd has arranged for a nurse to come in on Fridays and “even if they aren’t doing any nursing, I just want them to be there so the women can be like, ‘oh yeah, I know so-and-so, she’s cool and I can ask her something’”. Todd is also doing the same thing with police. Once a month she arranges for a policewoman from the Special Victims Unit to attend the drop-in, because if a woman wants to report abuse, she might feel more comfortable with someone she has already met.

Todd recognizes that this is only the first step in helping sex-trade workers in Toronto. She is working on bringing together agencies all around Toronto that work with sex-trade workers and facilitate communication between these agencies to provide support for the women.

Todd also acknowledges that while four hours a week may offer the women a temporary escape, it is certainly not enough to keep them healthy and safe the other 164 hours. The WISH Drop-In Centre in Vancouver (http://www.wish-vancouver.net/) is a drop-in centre for female sex workers that is open from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm, 7 days a week. WISH provides meals, hot showers and other services. Using the WISH model, Todd would like to start a 24/7 drop-in in Toronto.

Todd emphasized that the biggest part of the drop-in is just getting to know the names of the women and sit with them and chat and show them that someone cares. “We all just want to be loved; no matter who we are”. And so, Barb Todd’s advice to me and my fellow girls and women is to open our hearts and love everyone.

Written by Jaclyn Cappell

Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

There's So Many Things That She's Going To Do...

Chelsea won't be the one to tell you she's an accomplished woman. "I just do what I have to do" she says to me over the phone while sitting on a curb in Toronto. Upon first speaking with Chelsea, one thing is clear; this woman is motivated, focused and ambitious. I'm quite sure that in five lifetimes one could not do all she has done.

At just sixteen years of age, Chelsea became the Chairperson of the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee in Mississauga. The committee advocated for health, environmental, transportation, and political issues that affect youth. She spearheaded a program that reached out to schools in Mississauga, designating student liaisons who identified youth issues, and worked toward developing and implementing solutions.

When she became a student at the University of Waterloo, she decided to continue her outreach work by founding and leading a student mayoral advisory council in her new home, Waterloo. Not only did she provide a voice for students at the University of Waterloo, but she also organized events and committees with the goal of bonding post-secondary students within the Kitchener and Waterloo area.

As part of her master’s program, through her work with the Centre of Advancement for Female Entrepreneurship, she was a mentor to a student from Al Ain University in Abu, Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She also contributed to the curriculum for a business certification course to empower women in Abu Dhabi.

Since her university days, Chelsea has worked in marketing, film production, civic and youth engagement, business management and event planning. She's worked with youth in the Jane-Finch community of Toronto through the Youth Unlimited Blueprints program, which empowers youth through life skill and entrepreneurial training and mentorship.

Chelsea’s extensive work demonstrates her biggest passions: building community and allowing that community to have a voice. She explains, "I believe I have been tasked with the mission to help individuals and communities develop their gifts and voice as well as establish forums in which they can be heard.”

Her work with youth is extremely important to her because she believes that children are more in tune with the gifts they are born with. It is important for parents and teachers to recognize and foster these gifts at a young age, through mentorship and support. She is in tune with her own gifts because she has been blessed with great mentors in her community and family, in Mississauga as well as at the University of Waterloo.

The future is wide open for Chelsea. She looks forward to continuing her current work which includes being a Talent Wrangler on CBC's hit show Battle of the Blades, and developing The Adva Effect, a company that produces informative and inspirational documentaries. The Adva Effect creates media content that educates, engages and empowers audiences. They are launching a music video in November that was produced for a rap artist, Freddy Will from Sierra Leone. As if that didn’t keep her busy enough, Chelsea will also be speaking at TED X UW in November at the University of Waterloo.

Although I wasn't fortunate enough to meet Chelsea face to face, I enjoyed a lovely conversation in which we discussed our goals and challenges. I was inspired by her eagerness to learn from and reach out to others. She is genuinely interested in the passions and journeys of others.

Written by Christine Seguin
Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

Dancing with Horses by the Sea - Kim Levy

Tucked away in Lockeport, Nova Scotia, in an area where people haven’t forgotten how to be human, lives a woman and her destiny.

Although she was unaware of it at the time, Kim Levy’s destiny began in Ottawa, on her Grandmother’s farm, where she was born and raised.

Kim had an innate curiosity about animals and their behaviour. Some things can be tamed; a child’s curiosity cannot. Kim recalls that no sooner could she walk than she was on the back of a horse. She continues to hone her skills with horses.

Kim is a Classical Dressage Horse Trainer, Animal Behaviourist, and creator of Dancing with Horses by the Sea, a powerful therapeutic program that helps people through the orchestrated combination of horse riding and music.

This therapy was designed for all ages: children as young as 6; teens struggling with the stresses of modern adolescence; adults trying to find their way, and the elderly who may have lost their zest for life. For children who have been bullied, the program can help restore their confidence that has been stripped away. For everyone, the program is designed to help access their own power and essence.

Kim was first introduced to riding lessons at Dwyer Hill Horse Farm. She won the Ontario Equestrian Federation President’s Award in 2008. In 2010, after a process that took many years, Kim completed the Josh Lyons Accreditation Program, earning her buckle. Kim also plays polo, and had the distinct opportunity of training with Memo Gracida, a Mexican polo player, who has 16 US Open victories to his credit.

Kim’s passion for horsemanship led to the development of a horse ranch in Ontario. It was here, Kim says, that her destiny literally called her on the phone. An individual from the Lanark Therapeutic Riding Program, a program developed to safely allow children who are physically or mentally handicapped to experience the healing power of riding a horse, called Kim and asked if the program could continue in an arena on her ranch.

In her heart, Kim was committed, but she wanted to ask her husband if he would agree to the program being held at their arena. Still emotional over that pivotal moment, Kim recalls her husband’s reply, “Of course,” he said, “you’re not going to charge them are you,” he asked?

Kim would go to the arena and watch the young riders, with a volunteer at the reins and two others flanked at the horse’s side to ensure the child’s safety. Horse training aims for perfection. To Kim Levy, watching this program unfold was perfection.

The second year the program ran, she got a call from an organization committed to drug rehabilitation, who wanted to use her arena for one week. Her first thought was No, but she changed her mind and agreed to rent the arena. To her surprise the program was comprised of youth who were no longer on drugs and who were on a step by step program. The therapeutic riding was one of the last stages before the youth returned to the real world and to their families.

Being able to understand a horse’s personality based on its roughly 15 natural instincts requires a competence that comes with intense learning; learning that can only be spurred by an individual’s true passion for horsemanship. The capability to manipulate those behaviours to human advantage makes for an excellent horse trainer. During the programs at her arena, Kim used her aptitude to pair the right horse with the right youth for optimum riding therapy.

Kim and her husband made the decision to sell their farm in Ontario and look for a location to build their dream. After careful consideration, the couple purchased a 100 year old saltwater farm in Lockport, Nova Scotia. Where once there was pasture, the land was now scrubby and wild again.

The challenges, there were many. They had cedar logs trucked in from Ontario for the fences. They used native hemlock when they could because it has natural protection against rot. They even purchased a lumber mill to mill the pine for the horse barns. Despite the challenges, “We went for it,” Kim says.

At Dancing with Horses by the Sea, you’ll find Kim, her husband David, and their incredible son Jacob, who Kim contends is her greatest achievement. At 10, Jacob, who is home schooled by Kim, is being considered for the University of PEI’s Summer Vet Camp.

Come witness for yourself the power of horse therapy at Dancing with the Horses by the Sea, where it is clear, some destinies are not chosen, they just are.

Written by Joy Goodwin
Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

Guest Celebrity Writer - Stephanie Hooker

Hannah Taylor - 15 Year Old Hero

Winnipeg native Hannah Taylor, 15, is an extraordinary young hero who proves that age doesn’t matter when the heart is set on making change. After seeing a man eating from a dumpster when she was five, Hannah was moved to action by her mother’s inspiring words: “If you do something to change the problem, your heart won’t be so sad.” In no short order, a young social rights activist was born and she has been “doing” ever since. She has received numerous awards, accolades and recognition for her hard work and dedication to raising awareness about poverty across Canada and the United States.

Hannah founded The Ladybug Foundation – a charitable organization that shines light on homelessness – when she was just eight. Since its humble beginnings collecting loose change in painted ladybug jars, The Ladybug Foundation has raised over $2 million dollars for organizations across Canada.

In 2008, Hannah was invited to launch National Red Scarf Day on January 24 to increase awareness and funds for the homeless; it’s now in its 4th year. History was made in Ottawa on the day when all the Senate and Members of Parliament gave a standing ovation in support of the same cause on the same day. Together Ottawa and Canada showed their support by wearing Ladybug Foundation Red Scarves on January 31^st, National Red Scarf Day. 

She is also part of an international program called the World’s Children Prize for the Rights of the Child. Nelson Mandela is the patron. Hannah sits on a jury that recognizes international candidates each year for their child advocacy work.

If you ask her what makes her so special, don’t be surprised by an awkward pause and a change of topic. “I am so lucky to have such powerful women in my family – amazing, amazing strong women.” She is adamant that they have as much to do with her can-do attitude as she does. More important, she says “they taught me not to be scared. They believe in me and that makes anything possible.”

Hannah proves that we have much to learn from our young people. In fact, it is precisely this infectious combination of innocence and resolve that both captivates and mobilizes people at the same time. Her vision that “no one should have to eat out of a garbage can” is shockingly simple. And in this simplicity there is pure beauty.

Recently Hannah, along with The Ladybug Foundation, took another step in educating the public when they started a sister charity called MakeChange™, The Ladybug Foundation Education Program. Hannah admits she cannot speak at every school, so MakeChange™ bridges the gap by bringing ideas to the classroom. Developed by a team of experienced teachers, the program has one purpose: to empower young people to get involved and make change in their own community.

“It doesn’t have to be homelessness.” she adds. “It could be the environment, or human rights; whatever they’re interested in. You should never dismiss what children say when they’re passionate. Children already feel small, but they can make change in their own way and when that light goes off in their head, it’s amazing what they can do.” She would know. Hannah estimates the curriculum based programming is already in around 7000 classrooms across the country and is currently being translated into French.

Although, she seems unnaturally fearless in the presence of diplomats, politicians and rock star activists, she does worry about whether the homeless will approve of her work. “I just want to make sure I represent them well.” As for actually conducting public speaking engagements, attending meetings with VIPs, or taking on enormous responsibilities and meeting the tall expectations people may have of her – no problem. “I don’t feel pressure because it’s not about me going far. It’s about them.”

If she retired now, Hannah could rest well on her laurels. There are many: prestigious awards, over 200 speaking engagements including a nod as the youngest speaker ever at the Empire Club in Toronto, Ontario and author of a best-selling children’s book “Ruby’s Hope,” (2006). She has an ongoing mentorship with President of the CanWest Global Foundation, Gail Asper, a renowned community activist is her own right, and - well, you get the picture – an impressive portfolio for one so young. But frankly, I don’t think there is much resting for Hannah, on laurels or anything else.

She isn’t sure what her future holds. “I will always dedicate time to the homeless and other causes,” she says. But in the same breath she admits she has her eyes on other targets. “National Geographic… writing… photography. Who knows? I’m a normal teenager”, she says. “I have a great group of friends, three dogs, a cat and horses. I do my best at school and worry about normal teenage things.”

Sure, most teenagers can’t claim Gail Asper as their mentor, or that Nelson Mandela invited them to his house for a visit. And of course, most teenagers haven’t authored and published a children’s book, or typically speak in front of groups of up to 200 two or three times a month. But you see, that’s the real inspiration of Hannah Taylor – she thinks all of us can do what she does. And in her reflection, we feel compelled to shine a little brighter.

Written by Stephanie Hooker
Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley


Click here to help support The Ladybug Foundation

Denise Doyle: Purpose through Passion

It is the early 1970’s. You can hear women’s voices chanting in unity; you can feel the sisterhood. This is Denise Doyle’s earliest memory – attending her first women’s rights protest with her mother by her side. This fond memory ignited Denise’s passion: women’s rights and advocacy.

Denise is the current CEO of the YWCA Hamilton, which is a women-led service organization that provides health and wellness programs for women, families, seniors and people with special needs. The YWCA Hamilton advocates for the improved status of women locally and through affiliation with YWCA Canada. With 33 member organizations operating in more than 400 districts and communities across the country, the YWCA Canada is the country’s oldest and largest women's multi-service organization. These programs reach out to 1 million women and girls across the country.

Denise’s passion and dedication to the quest of women’s rights fits perfectly with the mission, vision and values of the YWCA. Her work at the YWCA challenges her to be innovative in finding community resources, empowering the staff of the organization and mobilizing her community.

Denise studied Textile Engineering at Mohawk College in 1982 and fifteen years later, went on to study Occupational Health and Safety and Safety Systems in Law at Ryerson University. She pursued further professional development through courses in human resources, anti-racism change work, and governance training. In 2010, Denise was awarded the Agnes Macphail Award for her contributions to the advancement of women and women’s issues. In the same year, she was also awarded the Hamilton-Wentworth Elementary Teachers Award for her tireless work as a community and labour activist. Her passion is contagious, as her efforts continue to inspire others around her.

Denise has volunteered with a number of organizations such as the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Status of Women Committee (City of Hamilton), Immigrant Women’s Centre Facilitating Inclusion Program, and Elect More Women. Despite committing so much of her time to various community initiatives, Denise was still able to play a pivotal role in the Elect More Women campaign, a campaign which she helped develop. She is the current co-chair of the Elect More Women campaign and explains that her goal is to see more women participate in politics not only as candidates, but as volunteers on campaigns as well.

Elect More Women provides women with the necessary education, skills and tools required to be active in politics. Denise has a vision to see more women in this arena “at any decision-making table you can make an impact. You just need the skills, resources and awareness to get involved. Women bring a different point of view around the table and it is important that a woman’s perspective is heard from all political parties.” Denise believes that in order to have a healthy democracy, everyone must have an equal voice that will impact the community and country. She emphasizes the importance of encouraging young women, a demographic that is important in making this process successful. To date, Elect More Women has trained over one thousand women.

In thinking about the women of tomorrow, Denise shared a story that truly touched her. It was of a young girl from the YWCA’s Girls Space program, which provides young females with opportunities to participate in group activities focusing on self-esteem, body image and self expression. The program provides a place for these girls to have a voice and become leaders in their own communities. Denise remembers one young girl who joined the program. She was extremely shy and quiet. She was new to Canada and Hamilton. This young girl had come with her family from Pakistan to begin their new lives here. Denise recalls that this young girl did not engage with any young people in the city and was having trouble making friends. The girl’s mother decided to encourage her daughter to join the YWCA Girls Space program. After completing the program, this young girl began to show more confidence and even joined her school council to engage with her classmates and make new friends. This transformation made her mother very proud and she wrote a personal letter to Denise thanking her for helping her daughter which included the wonderful line “Thank you for helping my daughter to finally feel included in Canada.” It is this inclusion, support and friendship that Denise fosters in all of her relationships.

In every role that Denise embraces, her passion is obvious. She focuses on trying to provide young women with a chance to lead and excel in their lives. She believes that her contribution is anything that she can do to assist young women, “They will be there for me when I’m old, so if I can inspire passion – if I can do this, I feel like I’ve done my job.”

Denise has done her job. I have been fortunate enough to be one of the young women that Denise has worked with. She is a true mentor, leader and most of all, a friend. She has provided me with the confidence, knowledge and skills that I will need to continue my journey in advocating for women’s rights.

Denise left with me some words of wisdom which I will always cherish, “Always remember that when a woman’s voice is heard, she can transform her life and those around her. Find your passion and create a wave of change in your own community and empower others to do the same. When someone tells you that all women are equal – acknowledge your privilege and continue to work for women's equity and equality around the globe. We still have a long way to go.”

Although we have a long way to go, these are timeless words for all women, as we are inspired by leaders like Denise to find our purpose through passion.

Written by Priya Verma

Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley

The Life of Sue Rodriguez: Strength in Hard Times

The end of Sue Rodriguez's life may have been filled with controversy, but when reflecting upon her actions one can only admire the strength of her character and the perseverance of her will. Regardless of the personal trials and tribulations that she went through in the last couple years of her life, she tirelessly fought for what she believed; the right to die with dignity.

To backtrack, on August 22, 1991 Sue Rodriguez was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), which would eventually cause her to lose the ability to control her own bodily movement, while her mind would continue to function effectively. Sue understood the progression of her condition as one where she would be consciously trapped inside her own body, unable to move or even talk, until the disease would slowly and painfully take her life. Instead of accepting this as her fate and being denied her freedom to live out her remaining days as she saw fit, Sue challenged the courts on the constitutionality of the right to die. Specifically she championed the cause concerning the right to physician-assisted suicide in Canada.

While fighting for her right to die through physician-assisted suicide Sue Rodriquez asked a House of Commons Subcommittee a simple question that extended far beyond the issue of euthanasia. She simply asked “If I cannot give consent to my own death, then whose body is this? Who owns my life?” Her struggle to take ownership of her body and her life is one that can resonate with women throughout history, regardless of where one stands on the issue of assisted suicide. Though this may be taking her questions out of context, they are questions that can be universally applied and reflected upon.  

Despite her deteriorating condition and dealing with the emotional issues related to knowing how one was going to die and being unable to prevent it, Sue exemplified her convictions by taking her cause to the Supreme Court of Canada. Sue argued that the illegality of assisted suicide violated her constitutional rights, such as her right of equality despite a mental or physical disability, her right to life, liberty and security of the person, and finally her right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment. While the Supreme Court ultimately upheld assisted suicide as illegal in a 5-4 decision, Sue Rodriguez singlehandedly initiated a national debate on this issue. She not only showcased how one woman, despite her situation, could captivate a nation, but she demonstrated how one's spirit can far outreach their physical being.

Furthermore, Sue accomplished this feat while going through unbelievable personal hardships. Regardless of where one stands on the issue of assisted suicide or the various types of euthanasia, it is hard to deny the strength, courage and conviction that Sue Rodriguez embodied. She not only battled through the insufferable amount of pain associated with her personal condition, but she simultaneously dealt with the responsibilities and worries associated with having a young child, the stress related to being involved in legal matters and the constant hounding of the Canadian media, as well as the public, many of which openly and vigorously opposed her stance. She opened her life to investigation and scrutiny, while preserving the dignity she feared her condition would take from her.

Even though Sue Rodriguez lost her court battles, she refused to lose her dignity to her deteriorating condition. On February 12, 1994 at the age of 43, with the help of an anonymous physician, Sue ended her own life through the injection of a lethal substance. Through her fighting spirit, Sue not only won the hearts and minds of many Canadians, but she also forced a nation to reflect on the laws that govern this land.

Her choice and her actions expressed a powerful message. By deciding to end her own life, Sue Rodriguez answered the question that she originally asked the House of Commons. She may have silently slipped from this world, but by taking ownership of her own fate she loudly proclaimed that it was her body, it was her life and that she would live and die in complete adherence to this principle.

Written by Harry Malhi

Edited by Lucinda Atwood

Published by Catherine Brindley