Patients with rare blood disease turn to social media to add many voices to their few

Canadian Association of PNH Patients raises the volume on plea for access to life-saving treatment

TORONTO, February 28, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - With so few people affected by rare diseases, how does a group of less than 90 patients across Canada make their voices heardon a life-and-death issue such as access to treatment? Barry Katsof, President of the Canadian Association of PNH Patients, says his group is turning to social media to ask others to take a stand with them in the fight for their lives.

"Today, patients living with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH) and their loved ones will mark Rare Disease Day in Canada by turning up the volume on an issue that is threatening our lives - our immediate need for publicly-funded access to treatment with Soliris," says Katsof. "We had the government's attention for a while, but they have stopped listening. Through this campaign, we hope to rallywide support for access to Soliris, the first and only treatment proven effective in treating our ultra-rare and life-threatening disease."

In January, 2011, Lucas Maciesza's front-page battle with PNH spurred a change in a government policy which granted him only temporary access to Soliris, a treatment he requires for the rest of his life. This impromptu move by the Ontario government came at the eleventh hour for Maciesza who, after being pulled back from the brink of death by hospital funding for his life-saving infusions of Soliris, found himself again not knowing where funding for his treatment would come from.

"No one should have to beg for their life in that situation," says Lucas, 26, in a new video released today on YouTube by the Canadian Association of PNH Patients. "I barely had any energy to beg for my life in that situation."

While Lucas' Soliris treatments will likely be covered for a maximum of six months through this policy change, without a long-term solution he will again be without funding after this period. Other PNH patients in Ontario who could benefit from the treatment now are concerned they will have to suffer a catastrophic health event, or even face death, to qualify for only short-term coverage.

"I have to wait until I'm in danger of losing an organ, a limb or my life before the province will help me," says Hilary Handley, a PNH patient and mother of three from Toronto who also shares her story in the YouTube video. "It is like a death sentence - I can die tomorrow from a blood clot. Luck of the draw, I guess."

Katsof stresses that the government's work is far from done with respect to accessibility to this life-saving treatment for PNH.

"On Rare Disease Day, we strongly urge government to make an expeditious and permanent decision to fund Soliris and save PNH patients and their families from the nightmare Lucas has been living, and that Hilary continues to face," says Katsof.

The Canadian Association of PNH Patients has established a presence on social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and supporters are urged to join the online conversation. By visiting pnhca.org, Canadians canlend their voice to the fight by contacting their provincial health ministers and premiersto tell them to fund Soliris for PNH.

"We are calling on all Canadians to take a stand on this issue, and ask their provincial government to provide the care that PNH patients clinically require and ethically deserve," says Katsof. "It is high time that Canada follows the lead of most other developed nations that already fund Soliris, and make the right choice for our patients - the choice for life."

About the Canadian Association of PNH Patients

The Canadian Association of PNH Patients is a not-for-profit Canadian organization formed in 2009. The mission of the organization is to connect Canadians affected by Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria and advocate best possible care for patients. The organization also provides support to caregivers, and works to increase awareness and understanding of PNH.

Visit the Canadian Association of PNH Patients at www.pnhca.org, or at:

PNH Canada on Twitter

PNH Canada on Facebook

PNH Canada on Youtube

"Engaged Buddhist" Sulak Sivaraksa of Thailand to receive 28th Niwano Peace Prize

TOKYO, February 28, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Niwano Peace Foundation will award the 28th Niwano Peace Prize to Sulak Sivaraksa of Thailand in recognition of his contribution to a new understanding of peace, democracy and development and to environmental preservation based on the core principles of his Buddhist faith.

An award presentation ceremony will take place in Tokyo on May 19. In addition to an award certificate, Sulak will receive a medal and 20 million yen.

Born in 1933 in Thailand to a family of Chinese ancestry, Sulak was educated in Thailand, England and Wales in law and other disciplines. He returned to Thailand in 1961. His long career has seen him using his intellectual gifts to propel the concept and movement of "engaged Buddhism." He has worked as a teacher, scholar, publisher, activist and founder of many organizations, including the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).

In selecting Sulak as an awardee for 2011, the Peace Prize Committee said he is "a voice of reason and ethics" and "intellectual enough to persuade people to promote the importance of social awareness among Buddhists all over the world." Sulak's intelligent advocacy for the environment is another important reason to honor him, who speaks forcefully against environmental destruction, promoting environmental preservation and environmental justice, according to the committee.

Niwano Peace Prize

The Niwano Peace Prize was established in 1983 to honor and encourage individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to inter-religious understanding and cooperation, thereby furthering the cause of world peace. To avoid undue emphasis on any particular religion or region, nominations are solicited from some 700 people and organizations, representing 125 countries. The prize is named in honor of the founder and first president of the lay Buddhist organization Rissho Kosei-kai, Nikkyo Niwano.

Niwano Peace Foundation

The Niwano Peace Foundation was chartered in 1978 to contribute to the realization of world peace and the enhancement of a culture of peace. The foundation promotes research and other activities based on a religious spirit, and serves the cause of peace in such fields as education, science, religion and philosophy. The Niwano Peace Foundation is a government-recognized charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible.

CNIB Receives Interim Funding for Library Operations

TORONTO, February 24, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - CNIB is pleased to announce it has received a one-time grant from the Federal Government of just over $7 million to support the CNIB Library, Canada's largest producer of alternative-format material.

"For quite some time now, we've been working towards the goal of helping develop a sustainable, equitable, nationwide library service for all Canadians with print disabilities," said John Rafferty, president and CEO, CNIB. "This grant is an important milestone in our journey, as it will ensure our library collection and infrastructure will be maintained while we continue to focus on finding a long-term solution."

Announced at CNIB's head offices in Toronto by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, the $7 million grant will be designated towards the expansion of CNIB's library collection and service enhancements for library clients and partners.

Founded in 1918, the CNIB Library is Canada's first and largest library dedicated to serving Canadians with vision loss. With a collection of more than 80,000 titles and an operating budget funded through charitable dollars, it is Canada's largest producer of books, magazines and newspapers in formats such as braille and accessible audio. The library circulates approximately two million hard copy and digital items every year.

Building a long-term solution to keep the library service operational will require an active and engaged partnership among all levels of government, public libraries, publishers, end users and national organizations representing people with print disabilities, said Rafferty.

"With interim funding in place and our current operations secure, CNIB can focus on critical next steps towards developing a new service model that will ensure all Canadians with print disabilities can enjoy their right to read."

About CNIB

CNIB passionately provides community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To find out more, visit www.cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.

Ontario government turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the deafblind

TORONTO, February 23, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The government of Ontario proposed a new model for funding critical services to deafblind Ontarians that, if implemented, could result in a 45 per cent reduction in services and funding for Ontario's most vulnerable.

DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides residential and other specialized services to adults who are congenitally deafblind. These vital services enable clients to gain the necessary communication and life skills to be more independent, and contribute to the greater community through the use of Intervenors, specially trained professionals who act as the "eyes" and "ears" of the deafblind.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services proposed a funding formula in the fall of 2010 that could result in a drastic reduction to Intervenor services, seriously impacting the quality of life of deafblind Ontarians.

DeafBlind Ontario Services has participated in several meetings with Ministry staff on this issue, including other service providers in the sector, to achieve a positive outcome that is fair and equitable to all deafblind Ontarians. The Ministry recognizes that Intervenor services are a vital support service, and that the proposed funding allocation model needs to be re-worked. While the ministry is committed to working with their partners on a new funding model for Intervenor services, they also must manage the model within available resources.

It has now become clear that those resources are simply not sufficient to provide these essential services and avoid cuts.

Since the fall, DeafBlind Ontario Services has been hard at work, advocating for more dollars for the Intervenor services sector. Representatives have visited or written letters to every MPP in the province. They have written directly to Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The organization has participated in pre-budget consultations and has met with Ministry of Finance staff to advise them how small an investment it would take in the government's budget to solve this problem - $2 million a year over five years.

The ball is in Finance Minister Dwight Duncan's court, and deafblind Ontarians now wait in limbo.

Julia Ford's stepson, Karl, is deafblind.

"Karl has been living in a DeafBlind Ontario Services group home in Peterborough since August 2009," says Ford. "He absolutely loves it and has been thriving in the environment. His Intervenors have been helping him to understand the world and have helped him to accomplish things like being successful at a small job in the community helping the firefighters wash their equipment."

Diane Gabay, whose son Charles is also a client of DeafBlind Ontario Services, agrees.

"Without the support of an Intervenor, Charles would be trapped in his body, unable to participate in life - literally in a prison. I don't like to imagine him with less support because of these potential cuts."

"If 95% of what we learn comes from our eyes and ears, imagine the challenges of being deafblind," says Roxanna Spruyt-Rocks, Executive Director of DeafBlind Ontario Services. "We are hopeful that the Ministry of Finance will open their eyes and ears and give this sector the resources needed to enable deafblind Ontarians to reach their full potential."

About DeafBlind Ontario Services

DeafBlind Ontario Services ( www.deafblindontario.com) is a not-for-profit organization that creates safe and comfortable environments that enable individuals who are deafblind throughout the province to live more independently. DeafBlind Ontario Services currently supports adults who are deafblind with community-based housing, professional Intervenor services, independent living skills, work experience and social programs.

Earth Will be "Unrecognizable" by 2050

from TreeHugger.com
by Stephen Messenger, Porto Alegre, Brazil

A lot has changed in the last 40 years, hasn't it? From the rise of personal computers and the Internet, to tubeless toilet-paper and carnivorous clocks -- the world today hardly resembles the one seen in faded photos of people with big hair dancing to disco that our parents closely guard. But, according to researchers, in another four decades things will be markedly different, too -- "unrecognizable," even, and not just for the hairstyles. Earth in 2050 will be home to an estimated 9 billion people, and the planet will be forced to change in order to accommodate them all

So, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) met today to discuss the future of mankind on this lonely little planet with finite resources. I mentioned 'finite' only to highlight the fundamental reality that we at TreeHugger are encouraging others to work within. And surprise, surprise -- in the next 40 years, the planet will welcome some 2.25 billion more adorable little babies, who will then, of course, grow up to be big hungry consumers.

Don't worry though, you won't have to feed them -- the finite planet will. Oh, wait, I guess that concerns us all.

A report from the AP offers more details from today's meeting, and what we can all expect from a future with more than a few additional planet-mates:

The swelling population will exacerbate problems, such as resource depletion, said John Casterline, director of the Initiative in Population Research at Ohio State University.

But incomes are also expected to rise over the next 40 years -- tripling globally and quintupling in developing nations -- and add more strain to global food supplies.

People tend to move up the food chain as their incomes rise, consuming more meat than they might have when they made less money, the experts said.

It takes around seven pounds (3.4 kilograms) of grain to produce a pound of meat, and around three to four pounds of grain to produce a pound of cheese or eggs, experts told AFP.

"More people, more money, more consumption, but the same planet," Clay told AFP, urging scientists and governments to start making changes now to how food is produced.

If such a population outlook isn't at first troubling, consider that population growth has historically been tied to the population declines of quite a few species we now nobly endow with the classification 'threatened' or 'endangered'. If the habitat loss and environmental changes associate with, well, people, were to be negated at the same rate that more folks are added, perhaps things would work out -- but on a finite planet, optimism is finite too... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Senator Art Eggleton to speak on the Senate's Poverty and Housing Report

GUELPH Ontario February 21, 2011 - Senator Art Eggleton will speak at Norfolk Street United Church, Downtown Guelph at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 23 about the Senate's "In from the Margins" report.

Frank Valeriote, Member of Parliament-Guelph, and the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination will welcome Senator Art Eggleton to Guelph

Senator Eggleton, Chair of Senate Committee on Social Affairs, will discuss the Senate Report In from the Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness.

Norfolk Street United Church, 75 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario

All are welcome to attend. No pre-registration required.


For more information:

Contact the office of:
Frank Valeriote, Member of Parliament
40 Cork Street East, Guelph
519-837-8276

or visit the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Eliminiation website.

Best Reading for Understanding Peak Water

from TreeHugger.com
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California

The topic of Peak Water is always top of mind here at TreeHugger, and we're constantly reading up on the subject, from what exactly "peak water" means, to the implications running out of water will have on humans and ecosystems. How are we running out of water, what happens when we do, and how can it be avoided? It's a fascinating and scary topic, but there are a handful of articles that we think represent some of the best writing summing up the topic. Check out the must-read list for understanding peak water.

Peter H. Gleick: Has the U.S. Passed the Point of Peak Water?
Water expert Peter Gleick explains the difference among peak renewable water, peak nonrenewable water, and peak ecological water, and how we've passed the peak on all three.

Water worries: The drying of the West
The Economist reports on the state of the Colorado River and the fate of the cities (and states) it provides water for. As the Colorado represents similar problems with rivers worldwide, understanding its plight is important.

Passing the Point of "Peak Water" Means Paying More for H2O
National Geographic explains the price impact of passing peak water, and the reality of needing to pay true cost. The article is part of a great feature on freshwater, so once you read this post, poke around the rest of the site and explore the many ways freshwater supports life, and is in peril.

Peak Water and the Asian Water Crisis, Part One and Part Two
These two articles on The Angle cover definitions of peak water, the pros and cons of trying to define a term like this, and what water shortages mean for Asian governments. Because China and India are already suffering severe water shortages while trying to grow at a jaw-dropping pace, it is vital to understand how the East will cope with peak water.

Water Crisis : TreeHugger
For continuing coverage on water issues, be sure to check out our Peak Water section on TreeHugger.

Ontario Heritage Trust honours volunteers and communities for contributions to conservation

TORONTO, February 18, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust announced the recipients of its annual programs recognizing contributions to conserving Ontario's heritage.

"Each year, many volunteers and communities work to identify, preserve, protect and promote our history," said Dr. Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust. "This is an opportunity to recognize their leadership and celebrate their achievements in conserving Ontario's heritage."

The Trust's recognition programs honour achievements in built, cultural and natural heritage conservation. The Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award is the highest award given through the programs. This year's program recipients include:

...55 young volunteers being recognized as Young Heritage Leaders. Of these, 35 (one individual and two groups) will receive the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Youth Achievement. The individual recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Award also wins a $2,000 post-secondary scholarship, jointly funded by the Ontario Heritage Trust and program sponsors Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life.

...139 volunteers being honoured through the Heritage Community Recognition Program for local conservation activities. Of these, 10 individuals with contributions over a period of 25 years or more will receive the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

...Two communities being recognized through the Community Leadership Program will receive the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership for demonstrating exemplary leadership in heritage conservation and promotion.

Presentation events for the Young Heritage Leaders and Heritage Community Recognition Program recipients are held in local communities, coordinated by the nominating councils and schools. The Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award recipients will be presented with their awards at Queen's Park in Toronto on February 25.

"Heritage Week marks a great opportunity to celebrate the many commitments and contributions of volunteers and communities striving to preserve local heritage across this province," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "Their efforts and dedication help make Ontario a diverse and vibrant place to live."

Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life have supported the Young Heritage Leaders program since its inception with funding through the companies' national corporate citizenship program.

"We have sponsored Young Heritage Leaders over the past decade because we appreciate the value of encouraging youth to take the lead in preserving local heritage and ecology," said Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs, for Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. "We are honoured our long-term support helps the Ontario Heritage Trust recognize and inspire young leaders to greater involvement as we all work to build stronger communities together."

The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Treasures of "The Ward": An Illustrated Guide to Old Guelph's Best Kept Secret

Photo courtesy Guelph Museums

GUELPH Ontario February 18, 2011 - The Guelph Historical Society Presents:

EVENINGS WITH HISTORY

Guest Speaker: Dr. Terry Crowley

March 1, 2011 at 7:30 pm

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Corner of Norfolk and Suffolk Streets

What we commonly refer to as “The Ward” is probably the least-known part of the old city. In this illustrated lecture, retired professor Terry Crowley will walk us through parts of Ward One Guelph and reveal some of the heritage gems to be found for those who venture on the quest.

Dr. Crowley, a resident of Guelph since 1971, moved to the City to work in the History Department at the University of Guelph. He served as the department chair from 2003 to 2008 and retired in 2010. Terry is an award-winning historian who has authored more than a dozen books in Canadian history.

From the Field to the Kitchen: 100 Mile Market Grows Network to Increase amount of Ontario Food

- Greenbelt Fund Announces Grants -

KITCHENER, Ontario, February 17, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Local food distributor 100 Mile Market is working hard to get more of the great things that grow in Ontario from the field to the kitchens of public institutions. Now, with funding from the Ontario government, 100 Mile Market will be able to expand their reach and provide more Ontario food to daycares, schools, universities and colleges, and hospital and long-term care facilities. Growing the amount of Ontario food in our broader public sector institutions will also benefit farmers, the economy and our environment.

"Ontario's rich farmland from Kitchener - Waterloo and beyond, is ripe with fresh food to supply our broader public sector institutions. Growing the supply of Ontario food in public institutions demonstrates our government's commitment to our agri-food industry. I want to congratulate 100 Mile Market and others working to supply the good things that grow in Ontario."
- MPP Leeanna Pendergast, Kitchener- Conestoga

The funding for 100 mile market and other grantees is being administered by the new Greenbelt Fund via its program, the Broader Public Sector Investment Fund: Promoting Ontario Food.

"Getting local food from the field to students and patients, is a key part of the food supply chain. 100 Mile Market has a proven track record of building smart models that get fresh Ontario food from point a to point b. This grant will help further their reach and demonstrate how a collaborative approach can grow the distribution of Ontario food to public institutions."
- Burkhard Mausberg, President, Greenbelt Fund

With a roster of over 160 farmers who grow and raise a variety of Ontario food, 100 Mile Market distributes products year round to a variety of broader public sector institutions, chefs, caterers, retailers, restaurants and hotels. By expanding their reach, 100 Mile Market will be able to take more fresh Ontario produce from farm to institution and build a stronger middle-man network between farmers, buyers and operators. In addition, this expanded network will create an opportunity for 100 Mile Market to work with major distributors like Gordon Food Service, providing them access to smaller producers.

"We have a strong network of farmers that we work with to ensure we are supplying the freshest Ontario food to individuals, restaurants and public institutions. This grant will help us to strengthen and grow the existing distribution network through partnerships and collaboration."
- Paul Knechtel, 100 Mile Market

About the Greenbelt Fund:

The Greenbelt Fund is helping to increase the amount of Ontario food served in daycares, schools, universities and colleges, hospitals and long-term care facilities through its program, the Broader Public Sector Investment Fund: Promoting Ontario Food.

With funding from the Ontario government, this program provides grants to local food industry leaders, producers, distributors, food service providers and public institutions working to serve more Ontario food. Helping to overcome challenges, support economic growth and the sustainability of agriculture in Ontario, the Fund will aim to create systemic change to permanently increase the amount of local food in the province's public institutions. For more information about the program and grants, please visit www.ontariofresh.ca.

Egypt, Gift of the Nile Comes to Wellington County Museum and Archives

ABOYNE, Ontario February 15, 2011 – Discover the wonder and mystery of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Organized by the Royal Ontario Museum, this very popular travelling exhibit, Egypt, Gift of the Nile, is on display from March 5 until May 1, 2011 at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.

Fed by fertile soil along the river and protected from foreign invasion by the vast deserts, this ancient culture lasted thousands of years. A life-size replica sarcophagus, original artifacts and
models illuminate the life of a rich and complex society influenced by the ebb and flow of the Nile.

Inspired by Egypt, Gift of the Nile, is our March Break Drop-in Afternoons running from March 14 - 18 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Themes include:

Monday - Mummies and Archaeology
Tuesday- Food and Clothing
Wednesday - The Nile and Transportation
Thursday - Paper and Society
Friday - Hieroglyphics and Egyptian Art

Special guests, crafts and activities will be part of each afternoon. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is by donation.

The Wellington County Museum and Archives is located on Wellington Road #18 between Fergus and Elora, and the galleries are open weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on weekends and holidays

Power Down, Unwind on the National Day of Unplugging, March 4-5

Image: SabbathManifesto.org

from TreeHugger.com
by Jessica Root - Brooklyn, NY

One religious observance I can really connect with is the sabbath. A day of complete, unmitigated rest? Count. Me. In. That's the idea behind the Sabbath Manifesto:

A creative project designed to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world.

Created by a group of not particularly religious Jewish artists in search of a modern way to observe a weekly day of rest. It's like the Slow Food of technology, challenging us to take a once-weekly time out from gadgets -- and maybe even the energy grid -- to re-charge, re-connect and give back, the old fashioned way.

How? By:

1. Avoiding technology
2. Connecting with loved ones
3. Nurturing your health
4. Getting outside
5. Avoiding commerce
6. Lighting candles
7. Drinking wine (I'm sold.)
8. Eating bread (perhaps homemade?)
9. Finding silence
10. Giving back

These are the official Ten Principles to "unplug" but each are open to personal interpretation as the project encourages on the website:

To some, "avoid technology" means not sending text messages. To others, it means not using a stove or riding in an elevator. To some, "be healthy" means running the next NYC marathon. For others, it means chewing each mouthful of food you eat real slow - 18 chews a bite. You get the picture. Find the balance that works for you. Create rules that allow you to rest and reflect without destroying the fabric of your life.

Create rules that allow you to rest and reflect without destroying the fabric of your life. I like that. It's easy to follow rules. It's more challenging to create them-- in a practical way that benefits you (an aspiring relaxed, happy being) and planet. After all, as we've blogged about before, sabbath-like observances can help lighten our energy use -- and therefore our carbon footprint... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Calgary Hearing Clinic to Help Starkey Hearing Foundation Give Projected 6,000 Hearing Instruments to Adults and Children in Need in Kenya, Africa

CALGARY, February 11,2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Hearing Loss Clinic, today announced plans for the eight day hearing mission trip to Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nairobi, Kenya projected to result in fitting more than 3,000 adults and children receiving over 6,000 hearing instruments. The hearing mission trip will be completed in conjunction with the Starkey Hearing Foundation in an effort to fulfill the Foundation's commitment to helping the world to hear.

"It is incredibly fulfilling to be a part of this hearing mission trip and to do so much good in such a short amount of time. It's also very humbling to experience the incredible need that exists in the world. We feel honored to have the opportunity to bring the gift of hearing to so many in need and proud to support the Starkey Hearing Foundation in its mission," said Sabrina Rhodes of The Hearing Loss Clinic.

According to Sabrina, not only will those in need be fitted with hearing instruments, they will also receive training on hearing instrument care, maintenance and a supply of hearing instrument batteries.

Hearing mission trips are paid for by donations to the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Every year at the Foundation's annual "So the World May Hear" Awards Gala, attendees have an opportunity to bid during a live auction to fund a hearing mission trip. A network of distributors of Starkey Canada, a division of Starkey Laboratories, bid to fund the Kenya mission, which will take place March 4-11.

About The Hearing Loss Clinic

The Hearing Loss Clinic Inc. has been serving Southern Alberta and the East Kootenays since the early 1990's. Our clinics are located in Calgary and Okotoks, Alberta as well as Cranbrook and Creston, British Columbia.

The mission of The Hearing Loss Clinic Inc. is to make a positive difference in the lives of those with hearing impairment. Our goal is to deliver client-centered hearing healthcare and comprehensive solutions for better hearing to assist our clients in achieving their highest potential as they strive for confidence and effectiveness in their communications with others. We are committed to ongoing continuing education, providing the latest in hearing technology, delivering excellent personal customer service and serving our clients needs with compassion and understanding.

About Starkey Hearing Foundation (SHF)

Since 1973, Starkey has been giving the gift of hearing to the world's underprivileged -especially children- through its internationally recognized mission program and its domestic program, Hear Now. Our mission is to promote hearing health awareness and education; provide hearing instruments and personal listening devices to people in need, and to support and conduct research and education in hearing breakthroughs and technologies. In late 2007, SHF launched their awareness initiative via a media campaign with public service announcements to educate consumers about responsible listening. Spanning the past 12 months, the Foundation has provided more than 50,000 hearing instruments both domestically and abroad. Since 2000, more than 400,000 hearing instruments have been distributed to persons in need worldwide. Please visit www.sotheworldmayhear.org to learn more.

Students Celebrate Launch of the Black History in Canada Education Guide with The Book of Negroes author, Lawrence Hill

$1 million donation to Dalhousie by TD for black student education announced as part of celebrations

HALIFAX, February 11, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Local high school students and community leaders joined special guest Lawrence Hill today at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to launch the new Black History in Canada Education Guide created by The Historica-Dominion Institute and sponsored by TD Bank Group. At the celebrations TD announced a donation from the bank to Dalhousie University for a black student education program.

African-Canadian literature students led a Q & A with the author in Halifax, the birthplace of Hill's award-winning epic, and read from the historic naval ledger the "Book of Negroes" that inspired his story.

"We are thrilled to be in Nova Scotia to celebrate Black History Month and our exciting new Education Guide," said Jeremy Diamond, the Institute's Director of Development and Programs. "This region is home to a rich African-Canadian heritage and we are proud to pay tribute to that legacy today and in classrooms across Canada."

TD also announced a gift of $1 million to Dalhousie University in order to aid students from the black community in pursuing post-secondary education. The TD Black Student Opportunity Grant is a co-ordinated effort to provide support based on financial need and academic potential and includes the support of an outreach program for African Nova Scotian junior and senior high students aimed at creating role models, encouraging academic aptitude, and providing motivation and incentives for students to attend a post-secondary institution.

"Access to university for capable students should be the right of every Canadian, regardless of their origins. Early mentoring can inspire dreams which later can be achieved with essential financial supports provided at just the right moment," says Tom Traves, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dalhousie University. "TD Bank Group's tremendous gift to Dalhousie University will inspire and support young people from Nova Scotia's black community to dream and build a better future for all of us."

"We're delighted to partner with Historica-Dominion Institute and Dalhousie University on the innovative education guide and scholarship," says Bruce Shirreff, Senior Vice President Atlantic Region, TD. "Both initiatives tie in strongly with our commitment to promote success in education for black youth and enhance Canadians' knowledge and sense of pride in the role of the black community in our history."

The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest charitable organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Visit www.historica-dominion.ca.


Dalhousie University, situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a world-renowned educational institution with a student population of over 16,000. Currently, Dalhousie University has 11 faculties that offer 3,700 courses in 180 areas of study. Since 1818 when the university was established, Dalhousie has been integral in supporting a vibrant and diverse community.


TD Community Giving TD invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2010, TD donated over $50 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.

Canadians donated more than 640,000 gift-filled shoe boxes to the world’s needy children in 2010

New, convenient option to pack boxes online available year-round

CALGARY, February 10, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Thank you Canada, you did it again! A total of 640,714 shoe boxes packed with toys, hygiene items and school supplies were collected across the country during the 2010 Operation Christmas Child campaign. That was slightly more than the 2009 total of 640,569.

Distribution of the 2010 shoeboxes in the developing world has already begun. During the next few weeks, children in Haiti, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Argentina, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Guatemala, and Venezuela will be receiving boxes packed by caring Canadians.

"We are very grateful for the participation of people of all ages in Operation Christmas Child again in 2010," said Randy Crosson, director of Operation Christmas Child Canada. "Each shoe box is a chance to show hurting children around the world that they are loved by God and by us, and the generosity of Canadians has given us the opportunity to bless over 640,000 children globally."

Thousands of people chose to pack their shoe boxes online this year, taking advantage of Operation Christmas Child's new service that enables visitors to our website to choose shoe box gifts, write a personal note and add a photo, and make a donation.

All shoe boxes packed online in 2010, plus all shoe boxes from Quebec in 2010, are part of a 50,000-box commitment to Haiti, where the need for hope and a reminder of God's love remains very strong after a deadly earthquake in early 2010 and cholera epidemic in late 2010.

Canadians wishing to become involved in Operation Christmas Child can pack a shoe box online at any time of year ( http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ/sbintro.aspx), and/or can contact Samaritan's Purse Canada to learn more about volunteering with the organization, donating gift box items, and traveling on shoe box distribution trips.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief and development organization. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and hand-delivered more than 77 million shoe box gifts to children in 125 countries around the world affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, disease, and famine.

Chautauqua Revival in Brooklyn, Coming Soon!

from TreeHugger.com
by Bonnie Hulkower, New York, New York

Derek Denckla, as part of his FarmCity efforts, is hosting a series of food related events at 61 Local Public House in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. 61 Local is a new establishment, dedicated to locally crafted food and beer. The series is entitled "Chautauqua", in tribute to historic cultural gatherings which started in upstate New York and spread to rural farm communities all over America.

The first Chautauqua was organized in 1874 by Methodist minister John Heyl Vincent and New York City businessman Lewis Miller at a campsite on the shores of Lake Chautauqua. Programming first focused on training Sunday school teachers, but quickly expanded its range. Chautauqua became so popular, that in less than a decade independent Chautauquas, called "Assemblies," sprang up in rural areas across the U.S. These "Chautauqua Assemblies" provided entertainment, including live music, Broadway plays and productions by the Metropolitan Opera. Many people saw their first movies in a Chautaqua tent. But the goal of the assemblies was also to challenge, inform, and inspire rural people, and the lectures were opportunities for the community to gather and listen to important political and cultural issues of their time.

Farm City's Chautauqua revives this tradition for urbanites -- building connections for city people to the land that their food was grown on, and the process of bringing food to the table, including the taste, display and ritual of food. Denckla's urban Chautauqua re-interprets the traditional rural Chatauqua Assemblies by bringing the benefits of food production into the city. "The Chautauqua's series aim", according to Denckla is "to create community through food, and vice versa". Denckla has assembled a varied team of artists and artisans who have created a roster of unique food related events and activities from a monthly book club to a community cooking club... read more story at TreeHugger.com

In her autobiography Mrs. Letitia Youmans (a Canadian Methodist) reports;

The summer of 1874 was to me memorable in shaping my future life-work.

The Sabbath-school periodicals now anounced an assembly to be held at Lake Chautauqua, the newest and, best methods of Sabbath-school work to be discussed by specialists in the different depatments for various localities of the United States. Normal classes were to be held each day, and a thorough drill in Bible study. A special attraction promised was the Palestine Park, a model of the Holy Land, laid out with great care and minuteness.

We took the train for Chautauqua, New York State, which we found to be a Methodist camp-ground, pleasantly situated on the shores of Lake Chautauqua. A short trip on a little steamer brought us to our place of destination. The Assembly, as it was called, had not yet opened, so that we had time to reconnoitre and locate ourselves. Comfortable lodgings in a private house were secured, and very much to my husband's delight, quite convenient to the Palestine Park, which to him became a daily resort.

...from the Norfolk Street United Church Archives

What Are Your 'Top Ten' National Historic Sites of Canada?

In Honour of Parks Canada's Centennial, Canada's History Declares its
Top Ten Ways to See, Hear and Touch the History of Our Country's Past
and Challenges Canadians to Add to the List

WINNIPEG, February 8, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - You can't travel back in time, but you can travel across Canada to experience a wide variety of historical and interactive getaways. From the monumental struggles between the British and French and the eventual Acadian expulsion, to the Klondike Gold Rush and the sacred sites now guided by the Haida Watchmen, the crucial turning points that define our history still resonate with us today.

"These places bring the past alive in a way books and television can't. People young and old can get a feel for what things were like in the past. And for young people, a positive experience at a historic site will often ignite a lifelong interest in further explorations of our history and heritage," said Nelle Oosterom, Senior Editor of Canada's History magazine. "This special project is a fun way for us to do two things: draw attention to ten National Historic Sites that we feel are leaders in creating unforgettable visitor experiences and secondly, encourage Canadians to tell us how they have been impressed, enthralled, entertained, or enlightened at the historic places they've experienced."

Storied Places Contest

In honour of Parks Canada's centennial, Canada's History magazine and Adventure Canada invite you to share your stories. Whether your experience is as a visitor, an employee, a volunteer or someone who has helped to build or construct one of almost 1,000 National Historic Sites, Canada's History wants to hear about your memories of these storied places.

Canadians of all ages are encouraged to write an essay of no more than 500 words about their favourite National Historic Site, and submit it along with a photograph. Entries to the Storied Places Contest will be accepted online at CanadasHistory.ca/StoriedPlaces, by email (storiedplacescontest@canadashistory.ca) or by regular mail to: Storied Places, Canada's History, Main Floor, Bryce Hall, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9.

The grand prize is an all expenses paid cruise for two from Greenland to Newfoundland tracing the Voyages of the Vikings and visiting one of our top national historic sites, L'Anse aux Meadows. Other prizes will be awarded for runners-up and honourable mentions. Deadline for entries is July 25th, 2011.

There is also a school-based contest that will run until December 31st, 2011. Teachers and students who submit entries as part of a class project will be eligible to win the "ultimate class field trip" to Ottawa. Five regional prizes, involving a visit to a National Historic Site are also available to be won. Details can be found at CanadasHistory.ca/UltimateParksFieldTrip.

Canada's History Lists Top 10 National Historic Sites of Canada

Canada's History has selected its top ten places that bring history alive in Canada on the basis of historical significance and visitor experience. This is the definitive "bucket list" for Canadian historical tourism. They are:

Fortress of Louisbourg, N.S. - Shine a Light on Canada's Seafaring Past

Louisbourg was once one of the busiest seaports in North America, thanks to the lucrative cod fishery of the Grand Banks. France spent 26 years constructing the strongest fortress on the continent. During the siege of 1758, the British dismantled every stone and brick. In 1961, the Canadian government began reconstructing the Fortress of Louisbourg and it now spans five hectares and features fifty buildings.

L'Anse aux Meadows, N.L. - When Vikings Roamed Canada

Did you know that Vikings landed in Canada around the year 1000 C.E? Imagine sitting by a fire in a Viking sod house in Newfoundland. A reconstructed Viking village rests on the isolated northern tip of Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. Explore tales of Vikings travelling to North America and experience how iron was first forged in the New World.

Grand-Pré, N.S. - On Broadway… Acadian Style

The heartbeat of Acadian history beats proudly in Grande-Pré, Nova Scotia. In 1755, Acadian settlers were expelled from the Maritime colonies and relocated to Britain, France and various British colonies. Fortunately, a memorial and celebration of their way of life still exists in the Annapolis Valley. Paintings of the deportation are on display in the Memorial Church and interactive theatre portrays life in Grand-Pré before the expulsion.

Fortifications of Québec City, Que. - North America's Only Fortified City

Thanks to the diligent efforts of Lord Dufferin, the Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878, the old French walls of Québec were proudly preserved for future generations. With layer upon layer of military history dating back four centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the colourful story of Québec's military and urban past.

Rideau Canal, Ottawa-Kingston, Ont. - Waterway Built at a Huge Human Cost

Tension between British North America and the United States after the War of 1812 sparked the construction of an alternate shipping link between Montreal and the Great Lakes. This remarkable engineering feat took five years to accomplish and required thousands of workers. Malaria contracted from swamps along the way is estimated to have killed 500 of the labourers, many of whom were recent Irish immigrants.

Lower Fort Garry, Man. - Heyday of the Fur Trade Comes Alive

The oldest stone fur trading post in North America, Lower Fort Garry was the headquarters for the Hudson's Bay Company's vast trading empire. Later, it was used as the first training base for the North West Mounted Police. It was also the site of the signing of the first numbered treaties and it later served as a penitentiary and insane asylum.

Batoche, Sask. - Métis Last Stand

The land southwest of Prince Albert is the site of the last battle between Métis and a militia organized by the federal government to quell the resistance movement led by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont.

Bar U Ranch, Alta. - Round Up Cattle Country History

Legendary for the colourful characters that passed through its corrals, the Bar U Ranch south of Calgary was home to 30,000 head of cattle in 1881. The offspring of its 1,000 Percheron workhorses pulled carts and trolleys in cities across North America. Learn how to throw a lasso and rein in a team of horses while reliving the Wild West at an historic cattle ranch.

Nan Sdins, B.C. - The Haunting Remains of a Haida Village

Visitors to this abandoned village on a remote island at Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) can see elaborately carved poles and houses that reveal what was once rich and flamboyant society. Today, Haida Gwaii Watchmen oversee the site and act as guides for the visitors who come here.

Klondike National Historic Sites, Dawson City, Yukon - Pan for Gold

At its peak in the 1890s, Dawson City was the largest community northwest of Winnipeg. Fuelled by a gold rush fever, saloons and brothels sprang up overnight to accommodate 30,000 people eager to risk their lives in search of new fortunes. Today, tourists explore a historical complex of Klondike-era buildings and visit a restored river boat, the largest wooden gold dredge in North America, and the Robert Service cabin.

About Canada's National History Society

Canada's History magazine is published by Canada's History Society, a Winnipeg-based charitable organization founded by the Hudson's Bay Company to promote greater popular interest in Canadian history. The organization also publishes Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids in French and English, and produces Canada's History Awards featuring the Governor General's Awards for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History and The Pierre Berton Award for achievement in popular media.

All Aboard!!

Renowned Canadian Fiddler Scott Woods from Fergus Ontario will be pulling into Guelph to deliver a live presentation of his all new 2011 show called All Aboard!

GUELPH, Ontario February 7, 2011 - All Aboard! is an old time fiddle variety show featuring Canadian Open and Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion Scott Woods and a band of incredibly talented performers. The show delivers a collection of old time fiddle music in the style of Canadian Fiddle Icon Don Messer, along with traditional country songs, gospel favourites, trick fiddling and some sensational Canadian step dancing sure to delight all.

The Scott Woods Band travels across Canada each year performing a limited number of engagements, all of which help to support churches, charities and other community groups. This ‘too good to miss’ concert will take place at Norfolk Street United Church on Saturday April 9th at 7 pm and proceeds help to support our church Outreach projects.

Find out more about Scott and his Band at his website

Tickets for this top notch entertainment are very reasonably priced at only $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under and can be purchased at the church, corner of Norfolk and Cork Streets, 9 am until noon, Monday through Friday or by calling 519-822-6165.

Amazing Footage of Uncontacted Amazon Tribe May Save Them from Loggers (Video)

from TreeHugger.com
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York

The notion that any society has survived the onslaught of plugged-in, media-saturated globalization without making contact with industrial civilization is tantalizing -- it's why the story of the 'uncontacted' tribe colliding with modern society has been an enduring popular narrative. But it looks as if those narratives can still be founded in reality, even in the modern era -- the BBC has just released film footage that captures one such tribe, that hasn't been contacted by the outside world. And a growing movement of conservationists hope to use the footage to protect the tribe's home from encroaching loggers -- who have already begun cutting into the unidentified people's home.

A stir was made over two years ago, when photos of the tribe surfaced -- along with stories of the people shooting arrows at the airplane flying overhead. Many alleged then that the photos were a hoax, some claimed it was an attempt by environmentalists to prevent logging... read more story and photos at TreeHugger.com

Here's the footage:

Restoring Food Security for Everyone Will Take Action on Many Fronts

from TreeHugger.com
by Lester Brown, Washington, D.C

Today there are three sources of growing demand for food: population growth; rising affluence and the associated jump in meat, milk, and egg consumption; and the use of grain to produce fuel for cars.

Population growth is as old as agriculture itself. But the world is now adding close to 80 million people per year. Even worse, the overwhelming majority of these people are being added in countries where cropland is scarce, soils are eroding, and irrigation wells are going dry.

Even as we are multiplying in number, some 3 billion of us are trying to move up the food chain, consuming more grain-intensive livestock products. As incomes rise, annual grain consumption per person climbs from less than 400 pounds, as in India today, to roughly 1,600 pounds, as among those living high on the food chain in the United States, where diets tend to be heavy with meat and dairy products.

When the United States attempted to reduce its oil insecurity by converting grain into ethanol, the growth in world grain demand, traditionally around 20 million tons per year, suddenly jumped to over 50 million tons in 2007. Roughly 119 million tons of the 2009 U.S. grain harvest of 416 million tons went to ethanol distilleries, an amount that exceeds the grain harvests of Canada and Australia combined. This massive ethanol distillery investment in the United States launched an epic competition between cars and people for grain.

On the supply side of the food equation, several trends are making it more difficult to expand production rapidly enough to keep up with demand. These include soil erosion, aquifer depletion, more frequent crop-shrinking heat waves, melting ice sheets, melting mountain glaciers, and the diversion of irrigation water to cities.

Farmers are also losing cropland to nonfarm uses. Cars compete with people not only for the grain supply but also or the cropland itself. The United States, for example, has paved an area for cars larger than the state of Georgia. Every five cars added to the U.S. fleet means another acre of land will be paved over—the equivalent of a football field... read more story at TreeHugger.com

The Salvation Army Elects Canadian as its Next International Leader

Commissioner Linda Bond to become The Salvation Army's 19th General

TORONTO, January 31, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Salvation Army has today announced its new world leader and the 19th General will be Canadian-born Commissioner Linda Bond.

Commissioner Bond becomes the third woman and the fourth Canadian to hold the post of General of The Salvation Army since the international church and charitable organization was founded 146 years ago.

The Commissioner, who currently heads up the church and registered charity's work in the Australian Eastern Territory, was elected by The High Council of The Salvation Army made up of senior leaders from around the world who met this week in Sunbury-on-Thames near London, England.

Commissioner Linda Bond (64) will have the title General-elect until she succeeds the current world leader General Shaw Clifton, who retires at the beginning of April.

Once in post as General of The Salvation Army, the Commissioner will become the head of more than one million Salvationists in 123 countries. The Salvation Army also has more than 100,000 employees who between them communicate in 175 different languages.

In recent days and months, The Salvation Army has been involved in relief work in the aftermath of the Australian floods, the devastating mudslide in Brazil, floods in Sri Lanka, and the New Zealand earthquake.

Commissioner Bond comes to the role of General of The Salvation with 42 years experience of Christian ministry and leadership.

Since 2008 Commissioner Bond has headed up The Salvation Army's work across Eastern Australia, a huge territory with its headquarters in Sydney. This includes the recently devastated state of Queensland where The Salvation Army continues to be heavily involved in assisting victims of widespread flooding.

Prior to this, the Commissioner worked at Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) in London, as the Secretary for Spiritual Life Development and International External Relations. This was her second spell at IHQ where she had previously served as Under Secretary for Personnel in the mid 1990s.

As a Salvation Army officer (ordained minister of religion and leader) Commissioner Bond has served in local corps (church) ministry, on the staff of Salvation Army national and regional (divisional) headquarters and as part of the training staff for new officers in her home territory of Canada and Bermuda. During those years she also served as a divisional and subsequently a leader of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

Other appointments have included divisional leadership roles in the Manchester region of the United Kingdom between 1998 and 1999, and as Territorial Leader in the USA Western Territory of The Salvation Army.

During the past five years under the leadership of General Shaw Clifton, the work of The Salvation Army has expanded into 12 new countries. The Salvation Army is now in 123 countries. During his term General Clifton established the Salvation Army's International Social Justice Commission, based in New York USA and the Army's Centre for Spiritual Life Development in London. The General and Commissioner Helen Clifton have also actively worked to aid the plight of struggling women and children around the world, including mobilising The Salvation Army in a concerted effort against human trafficking. Increasing the role of women in Salvation Army leadership has been of special concern to General Clifton and he has appointed many more women to senior leadership positions around the world than has occurred previously.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.