The entire world has turned their attention to the massive fire evacuation in Fort McMurray. As an Ambassador for the Red Cross I am experiencing what it takes to evacuate 88,000 out of the region, relocate them, have them register for aid, and offer multiple levels of support. I am being asked daily, "what can I do to help?" The answer is to donate to the Red Cross before the end of May. The Government is matching all donated funds until May 31 so this is the time to maximize our assistance.
Donate online at redcross.ca; call 1-800-418-1111 or text FIRES to 45678 to make a $10 donation or text REDCROSS to 30333 to make a $5 donation.
The Humanity of HeART
Before the fires, I was out with the Canadian Red Cross visiting La Loche, Stony Rapids, Fond-du-Lac and Wollaston SK, and then celebrated World Red Cross Day, May 8, in Ottawa. Please take a few minutes to watch The Humanity of HeART - a tribute to the Red Cross - featuring performances from the 2015 One Spirit of World Dance in Calgary. Hard to believe it's been a year since the Nepal earthquakes and $27 million raised from Canadians alone.
Spring
...from your desk, from the couch and into action! May is filled with action campaigns and I'm proud to be part of "Every Plate Full" with Food Banks Canada. Just $1 can put 3 meals on the table for those who are hungry this summer. 120 organizations are participating coast to coast with a goal to serve 3.4 million meals. Contribute online at everyplatefull.ca and follow at facebook.com/FoodBanksCanada.
Here's an enthusiastic group out of Athabasca, AB willing to lead the charge.
For my Calgary community, please check out I Can for Kids. Spearheaded by 12-year old Sutton Garner, this campaign was developed to help end summer childhood hunger.
A $5 food pack purchase (online or at Save-On-Foods) will provide a hungry child with 3 kid-friendly meals and 2 snacks this summer.
Springboarding
Our first investinWE community engagement session with 14 non-profit agencies happened on April 28.
This was the start to creating sustainable partnerships for all those wanting to help others. Beautifully blogged by David Anthony Hohol at Calgary Immigrant Educational Society: National Team Building is in the works.
Do Spirits Wear Shoes?
Or leave a footprint? Join me on a Spirit of the Badlands quest beginning in Medicine Hat on May 14. "Hoo-Doos and Don'ts" and other tales of the people in this magical place in Alberta begins with #mybadlands.
Ottawa - June 11 -
Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala - I'll be part of the honoring for Susan Aglukark, 2016 GGPAA recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award (popular music). Hear my thoughts on winning this prestigious award in 2014.
Words
My book "364 - Timeless Wisdom for Modern Times" -
Order the hardcover version online now.
Music
Ballads Not Bullets and 'Twas In the Moon of Wintertime can be found on
iTunes and
Amazon.
"I only want to see you laughing in the Purple Rain". Prince. RIP
