Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>
 Hi! Thank you for looking at my page! I’m collecting money to help recover from homelessness. My dream goal is to move to a city and find a job with a theatre company. I’d also like to be able to continue pursuing my own passions, making my own music, making videos, and writing. Thank you again for reading!
</div>

Vera’s Recovery Support Fund

<div>Hey all, Farid (Farfar) here. I'm writing this for one of my closest friends.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A good and longtime friend to the community, Matt (Daka), needs our help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Late July, in the sheer excitement of exploring life, Matt broke his ankle/heel.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Many of us know Matt, and have shared many moments together. Matt has gone out of his way to support so many of us: as a Chinese Medicine Doctor, an activist and sharer of knowledge, and an absolute giver to the community. He’s made his home a community hub to all those who've known him, willing us to inspire each other, hang out, and get shit done.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The doctor has said it'll take 6 weeks to recover, minimum. That means a total of 2.5-3 months of not working, not getting paid, with the ongoing pressure of grocery, rent, utilities, cat expenses, phone bills, etc. This is while he is financially and emotionally recovering from one of his lifelong feline familiars passing. It's been a tough time, to put it mildly.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you have the means to pitch in for whatever amount is available to you, I'd encourage it. If you want to share it so others can see and help out, please do so. Fundraisers shared 6-10 times within the first 3 days have a far higher chance of success.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you know our friend and wanna give him a supportive message, that is also lovely.
</div>

Helping Matt Get Back On His Feet

<div>Story - At 27 years old, I find myself facing a familiar but hard battle. Three years ago, I underwent surgery to repair a hole in my heart; today, I am fighting again, this time to correct severe valve leakage. The physical toll has been immense, leaving me with extreme fatigue and shortness of breath that makes every night a struggle. Because of the urgency of this procedure, I am reaching out to my community for help. While my ultimate goal is $20,000, I am starting with an initial milestone of $5,000.pl

</div>

Urgent Support for My Second Heart Surgery

<div><br />
</div>
<div>&lt;&lt;&lt; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-zeB06_LAY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click Here To Watch Edina's Story</a> &gt;&gt;&gt;
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>HOW YOU CAN HELP
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>1. Donate: Every dollar no matter how small or big, brings Edina closer to her goal.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2. Share: Amplify Edina's story across your networks. The more individuals in your community you can share this with the better.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>3. Connect: Introduce us to potential sponsors or practitioners who can support Edina with corporate sponsorship or to connect with a wider audience. Connect us with a platform where Edina can share her story through podcasts and interviews.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>4. Purchase some superfoods with her gift code and get 25% off your order. Gift Code is (silikacontortion) Link is: <a href="http://ltl.is/7yqvksc" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://ltl.is/7yqvksc</a>
</div>
<div>Feel free to reach out to Edina to set up a free consultation to learn which superfoods and programs are right for you!
</div>
<div>.............................................................................
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>MY FULL STORY
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Edina's journey from battling chronic inflammation, immobility and systemic infections, to becoming a celebrated circus performer and contortionist is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of alternative healing. Her story is one of overcoming adversity, embracing unconventional paths to wellness, and inspiring strength in the face of immense challenges. Her journey of transformation from pain to grace is not just a tale of physical resilience but also an inspiring story of mental fortitude.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Timeline of Edina's Battle and Triumph:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2004: Diagnosed with chronic rheumatoid arthritis at age 14, leading to severe mobility issues chronic pain and inflammation and the beginning of her long-term medical challenge.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2004-2008: Underwent trial and error with various drugs including prednisone, affecting her hormonal function, mental health, and leading to menstrual irregularity, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2008 Onwards: Prescribed a combination of Prednisone, Methotrexate, Humira Injections, Naproxen, painkillers, sleeping pills, and frequent rounds of antibiotics, marking the start of an 18-year dependency.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Around 18 Years Old: Edina turned to stretching and breathwork, dedicating 4 hours daily, significantly improving her mobility and mental health.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>6 Months Later: Progressed to contortion, hand balancing, and pole, finding freedom and passion in her body's capabilities, eventually becoming a recognized freelance circus performer.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2017: Paramedics rushed her to the hospital multiple times marking the beginning of her panic attack disorder which would last 3 years. Was put on Ativan and other anti-anxiety medications. Could not leave the house for long periods of time, began isolating herself and could not function normally in the world.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2020: Suffered 1 year of chronic sinusitis and severe migraines, chronic depression, panic attacks, major inflammation throughout her body, none of her medications were working. Began addressing her health with Purium Lifestyle Superfoods, focusing on nutrition, detox, and gut health, leading to the cessation of all her chronic pain symptoms and a significant reduction in inflammation in her body. Began lowering all her medications for the first time with success. She became a partner with Purium and began supporting other people with chronic health conditions to achieve better health through personalized nutritional programing and close follow up and care.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2023: Successfully overcame her addiction to sleeping pills with this lifestyle. Anxiety Disorder stopped. Got off of Zoplicone, Ativan, Percocet, Cipralex, Methotrexate, Humira injections, and was at the lowest dose or steroids (prednisone) for the first time in her life. She stopped needing regular rounds of anti-biotics.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>April 2023: Discovered through specialist Dr. Fred Hui and extensive testing that she was misdiagnosed. Experienced repeat infections return with h-pilori, e-coli and ear infections. Developed asthma and a severe chemical sensitivity including sensitivity to light and sound. Had to start using an inhaler. Had 2 pulmonary embolisms and other severe health complications due to prednisone. Decided to get off prednisone and went into steroid withdrawal for 8 months. Unable to work and perform, lost all mobility, in full body chronic pain, began losing all her hair, experienced adrenal failure and severe hypothyroidism. Edina required assistance with walking, dressing herself, and anything that required using her hands. Severe pain in all her joints prevented her from being able to brush her teeth, flush the toilet, open bottles, cook, lift anything, or go for walks longer than 10 minutes.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>September 2023: After 6 months of steroid withdrawal, her symptoms lessened with the use of daily detoxifying nutrition with Purium Superfood Lifestyle. Initiated 10 Pass Ozone Therapy under the care of Dr. Hui, seeing significant improvement in health, eradication of infection, and ease of damage from steroid toxicity and withdrawal. Adrenals and thyroid regulated, hair began growing back, regained her flexibility and strength and finally, a cessation of mood swings, depression, nerve pain, inflammation and joint pain. Began working again after 8 months off.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>December 2023: Faced new health setbacks, including severe infections and systemic flare-ups throughout her body and sick for 2 months unable to work again, underscoring the need for specialized surgery for jaw infections due to residual infections from 3 wisdom teeth extractions back in 2018.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2024 Planning: Requires travel to the United States for surgery to address jaw infections, with a comprehensive treatment plan including Ozone Therapy, EMF treatments, Spinal Flow Therapy, and travel expenses until May 2024 totaling $50,000 in costs.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>About Edina’s treatments and why surgery is necessary:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Edinas 10 Pass Ozone Therapies help to fight microorganisms in her blood stream, decrease inflammation and modulate the immune system. She has received weekly treatments since September 2023. Each session, 2 litres of her blood is filtered, ozonated and activated. She also receives Ozone injections directly into her joints. Treatments have been incredibly effective at fighting and clearing this infection. The question is why did this infection return after a negative PCR test? Her specialist suspected her jaw initially, but she showed no signs at the time. In December she became very sick for 2 months and her jaw swelled up. Tests showed she was dealing with a candida buildup in her mouth and head, and it became systemic leading to arthritis in the hips, low back and knees. She learned she had 3 residual infections. CBT scans show 3 areas in her jaw with 3 abscesses surrounded by osteonecrosis. An abscess is a clear sign of infection. These pockets are perfect hiding places for this lifelong infection. Unfortunately, with necrose bone and abscesses, there is no blood flow, and this is why her ozone treatments cannot access this area. There is a huge connection between oral health and systemic health. If Edina doesn’t remove the source, she will continue to have these infections re-enter her blood stream and cause severe reactive arthritis, flu-like conditions, and other repeat infections. Edina has had to be on anti-biotics and anti-fungal medication in conjunction with her treatments to fight this recent infection that’s lasted 2 months.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Urgent Support Needed for Edina:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Without ongoing treatment, Edina faces continued systemic flare-ups severely impacting her mobility, causing chronic pain, and preventing her from being able to perform and support others with their health. She faces significant cognitive impairment affecting her mental state, emotional state, and ability to process things. She will an increase in severe brain fog and debilitating migraines. Essential activities, her performing career and personal wellness coaching business will be on hold, stripping her of autonomy and the ability to support herself and help others. These treatments allow her to be able to perform daily activities and to support herself financially.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Living with an Invisible Disease:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Fluctuating conditions mean Edina can go from fully functional to needing complete care. Her condition can change overnight. Not only does this disease impact her physical body, but it also effects her brain function and mood. Inflammation in the brain causes severe migraines, brain fog, lowered mental acuity, chronic depression and anxiety impacting her ability to drive or function normally. Her profession as a contortionist contrast sharply with her physical vulnerabilities, often masking the severity of her condition. Despite the challenges, contortion has been her lifeline, offering physical and mental strength. These infections often lead to bone degeneration in adults however, due to her profession as an athlete and quality nutrition, Edina has been able to regenerate her body and avoid being in a wheelchair today which so often is the case for individuals with the same viral infection.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our Financial Goal:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We aim to raise $50,000 to support Edina's ongoing treatment and surgery needs. This goal encompasses a comprehensive plan to ensure Edina can continue her journey toward full health and continue inspiring and supporting others to achieve their best health. The breakdown of funds will go to essential therapies running until May 2024:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Travel Expenses ($850): $50 gas/week for Covering travel to treatment centers across Barrie, Oakville, and Mississauga.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Nervous System Regulation Therapy ($1,190): This supports the bodies ability to release blockages in the spine and allow her nervous system to enter into a restful state which improves her immune systems ability to fight infections and release toxins in the body. $70/ week
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-EMF Wave Treatments ($2,380): Using electromagnetic frequency, her practitioner can effectively eradicate bacterial and viral infections allowing her to avoid anti-biotics which negatively impact her health given her history with medications. These treatments are immediate and help to stop inflammation in its tracks. $140/week
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>- Ozone Therapy, Methylene Blue, and Chronic Fatigue Drip ($24,000): Key treatments to support Edina's immune function and combat micro-organisms by filtering out and detoxing her blood and supporting the immune function with crucial vitamins and minerals.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>- Cavitation Surgery and Accommodation ($20,000): Surgery is required to remove the residual infection from her jaw in 3 locations under general anesthesia with lasers, ozone injections and platelet rich fibrine and bone powder to support proper blood flow and healing. Specialized care scanning and imaging and treatments will be needed before, during and after the surgery as Edina is a high-risk patient with a viral infection. The surgery needs to be done under the care of a surgeon who specializes in holistic bio-dentistry and cavitation because Edina is at risk of systemic infections, severe inflammation and reactive arthritis. This quality of care is not available in Canada.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>- Partial support for the cost for Edina's stay during the treatment period ($1,580): Edina will need to stay in the states for 2 weeks for comprehensive testing and imaging, the procedure, and to be followed closely post-surgery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>- TMJ Chiropractic Therapy (Not included in the financial goal): Weekly sessions for jaw adjustment and mobility improvement due to TMJ issues. These weekly treatments will improve her haw mobility, reduce swelling and pain and promote better blood flow at the back of the jaw to ensure a higher success rate for post-surgery healing.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Edina's Mission:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Edina's mission is to advocate for those with "unknown" diagnoses promoting awareness and understanding of invisible diseases. She is passionate about bringing awareness on how individuals can advocate for themselves in the medical system. She seeks to emphasize the importance of holistic healthcare, nutrition, and alternative treatments that have significantly improved her condition. Edina wishes to inspire others by sharing her journey, showcasing the potential for change and healing through perseverance, alternative healthcare, and a positive mindset.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Why your support matters:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Your contribution will help alleviate the financial stress that this long and complex medical journey has placed on Edina and her family. It will enable her to continue working part-time and manage her personal bills while navigating this challenging period. Your contribution is more than financial aid; it's a lifeline that allows Edina to pursue healing beyond conventional medicine's reach, embodying hope for many facing similar battles. It's a gesture of belief in the healing power of alternative therapies and the resilience of the human spirit.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>How you can help:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>1. Donate: Every dollar no matter how small or big, brings Edina closer to her goal.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>2. Share: Amplify Edina's story across your networks. The more individuals in your community you can share this with the better.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>3. Connect: Introduce us to potential sponsors or practitioners who can support Edina with corporate sponsorship or to connect with a wider audience. Connect us with a platform where Edina can share her story through podcasts and interviews.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>4. Purchase some superfoods with her gift code and get 25% off your order. Gift Code is (silikacontortion) Link is: <a href="https://ltl.is/7yqvksc" target="_blank" style="color:inherit;" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="http://ltl.is/7yqvksc" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://ltl.is/7yqvksc</a></a>
</div>
<div>Feel free to reach out to Edina to set up a free consultation to learn which superfoods and programs are right for you!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In Conclusion:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Edina's journey underscores the importance of holistic approaches to health and well-being. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. Your support, in any form, can make a real difference in her life and future. By supporting Edina, you're not just contributing to her recovery; you're advocating for broader access to alternative healing methods and inspiring others to pursue their paths to wellness.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you wish to follow her journey for updates about her treatments along the way, follow:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>YouTube
</div>
<div>@cell-flovetransformation7722
</div>
<div>Instagram
</div>
<div>@silika_contortion
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>

Help Edina Rebuild Her Life After Chronic Illness

<div>Hello friends and family,
</div>
<div>Dima here
</div>
<div>Maybe you know me from Organic Family projects, parties, work, or just life... 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for reading this. We need to ask for help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My wife Dasha has been struggling with health issues from April of 2020 and we cannot seem to understand it. 
</div>
<div>The symptoms are very complex, vague, and frustrating. It is drastically effecting her quality of life, and her ability to be there for her kids and our family. She has been in and out of the hospitals many times, and undergone many scans and assessments with no answers.
</div>
<div>She's been tested for:
</div>
<ul>
<li>Lymes
</li>
<li>Multiple Sclerosis
</li>
<li>Depression/ major anxiety disorder
</li>
<li>Vertigo
</li>
<li>Astigmatism
</li>
<li>labyrinthitis
</li>
<li>Functional neurological syndrome 
</li>
<li>Visual snow syndrome
</li>
</ul>
<div>Dasha spent 6 months in Ukraine consulting with different doctors and doing every possible tests with no answers 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>While she was in Ukraine, an MRI revealed a 3+mm angioma in the right lobe, and a 6+mm pineal cyst on her brain stem. After 6 month in Kiev, she returned back to Canada on May 5, 2021 and her symptoms worsened.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>She was gradually loosing her eyesight, describing her vision like "Alice in Wonderland" or "living under water". She developed numbness in her cheeks and fingers and feels constant pressure at the top of her head. Fast movements around her create tunnel vision, and when people speak with her, she hears their voices "inside" of her head.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Being at different specialist and visiting different ER's in Canada hasn't give us any answers. All the doctors we've been in touch with are just shaking their heads saying they do not understand what's going on with her. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Recently we were suggested a treatment by neurologist that may be able to help. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>After running preliminary tests in a private neurological clinic in Canada, we decided to give it a try as one of our last resorts. 
</div>
<div> Unfortunatley it isnt covered under free healthcare in Canada. 
</div>
<div>
<h1 style="font-size:34px;font-family:Quicksand;line-height:1.4;letter-spacing:normal;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:normal;"><i>Toronto’s Leading Neurofeedback,<br />Biofeedback Neuro Rehabilitation Institute</i></span><br />
</h1>
</div>
<div>
<div>Recommended Training Protocol:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>**4 weeks of advanced training and
</div>
<div>express preparation sessions for
</div>
<div>two to three sessions per week-
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-These sessions will consist of 
</div>
<div>Biofeedback, HRV training, 2- and 4- 
</div>
<div>channels Neurofeedback training, 
</div>
<div>nutritional and supplements 
</div>
<div>recommendations, Sleep Hygiene 
</div>
<div>techniques, neuro-education, postural 
</div>
<div>exercises, and Sensory-motor
</div>
<div>integration training. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>*A 5-day Express Protocol, which
</div>
<div>is 3 sessions per day for 5 days
</div>
<div>in a row.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-These sessions will consist of 
</div>
<div>Neuromodulation techniques (ie. 
</div>
<div>Stimulation of cranial or peripheral 
</div>
<div>nerves), eye movement exercises, 
</div>
<div>Sensory-motor integration training, 
</div>
<div>reaction time training, head-eye 
</div>
<div>coordination exercises, vestibular 
</div>
<div>rehabilitation methods, Biofeedback, and 
</div>
<div>Neurofeedback training. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>*After the Express Protocol, 6-8
</div>
<div>weeks of sessions for 2-3 times a
</div>
<div>week (the optimal is 3 times a
</div>
<div>week) for continued progress.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-These sessions will consist of 4- and 19- 
</div>
<div>channels Neurofeedback training, eye 
</div>
<div>movement exercises, Sensory-motor 
</div>
<div>integration training, reaction time 
</div>
<div>exercises, biofeedback, and 
</div>
<div>Neuromodulation techniques
</div>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We have tried many different approaches and still haven't gotten anywhere. B<span style="letter-spacing:0.0085px;">eing in this situation for this long has thinned our resources drastically. </span>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Healing is a process and the road is long but we wont give up.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>To ask the community for help isn't a decision taken easily. We hope you can understand and support us in this hard times.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Love Dima &amp; Dasha 
</div>

Help Dasha with Her Neurofeedback Therapy

<div>In the late hours of Friday, September 10th 2021, my husband, <em>Stephen ‘Steveo’ Bruce Westfall</em> unexpectedly passed away.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>He was a gentle soul. He always tried to make others laugh - which for him - wasn’t very difficult to do. Stephen grew up in Toronto with his older brother and became a friend to everyone who met him. The way he built connections with complete strangers was jaw-dropping. I don’t know how he did it.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Like everyone else, Stephen had demons to face and his struggle was neither short or easy. On August 14th 2021, Stephen was transported to the ICU at South Health Campus in Calgary, Alberta, where his mother and I watched him fight for his life on a ventilator for 10 excruciating days.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>If you knew Stephen, you knew how much fight he had in him. He made a very quick recovery once he was disconnected from life support and advocated for himself non-stop as he wanted a future full of sobriety and happiness. He was granted a second chance at life and he planned on making the most of it. Together we fought tirelessly against social workers, nurses, doctors and addiction counsellors that did not want to give him five minutes of their time. I held my husband in my arms every single day and listened to him cry for help because he did not want to go back to his old habits. He needed support and encouragement but was overlooked due to the stigma surrounding addiction. He cried to anybody who would listen and begged them to help him get into a treatment centre. He filled out applications for every single centre in the province. He begged and pleaded for some sort of guidance, for somebody to extend a helping hand <em>but not a single one was offered. </em>
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>The system failed my husband. Treatment centres have a minimum one month wait in Alberta (unless you pay for privatized treatment ranging from $500-$1200 a day) and no programming or out-patient services are offered during this time. “There’s nothing we can do. Just get your methadone every day and hopefully a bed opens up”. That was it. That was all the nurses could say. They looked at an addict who was <strong>begging</strong> for help and tossed him to the street to give a bed to someone who ‘needed it more’.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>He had no life skills, no tips or tricks to help him remain sober. He was terrified of relapsing. Addiction is a disease, it’s an uphill battle, and it’s not a battle that is usually won without supports set in place. As strong as he was, we live in a city so overrun by drugs that all you have to do is walk out your front door and three people already have opiods in your face. Not many people stand a chance in a situation like his.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>He wasn’t a ‘junkie’, a ‘crackhead’ or a nuisance. He was a human being. He was a brother, father, son, friend and husband. He put up one hell of a fight the last while.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Despite discouraging events, Stephen did what he could. He attended methadone apppintments daily, he cut out fentanyl <strong>completely</strong> and he was blossoming into the best version of himself. It was incredible. I have never witnessed someone fight so hard to better themselves, even after 9 years of working in social services with hundreds of clients coming my way.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Stephen just turned thirty-three years old in July. <em>He was only 33. </em>He leaves behind his wife, an 11-year old son who loves him to pieces, his parents, his brother and so many people who were rooting for him. He tried his hardest to overcome addiction but time was not on his side.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>We are left with these gigantic holes in our hearts as well as the financial burden that comes with end of life plans.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Stephen was receiving Alberta Works, therefore he does not qualify for the governments financial assistance programs that would help his family and I cover the costs of his cremation and all that comes with it. I, myself, am in the middle of switching jobs and have just gone back to work after unpaid mental health leave due to the trauma of Stephen being on life support.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>I know that a lot of you reading this didn’t have the opportunity to meet Stephen, but as his wife and his best friend, I want you to know that he was a very generous person. He wasn’t a no-good addict, he had plans and goals. He took his shoes off in the dead of winter to give them to another homeless individual who did not have any and walked to a shelter in his socks. He has literally given the shirt off of his back to someone in need. He was a very bright light in a world full of darkness and he of all people deserves to depart this world with dignity and respect.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>I am never one to ask for financial assistance, I didn’t think that I would ever have to, especially like this.
</div>

<div>My husbands body, mind and soul deserve to rest and finally be at peace and that’s all I want to give him as a final goodbye.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>The cost of Stephen’s cremation (and all that comes with it) will total around $4,000 - $5,000 after tax. I do not have savings, I’m up to my neck in student loans and I cannot get a credit card. Because I do not have any options available to me, I am asking my friends and family for support during this very difficult time in hopes that my past generosity is reciprocated. $3 or $5, any donation amount is appreciated more than one can fathom and means the absolute world to me.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Please help me lay my baby to rest,
</div>

<div>and from the bottom of my heart, <em>thank you.</em>
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>- Montana
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div> 
</div>
<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631395236681375_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631395167556368_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>
<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631394450762118_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631395296714706_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631394670717993_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631394846445309_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631394897105033_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631398901846571_r.jpeg" alt="59893069_1631398901846571_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631399334200505_r.jpeg" alt="59893069_1631399334200505_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631399355470207_r.jpeg" alt="59893069_1631399355470207_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631399404264866_r.jpeg" alt="59893069_1631399404264866_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631399497193361_r.jpeg" alt="59893069_1631399497193361_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631399878599614_r.jpeg" alt="59893069_1631399878599614_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/59893069_1631399902429804_r.jpeg" alt="59893069_1631399902429804_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

Stephen’s Final Farewell

You are supporting the efforts to protect some the world’s last ancient rainforests! Thank you!<br /><br />This is a volunteer driven, grassroots, direct-action movement to protect the last remaining ancient temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island. We’re committed to keeping our eyes on as many stands of intact old growth as we can, to challenge the outdated and irresponsible forestry practices that must be immediately changed and to halt the destruction of these globally important forests.<br /><br />We’re currently supporting efforts on unceded Pacheedaht territory, holding down blockade positions on logging roads where there is active road building or that access approved and impending clearcuts.<br /><br />One camp leads into the unlogged Fairy Creek watershed, the last intact watershed in the San Juan river system, others are in surrounding areas where road building and clearcutting of ancient rainforest is quickly pushing ahead. <br /><br />We call for an immediate moratorium on ALL destruction of old growth forests now and forever and for a viable transition to an ecologically and economically responsible forest economy.   <br /><br /><br /><strong>Old-Growth forests are almost gone! </strong><br /><br />Due to decades of British Columbia government policies along with logging companies’ unwillingness to alter their practices of irresponsible clearcut logging, old-growth forests including the extreme biodiversity that they house, face near-total eradication. These forest ecosystems hold stands of trees that are 100’s of years old and they CAN NOT regenerate. <br /><br />EVERY DAY, on Vancouver Island alone, 32 soccer fields (~ 85 acres) of old-growth temperate rainforest – representing the last 1% of these rare, irreplaceable and internationally significant forests – are logged.<br /><br />In a downward spiraling climate and biodiversity crisis, which threatens the future of all life on Earth, this situation calls for widespread and immediate change. <br /><br /><strong>We are organized by 100% volunteer labor and spontaneous, community-driven mobilization</strong><br /><br />We seek mutually respectful alliances between Indigenous and non-Indigenous forest defenders to protect lands which have never been ceded or surrendered. Sovereign Nations have stewarded this land since time immemorial but much of this land has been destroyed by generations of colonial/capitalist resource exploitation and abuse.<br /><br /><strong>Your help is needed!</strong><br /><br />While camps and blockades are currently operating as enclosed units, locked down in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, these folks need support and will be welcoming tourists and visitors again when it is safe to do so.<br /><br />In addition to this GoFundMe, donations of material objects are welcomed, there is running list of needs at hand - send us a message if you feel like helping in that way. <br /><br />Every contribution helps to ensure our frontline forest defenders are looked after. Donations are directed towards a wide range of uses including outfitting camps with accommodations to stay warm and dry and with supplies to stay safe and able to communicate with the outside world, for transportation, and for various other initiatives such as promotional material.<br /><br /><strong>With your support, we have and will continue to build on:</strong><br /><br /><em>Base Camp - </em><br /><br />Maintaining a safe base camp that can act as a visitors’ centre when it is safe to travel again. Base camp operates under a strict COVID-19 safety plan and has:<br /><br />- a furnished elder’s tent, to support visits from First Nations elders (when it is safe to do so)<br />- state of the art satellite communications technology that enable activists to be safe and to information to media and supporters in real time<br /> <br /><em>Eyes on the old growth - </em><br /><br />We’re able to maintain active tabs on as many impending clearcuts and road building projects as we can manage. Using real time satellite imagery and by accessing publicly available resources we’re keeping our eyes on the old growth. We actively encourage that forestry work happen only outside of ancient forest ecosystems in areas where 2nd or 3rd growth timber can be harvested.<br /><br /><em> Additional camps - </em><br /><br />We’re able to mobilize safely and quickly in order to put an immediate halt to active destruction of old growth. <br /><br /><em>Also - </em><br /><br />We have a legal team to challenge a potential court injunction that would have forest protectors arrested. With your donations we’re actively building a legal fund that we hope to never use. If we succeed in halting these outdated practices we will pass our legal fund on to another worthy cause. <br /><br />We're also planning for the future, our goal with this fundraiser is to not only maintain monthly operations but also to ensure we can continue and expand. <br /><br /><strong>Budget:<br /><br /></strong>Your donations are being managed with a high degree of fiscal responsibility. We keep a few months of operating costs set aside in the event that they are needed and we're now putting aside 70% of all donations towards a legal defense fund, just in case it is needed.<br /><br /><strong>Chronology of Events - the 1st month (expanded chronology is in each update)</strong><br /><br /> - August 1: Discovery of Stone Pacific (subcontractor to Teal Jones) road construction cresting the ridge into the unlogged Fairy Creek watershed.<br /><br /> - August 9: Grassroots activists from across Vancouver Island meet at Lizard Lake. To prevent the cutting, bulldozing and blasting activity into Fairy Creek headwater planned for the very next day, they decide to mount an emergency logging road blockade. This is set up at the end of Reid Mainline, on a high ridge on the western side of Fairy Creek. Notice is sent to Pacheedhat First Nation Chief and Council and Elder Bill Jones of primarily settler-activist intentions to block road-building operations on their unceded territory.<br /> <br /> - August 10: Ridge Camp blockade turns away Stone Pacific road and falling crews. A call-out goes to the public to join the camp and defend against logging road construction <br /><br />into this last unlogged watershed in the San Juan River system.<br /><br />- August 17: A second blockade is established at another road access point into Fairy Creek, at River Camp, along Granite Mainline in the Renfrew Creek watershed, on the east side of Fairy Creek.<br /><br /> - August 24th: A temporary, pop-up blockade is set up on Truck Road 11. It is aimed at halting road-building and logging of old-growth forests on Edinburgh Mountain, across from Fairy Creek in the San Juan river basin.<br /><br /> - August 31: Ridge Camp blockade is moved 7kms down the road to a new blockade location. This one is aimed at halting road-construction into Fairy Creek and logging of contiguous old-growth forest adjacent to the Fairy Creek watershed.<br /><br /> - September 4-6: Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones releases an official letter of invitation to Indigenous and non-Indigenous forest defenders to unite on the Territory as his guests to defend the old-growth rainforests on his ancestral lands. A delegation of Indigenous youth and Elders from many territories visit the blockades to further advise on appropriate respect protocols for forest defenders taking action on the land. An Elder's tent is built at River Camp and structural work begins to center decolonial values.<br /><br />- See updates for more!<br /><br />Links for more information:<br /><br />Fairy Creek Info Video <br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBnhktwJIo4&amp;t=7s"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBnhktwJIo4&amp;t=7s" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBnhktwJIo4&amp;t=7s</a></a><br /><br />Scientific American Article <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/old-growth-forests-help-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">about old growth and climate change</a>

Direct Action for the last Ancient Rainforests

Hello All -<br /><br />Covid has made life difficult for a lot of us, but for some of us, it's been destructive beyond words. Julie Jolicoeur has been hit hard this year and we want to help her out.<br /><br />Mid-December, after months of fighting for her rights as an ex-pat in France, Julie was contacted by the Canadian embassy in France and told that she should prepare to leave the country imminently. Despite being at high risk of severe Covid, she boarded a plane on December 22 for Canada, having no choice, and this after her apartment was broken into in France, she stopped receiving mail and deliveries. After fifteen years of living abroad and working with children for a minimal salary and hosting our beloved Lemon Tree House residencies, Julie deserved better but was forced to abandon all of her belongings and forced out of the place she called home. She wasn't even able to bring back her computer, phone or anything and has been living without any of these luxuries, waiting for a journalist friend to ship what is possible to be shipped back to Canada and filing police report after police report after being hacked. She has already survived a stint of homelessness post-quarantine in Toronto, due to her allergies and none of us being able to house her (pets) and local Covid restrictions making finding a home impossible, and even after two months of keeping on like a warrior, she still doesn't even have access to health care in Canada yet. We are doing what we can to help her out and keep her fed, as Julie doesn't have a loving family to lean on for support, like some of us do.<br /><br />Julie spent the pandemic volunteering her time with kids around the world, raising money for families in need through a virtual museum program and being her usual generous self. Now that we have finally found her a pet-free place to live, we want to help Julie get back on her feet again and give her back a dose of the community feeling she has provided us all with over the years through her residencies, and show her what a loving community can do and restore her faith in humanity a little. We can do that!<br /><br />This summer, Julie also quietly turned forty alone. Due to Covid, she was unable to celebrate her birthday friends and spent the day alone in her flat, depressed. Her morale has never been so low as now and she is in truly dire straits these days, after her entire life has been uprooted over the past year and today she needs our help. So we are holding a very late 40th birthday fundraiser for Julie, in the effort to keep her afloat through this painful &amp; transitory time and to give her back what we can. Julie is still hoping to keep The Lemon Tree House alive - a program she started from absolutely nothing but pure love - one that we don't want to ruin her financially as a result of travel restrictions imposed by governments leading to further cancelations of 2021 programs on top of what has already been a destructive year for her financially speaking. Due to the international component, which is what made The Lemon Tree House so great for most of us, the program itself is obviously particularly touched by Covid restrictions. So this is our chance to show Julie she is loved - and believe me, she needs the reminder at the moment - and I know we can help transmute this difficult time into something beautiful, that's exactly what artists do.<br /><br />Please contribute as much as you possibly can spare, and thank you in advance for your compassion and generosity! We know Julie will appreciate this gesture so much, as difficult as it is for her to ask for help and we're positive she will cry like a baby from all the love. And she needs really needs some love after the Hell she's been through.<br /><br />Sincerely -<br /><br />Anna Sapershteyn<br />The Lemon Tree House

Julie's 40th birthday life saver

Hello Friends! <br /><br /><br />As some of you know, Kitty started laying eggs late in life. Her last two clutches went fine but this year, her eggs got stuck! <br /><br />Luckily my vet was able to induce and we got the 1st one out, but the 2nd one is still lodged in there! <br /><br />We have induced her 3 more times and nothing has worked. Every day she is straining, trying to get it out. This has gone on for over a month. <br />If her egg remains inside of her it will eventually CALCIFY and block her organs from functioning and she will die.<br /><br /><strong>The GOOD NEWS</strong><br /><br />•My vet has found a surgeon that CAN remove her egg without cutting into her shell. <br />•this surgery will go in through her soft tissue <br />•We can operate as early as next week!!!<br /><br />However...my funds were exhausted by the 1st egg...and this is where you can help! <br /><br />They gave me an estimate of anywhere between <strong>$2,500-$3,000 for everything</strong>. <br /><br />If you can donate <strong>ANY AMOUNT it WILL HELP!</strong> Seriously I would be grateful even for the smallest donation. I know these are tough times for all of us, but anything will help! <br /><br />And please share. If you love or know Kitty, you know she is a remarkable and wonderful turtle. She's in her last years now, and I want to be sure she's comfortable and healthy!!! <br /><br />Thank you friends. Please feel free to share.<br /><br /><strong>****Fun facts and Some Background on Kitty***<br /><br /></strong>♡In the summer of 1996, my then bf and I found Kitty in an aquarium that was being thrown out in the Annex, Toronto. <br /><br />□She is considered very old and likely is having reproductive problems because of her age. She did not start laying eggs until she was 21.<br /><br />●Kitty is a yellow bellied cooter native to Florida and does not hibernate <br /><br />♤Kitty knows her name and comes when you call her<br /><br />♡Being a semi-aquatic turtle, she can only eat in the water and uses it to swallow her food. She cannot eat on dry land, but needs to dry off and bask in the sun.<br /><br />○Her favourite foods are lake smelts, salmon and steak.

Kitty's Egg needs surgical removal!

<p>Hi my name is Khaleel Seivwright, I am a carpenter and I've raised money to rent a garage and buy materials for building durable insulated tiny shelters for homeless people across Toronto who might be living outside this winter. These tiny shelters are designed to be mainly heated by body heat and because of their size and the insulation value of the walls ceiling and floor just body heat alone should be enough to keep the shelter around 16 degrees Celsius in -20 temperatures. This will also depend on the quality of construction. <br /><br />I am also accepting donations of building materials such as:<br /><br />Insulation<br />Plywood<br />small double or triple glazed windows <br />2x4 and 2x6 <br />6mm poly<br />tyvek or other house wrap<br />door hinges and latches<br />tuck tape<br />siding materials<br />roofing materials<br /><br /><br />This first shelter which does not have completed siding yet cost about $1000 dollars to build with brand new material. I plan on using the the possible 20,000 to pay for this space which is $450 a month to store material and build in a controlled environment. The rest of the money would be used on building supplies. If there is enough interest in this project I will work on these structures full time.<br /><br />I'm excited to do this because I know it can work, I love designing and building different interesting ideas and I know it might help atleast a few people get through this winter who might not and others in the future as well. As shelters are usually at capacity at some point in the winter in Toronto and also because of this coronavirus, making space to allow for social distancing will put even more strain on Toronto's capacity.  For some its more difficult to find a shelter that can accommodate them and their pets or belongings and others refuse to be in shelters for other reasons. I am building these shelters for those that will live outside this winter.<br /><br />I will be posting updates of progress and the building of each shelter as this goes on. Thank you for supporting me to do this.
</p>

Sean Mclean

Sean Mclean

Ses centres d'intérêt

Causes à la une

À propos de moi