Giving to Women & Their Families of Ukraine on IWD and beyond
This IWD hits different and for many reasons. It’s been hard to “celebrate” in a whirl-wind of countless moments of discourse we are aware (and maybe not aware) of when it comes to the advancement of gender equality around the world and here at home over the past 2-3 years.
GIVING TO WOMEN OF UKRAINE THIS IWD & BEYOND.
Written by Kirsten MacDonell, Co-Founder
Graphic designed by iliustra
This IWD hits different and for many reasons. It’s been hard to “celebrate” in a whirl-wind of countless moments of discourse we are aware (and maybe not aware) of when it comes to the advancement of gender equality around the world and here at home over the past 2-3 years. The direct and secondary effects the Pandemic has had on women are especially cruel. Gender-based violence spiked. Economic security advancements heavily vulnerable. Inclusive leadership advancements also vulnerable to impact. These are just a few bruised societal advancements effecting women. Here are just a couple of statistics that paint a picture here in Canada. “Women accounted for 63% of the 1 million jobs lost as of March 2020, and 70% of losses by workers aged 25 to 54.” Our recovery rate since March 2020 is lagging as jobs come back to the market. “Women make up 60 per cent of those in Canada who are economically “struggling”, meaning that they report difficulty covering basic expenses and may need pay day loans or food banks to get by.” Source -www.canadianwomen.org. Furthermore, evidence shows that BIPOC communities are disproportionately impacted by these pandemic outcomes.
Now, imagine, your country has been attacked and an active, cruel and unprovoked war is now occurring on your door-step. You are fleeing, sleeping on trains while sharing a seat with a stranger. Crammed in cars with signs taped to the windows stating “children inside”, carrying all of what you could fit and leaving the rest behind.. You are a daughter saying good-bye to your father, a volunteer civilian soldier who only recently learnt how to use an assault weapon. You are the mother of children you had to peel off of their grandfather and their dad as you said good-bye to escape the danger. You are the aunt doing your best to put on a brave face to entertain your baby niece or nephew while in a bomb shelter you can barely stand up in… You are a woman who only as of weeks ago, is serving your country on the front lines with artillery strapped to your back and while wearing donated military gear…
Today, I saw a viral video of a little girl named Amelia singing “Let It Go” in a Kyiv bomb shelter. Instantly, it brought me to tears. My daughter, only a year or two younger than she, is also named Amelia (spelt “Emilia”) and she also sings “Let It Go” as it is her favourite movie. The relatability of it all was just too much and emotion took over. Today in Edmonton, I took Emilia with me as I offered my time and support to friends who are compiling a fundraiser to #standwithukraine. This all lead me to think this: It’s time we as mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, granddaughters, do what we know best - CARE for others. SUPPORT others. Support and care for these families enduring terrorizing moments that are going to forever change their lives and leave an imprint of trauma and devastation that will undeniably shape their futures.
Reaching out to Ukrainian-Turkmenian entrepreneur and fellow WorkNicer member, Daria Venkova, we learnt the following ways to act now and show our care for our fellow sisters and brothers of Ukraine this IWD.
Drop off a donation package to your local MEEST office: Click this link to see how you can send 2 boxes per day for FREE or $5.00 per kilogram by air.
Meest is also accepting your Amazon orders. Direct the address to Toronto’s Meest Head office and note HUMANITARIAN AID FOR UKRAINE on the package. Check out this list of needed items. Medical supplies such as pain killers, antibiotics, gauze are just to name a few top of the list as of now.
What makes me so proud to be an Edmontonian, an Albertan, and a Canadian is our “drop-everything and show up for others when the need it” spirit. I see it all of the time in our community. I know you see it too. It’s a beautiful thing that makes us unique and in my opinion great leaders in the world setting an example for many. We hope you find this blog post compelling enough to show more acts for caring. Caring for on another is what we, as women, are so damn good at… Just read every single mothers day card for sale right now and you won’t be able to deny that..
If you’d like to share more ways to get involved with our community, please reach out to hello@ybbconnect.com
The Goods on Planning International Travel in 2022 | Authentic Vacation Designs - Syndi Prokopich
2022 didn’t start out quite as expected with the pandemic beating us down, but one thing I keep hearing … this won’t end, so we’re ready to start planning! Below’s a short but important list to keep in mind when planning a trip this year …
We’re ALL looking forward to a new year filled with travel experiences.
Many of my clients have so many spectacular vacations already planned and dreams of creating incredible memories.
2022 didn’t start out quite as expected with the pandemic beating us down, but one thing I keep hearing … this won’t end, so we’re ready to start planning!
The last 2 years have meant uncelebrated milestone birthdays, anniversaries, kids/grandkids graduations and making up for lost time.
The biggest question … what should I expect when planning an International Trip for 2022?
Enjoy a short but important list to keep in mind when planning a trip this year …
STAY FLEXIBLE
Can’t stress this enough … the ability to rebook, knowing postponement is possible and keeping an open mind and heart … it’s not your fault.
KNOW YOUR CANCELLATION POLICIES
The Cancellation Policy for every service you book, is important to know and understand. Hotels, tours, transportation, flights … how will they be handled in the event of borders closing or countries instituting lockdowns.
That’s where I come in … in the event of a postponement, it’ll be handled for you as part of my service.
MASKS ARE NEEDED
You’ll need to be prepared to wear masks at the airports, for the duration of your flights, and anywhere else they’re required.
VACCINATION (WITH BOOSTER) WILL OPEN THE WORLD
Countries are starting to require travellers to not only be vaccinated, but also have boosters.
You’ll be required to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, museums, etc in many countries around the world. Know and understand all requirements and restrictions.
BE READY TO TAKE COVID TESTS
In addition to vaccine requirements, some countries require a negative COVID test to enter and then to return home. The test must be taken a maximum of 48-72 before boarding your flight, but is continually changing.
HAVE A LOCAL CONTACT
We ensure clients have the most up to date guidelines and COVID testing requirements for each country they’re visiting.
Most of our hotel partners offer testing onsite or assist by providing clients with information on where to get tested.
We partner with local travel suppliers/partners available to assist clients should any questions arise or if assistance is needed for a longer stay (should you test positive before coming home), or any other matters.
TRAVEL INSURANCE SPECIALISTS
Insurance has never been so important and valuable to my clients, as these last few years. It’s not a “consideration”, it’s a must.
Exclusive to my clients, we now offer the Priority protection Passport – Traveller Assurance Coverage. It’s an “add-on or enhancement” to your existing Medical and Travel Insurance, to give you peace of mind assurance. It does what Insurance Companies don’t do CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
By continuing to work with Preferred Partners around the world, my clients are taken care of every step of the way. These times have made travelling a bit more complicated, but we’ve adapted and adjusted to the new norm. My clients can continue to still travel safely and create unforgettable memories.
Need my help to plan that perfect next vacation? CONTACT ME cause Planning A Vacation Makes You Happy (me too!).
Want to always be in the KNOW ABOUT TRAVEL? CLICK HERE and let’s get you signed up for my fun and informative newsletter. OR pick your passion by CLICKING HERE. For sending me your email and signing up, I’ll send you a FREE DESTINATION GUIDE to a country or destination of your choice (with some REAL TIME INFO).
Did you know you can share this with other people? Friends or not friends, family or no family … anyone you think might love this! And I would be forever grateful to you, for doing that …
Submission by Syndi Prokopich
syndi@authenticvacationdesigns.com
Mad Love Monday - Larissa MacIsaac, Larilea Studios
To those of you who don't know me my name is Larissa MacIsaac. I grew up on a farm an hour east of Edmonton and moved to Edmonton at the ripe age of 18 to pursue a career in cosmetology.
MEET LARISSA,
To those of you who don't know me my name is Larissa MacIsaac. I grew up on a farm an hour east of the City and moved into Edmonton at the ripe age of 18 to pursue a career in cosmetology. After a journeymen license, a few jobs, a pandemic and a baby later I found myself diving further into my passion for photography!
Image | Coral Konanz
We asked Larissa a few questions to get to know her better and ask her to share some advice that might help others who are ready to take that jump into entrepreneurship!
1. Do you have a go to quote / motto?
Community over competition has been getting me through lately. Photography is a very populated industry but there are so many amazing people who have paved the way and offer amazing knowledge.
2. What's a personal goal of yours to accomplish?
Short term, Become a baby swaddling pro and expand further into Newborn and maternity photography. Long term, to be able to earn enough to supplement full time income and stay home with my daughter!
3. Work-life Balance: What you do to de-stress. What is your must-have moment of the day (me time?) We always like to relate with others by sharing our stressors and best practices that help. Photography helps me de stress, being able to capture memories for families is almost therapeutic for me. I also enjoy some Netflix binging before bed!
4. One piece of advice you would give someone wanting to start their own business.
You're your own worst critic, you are your only competition.
It's been an amazing two years working on finding my niche/editing style. I cannot wait to see where 2022 takes me on this journey and I look forward to connecting with so many more wonderful people!
When you’re a busy entrepreneur juggling work and family life, it can be overwhelming to add holiday shopping into the mix.