Karma Corner, living


Here’s your chance to do your part!
Poverty, disease, violence…there are a lot of things wrong with the world. Canadians are known for their kind nature and generosity, and there are plenty of great Canadian organizations out there that need your help! Whether you wish to donate some money or a few hours of your time (or both!), read on to find out about a few organizations fighting for some very worthy causes. 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| next


Canada has among the highest rates of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the world, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) is issuing a call to action for Canadians to break the taboo on “bathroom” talk and help advance public understanding of the urgency of finding a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, commonly referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This November is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Month. Throughout the month, CCFC will celebrate the courage of more than 200,000 Canadian men, women and children living with these debilitating diseases and hope to spur Canadians to help make finding a cure for IBD a priority. Click here for more information about the CCFC


The Africa Book Project is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities in African communities to assist children to reach their fullest potential. The organization’s work is based on the belief that every child is filled with infinite possibility. By working with communities and providing the resources needed to strengthen educational opportunities, the Africa Book Project helps these children fulfill their potential, and therefore break free from poverty. Since 2002, the organization has been collecting books for schools in Kenya where children are given a chance to read, that they may not otherwise have. The organization is also working on developing a community library aimed at children and youth. In addition, the Africa Book Project is working on having students write their own stories (written or visually with the use of digital cameras). This will allow the students to tell their own stories in their own words or through their own eyes. The stories will be compiled and put into their libraries, and shared with Canadian students through a story exchange. Click here for more information about the Africa Book Project


Since 1980, Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society has been providing shelter, hope and education for women and children fleeing domestic violence, building capacity and empowering families to live productive lives free of violence. Discovery House has 19 self-contained apartments and is the only second stage shelter in Alberta to provide wrap around services for the clients. Women and children receive individualized services including individual and group counselling, and life skills education designed to address their specific needs in the areas of safety planning, legal, financial and parenting issues, and the social, emotional, psychological and cognitive impacts of domestic violence. Discovery House has been highly successful in meeting its mission to provide integrated residential and community services for abused women and children, enabling them to live safely in the community. But violence continues to damage the lives of many families, especially children. Click here for more information about Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society


Yellow Brick House, operating in its 30th year, is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, counselling and supportive services to abused women and their children. Yellow Brick House programs are designed to help women and children rebuild their lives and live free from abuse. Programs for children include "Let's Talk" group therapy, Art Therapy and one-on-one counselling. Programs for women include "When Love Hurts" group therapy, legal court support, transitional housing support, one-on-one counseling and Reta's Place apartment units. Yellow Brick House is committed to challenging and eradicating the beliefs, values, systems and structures which support and perpetuate sexism and violence against women. The gravity and tragedy of violence against women and children cannot be overstated. Ultimately, the impact of violence is felt by everyone either directly or indirectly. Click here for more information about Yellow Brick House


Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary encourage kids from early childhood to adulthood, by providing programs and activities at over 25 locations. The goal is to provide a safe, supportive place where children can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. The programs are connected by their common focus of arts, recreation, educational support, employment preparation, life and living skills. The organization strives for inclusion and opportunity for all social and cultural backgrounds, respect and belonging, empowerment, collaboration and speaking out. The organization works with families, providing parenting programs, prevention, intervention, and family extension and support. Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary also runs Food & Nutrition in Schools (FANS) to offset the negative effects hunger has on learning, and also offers comprehensive services to children and youth on the street, through residential programs as well as foster care and adoption. Click here for more information about Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary


Nellie’s is a community-based women’s organization established in 1973 to help women and their children who are in crisis due to violence, poverty and homelessness. The Shelter operates a 36-bed emergency shelter for women and children who are homeless or who are leaving violence. The Shelter operates at almost 100% occupancy every year. Last year, Nellie’s provided shelter to 168 women and 44 children. Every year, Nellie’s turns away twice the number of women and children due to lack of resources and space. The Community Support and Outreach Program helps women and their children transition from Shelter to Community by providing aftercare and follow-up support and service to women and children who have left the shelter and women and children who are in need living in our community. Every year, Nellie’s helps over 750 women and their children gain access to a better future for themselves and their children. Click here for more information about Nellie’s

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Vicki Karigiannis
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