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Is anyone going to talk about the fact Trump said he would donate to charities for soldiers/veterans and still hasn't? But tell people who are protesting for just human rights that they should be fired. So I want to make a lovely challenge called Help the people. 

Help the people challenge is when you just donate to a charity or share on social media so that people who can spare a couple bucks to donate. Rules are just do something to help people in this world who need help. It can be like donating online or if you see someone who needs help in the outside world. It can be something as simple open the door for someone else. 

I just want to see some love in the world.

A New Year's Resolution in Action: Donating to the Canadian Red Cross for Alberta Wildfires Shaina Tranquilino August 2, 2024

As we step into the month of August, I find myself reflecting on one of my New Year’s resolutions that has become a deeply fulfilling part of my year: dedicating each month to supporting a different organization that resonates with me. This personal commitment not only allows me to contribute to causes I care about but also helps me stay connected to the pressing issues our world faces.

For the month of August, I have chosen to direct my support to the Canadian Red Cross, particularly to aid their efforts in combating the devastating Alberta Wildfires. The choice to support the Red Cross was influenced by the recent news reports and stories of those affected by the wildfires. The sheer scale of the disaster and the human impact it has created a strong urge within me to lend a helping hand.

Why the Canadian Red Cross?

The Canadian Red Cross is renowned for its swift and effective response in times of crisis. With its extensive network and resources, the organization has been on the front lines, providing essential services to those displaced and affected by the Alberta Wildfires. Their work includes emergency relief, evacuation support, and long-term recovery assistance. By donating, I am not only contributing to immediate relief efforts but also supporting the broader recovery and rebuilding initiatives that will help communities get back on their feet.

The Impact of Your Donation

Even a small contribution can make a significant difference in disaster relief efforts. The Canadian Red Cross utilizes donations to supply basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, as well as to fund critical services like mental health support and community rebuilding. Knowing that my donation will help provide these vital resources is incredibly motivating and reinforces the value of my resolution.

How You Can Get Involved

If this cause speaks to you as it did to me, there are several ways you can contribute:

Make a Donation: Visit the Canadian Red Cross website to make a financial contribution. Every dollar helps in the fight against the wildfires and supports those in need.

Volunteer: Consider offering your time and skills to support local relief efforts. Volunteers play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery.

Spread the Word: Share information about the Alberta Wildfires and the Canadian Red Cross on social media to raise awareness and encourage others to contribute.

Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest updates on the situation and the Red Cross’s efforts to better understand the ongoing needs and how you can help.

My journey of donating to a different organization each month has been a rewarding experience, offering a sense of purpose and connection to various causes. August’s focus on supporting the Canadian Red Cross and their critical work in response to the Alberta Wildfires is a reminder of the power of collective action and compassion. By coming together to support those in need, we can make a tangible impact and help build a stronger, more resilient community.

As the wildfires continue to affect countless lives, I encourage you to join me in supporting this vital cause. Together, we can contribute to the relief and recovery efforts that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.

Here's to making a positive impact, one month at a time. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/crisis-relief-center/jasper-alberta-wildfire-relief-crc/?utm_source=landingpage&utm_medium=CHcrc&utm_campaign=homepagerotator

Part 2: What to Do When You're in the Midst of a Forest Fire: Essential Safety Tips Shaina Tranquilino August 2, 2024

Forest fires can be sudden and terrifying, posing severe risks to anyone in their path. Whether you're a hiker, camper, or resident in a fire-prone area, understanding how to respond in the midst of a forest fire is crucial for your safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you find yourself caught in the midst of a forest fire.

1. Stay Informed

Monitor Alerts and Updates: If you’re in an area prone to wildfires, always stay informed about local fire conditions. Use a battery-powered radio, smartphone, or other reliable sources to receive updates from emergency services. Understanding the fire’s location and direction will help you make informed decisions.

Know Your Escape Routes: Before heading into a forested area, familiarize yourself with potential evacuation routes and safe zones. This preparation can save precious time during an emergency.

2. Find a Safe Location

Seek Shelter: If you are near a fire, your primary goal is to find a safe location away from the flames and smoke. Ideally, move towards a cleared area or an open field where the fire is less likely to spread. Avoid dense forests or areas with heavy vegetation, as these will fuel the fire.

Avoid Areas with Flammable Materials: Stay away from areas with a lot of dry brush, logs, or dead trees. Fires can spread rapidly in such environments.

3. Protect Yourself from Smoke and Heat

Cover Your Mouth and Nose: Use a cloth, mask, or piece of clothing to cover your mouth and nose to reduce inhalation of smoke and harmful particles. If you have a specialized smoke mask, use it.

Stay Low: Smoke rises, so staying close to the ground can help you breathe cleaner air. Crouch or lie down if necessary, and keep your head low.

Protect Your Skin: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from heat and embers. If you have access to a fire-resistant blanket or clothing, use it to shield yourself from intense heat.

4. Manage Your Escape

Move Perpendicularly to the Fire: If you need to move, travel perpendicular to the direction of the fire’s spread. Moving directly away from the fire might not always be the safest option, as fires can change direction rapidly.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Avoid panicking. Take a moment to assess your surroundings, plan your route, and proceed with caution. Ensure you are not walking into areas that may lead to further danger.

Avoid Using Vehicles: If you’re driving and become trapped, stay in your vehicle. It can offer some protection from heat and flying embers. Keep windows rolled up and use the air conditioning on recirculate mode if possible.

5. Signal for Help

Use Visual and Audible Signals: If you are in distress and need rescue, use a whistle, flare, or mirror to signal for help. If you have a smartphone with a signal, call emergency services and provide them with your exact location.

Stay Visible: Make yourself as visible as possible to rescuers by staying in open areas where you can be easily spotted. Avoid hiding in dense vegetation.

6. After the Fire

Check for Updates: Once you are safe, continue to monitor updates from authorities regarding the fire’s status and any potential hazards in your area.

Be Cautious of Hazardous Conditions: After the fire has passed, be wary of hazards such as smoldering embers, falling trees, and weakened structures. Avoid returning to your home or campsite until it has been declared safe by authorities.

Seek Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms of smoke inhalation or burns, seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can become serious if left untreated.

Being prepared and knowing how to act in the event of a forest fire can significantly increase your chances of staying safe. By staying informed, protecting yourself from smoke and heat, and managing your escape effectively, you can navigate this dangerous situation with greater confidence. Always prioritize your safety and follow the guidance of emergency services to ensure a safe outcome in the face of such a challenging crisis.

Remember, preparation is key. By understanding these steps and being ready to act, you can better protect yourself and others in the event of a forest fire.

Following Through on My New Year's Resolution: September Update Shaina Tranquilino September 30, 2024

At the beginning of the year, I set a resolution that felt deeply meaningful and personal: every month, I would donate to a different organization that I felt called to support. My goal wasn't just to give financially, but to invest in causes that resonate with my values, communities, and ongoing efforts for change. As we are at the end of September, I want to share a little about this month's donation and reflect on what this journey has meant so far.

For the month of September, I chose to donate to the Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF), an Indigenous-led charitable organization that is dedicated to educating the public and raising awareness about the history and lasting impacts of the Residential School System in Canada. Established in 2000, the LHF has been doing the vital work of helping Canadians understand the trauma and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities—particularly those who survived these schools, as well as their families and descendants.

I was moved to donate to the Legacy of Hope Foundation because of the important role they play in truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation. The Residential School System is a painful chapter in Canadian history, one that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families, stripped them of their languages, cultures, and identities, and subjected them to harsh, abusive conditions. The effects of this system continue to ripple through generations, impacting the well-being of Indigenous communities.

Through education, exhibitions, and workshops, the Legacy of Hope Foundation not only illuminates this dark history but also provides a pathway for healing and fostering just and equal relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians. Their work in expanding awareness, honouring survivors, and encouraging reconciliation is inspiring, and supporting them this month felt like a small but meaningful way to contribute to this vital movement.

What has been particularly powerful for me is the Foundation's focus on creating a space for healing and understanding. The work they do to showcase the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples, while also making known the injustices they have faced, is something we need more of in our world. It’s a reminder of the importance of not only learning from history but also taking active steps towards repairing harm.

Over the course of this year, each donation I've made has been an opportunity to reflect on what I value and how I can help create positive change in the world. From environmental causes to social justice initiatives, each organization I've supported has been a piece of a larger puzzle, one that is about compassion, equity, and the belief that even small actions can lead to big differences.

As I continue with this New Year's resolution, I'm filled with gratitude for the work being done by organizations like the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Their commitment to truth, reconciliation, and healing reminds me that while the road may be long, we are all part of the process of building a better, more inclusive future.

In the months ahead, I look forward to learning about new organizations, supporting diverse causes, and keeping the spirit of this resolution alive. It's been a rewarding and eye-opening journey, and I'm excited to see where the next few months take me.

If you're interested in learning more about the Legacy of Hope Foundation or supporting their work, I encourage you to visit their website and explore the many ways they're contributing to education and reconciliation across Canada.

Here’s to continuing the path toward positive change, one month, and one organization at a time. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/legacy-of-hope-foundation/

Continuing My New Year’s Resolution: Donating to Help The Cathedral Community Fridge for October 2024 Shaina Tranquilino October 1, 2024

As the year goes on, I’ve been grateful to stay true to my New Year’s resolution of donating to a different cause each month. This October, I’m excited to support an initiative that deeply resonates with me: Help The Cathedral Community Fridge in Regina, Saskatchewan. This organization is tackling food insecurity in a unique and powerful way—entirely community-funded, run by volunteers, and driven by the spirit of mutual aid.

Why I Chose Help The Cathedral Community Fridge

Food insecurity is a growing issue across Canada, and Regina is no exception. The Cathedral Community Fridge provides an immediate and essential solution—food, directly to those in need, every day. What makes this organization even more special is its pure reliance on community support. They don’t receive any government or charity funding. There’s no large-scale nonprofit organization backing them. Instead, they thrive solely on the contributions of neighbors, friends, and generous strangers who understand that community support is the backbone of food security.

This resonated with me because it’s a reminder that we don’t always need massive institutions or bureaucracies to create change. Sometimes, it’s the collective effort of individuals working together that makes the biggest difference. Knowing my donation will help them continue their mission made this month’s choice easy.

What the Donations Support

Help The Cathedral Community Fridge goes beyond just providing food. They’re offering an entire support system for the vulnerable and marginalized in Regina. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible impact they’re making with the funds they receive:

Feeding 100s of people daily: The Fridge ensures that people who might not have regular access to meals can grab something fresh and nutritious, no questions asked.

Delivering 700 food hampers annually: They’re not just relying on people to come to them—volunteers actively deliver food hampers to those most in need, especially the elderly, people who have disabilities, or those without transportation.

Driving 5,000 kilometers a year: Gas funding allows volunteers to cover a vast area, making sure food reaches remote or overlooked individuals who are often left out of food security networks.

Delivering 200,000 lbs of food annually: It’s hard to comprehend just how much food passes through the hands of these volunteers. Every pound represents a crucial meal for someone who might otherwise go hungry.

Providing shelter and resources: Beyond food, The Cathedral Community Fridge supports the houseless population by purchasing supplies such as sleeping bags, tents, and water, while offering basic essentials like medical supplies and gloves.

Funding Crisis Team supplies: Regina’s harsh winters mean that immediate crisis response can sometimes be the difference between life and death. Donations go toward bus passes, emergency supplies, and other resources to help people get out of dangerous situations.

Supporting other Mutual Aid Networks: It’s beautiful to see that they don’t just stop at helping their own community. They share resources with other mutual aid networks, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the power of every donation.

Why This Work Matters

Food insecurity isn’t just about lack of access to meals. It’s connected to housing instability, mental health, and a cycle of poverty that can feel impossible to break. What Help The Cathedral Community Fridge is doing matters because they’re not just providing food—they’re giving people the means to survive and, in many cases, thrive.

The fact that this initiative is entirely volunteer-driven is incredibly inspiring. No one is getting paid, but everyone’s work is deeply valued. It feels great to support a cause where every dollar donated goes straight to helping the community, rather than administrative costs or overhead.

How You Can Get Involved

If this cause resonates with you as much as it did with me, I encourage you to support Help The Cathedral Community Fridge. Whether it’s a financial donation, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps.

You can follow them on social media, share their posts, and, if you're in Regina, consider dropping off food or supplies at the fridge. The more we spread awareness, the more we can help strengthen the sense of community that is already thriving there.

As I continue this journey of giving each month, I’ve realized just how much of a difference small, consistent acts of kindness can make. Help The Cathedral Community Fridge is just one example of a local initiative making a huge impact, and I’m grateful to play even a small role in supporting their work this October.

If you're inspired, I hope you’ll consider joining me in supporting causes that speak to your heart and uplift your community. Together, we can create real, lasting change—one month, one donation, one act of kindness at a time.

Let’s keep the giving spirit alive this fall, and remember that community is the foundation of progress! https://gofund.me/439bf431