The power of a ‘united way’ forward

Philanthropic gift boosts Planet Youth Calgary’s generation-changing potential

For many of today’s most pressing challenges, there are no easy answers. Take the mental health crisis affecting Canadian youth, for example, where countless individuals suffer in isolation – and where organizations and communities often struggle to navigate a complex maze of different interventions.

Read More
The Wagner Green YMCA: Investing in hope, happiness and the future

Support from the community builds connections and gives the centre’s youth a sense of belonging

The Wagner Green YMCA in Toronto is an emergency shelter and drop-in centre that provides youth experiencing homelessness with a hot meal and a safe place to sleep. But it does more than that, says Nelson Borges, the shelter’s director of youth outreach and intervention – it provides hope.

Read More
An opportunity to support those who have given so much for their country

For veterans and first responders with PTSD, a service dog helps them integrate back into society

Retired Sergeant Dwayne Sawyer enjoyed virtually every minute of his 22-year career as a cook with the Canadian forces. But tours as a United Nations peacekeeper in Kuwait and Bosnia and two deployments with his unit to Afghanistan took their toll.

Read More
Open Banking in Canada: The Time is Now

There have been many conversations recently about Open Banking. For those who aren’t aware, Open Banking provides a secure way for consumers to control and share their financial data with third-party providers and ultimately benefit from a greater range of innovative financial services. According to the Berlin-based Open Banking Project, almost 100 countries have either adopted or are considering adopting some form of Open Banking this year. While this is undoubtedly the way of the future, here at home, Canadians are still waiting. A diverse chorus of voices have been advocating for action and notably, implementation of a hybrid, made-in-Canada solution, as per the latest report from the Government of Canada’s Advisory Committee on Open Banking.

Read More
Meeting vital payroll requirements for family-owned and other small businesses

Many family-owned businesses have limited resources to have a full-time payroll administrator on staff, but they recognize the value of professional payroll services.  One option family enterprises and other small businesses appreciate is to draw on the services of a payroll contractor, and for Mary Beaton, that makes for a thriving business of her own in the small Nova Scotia community of Five Mile River.

Read More
Strengthening and supporting communities

National Philanthropy Day (NPD), which takes place on November 15 each year, celebrates giving of all kinds – donations, volunteering and charitable engagement. NPD is a day to highlight the accomplishments, large and small, that philanthropy makes to our society and our world. It celebrates charitable accomplishments and encourages all of us to strengthen and support our communities – around the corner or across the globe.

Read More
‘Other ways of knowing and being’ that enrich our lives

When Xavier met Anna-Belle, his posture suggested he wasn’t ready for a relationship. His eyes obscured by sunglasses, his arms crossed, his skin hidden under extensive tattoos: all suggested he was unapproachable. Yet Anna-Belle was undeterred, and after a day and a half, Xavier (not his real name) considered her family.

Read More
AI everywhere, with benefits for everyone

Once the realm of science fiction, artificial intelligence (AI) has now advanced into all areas of society – transforming the way we live, learn and work. Are Canadians ready to embrace this shift? What are the skills and competencies that can enhance our ability to unlock AI’s powerful potential? And how can we ensure AI is leveraged for the greater good?

Read More
Experience Germany

A treasure chest of UNESCO World Heritage sites plus cultural, natural and culinary highlights

With choices as numerous as they are varied, deciding on a comprehensive “must-see list” for a visit to Germany is no easy task. Should travellers prioritize world-famous sights like the Brandenburg Gate, the Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle and Bamberg? Or should they venture off the beaten track to explore lesser-known but equally stunning castles, palaces, cathedrals, museums and landscapes? And what about those looking to enjoy vibrant arts scenes, bustling markets, innovative architecture, nightlife and cultural immersion?

Read More