We first met Sammi back in grade four, when she was a Project Give Back student at Crestwood. 

At the time, she chose the Blue Brain Bracelet in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital, and in honour of her father Fred Turack. Fred passed away from a four-month battle with brain cancer in December of 2007, when Sammi was just 7 years old. She and her sister Sydney began beading blue bracelets (her father’s favourite colour) as a way to raise funds for cancer research. Through various events, a multitude of bead-a-thons, among many other initiatives, the girls, with the support of their mother Robin, managed to raise over $100,000 for paediatric oncology!

As Sammi grew older, her passion for helping others evolved alongside her academic and professional pursuits. She completed her undergraduate studies at Western, where she was part of the MIT program, before earning a master’s degree in marketing from the Schulich School of Business. Today, Sammi is following in her father’s footsteps by carving out a career in finance, and working for RBC PH&N Investment Counsel.

Sammi’s unique blend of expertise, along with her love for planning events and connecting people, led her to her next exciting initiative.

On March 6, Sammi will co-chair an important event for the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) called Revolving Tables. The event perfectly merges many of Sammi’s passions with a meaningful cause. Revolving Tables brings together young professionals and mentors for an evening of networking, learning, and sharing wisdom. With 34 mentors from diverse fields and over 300 emerging professionals in attendance, it’s a chance to foster new relationships and gain invaluable insights. This year, the event is also a family affair—Sammi’s mother, Robin, will join as one of the mentors, offering her expertise to the next generation.

If you’re interested in attending or learning more about Revolving Tables, click on the following link https://icrf.crowdchange.ca/91635

We are excited to see Sammi continue to grow and make a difference in the world, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.

Back in March, Mia was diagnosed with Epilepsy. Ironically her actual diagnosis fell aptly on National Epilepsy Day. What may have seemed like a set back for most, only propelled Mia to embrace the outcome. It didn’t take long before she realized the power of resilience and empowerment. 

Since then, her journey has been one of courage and strength. It shows how opening up and sharing one’s vulnerability can set a torch light for others to follow. 

As a result, Mia has worked diligently to launch a campaign called, Seize the Day Apparel.  She has designed hoodies, with proceeds from the sales going directly to Epilepsy Canada, funding research to find a cure. In doing so, Mia also hopes to make Epilepsy known and remove the sigma that surrounds it.  

Mia’s message is one of hope and inspiration.  It shows that epilepsy does not define us, rather it inspires us to thrive.  And so far, the response to her campaign has been incredible. It has made a meaningful impact upon many, young and old, affected by epilepsy and it has helped others to open up about their own experiences. 

Thank you Mia for sharing your story and continuing to shine your bright light to lead the way for others. If you wish to support Mia’s campaign and purchase apparel, please click on the following link.  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQrRasZqQpWZun0kq8kfWlPP5Xhg5iuVF7Z8i9MV4CcfA_5w/viewform

Siena won the Rick Hanson Foundation Difference Maker Award in Ontario for her efforts in creating awareness for accessible inclusion through Treat Accessibly. Treat Accessibly was founded in 2017, when the Padulo Family realized that they had to change how they set up their trick-or-treating station.  Since their home had stairs, it meant that if someone in their neighbourhood used a wheelchair, they would not be able to access their home. So, by simply changing their setup, and bringing trick or treating curbside, the Padula family started a grassroots movement. 

Siena and her family began working together with the community, private sector, non-profits, and government. They partnered with various organizations to provide lawn signs for neighbours to post, showing support for their community. They made it their goal to teach all children about accessible inclusion every day; with Halloween as a way to help introduce the practice of Treat Accessibly.

An accessible Halloween for one child has now grown across Canada, with over 200,000 homes supporting accessible trick-or-treating, letting their neighbours know with their Treat Accessibly lawn sign proudly displayed on their front lawn.

They have also created this digital flip book, to share the origin story of Treat Accessibly, which also includes a discussion guide, on how children can be accessibly inclusive every day.

https://www.treataccessibly.com/book

Checkout their website, www.treataccessibly.com or visit them on social media to see how you and your neighbourhood can become a part of this incredible initiative, making Halloween more accessible and inclusive for all.

September 13, 2024

With Project Give Back, students in  grade 4, 5 and 6 learn about how to make a difference in the lives of others.  

Participating students first select a charity of their choice. In the three parts of the program, they research the charity and present findings to their class, plan and implement a hands-on “FUNraiser” to demonstrate a unique aspect of their charity, and write a letter to the charity outlining their project.  

Students Leo and Olivia attend schools in the Toronto area. Both chose Food Allergy Canada as their charity for Project Give Back during the 2023/24 school year. Read our interviews with them to learn more about their projects and what they want other kids with food allergy to know.  

Why did you choose Food Allergy Canada for your project?  

Leo: I felt really connected to the organization because I have had an allergy since I was 6 months old. Food Allergy Canada raises awareness and educates people across the country about food allergy. 

Olivia: I chose your charity because my brother has serious allergies to cashews and pistachio nuts, he’s at risk of anaphylaxis. I wanted to help show my support to him and learn more about what he goes through.  

What activity did you do to help your classmates better understand food allergy?  

Leo: I provided students with baskets of toy/plastic food. Each basket contained various food allergens that students needed to identify, such as eggs, wheat, nuts, milk, and fish, and chicken too. The class had so much fun shopping with their baskets and even identified some items, like pizza, with multiple allergens (wheat, milk). 

Olivia: I did a speech and made a big poster. I also did a game with baskets and balls. For the game, I asked my classmates each one question that I mentioned in my speech and the two people who answered correctly got to throw the balls in the baskets. It was really fun! We did ten rounds.  

How did your classmates respond to your activity/presentation?  

Leo: My friends were so engaged in my presentation and asked lots of thoughtful questions about food allergy and my personal experiences about living with an allergy. They wanted to better understand what they can do to keep me and those with food allergy safe. I think they felt empowered by the information I shared. 

Olivia: My speech and game spread so much awareness and now my whole class knows more about food allergies and your charity. I also taught my class how to use an EpiPen^® for treating anaphylaxis.    

What would you like other kids with food allergy to know?  

Leo: Living with a food allergy makes you special, and it’s an obstacle that you can successfully navigate. People are very supportive and want to help keep you safe. Having an allergy shouldn’t hold you back from travelling and trying new things. I even travelled to Costa Rica, where I learned to communicate my allergy in Spanish. 

Olivia: Having a food allergy is very hard. Food Allergy Canada helps people learn more about food allergy and makes the world a safer place. Thank you and keep up the great work! 

Additionally, Leo was inspired to share his learnings with his brother’s JK class.  He said: “The JK class actually had a lot of food allergies, so it was very important for me to share my knowledge and help raise awareness. I wanted to teach the class how to support their friends with food allergy and keep them safe.”  

My brother Wesley said, “I loved having my brother in my class teaching my friends about allergies.” 

Thanks Leo and Olivia for educating your classmates and others, and raising food allergy awareness at your schools. You are #FoodAllergyChampions! Tags: Project Give Back

Tonight Ellen was joined by special guest host, Riley. Ellen began by setting the tone for the evening and asking Riley about what she had for breakfast. Ellen went on to say how most of us are so lucky to be able to open the refrigerator and grab a bite to eat at our leisure, while many are not.

More than ever, Canadians are using food banks and food services to help them. Many of us take this for granted, but not Neil Hetherington. Neil is the CEO of The Daily Bread Food Bank, one of Canada’s largest food banks supporting over 200 food programs and serving more than 200,000 client visits per month.  The Daily Bread Food Bank is a national leader in research that examines the causes and impacts of food insecurity.

Neil is not new to this job. He was the CEO of Habitat for Humanity for 16 years. Then went to Dixon Hall as their CEO. Neil’s late grandfather, General Arnold Brown, was the International Leader of the Salvation Army. This was Neil’s introduction into the world of helping others.

Neil was named one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 along with receiving many distinguished Alumni of the year awards. He was even awarded Queen Elizabeth’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals. In 2018, he was awarded the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Ontario College graduates for excellence in business and named one of Toronto’s most influential people by Toronto Life Magazine.

Neil spoke about the growing problem of food insecurity in our city. While 1/10 Torontonians used the food bank last year, the year before it was just 1/20. He quoted Bryan Stevenson stating, “the opposite of poverty is not wealth, it’s justice”. He went on to explain how he sees every visit to the food bank as a policy failure. Neil stated the shocking fact that 59% of current users have had a post graduate education! He sees the current problem as a result of a few issues; lack of affordable housing being a big issue.  With the poverty line at $2300/month, many people find that they are too rich to qualify for benefits, yet still require income support. 

Neil offered a few solutions. We can make a difference by having this conversation and advocating for change. Short term solutions include food raisers and fundraisers, which give back to the community. But for long term solutions, Neil encouraged us to write to government officials. Let them know that they are failing on poverty reduction. Things need to change and if they don’t, these officials can be voted out. 

When donating food items, provide things you would want to enjoy. They must be non-perishable, and check expiry dates. Cash donations are used to purchase 67% of fresh food items that are required.

Riley sweetly shared how her family does their part by having a food library, taking part in food drives at school and routinely carrying bars of food to help the homeless. 

While they both shared with us how we can feed others, Halle Burnett fed our souls with her stunning voice and heart. Halle performed the song, ‘The Climb’, by Miley Cyrus. 

Lianne and Cassandra topped off the night with Kindness Corner and told us about an initiative that they have going on. The ‘Goodies Project’ is a program dedicated to promoting charities that fight hunger. With this project, schools work together to fight against food insecurities. Currently, Northern Secondary School is running a food drive from December 11-15. They are asking for food items to be donated, with all proceeds going directly to the Daily Bread Food Bank. 

As the season of giving begins, please consider helping the Daily Bread Food Bank feed so many.

Let’s be kind to one another. Let’s embrace one another and let’s learn from one another.

Ellen began by acknowledging what a very tough time it is for so many. 

When Project Give Back Connects came to be four years ago, the Pandemic began and the world seemed unpredictable and unsettled. It was a way to spread resources with experts on resilience, self care and offer tips to help with our mental well-being during a difficult time.

We are here once again, unsettled, confused, and feeling a huge sense of grief and loss. 

We live every day and always speak about life and living life to the fullest, the best we can. Yet,death is a huge part of life that we don’t typically speak about. 

Maybe it’s because we don’t know what to say. Maybe it’s because we don’t know what to believe. Maybe it’s because it is so uncomfortable and everyone experiences grief in different ways.

After Jacob died, Ellen’s family members each grieved in their own way, and they still do. But thanks to some very good friends, they were introduced to a grief counsellor who helped guide them through an extremely confusing and difficult time in their lives.

Lisa Robinson is a registered Social Worker, who helped Ellen’s family learn to ‘puddle jump’. Lisa has worked closely with children and families experiencing grief for 15 years. This has included working with pediatric oncology patients and their families at Campfire Circle, in private practice and within the haematology and oncology division at Sickkids Hospital. Throughout her years working in this field, Lisa’s greatest accomplishments and joy have been the relationships that she has shared with people during their most difficult times. 

And now is a challenging time for all. We have come out of a tumultuous time and we’re entering a world that is on fire with so much to process and grieve.

We were privileged to have Lisa share some tips on coping.  

Lisa said that, as a society, we don’t do grief well. We don’t want to deal with big feelings, and it is hard to see others hurting. 

Grief is so much more than death. We have anger, frustration, numbness or lack of feelings. Feelings we have when a change occurs in life.  Yet, there is still room for joy and connection in grief as well. 

How do we find that connection in making grief a collective experience? We are not alone in this. 

When there is a collective experience that causes grief, it can be confusing because each person grieves differently. Collective grief is when everyone is experiencing the same experience that causes grief. 

There is also cumulative grief, when we don’t lose the previous grief.  It can bring up grief from the past. 

Reality is, that grief is human and normal. When we normalize grief, it looks different for everyone.  We are not trying to fix it. Instead, we need to learn how to sit with it, to validate our feelings while feeling them. Don’t tell people how to grieve, and don’t minimalist it, but do let them know they don’t need to grieve alone.

As humans, all we want to do is love. So it was only fitting to have Lisa end with this quote, “Grief is just love with no place to go”. 

Another thing that Lisa mentioned was to create a common language.  Ellen and her daughter Bevvy did just that. Last year, Ellen and Bevvy decided to create a children’s book to help other families who might experience the same pain they did. 

As an educator, Ellen learned that 1 in every 5 students is grieving. There was a need for this type of book. After a year of writing and speaking to therapists, specialized doctors and professionals, they found the perfect illustrator, Lauie Stein, who worked with empathy, love and compassion. 

And with that, Ellen introduced her first children’s book. She and Bevvy read and shared, ‘The Puddle Jumper’. 

This book was created from their hearts to yours. If you would like a copy, either contact ellen@projectgiveback.com or you can purchase it from our kindness store on www.projectgiveback.com

If you are a teacher or support worker and you would like this for your clients or your classroom, please reach out and one will be sent to you. This special project is funded by the Kimel Family.

Each Project Give Back Connects Episode features young performers who lend their incredible talents. Tonight we had Abby and Sarah Ginsburg who zoomed in from Halifax, where they are both studying at Dalhousie University. They performed, ‘Call Your Mom’ , a song by Noah Kohan.  It’s about being there for your friends when they are going through tough times and it was so comforting and soothing for us all right now. 

We ended with Kindness Corner with Cassandra and Lianne. The girls spoke about grief and finding happiness in small moments, as there are always bursts of light. For there is happiness, even in the darkest times.  Laughter can be a powerful tool.

Cassandra spoke about her own experience about talking through grief, and suggested talking with someone you love. 

Ellen concluded by sending you so much love,  as we continue to jump from puddle to puddle.

We are so grateful for you. Thank you so much to all of you for joining Project Give Back Connects. 

Our message to you as always.

Let’s be kind to one another.

Let’s embrace one another.

Let’s learn from one another.

Please send this Episode to anyone who you feel might appreciate these messages and lessons. You can listen to any of our previous episodes anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Just click Project Give Back Connects. Also, please subscribe to our YouTube channel on Project Give Back Connects.

Food Allergy Canada Features its newest supporters

This Episode wraps up our third season. We dedicated this season to community legends; role models we look up to with the upmost respect. This final Episode features esteemed and extremely accomplished leaders. Every step they take makes an impact to all those watching with admiration. The lessons we will learn from them are invaluable and we are so lucky to have these leaders and role models. 

Our first guest was Jay Rosenzweig. Jay is a humanitarian, a philanthropist, a trained lawyer, and a leadership strategist. He is the founder of Rosenzweig & Company, and is an expert in designing, building and attracting world class teams.

Jay is passionate about global human rights’ causes and has been internationally recognized for the Annual Rosenzweig Report on equality.  He is the Chairman of the Board of the Irwin Cotler’s Raoul Wallenberg Centre For Human Rights. In addition, he sits on a number of other purpose-driven boards supporting causes ranging from healthcare, youth empowerment, refugee protection, and anti-gun violence. Rosenzweig is an outspoken advocate against all forms of hate and discrimination.  

Jay’s work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes, The New York Times, BNN and the Globe and Mail, just to name a few. He earned three degrees at McGill University. In addition, he completed the Harvard Law School Negotiation Program. Jay is also an avid songwriter and film producer.

Jay spoke about a few themes, one of them was the law of giving. He said, if you want joy, give joy. If you want love, give love.

Leading by example was another theme.  Jay was lucky to have had role models such as his parents and educators. He said to look at the world as half good, half evil. As one good deed can tip the scales and turn the world for good. The Talmud says, that if you save one life, it’s as if you save the universe, just like the acts of Raoul Wallenberg. He transformed our world and proved that every life is valuable and precious. 

Jay’s last piece of advice was with regards to success. Success is riding the waves, like with surfing, where waves will go up and down.  Enjoy the ride! We are all on our own path, so embrace the beauty of life and live to your own potential.  For that is what is true success and leadership.  

Michael Kalles is someone Ellen is so proud to know and love. Michael is the President of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. His vision and leadership are a large part of the continued success of his family company. One of Michael’s core values is giving back to the community. Michael and Harvey Kalles Real Estate support over 250 charitable organizations! Currently, Michael is a founding member with Baycrest @Home. He is the Co-Chair of the Holocaust Survivor’s Fund and, Board Member of AGPI and a Fundraiser with UJA Major Gifts. Michael attends every single Project Give Back Connects taping sessions as well as most of their weekly Jake’s Jam Concerts.

Michael’s advice was to be more like Ellen Schwartz, as she embodies true goodness.  

He also spoke about three key themes:

1. Take the word ‘just’ out of your vocabulary. The word is limiting, as in, “I’m just a stay-at-home mom”. For everything you do, you can bring meaning to.
2. Sometimes we wait to find our passion.  Pick something, become good at it, and you will become passionate about it.  Work hard and make a greater commitment and you will find your true passion. 
3. Pay the price, and with that, you have the opportunity for autonomy and independence. 

Up next was Lily Librach.  Lily is a regular at Sunday Jake’s Jam concerts, a Zoom concert for all ages and abilities. Lily  is a massive talent. She is a singer, actor, dancer, creator, and a professor of voice at NYU. She graduated from Sheridan College’s Musical Theatre undergraduate program. Lily was named a top 10 finalist of Mirvish’s worldwide Show Tune Idol Competition. She has also sung the national anthem for the Toronto Blue Jays three times! 

When it comes to leaders, Lily thinks of Ellen, Jacob and Marylou, a former teacher,  who sadly passed away. Marylou loved the Beatles, so in her honour, Lily performed the song, ‘Come Together’. 

This next guest, Dr. Jeremy Friedman, was one of the doctors who attended to Jacob, when he was just a year old and fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at Sick Kids Hospital. After building a friendship with Jacob’s family, he then sat on the Board of Directors for Jacob’s Ladder for years and served as medical advisor to their family. 

Dr. Friedman has worked at SickKids Hospital since his training and is currently Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief and a Professor at the University of Toronto. His passions include looking after sick children and their families in hospital, teaching medical students and residents, and his volunteer work, as the medical advisor for Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Dr. Friedman spoke about his early life in South Africa, calling Nelson Mandela his hero and from whom he has learned many life lessons.  After 30 years in jail, Mandela persevered and became one of South Africa’s most esteemed presidents. Mandela said that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

For Friedman, his parents told him, if you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life, for it won’t seem like work at all. So pick what you like to do.

Dr. Freidman also said that being  able to help is a privilege. If you have the opportunity to help, do so.  His own volunteer work as a medical advisor for Make-A-Wish Foundation has been rewarding. As a doctor, the best prescription he could ever write, is the granting of a wish.

The final lesson he shared is, to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.  Don’t judge people by their appearance or status, for ultimately, people are often judged by the way they treat the most vulnerable. 

A final word came from Kindness Corner and Lindsay @One2GiveTo. With summer approaching, there is always some learning loss, so the simplest way to continue education is to expose kids to books.  Free libraries are all around the city. Try to place some extra books, for all ages, inside them. You can even request to have one placed on your own lawn!

Thank you to all these incredible leaders for sharing their sage wisdom, passion and advice. 

The evening began with an informal reception to meet our Team and a select few of our stellar students from this year, to learn about their unique projects. Formal presentations followed, where we heard from former alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments; writing books, and spreading our message of kindness, compassion and empathy beyond anything we ever imagined. They truly are Shining Stars in every respect of the word; Alissa Roy, Ariel Weinstein and Mason Drutz. The spark that was ignited in them during their PGB experience has blown into a full force of light and energy of their own. 

Our annual ‘Joey Award’, which is presented to alumni who have made an impact through their work, were Maya Kassam and Olivia Sherman.  Following their PGB experience, they started their own charitable initiative to help those in need, called, ‘Share Your Smiles’.

The ‘Robins Award’, which is bestowed upon a member of our Team, who goes above and beyond was rightfully given to Penny Goodman. Penny has been a volunteer and avid supporter of our program for many years. 

We heard from parents, sponsors, educators and colleagues, who all spoke about the magic that is created each week, through the PGB program and how it has sparked a ripple effect; a theme that was echoed much throughout the evening.

We also learned about new and exciting initiatives, as our program expands into the future, including the first peak at Ellen’s latest creation, her third book! This one, is a children’s story that deals which grief and was written in collaboration with Ellen’s daughter Bevvy Schwartz. It’s called, ‘Puddle Jumping’ and we can’t wait for its release.

It is a pure joy to celebrate PGB through this heartwarming event. It is a true reflection of all the hard work and effort that is put forth by our students, parents, teachers, and Team each year. And it could not be possible without the dedicated support of our incredible sponsors.  So, thank you, for making Project Give Back what it is and all it can, and will be, in the years to come.