Today we have a very powerful blog from Gina Wong. She is a Psychologist and Professor at Athabasca University. Gina has had enough. She has decided to speak up about the frightening increase in anti- Asian racist attacks that have been happening recently. But more than just speak up, she has started a movement. The Asian Gold Ribbon campaign is a platform developed to initiate wide-spread visibility against anti-Asian racism. commUNITY is proud to partner with such a worthy cause. Follow the link at the bottom of the blog to find out more about this important issue and what you can do to help. But first, please read Gina's own words:

--It’s been a heavy and emotional few weeks for me as an Asian woman. I lived with internalised racism for a very long time and it has longstanding repercussions in my life. This year, for Asian Heritage month in May, I can no longer stay silent. My experiences compel me to join forces with others and galvanise an Asian movement to have our voices heard. I want to be able to raise my daughters in an era where Asian people feel important and valued for who they are. The Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign is about Asians being seen and heard. We want others to join in solidarity against anti-Asian racism and to celebrate Asian heritage and culture.

The recent images and videos of East Asians being attacked while people stand idly by feels like vicarious trauma and reminds me of the cruelty and hate I grew up with just because I was Chinese. One video in particular was hard for me to watch. A 75-year old Asian American woman who was being physically attacked, fought back and was heralded for defending herself. But seeing her was like seeing my own grandmother being terrorised and having to fight for herself.

I was physically antagonised when I was 7 years old. I grew up in Canada, in the city of Montreal. In Grade 1, after school let out a group of children would shout “chink, chink, chink” at me. They would chase me, spit on the sidewalk at my feet and even kick me. Those were the bad days, which were also sadly most days that school year. I got the message over and over again: I am different. I was lesser than. I didn’t belong. I had no place of safety in my own neighbourhood or in my own life. Their bitter words, their fingers pulling at the sides of their faces to imitate my Chinese eyes set in unnameable feelings. Perhaps helplessness; perhaps rage. Those emotions slowly simmered within me over the years in ways that I can only now recognise in retrospect.

I recall praying and wishing deep within myself that I could be different from the “lesser-than” inferior Chinese people. I often wished I was invisible. The greatest compliment anyone could have paid me during my early teen years was that I did not look or act Chinese. I strove hard for this and it was not difficult since I was immersed in the dominant culture and spoke English without an accent. I spoke no Chinese at all and denied any comprehension of the language. I spent immeasurable amounts of time trying to alter my appearance all because I believed the natural me was worthless.

But I never lashed out. I never attacked anyone. I hope my past trauma can be used as a force for good in the world. It has strengthened my resolve to maintain the momentum of an Asian movement that will sustain beyond the month of May. What the recent events have shown me is that I can no longer stay silent or passive as we continue to see increasing racism and violence directed at our community. It is our time to stand strong and proud and have our voices heard.

Dr. Gina Wong (she/her), Founder & Ambassador

The Asian Gold Ribbon Campaign https://asiangoldribbon.com/

Today we have a wonderful blog post by Lechin Lu. Her story about how her Covid journey began in China beside her dying Grandfather is both touching and important. We all sometimes forget that buried in all the heartbreak this pandemic has caused are so many stories of devotion and love.

--What does a mask mean to you?  Is it a necessary hassle? It is just personal protective equipment (PPE), or is it a fashion statement as well?

When I put mine on, I always think of my mom, who I last saw more than a year ago.

Before the holiday break in 2019, I got the news that my 95-year-old grandfather was in the palliative care unit in Guangzhou, my home city in China. So right after boxing day, I took the 16-hours flight home to see him, despite only staying there for 72 hours. But I was exhausted even before leaving Toronto. After all, I was in my final year of a part-time MBA program, four weeks into a new job, and a mother of two young children under the age of 4. With hindsight, I am so grateful that I went home. On my second day there, my grandfather passed away peacefully with family surrounding his bedside.

Amid grieving and all the administrative chaos involved in registering a death, my uncle told me about the vague report of a "SARS-like" virus in Wuhan, a city almost a thousand kilometres away. At first, I didn’t know what to make of the news except quietly hoping it was nothing more than a rumour on social media. But my mom sprang into action. She insisted I need to wear a good quality mask on the plane the next day. I know where that idea comes from.

Guangzhou was the first epicenter during SARS in 2003. That traumatizing experience has instilled the instinct to wear a mask in the face of any unknown respiratory threats from a cold or air pollution. But that was the evening of December 31, 2019. No one was thinking about masks. We drove through crowded streets filled with young people partying and laughing. We checked five places until we found some medical masks on the bottom shelf in the quiet corner of a 24-hour drugstore. Seeing my mom at the cashier, I remember thinking to myself that her overreaction must be triggered by the grief of losing her father.

Well, how wrong I was.

Of course, that evening, no one had any sense of how 2020 would unfold: the distress, loss of life, isolation, and anxiety. Still, what was clear to me then, and so much more so today, is that no matter what happens, there is always a reason to act and protect the ones you love. 

That is what a mask means to me.

The pandemic has kept my parents and me apart. But every time I wear a mask, I think of them and I feel their love.

Thank you Lechin! 

Kindness.  Knowing there are people or a system to help lift you up, even if you don’t see it.  Having support when you least expect it but need it most.  Community offers a subtle strength of commonality, shared knowledge, and possibly a little relief.  It’s knowing you’re not alone and someone cares. 

What has been the hardest part about the pandemic for you personally?

The loneliness can be difficult and, at times, crushing.  I’m very fortunate to have a very present family and strong network of friends, but being the sole parent leaves quite a lot of time by myself, particularly the evenings.  As we live in a condo, it’s challenging to have people over after he’s asleep and although my friends and family are always happy to chat, I know their days are overwhelming too and they need to decompress, and I don’t want to bother them.  We spend most weekends with my elderly parents, which offers a nice break, but also contains its own stressors and mental load.  I know this is a moment in time and this too shall pass, but it can be difficult spending so much time alone. 

What is your role in commUNITY?

Best Little Sister Ever!  😊

I manage financial health, legal and insurance, manufacturing, human resources, strategic partnerships, and product development, among a few other things.

What is the biggest strength you bring to the team?

My super-powers are my relentless resiliency and an ability to get stuff done.  There have been times, specifically at the beginning of the pandemic when global scarcity was at its height, where we would be challenged by various roadblocks and we would need to quickly figure out solutions.  I usually find a way to make things happen.

What does the day-to-day working on the business look like for you?

Lol – it’s been one single day since April 5… 😊

I am most creative from 2-4 am, so I often find myself lying awake at night developing new ideas, creating lists of new opportunities, reviewing our business and its operations, thinking and rethinking about improvements, considering how to be a better team member / how to support the team more, dreaming of ways to evolve our business, breaking down competitor’s tactics, and dissecting the market and its movements.  I think about our business canvas and how we can connect with our community differently to strengthen our relationship. Most of the time, I keep these thoughts to myself, but my brain doesn’t stop working.  It also helps to work these things out when I run.

What has been your favourite part about building a business?

Owning our actions.  If we want to try something, we do it.  We gift ourselves the opportunity to try things and know if it doesn’t work out, we will have learned something.  The wins are yours and they feel great.

What has been the biggest challenge about building commUNITY?

Being part of a market that has experienced extreme change in such a short about of time – but that’s also been exciting about it.  From market inception in April, growing into a mature market by August, then to extreme commoditization by October.  I don’t know of another time in history where that has occurred.  Every week, sometimes every day, there have been new challenges to navigate.

Did you have any hesitation starting a business during a pandemic?

Honestly, I didn’t even think about it as a risk – it was just a fun idea which allowed us to help keep people safe and bring an end to a scary time.

Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?

I didn’t know I was supposed to be one until I was one… it just fit. 

Have you been able to find a good work-life balance?

One of the biggest learnings from this experience, has been understanding that I need to slow down in order to speed up.  Taking time to be present with my son, family, friends, vendors, customers, or anyone I’m chatting with is a priority and knowing it’s ok to send the email, or do “the thing”, later is just fine.  Often taking a little time or space will result in a better outcome anyway.   

What does the future look like for commUNITY – what happens next?

I believe there are a few different paths commUNITY can grow into, each with a different way to support our customers and our community-at-large.  And I have to remind myself that just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s a path we should take.  I’m proud of the brand and product we’ve built, and we need to decide what sparks the electric feeling and move forward from there.

In my heart I know the benefits of moving my body. It helps my mood significantly;  decreases stress; boosts energy; helps foster better sleep; and of course it burns calories. There is even mounting evidence that it helps memory! So many benefits. Yet, in the moment almost every single day, I procrastinate and bargain with myself to get up and move. I am afraid that Newton’s First Law of Motion applies to me, “a body at rest remains at rest”. Unless it is to get something yummy out of the snack drawer. So here are the tips that help me:

1. Put it in your calendar. Make an appointment and make it just as important as everything else on there. Make your calendar entry as specific as possible to take the decision making out of it. For example, instead of writing 5:30 workout. Write 5:30 20 min Bodyweight class followed by a 10 min stretch class. Now you just simply have to get up and do it. (I know easier said than done)
2. Plan to exercise with a friend. Whether it be going for a walk or doing the same exercise class virtually. Many virtual fitness classes have chat features now. Your friend will keep you accountable and it will be much more fun as you get a bit of social interaction.
3. The 10 minute rule. If I’m not in the mood to workout, I just tell myself I will only do 10 minutes. If by the time 10 minutes is over, I’m still not feeling it, I give myself permission to stop. Spoiler Alert: once my body is moving, I rarely feel like stopping. If I do stop, I feel my body is telling me that I need some rest.
4. Let technology help you. I have been using the Fitness app on my phone. I like tracking my progress and putting together streaks. It is even better if you can share your progress with a friend. Other apps to have a look at are the Google Fit , Nike , Peloton and Lose it.
5. Find your Why. Why are you working out in the first place? Is it to feel better, look better, improve your mood or energy? Mine is hands down mood and energy. If I don’t move, I am a grouchy tired thing.
6. I follow my athlete heroes on Instagram. If I am having trouble getting moving, I will check out their accounts. I reckon that if I can do a fraction of what they do, I am in good company.
7. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember, something is better than nothing and you are going to miss days here and there. Just try again the next day and work on your consistency. Exercise is a practice. The goal is to do it consistently.

Please note, I am not in the fitness industry. I am just a regular person who has been trying to get off my butt and have a healthy lifestyle for over 25 years.

Stay healthy my friends,

Darby

British Columbia

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/restrictions

Alberta

https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx

Saskatchewan

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/public-health-measures

Manitoba

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/index.html

Ontario

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions

Quebec

https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progressive-regional-alert-and-intervention-system/map-of-covid-19-alert-levels-by-region/

New Brunswick

https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/travel.html

Nova Scotia

https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/restrictions-and-guidance/

Prince Edward Island

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/updated-covid-19-measures-as-of-february-16

Newfoundland and Labrador

https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/alert-system/alert-level-5/ 

Yukon

We tried a bunch of systems and non-systems without much success. There were many questions around stray masks in our house like, "Who's mask is this?", "Is this mask clean?" and "Why is the dog chewing on someone's mask?".

A game changer in our mask strategy has been our commUNITY mask holders and organisers.  We developed them to fill a definite need in our household!

The kids use the commUNITY organisers on hooks inside of their closets. On Sundays, we make sure that the organisers are stocked with clean masks, filters and holders for the week. The kids will wear one mask and take another clean one to school in the “Clean” mask holder. When they are finished wearing a mask, they put it in the “Dirty” mask holder. This way the dirty mask doesn’t contaminate anything else and they know that it needs to be washed. Each holder holds one adult size or two kid size masks.

We keep the adult masks in an organiser inside of the front hall closet with filters and holders we each have a compartment. I also keep a couple of “Clean” mask holders with clean masks in my car with extra “Dirty” mask holders for when I need to switch them out.

We also have a little basket on our front hall console where everyone puts their “Dirty” mask holders with dirty masks inside when they get home. Every couple of days, I bring them to the laundry to wash them. For washing tips, click here.

Hope that gives you some ideas!

Darby

Next Up: Home Design Tips with Darby. How to design a Fabulous Gallery Wall

The word community essentially means a group of people. But to me, it’s more of an analogy representing the coming together of ideas to further a co-operative action. Normally I don’t like using this kind of ‘buzzword’ word soup but in this case, it actually works!

What has been the hardest part about the pandemic for you personally? There are two parts to the pandemic that have affected me the most. The first is seeing my kids suffer. The total disruption to their lives is brutal. My daughter is in her first year of high school and she is getting robbed of that experience. My son is in Grade 6 and he is being robbed of that final year experience. Both of them are involved in sports and all of their programs have been cancelled. Online learning is not the same and it’s extremely hard to manage as a kid. I’m an adult, I can adapt, I have spent a lifetime dealing with change. It’s not easy, but you learn. My kids having to go through this is easily the worst part of this pandemic. But there is a second part too. The existential dread that accompanies so much time spent locked down. Unable to go out. Unable to function like the social animals that we all are. It takes a mental toll that needs to be actively managed every week. But let’s take a moment to remark on some bright spots. Re-connecting with family and friends in vastly different ways. We bought a dog (so original I know). We go on walks. It’s something!

What is your role in commUNITY?

I am one of the Co-Founders. My day-to-day role is making sure when you order through the website, your package gets sent out to you. I also deal with the custom orders that we receive. I create the mock-ups and order the graphics. And in most cases I physically press the masks with the graphics. I share customer service with Deanna in responding to any issues we receive. And finally, I share website maintenance with Darby. As a team, we work on strategic planning and brainstorming ideas to move the company forward.

What is the biggest strength you bring to the team?

My biggest strength is experience. Both in business and high-pressure environments. I helped found a Proprietary Trading business in 2006 with two other founders. I was the Head of Derivatives Trading in Canada for 13 years when I left in June 2019. I also launched an athletic apparel brand in 2019 focusing on performance wear for tennis athletes. I have been through the ups and downs of running a small business (more than once!) and understand the joys and anxiety that come from both. But as a corollary to that experience is adaptability. When the market changes you have to change with it. The real lesson from Darwin is not survival of the fittest. It’s survival of those that are best able to adapt.

What does the day-to-day working on the business look like for you?

Every day I check what orders have come in and go through the process of fulfilling them and sending them to the post office. I also deal with customer service issue as they arise so Deanna and I talk about that most days. I try and spend some part of some days thinking about the future of the company too and reflecting on our wins and losses.

What has been your favourite part about building a business?

It is always exciting bringing an idea from the drawing board to reality. So many people have great ideas. Very few can bring them to fruition as a viable business. The success that we have had has been amazing. I guess my favourite part is seeing how our customers really like our product and connect to our company ethos. But also, building something with family has been rewarding.

What has been the biggest challenge about building commUNITY?

As with any small business, the biggest challenges have been largely interpersonal. Our closeness as family has certainly helped…. but also hurt in a way only family closeness can! Communication between founders, management, and employees is key to a successful business. Of course, operational issues can hurt, but communication problems can kill. Making sure the three of us are on the same page and on the same path has been the hardest part of steering commUNITY. But it has also been an area where we have shown the biggest growth. After that, the single biggest challenge has been Inventory management. And trial by fire during a pandemic didn’t help!

Did you have any hesitation starting a business during a pandemic?

No.

Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?

I have always gravitated towards positions that give me the most freedom. I started in the back office of the trading operations at CIBC. Cubicles are not my thing. But it was a stepping stone. I quickly progressed on to the trading floor and found that environment fit me like a glove. My progression to become a Proprietary Trader at a proprietary trading firm in London (UK) was a dream. Prop traders trade for themselves. They eat what they kill. Entrepreneurs are the same. Have an idea. Find a way to execute that idea. Get rewarded. Or don’t and start again.

Have you been able to find a good work-life balance?

Yes. Although during the early days of the company we were certainly overwhelmed as we grew so quickly. Time spent away from work greatly increases my happiness, efficiency, and inclination when I am at work.

What does the future look like for commUNITY – what happens next?

Short answer is I don’t know. Our products aren’t normal goods, and we aren’t operating in a normal business framework or a normal business cycle. With the emergence of the vaccine our products have a definite best before date looming. Of course, mask wearing will continue for a time after mass vaccinations begin. We are so grateful for our loyal community of customers. So, the future could be bright if we adapt. The question is how to adapt. I look forward to finding out.

Next Up: 

Get to know commUNITY founder: Darby Burger

Gallery walls are a fabulous way to personalise your space. It is a great way to integrate older pictures that you love with newer ones to make the room look fresh and interesting.

Step 1: The planning process
The first thing you have to do is decide on the look. It can be overwhelming scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest looking at all of the gorgeous gallery walls. The options are endless. To help simplify the options, I like to divide my styles into 3 main themes.

1. Eclectic: Use different frames, colours and sizes. This lends itself well if you have vintage photographs, architectural drawings or family items that you would like to incorporate.
   
   photo credit: @_noopdesigns_.        photo credit: @ Harrison_nate_and_me
2. Modern Grid: This works well if you have a more uniform collection. It could be photographs, little paintings, architectural drawings, fabric, wallpaper samples, shells.
   
   photo credit:@renovatedfaith              photo credit:@Sydney.rae.mcneil
3. Combo: This one uses different frame shapes and sizes, but all the same colour scheme.
   
   photo credit: @88.pri                  photo credit: @_noopdesigns_  

Step 2: Measure your wall
Measure the space where you're considering the new layout. Keep in mind that you would like the centre of your piece at 60” off the floor. I usually put 2” in between each piece. This helps group the individual pieces so that visually they look like one large piece. If it is over a sofa, make sure that you keep head room in mind. This should give you a general idea of frame size and shape.

At this point, I lay out the existing pieces that I will use on the floor in front of the wall. Feel free to move your coffee or kitchen table out of the way so you can better visualise the photos and the frames in the grid. This helps me figure out if I need to buy new frames, or if I can re-purpose old ones. It also helps me figure out the sizing.

Step 2: Select your Frames
I love to re-use frames from other areas of my house. It forces me to change the art on those other walls, and it's free! If that isn't possible, then I look to Kijiji, Michaels or Ikea. I will often update the frames by painting or staining them.

Step 3: Select your Artwork
Now comes the fun part. Deciding what goes in the frames. One of my favourite things to do is take a photograph close up of a part of my kids artwork and then print it out. It adds a whimsical and usually colourful touch. For a design project I am working on now, the clients teens have a homework assignment to take nature photos with their phones. The photos are so great we decided to incorporate them into the artwork for the wall! I have also used maps, wallpaper samples, fabric samples, books, it is really endless. And you probably have most of the resources already in your home or on your phone.

Pro Tip: If you are using images on your phone, don’t forget you can use your filters to fit your photo into your colour scheme. Also, you need to use a large file format so it prints out crisply.

Step 4: Installation
You are now ready to dress your wall: For this you need a few materials.

• A pencil and good eraser
• A level (laser levels are the best)
• I like to use Velcro Hangables, but you can use regular picture hangers too. Tip: if you are using picture hangers get rubber sound dampening disks for kitchen cabinets to put on the corners so they stay straight.
• Measuring tape
  
  

Now that you have laid out your artwork on the floor it is time to install it. Measure the total length and width. Find the centre. Now mark the centre of your artwork on the wall approximately 60” off the floor and centred on the wall or over the piece of furniture below.

Start from the centre of your gallery wall and work out towards the edges. Make sure your artwork is level. This is critical. I have often tried to cut corners and eyeball it in an attempt to save time and I have never been successful. Be patient.

If you are using picture hangers, here comes the math. You need to measure from the top of the frame to the wire when it is pulled up as if it is hanging. 

Then measure from the top edge of the frame you have just installed to where the centre of the new frame adding the inches for the space in between. This is where you use your level to ensure they are at the right height.

Pro tip: even though you may have purchased a pack of seemingly identical frames, do not assume that they are all wired for the same height! Measure twice...hang once!

Success! You have done it! A brand new personalised gallery wall for you to enjoy.

Darby.

Read our blog:

Winter Running...a way to get outside and get active during the lockdown.

Running puts the tiger in the cat. ~Bill Squires

I have a love-hate relationship with running. I’m not a gazelle nor does running come easily. In fact I may look more like flailing Phoebe from Friends than I like to admit. But I do love it. I started running after a particularly demanding time at work many years ago. In fact, my first day with the Running Room Learn -to-Run clinic was a 1 min run, 1 min walk exercise. I lasted :30 sec then laid down on the ground and told the coach to continue without me. I eventually got up, tried again and it slowly started to stick with me. Running has become significant in my life. Often when I feel lost or at a crossroads, I challenge myself with new distances, just to see what I am made of. Without fail, it has helped to clarify who I am and the strength within me.

Running has helped me cope with living through the pandemic lock down over the last few months and I wanted to share some tips. Through my years of training, whether it be for my Marathon or a 10k, I’ve come to love winter running. There’s a peacefulness to an early morning run on fresh, white snow while watching the sun sparkle. There’s also something hard-core about splashing through gross slush and having the salt freeze on your face after a strong-effort run. In any case, I hope these tips are helpful to you!

- Starting: If you have not run before, or haven't run in a while, your first run doesn’t need to be long or hard. Moving is the key objective. I recommend a 1 min on, 1 min off format or something similar. On days when I mentally need a break, I commit to running for 10 min. Of course I find that at the 10 min mark I want to keep going, but that initial target is a good way to get me going at all!

- Attire: Running increases your body temp approximately 10’C. So dressing for how you will feel 10 mins into the run is key. Layers can make for a more comfortable run by keeping your core, feet and head warm. Start with sweat wicking base layer and build from there depending on the temperature. I love winter running socks because they keep your feet warm and also dry when pounding through the snow and slush. I don’t bother with mitts unless it’s extremely cold, instead I opt for shirts with cuffs which go over my hands. This keeps the heat inside while offering instant ventilation when needed and nothing extra to carry. Footwear can be key as well. Trail running shoes are ideal as they are built for unsteady terrain and tend to keep your feet protected from the elements.

- Pace: Watch where you’re stepping. It sounds simple, but this is when accidents happen. Decrease your pace when the terrain is uncertain. Look ahead and plan your route one block or section at a time. You may find it best to change sides of the streets based on how clear the path is. This can be annoying, but it’s also secretly adding distance under your feet.

- Effort: Especially when life is a little more difficult, be kind to yourself. And be realistic. Listen to your body and heart then change your run accordingly. There are days when I need to release mounting anxiety or frustration and a hard, sweaty run feels great. But recently, there have been more days where I struggle to find the energy to put pants on. So, I add layers, take it slow and add plenty of restorative walk breaks. It’s not about the distance – it’s about the fresh air, moving and doing something productive. Even a ‘meh’ run feels better than no run.

- Mindset: There have been the elusive days when running feels natural and easy, but many days aren’t like that. I often use this time to daydream, work out problems, think of new ideas or consider life’s options. On days when motivation is hard, I focus on all the good things running does for my health; I count the people who say hello back to me; I list things I like about it (like the accessories, being outside, sweating, looking at cool houses, discovering new areas in the city) and of course feeling good about that glass of wine with dinner! For me running is 98% mental and 2% physical – getting out of your head is hard to do sometimes, but that’s part of the challenge.

No matter how slow you are, you’re still lapping everyone on the couch. ~Nike

Regardless of the day, I have always viewed running as a gift. I am physically able to run, and as I get older I appreciate that every day. And of course, during the lock down, just being able to do something different and healthy, well that has become so much more important. In fact, it’s almost a luxury.

So, lace up those shoes and have a great run!

Deanna

Success isn’t how far you go, but the distance you travelled from where you started. ~Steve Prefontaine

Read our blog: 

What does the word community mean to you?

To me, community is a group of people coming together and supporting each other. Gathering in times of joy and being there for one another during difficult ones. Community is defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Before the pandemic, I would have described my community as my neighbourhood, the school that my kids go to, and our circle of friends and colleagues. The global pandemic has brought a common goal to us all. It has taught us that we need to wear masks, physical distance, and quarantine to protect a much wider circle. I feel more connected to our global community than ever before.

What has been the hardest part about the pandemic for you personally?

That is a tough one, there have been many challenges this year. The toughest part has been watching my children suffer emotionally, academically, and they have been more sedentary than ever before. We have done our best to provide structure and support for them, but it hasn’t been enough. It feels like having three full time jobs. Getting my work done, teaching my kids, getting them outside and active, and an emotional coach for them, and um… and did I mention laundry, cooking, and managing a home. All the while doing my best to keep myself together at the same time.

What is your role in commUNITY?

Primarily, I have gone back to my roots as a Graphic Designer and focused on the creative for the website, newsletters, and marketing. I have also spearheaded some marketing initiatives. However, as we are a small company we lend a hand whenever it is needed. At any time, I will be stuffing envelopes, packaging masks and sending out samples for marketing and client appreciation.

What is the biggest strength you bring to the team?

My creativity and willingness to take on new initiatives. Once we decide on a course of action together, I am able to run with it and bring if from idea into fruition by doing research and creating the systems necessary. I am more of a “doer”. I am also able to make decisions quickly and put them into action.

Fun fact: I also hand tie dyed hundreds of masks!

What does the day-to-day working on the business look like for you?

I work from the kitchen table. I pepper my work day with taking the dog for walks, making meals for the kids, laundry, and I try to do a little workout. I mostly focus on optimizing the website, creating images and letters for promotional materials, and lately writing and laying out our e-newsletter and contributing to our blog section.

What has been your favourite part about building a business?

I have enjoyed the challenge of dedicating myself to different aspects of the business depending on the need. There has been an immense learning curve. I have enjoyed stretching my skill set, getting out of the familiar, and trying something new. The most important aspect is that we are helping people feel protected during this pandemic by making high quality masks with filters and giving back to our community.

What has been the biggest challenge about building commUNITY?

I think the entire process has been a bit kooky.

1. None of us has had any experience in clothing manufacturing or sales.
2. Working with family has its elements of frustration. (Also fun)
3. We started a business during the pandemic when our children were at home and we were home schooling and we were only supposed to leave our houses for essential business only. There was a lot going on and time management was a challenge.
4. Managing the inventory was a challenge. I believe it always is with small businesses, but at the start of the pandemic supply chains were not as reliable and there were wacky pricing variances. It was particularly challenging.

Did you have any hesitation starting a business during a pandemic?

Not at all, I thought it would give Deanna, Colin, and myself something to focus on that was outside of ourselves. We wanted to be able to help support Canadians by providing cloth masks so the medical grade masks could be left for first responders. At the time, it was difficult to get your hands on a good quality cotton mask. We thought we could fill a need in the short term and also give back to Food Banks Canada to help people in need.

Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?

Not ever in my life, not even for one second.

Have you been able to find a good work-life balance?

I like Oprah’s take on work-life balance. She says, “I learned that you can’t have everything and do everything at the same time.” I think that sometimes you have to focus more on one area of your life and the others have to sit on the bench for a bit. Certainly, in the spring and summer, we were focusing on the business.

I feel like now that we are more established, we have been able to spend more time with our kids and weaning them off electronics and focusing more on school. At the same time, I feel that we are leading by example. I am proud of Deanna, Colin, and myself for starting a company and supplying masks and helping people during this difficult time.

What does the future look like for commUNITY – what happens next?

One of the most important things we have done with the business is create products that help keep people safe and organised. I don’t think masks are going away any time soon. I do think that people have started to recognise a well-designed mask made from a premium cotton that will provide increased safety and will stand up to many washes in comparison to inferior masks. We like to think that we have hit the sweet spot between manufacturing a premium product at high value. Also, all of our products are made in Canada. It is so important to us to help support Canadians at this time.

We have some ideas for new products and new collaborations with different charities and are looking forward to bringing them to fruition.

I also see a designer line of masks and lifestyle products in the future.

Read our Blog:

Home Design Tips with Darby. How to design a Fabulous Gallery Wall

Last year commUNITY was happy to partner with the BCSS and deliver custom logoed masks to many of their donors as a thank you for their support. In speaking with the organisation we wanted to find out how they and their clients have been dealing with the pandemic. As expected, it's been a tough go, but of course the human spirit wins in the end. 

- In what ways is the Pandemic affecting your clients?

The pandemic has changed the everyday lives of families affected by schizophrenia in many ways. Some families have not been able to attend our programs or access our services in-person. The pandemic has increased isolation, making it harder for them to get the support they need and to provide care for their loved ones. COVID-19 has made it harder for some people living with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses to adhere to their medications or access healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses. It has also been challenging for some because some safety guidelines have echoed or reinforced existing symptoms they may be experiencing or are trying to combat, I.e. increased isolation or people avoiding them.

But within any crisis, there are opportunities. For example, through the adaptions that many of our Regional Educators have made, we have been able to reach and provide services and programs to more people than before. In a number of regions, people who have not been able to access our services because they are not able to attend in-person, live in remote areas, etc., are now able to join support groups and classes by participating virtually. And many of these families live in smaller communities where services are often limited.

- Do many of your clients have trouble adhering to the safety guidelines?

Good question, we don’t have a concrete answer for you. Based on anecdotal information from psychiatrists, some people living with schizophrenia have a hard time using masks because it can trigger symptoms of their psychosis, as well as increase feelings of claustrophobia, suffocation, and anxiety. However, this depends on the person and the symptoms they experience.

- What is the general level of concern about contracting Covid-19?

Some of the overarching concerns relating to COVID-19 from our families is worry about who would provide care to their loved ones should they contract COVID-19. Often, the responsibility of ensuring that a person adheres to treatment falls upon parents or other family members – they are responsible for ensuring a loved one living with schizophrenia is taking their medications, and are often monitoring that person’s behaviour to identify potential indicators of relapse.

We recently hosted our first virtual Annual General Meeting and had two psychiatrists speak to how COVID-19 has affected families and individuals living with serious mental illness in BC. You can find the information on our website, www.bcss.org.

- What supports are you able to offer them?

We have been offering virtual support to families in this time of need through telephone, email, and other online platforms. During this period, BCSS has provided more one-on-one support with families to match their need. BCSS is continuing to offer regular family support groups across the province, education and support through our Strengthening Families Together program, and presentations about schizophrenia and other serious mental illness. And of course, our Regional Educators are still providing information and resources tailored towards the needs of individuals who contact them.

- How have your educators been affected?

Our BCSS Regional Educators are often family members themselves, or providing care to their parents and families. COVID-19 has added the stress of balancing their own health and safety, while still meeting families and individuals to provide support. They have been managing wonderfully in this constantly changing environment, and are working hard to adjust our programs and services to align with current government restrictions. They have also embraced the use of technology and conquered the learning curve required for them to be able to create and offer programs and services online. They are constantly considering and thinking of new ways to ensure that families and individuals affected by schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses receive the support they need in this crucial time.

- Is there a message/thought you would like to share with us?

British Columbia Schizophrenia Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1982 by families and friends of people with schizophrenia to provide “a reason to hope…the means to cope.” We are dedicated to supporting those affected by schizophrenia or other serious mental illness, educating the public, and advocating for better care and services.

1 in 100 people across Canada live with schizophrenia and in any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness or addiction problem. By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have—or have had—a mental illness. It’s important to remember that we’re all doing our best in these challenging times, and that we don’t always know what is happening in another person’s life. So please empathize and be kind to each other.

Thank you Andrew. A wonderful message to end on about empathy that I know we can all learn from. There is no downside to being kind!

Stay safe and wear a mask...with a filter!

Colin.

1. Getting my rest:

I find the winter blues quite sneaky. For me it comes in the form of exhaustion. I can be tired all the time and never get enough sleep. I try to combat the tiredness by having 2 evenings a week where I get into my bed extra early. Often, I will do a bit of work or answer emails. (I know this is not the best sleep hygiene and I need to work on this). However, I can be warm, cozy and it's easy for me to drift off. 

2. Making Social Connections:

When the blues hit, I tend to shy away from social engagements or reaching out to my friends. I just feel too tired and not motivated to connect with people. We know humans need connection when we are feeling down. That is why especially during the pandemic it is important for me to push through and have a chat with a friend.

It helps to have an excuse to see people to get me moving too. For the past few years, I have been able to do this through sports like skiing or tennis. I really enjoy the physical aspect, and the social components dovetail nicely. This has helped me in several ways. I block off the time for the activity. If it is in my calendar, it is more likely that I will do it. People are depending on me to go, and I don’t want to let them down. Also, I know I will enjoy myself once I get there!

Of course since most sports are now cancelled this idea of scheduling an activity lends itself nicely to part 3.

3. Get Outside

I need to get outside. There is something that makes me feel better when I have been in the fresh air. It's as easy as taking a short walk each day! It helps that I have a Covid puppy that is just so much more pleasant if she walks every day too.

Walking can drastically improve your mood and make the cold winter days brighter and happier! Studies have shown that it also helps boost energy, improve focus and increase creativity. Often, I try to get a few friends (no more than 5!) or family members to come with me. But it's not just the fresh air, it's the sunshine too. Getting that Vitamin D boost by having the sun on your face can do wonders for mood.

4. Movement

Last, but not least…exercise. Does anyone else have trouble getting moving in the winter? Ugh! It can be so hard. It's dark when you wake up, it's dark when you're finished working. I know I feel better after a workout but wow is it hard to get going. My top tips are: Put it in your calendar. Start a routine (ie: every Wednesday morning I get on the stationary bike, or do a body-weight workout). Do it with a friend (or a family member).

I keep reminding myself to just take one day at a time. It will get easier. The sun will bring the warmth of spring again. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to a better 2021!

Stay safe and wear a mask,

Darby

--The Tanner Steffler Foundation (TSF) is a grassroots mental health and addiction organization that is three years young. It was founded by John and Heather Steffler of Seaforth, Ontario after the death of their son. On June 6th, 2017 after battling with a substance use disorder. Tanner Steffler was sadly poisoned by a drug overdose at the young age of 19.

TSF's mission is to cultivate transformational change for youth struggling with mental health and addiction. TSF aims to help youth and families navigate between and across multiple services, serving as a central hub that supports them move seamlessly between the various services in Huron and Perth County.

The vision at TSF is for youth and families to have equitable access to quality, evidence informed mental health promotion. This includes better mental health outcomes, addiction prevention treatment, as well as harm reduction programs and services. The focus is on improving integrated youth services and integrated service delivery.

In honour of TSF’s core value of magnifying the youth voice, I assisted TSF in recently launching a Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The council is welcome to everyone 12-24 years old and is currently co-facilitated by the YAC Co-Chairs and myself. The council meets virtually in the evenings bi-weekly where there is always a Wellness Support Person present. The council guides TSF in all mandates and working group projects, provides TSF with voice and direction to best support youth needs, works as active participants in the growth of TSF and also sets its direction.

TSF’s objective in launching the YAC is to engage and empower youth as valuable partners in addressing and making decisions about mental health and addiction services in Huron and Perth County. Specifically those that affect them personally, but also other areas of treatment and services that they believe to be important.

With the compassionate support of commUNITY masks, the YAC was able to engage in their first campaign as a council. This campaign was a multipurpose experience and would not have been possible without this partnership with commUNITY masks.

The loyalty and encouragement that was received from Deanna (co-founder of commUNITY) allowed for the YAC to strengthen their roots in the community as they were given an incredible opportunity to bring this campaign idea to fruition.

After much discussion, the YAC ordered white jersey masks with the commUNITY logo on one side along with the TSF logo on the other side. Various tie-dye colours were also ordered which allowed for the participants to revel in an afternoon of tie-dying. They were able to flex their creative muscles, take a break from their busy schedules and come together as a council. The final look of each tie-dyed mask was beautiful, and importantly, the message behind the mask design held a lot of significance.

Through the practice of tie-dying, each mask was intentionally created to appear unique. Each YAC member was given the opportunity to explore their individuality through this form of inventiveness. This meant that not one finished mask was the same. Even those that designed multiple masks using similar colours! The council did not want to duplicate patterns. Why? To symbolize the diversity of every individual’s personal experience with mental health and addiction.

The YAC believes that every single person has a story and each story is wildly different. We do not want folks in the community feeling as though they have to hide their story and suffer in silence. The aim of this campaign was to demonstrate that each unique mask represents each person’s extremely different mental health and addiction journey. This acknowledges that there is not a one-size-fits-all formula for recovery. Each person experiencing mental health and/or addiction requires different supportive services which aligns with TSF’s client centred approach to practice.

The YAC used the uniqueness of the tie-dye masks as a metaphor to represent the core message which is to Unmask the Stigma of mental health and addictions, raise awareness of the current fragmented mental health and addiction services, and form solidarity with this community. This was a collaborative process that brought the YAC together which in turn, strengthened their foundation as a council to move TSF forward.

While the bulk of the masks were used as a fundraising opportunity for the TSF, they were also included in TSF’s participation in Giving Tuesday . Through the partnership with commUNITY masks, a number of masks were donated by TSF to four different relevant organizations in Huron-Perth. Of the four organizations, two were shelters and two were agencies that offer youth mental health and addiction services. Each organization received 20 masks, mask filters, and a letter of gratitude that were packaged in hand-made bags. TSF’s Executive Director and myself personally dropped off the Giving Tuesday bags to each organization who were all incredibly appreciative.

I hope TSF gains further support to continue on the journey of transforming mental health and addiction services in Huron and Perth County. We continue to seek further funding to expand and evolve as a Foundation which includes distributing honorarium to the Youth Advisory Council. TSF values the time, energy and perspective the youth advisors bring to the table in their membership. Click the link and you can support us by making a donation to the Tanner Steffler Foundation. Thank you for believing in us.

We encourage you to Unmask the Stigma in your community.

Alison Wilson

TSF Youth Intake Navigator and Engagement Coordinator

Read our blog: Are you ready for a home refresh? Budget friendly tips.

Because we are spending so much more time at home, the new year offers us a great opportunity to begin afresh. My teenager daughter recently asked if we could paint her room as she is sooooo bored of the mural we did a year and a half ago. I was shocked.  Then, it occurred to me that she has spent the same amount of hours in her room this year as she would normally would have in three years. So, on the condition that she keep her room tidy, we agreed to update it a bit.

Freshening does not mean reinventing the wheel and starting from scratch. It is more about keeping the main pieces and accessorizing to make your space new again.

The first step is always about editing. Easier said than done of course. You need to look at your space with a critical eye and pair down or replace. Often, we get used to our things and don’t really notice them anymore. Look at your pillows, blankets and accessories. Are you pillows lumpy? Are your blankets threadbare? Are your accessories chipped or just out of style? And let's not forget about clutter. Take a moment to look around. It is so hard to get rid of things. But you will feel lighter when you have.

Nothing brightens up a space faster than some greenery or flowers. The easiest, cheapest and long lasting is  from the florist. I love a simple architectural leaf or branch that add a pop of colour or texture and are super cheap!

@tonicliving

@desertdecor

I am the first to admit, I have a slight toss cushion addiction. A cheap way to refresh your cushions is to just replace the covering. Just measure, find a new pattern or colour, unzip the old and zip up the new! There are loads to find on Etsy or my favourite, Tonic Living in Toronto. I also love a good looking pouf. They add texture, colour and a practical touch of additional seating. These are easy ways to infuse your space with new colours and even some of coziness.

Do you have a wall that either has artwork that doesn’t fit or has no artwork at all? Here is a great opportunity to create a collage by either adding existing pieces and or creating new. I love to put together artwork so it has a casual not too perfect or matchy match look. In the inspo pic, they grouped the pieces closely so it almost looks like one. It can also be a nice way to use sentimental pieces that on their own don't fit.

To create cohesion, I like to paint all the frames the same colour. Usually black, but sometimes white or gold. This way, no matter the shape or content, the collage is unified. Remember, art can be anything. For instance, I've used pictures  from my cellphone, fabric swatches that I love or even pieces of wallpaper.

A lick of paint on any piece of hard goods, really is transformative. I like to keep it simple by painting most furniture either white or black. If painting furniture is too much, you can update accessories by painting them so they match your new pillows or bring in a metallic sheen. In the above pic you can see how each of the accessories and even the side tables are painted a matte black to help tie the room together.

If ever there was a time to get cozy and enjoy your space it is this January. I find little updates uplift the spirit. Also, it might make your home seem like a totally new space!

Stay Safe and wear a mask,

Darby

 Read our Blog: Unmasking the Stigma

When educator Michael Hodgson first wrote a blog for us back in late August, he gave us an insight into what Covid meant for the upcoming school year. Now he writes about what it's been like on the inside almost 4 months later. Over to Michael.

It has been quite the year so far for students and all education workers – to put it mildly. What I have been noticing is the amazing job our young people are doing with staying safe and adopting hand washing, mask wearing and staying distanced. As we head into the holiday season things understandably feel different. As a music teacher I have definitely noticed the restrictions Covid-19 has generated. NO SINGING! Staying creative while planning meaningful lessons has been an extremely mindful and meaningful focus for the students as well as myself. This past week, I initiated “Mindful Mondays” at our school to provide five minutes of calm after lunch for students to simply sit and chill, colour, breathe, just “be” without and expectation.

Some tips from me to you for home mindfulness and creativity:

· Go on a “listening walk” and stop every so often to hear the sounds of life

· Check out Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube for exercise and meditations

· Consider a membership to Headspace or Calm apps for yourself and your kids

· Make a kitchen band after watching “Stomp” videos

· Check out Young People’s Theatre YouTube channel for drama games to play

As we head into the holiday season, I would like to state this: Please, follow guidelines from health officials, do not bend and waver. Please. Students NEED the day to day interactions with peers, the sense of routine, the sense of accomplishment, the growth from mistakes and vulnerability. Teachers want schools to open for our students – let’s stay strong and not go backwards. Be creative with how you virtually see your extended family and be creative with imagination and fun.

Michael Hodgson

Arts Educator TDSB

Read about Mask Care

Today we have another blog from my wife and co-founder Darby Burger. As the holiday season intensifies, ideas about how to spend the time together while apart during lock down are just what we need. And Darby has some great ones! Enjoy.

“I'll have a blue Christmas without you, I'll be so blue just thinking about you Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won't be the same, dear, if you're not here with me”

Elvis Presley

This holiday season we are getting creative about how to celebrate together, yet apart. For several weeks now, provincial officials across the country have urged Canadians to reconsider get-together plans for the holiday season as Covid-19 infections continue to surge.

We have some ideas that might help bring people together and maybe bring on a laugh or two along the way. The trick is always getting everyone involved and engaged in an activity whether they are 2 or 92.

• Virtual Family Trivia Night. Here is an online list to help get you started. If you have some little people in your family, you could throw in some Paw Patrol or questions about them in the mix to keep them interested.
  https://www.bustle.com/life/holiday-trivia-questions-zoom-parties.

• Best Decorated House Challenge. See who can find the most amazing display of lights. Take Walk/Drive around your neighbourhood with a cup of hot chocolate to find the best decorated house. If your group is further afield, take a pic and share on a virtual call. Everyone can vote on the winner.

• Virtual Christmas Cookie Bake Off – Everyone bakes their own cookies and if you are close enough and have a willing driver, you can share with your group. If you are spread out, cookies can be judged on the basis of looks alone. Best part is that you have lots of yummy cookies. Our family favourite are gingerbread cookies. I love the crazy designs that my family comes up.
  
  This is our inspo for this year.

     [photocred homemade.com]

• Pinterest Inspo Bake Off. This one is inspired by one of our families favourite shows. “Nailed It”. I love this one (mostly because none of my baked goods resemble the Inspo Pic). It gets even better if there is a time component.  BTW, judge and taster is a critical job, you need to pick someone special for that one. To keep it simple and fun, I would recommend to go with something no bake. Also, why not just jump straight to the candy? 

Here is an example:

Ice Cream Cone Christmas Trees. All you need are sugar cones, heaps of icing and candy.

Inspo Pic:

• Virtual Holiday Craft. One of the crafts on our list this year is to decorate Holiday masks. Conveniently, we have masks you can use. Link to White Masks. You just need some sparkle markers or sparkle glue. It is easy, fun, festive and washable. So now, you have a fancy mask to add to your mask wardrobe.

• You could do a virtual wine/prosecco/scotch tasting either with a professional or on your own. Our suggestion is to keep it simple and fun. Pick 3 bottles from the same varietal or region that are widely available. Send the list to all of your guests so they can pick up the supplies. You can give your guests a little information about each sample. This information is usually on the producers website. Then drink and discuss. Don’t forget to ask your guests to pick up some snacks too. 

We hope that this got your creative juices flowing. 

Whether you celebrate Hannuka, Kwanzaa, Christmas or are simply enjoying a long weekend, enjoy. I feel like this year has been so stressful, we need to shed expectations, take a deep breath and have more patience and kindness for everyone.

Stay Safe and wear a mask...with a filter!

Darby Burger

Read our Food Bank Donation Guide

The holidays are first and foremost a time for giving. We here at commUNITY have been working with Food Banks Canada since our inception to do just that. Your purchases of commUNITY products have now enabled us to provide over 100,000 meals across this country. But more is always needed. We have compiled a handy guide of tips and deadlines so that you give directly to the Food Banks in your community. To find your local Food Bank go to Find your local Food Bank.

Happy Holidays!

Colin

Learn more about how the pandemic has affected the Assaulted Woman's Helpline

Often when we are confronted with something horrible we miss the effects that aren't immediately observable. The primary effect of the virus can be death. The secondary effect is almost certainly suffering. And that suffering can come in a lot of different ways and intensities that most of us can't even imagine. Our blog today is about a tragedy that happens behind closed doors that has been exacerbated by the emergence of Covid-19 and the resulting pandemic. The numbers are staggering. I will let Yvonne Harding, the Manager of Resource Development at the AWHL take it from here:

When the pandemic hit and emergency lock-down measures were announced in the spring, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline expected an increase in calls to our 24/7 crisis counselling line from desperate women now at home with abusive partners, isolated from friends and family, and cut off from community supports. We had experienced spikes in calls in prior times of crisis. Our counsellors were ready for an uptick in calls. But we did not expect our call volumes to double. In the six-month period between March and September, counsellors answered more than 55,000 calls. By comparison, fifty thousand calls were answered the previous fiscal year! We have been able to handle this extraordinary increase in calls because of the dedication of our counselling staff, and the overwhelming generosity and support from the community.

At the beginning of November, which just happened to be “Woman Abuse Prevention Month”, Deanna from commUNITY emailed to offer support. Deanna is no stranger to the Helpline, having been a volunteer for many years she knew all too well the risks many women were facing in their homes and wanted to help. And help she did. Along with her sister Darby and brother-in-law Colin, commUNITY  not only donated $2 from the sale of every orchid mask sold in the month of November, but they also brought additional awareness to the issue of domestic violence through social media. We are so grateful for organizations such as commUNITY, who generously support local organizations such as ours. Their valuable donations of masks to the vulnerable populations we serve further helps to reduce the spread of this virus which has upended all our lives.

For front line workers in emergency women’s shelters, masks are critical to ensuring their personal health and safety and that of their residents. Whether you are on the front lines or supporting your community in other ways, masks are essential to our collective well being. So do your part and have a ready supply of masks for every occasion. Or have a zoom call over the holidays and have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Yvonne Harding

Manager of Resource Development

Assaulted Women’s Helpline (AWHL)

If you are someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511. Counsellors are available 24/7. If calling is difficult, online counselling is available at www.awhl.org M-F, from 11am-8pm.

The long awaited follow up to Part 1 of our Etiquette during Covid blog is here! 

In Part 1 Lisa Orr, an etiquette specialist, helped us through some difficult situations around the holidays. Now she has answers to questions about how to handle mask cynics and newborns!

A good friend of mine just had a baby, but I don't know how to celebrate this. Is it appropriate to just drop something off at her door or should I be doing something else?

First congratulations to your friend for being a superhero delivering a baby during a pandemic. Second, the biggest challenge for new parents that I see during the pandemic is the isolation that they may be experiencing at a time when they may need support. My advice would be to reach out to your friend and ask what they’d like. Let them know you’d love to visit but know that’s a no-no right now so that instead you’d like to drop off a gift. Then you can make sure you’re arranging the right type of gift to be delivered (e.g. something off a registry, groceries, coffee … etc.) and in a way that makes them comfortable. It will also give you a chance to set up some future virtual check-ins or physically distanced visits if it’s appropriate where you live.

How do you tell someone they should be wearing a mask?

The safest way is to model it by wearing a mask yourself. It can be very high risk to confront someone over not wearing a mask. There have been issues with violence when people have asked others to put on their masks and that doesn’t help anyone. Instead, by wearing your mask hopefully they will either realize they should be wearing one and put theirs on or they won’t react at all (or give you a nasty look) at which point you keep your distance and if needed, get out of the situation.

How do you manage a situation when your friend doesn't think this is a big deal and isn't interested in wearing a mask?

Shame is the most effective tool here. Having faced this myself, I explain, “I totally understand your position, there has been lots of misinformation out there, but I wear a mask because it’s something I can do to help keep people safe. I have family and friends who have been severely impacted by this disease, and if by wearing my mask and giving up some of my freedoms I can help make the pandemic a little less terrible then that’s something I’m willing to do. It’s sort of like wearing a seat belt, it’s not the most comfortable thing to do, but we do it to keep everyone safer and once you get used to it’s not that big a deal”. If that doesn’t work then don’t fight about it, but it might be time to take a pause on that friendship. Anyone who isn’t willing to be informed and be a little bit selfless probably isn’t  someone you want in your inner circle just now.

Thank you Lisa for your insights and answers to some questions that we have all had to consider during this pandemic. 

Happy Holidays!

Stay safe...wear a mask...with a filter!

Click here to see Part 1

Today we have a topic that is timely and important. So important that we are breaking it up in to a two part blog post. 

Whether it's family, friends or strangers, how do we handle other people's behaviour during Covid-19? How do we navigate the delicate line between being social and being selfish. And more importantly, how to address those we see that are struggling between the two. Lisa Orr is an etiquette consultant and we asked her how she has been navigating the sometimes perilous new Covid etiquette reality.

--Covid-19 has had such an impact on our lives but I think one of the more challenging ones is that not everyone shares the same view of that impact and what precautions we should be taking. Like every pandemic in history there are those who are conscientious and follow the public health guidelines and those who embrace the risk or deny the disease exists and refuse to take it seriously. That creates a new world of social dilemmas, but the good news is there are some simple ways to tackle them.--Lisa Orr, Etiquette Consultant

So Lisa, with the holiday season coming up, what's the best way to politely say no to family members who still want to do larger family events?

The first step is to try to chat over the phone rather than sending an email or text because it’s harder to be rude or confrontational when you can hear someone’s voice. Next give them the benefit of the doubt and say, “I’m sure you didn’t know but large in-person family events are off this year because of the pandemic but we’d love to celebrate with you virtually?”. If they insist because it’s a hoax/not a big deal/rules don’t apply to them, you can explain, “I understand your position, but I’m just not comfortable attending that kind of gathering so if virtual doesn’t work hopefully we can connect another time”.

At school drop-off and pick-up, I see a lot of parents who aren't wearing their masks properly. Should I just ignore or say something?

This one is tough because everyone has different comfort/education levels on the use of masks outdoors, but obviously the more we wear masks the safer we’ll be. My solution is to model the behaviour I want to see so I always wear my mask and keep my distance, but I’ll still wave and say hello. Then they can see you can socialize and pick up your kids while keeping others safe. If you do feel like it’s a safety concern, let the school know, and they may be able to ask parents to attend pick up wearing masks more effectively.

Should you say something to friends who don't really follow public health guidelines? For example, those who are still inviting others to their houses and not thinking this is a big deal.

This may be my biggest frustration of the pandemic and I’ve definitely lost respect for people who behave this way and frankly lost friendships because of this kind of behaviour. My first step is always to get facts because sometimes things aren’t as they appear. So I’ll say something like, I heard you had some friends over that must have been nice to have a visit, it’s tough to manage all the new Covid restrictions. If they answer with a conscientious explanation about how they hosted the event following the rules (e.g. with distancing, masks, appropriate numbers, while it was allowed) then there’s no issue. However, if they make it clear they don’t care and that the rules don’t apply to them and that they think you’re ridiculous for caring then leave it, but I would keep your distance from them for a while. People who are reckless with other people’s lives and livelihoods aren’t usually on the top of my friend list.

Very helpful answers Lisa! And we have even more Covid related etiquette questions and answers with Lisa coming up soon in Part 2 of our Etiquette during Covid blog.

Stay safe...wear a mask...with a filter!

Colin

Read Part 2 of Lisa's Blog

Interested in learning more about our Filters?

Yesterday, Dr. Tam (Chief Public Health Officer for Canada) announced that the guidelines for cloth face masks as recommended by Health Canada was changing. One more layer. A third layer of protection has now been recommended. Here is a link to the CBC article

Dr. Tam said, "This is an additional recommendation just to add another layer of protection. The science of masks has really accelerated during this particular pandemic. So we're just learning again as we go".

And here is the good news...Dr. Tam went on to say,"We're not necessarily saying just throw out everything that you have," before suggesting adding a filter (to a two layer mask) can help with protection. 

Of course the WHO (World Health Organisation) had already recommended a third layer which is why in part we designed all of the commUNITY masks to have a space for a filter. So now adding one of our washable filters to your two layer mask keeps it compliant with all Health Canada Guidelines. Here is the link to that updated guide. 

Our washable filters are made from a non-woven polypropylene. This is the same material you would find in the N95 masks. It is completely safe, breathable and the preferred material that Health Canada cites for use as filters. 

Here is a link to an article from the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine discussing various filtration materials and their efficacy. It is a bit wordy but essentially it says that non-woven polypropylene is a very effective material in filtering airborne particles while still allowing the user to breathe.

And now to the bullet points about our filters...an absolute must for any self respecting blog: 

• Thin, highly breathable but offer very strong protection
• Anti-microbial and anti-dust mite
• Designed to fit in both kids and adult masks
• Washable up to approximately 30 times
• Cheap and easy to use   

Your filter needs to be washed after every use. What we recommend is to keep the filter in your mask when you put it in the washing machine and dryer. If you're hand washing then remove it and wash and dry separately. 

This new guideline may seem like a big change, but it is easy to follow. And because the filter is so thin and breathable, you likely won't even be able to tell the difference once you start using it. Nobody wants to return to a lock down, especially as our Canadian winter approaches. So let's keep our masks on and filters in, and keep our communities safe from the spread of Covid-19.

That's all from me,

Stay safe...wear a mask...with a filter!

Colin

Interested in learning about a Portrait Photographer's experience in these times?

Another blog today! This one is from my wife and fellow co-founder of commUNITY Darby Burger. We have received many requests for advice on how to care for masks. So we wanted to give you some tips to help make mask care and organization simple and easy. 

“If you’re reusing a mask over and over again without caring for it in between, then it becomes just as dirty as you touching something dirty and then putting it back on your face,” Jade Flinn-- nurse educator for the Biocontainment Unit at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

How do I wash my mask?

As a mother of a teen, I end up doing laundry every day, and I mean every day. How we have so much laundry is beyond me. I opt to toss our masks in the washing machine.  My sister is a mother of a sweet toddler. For now, she doesn’t need to run their washing machine every day. So she washes their masks by hand.

Washing Machine:

• Include your mask with your regular laundry
• We like to put them in a mesh bag
• Use regular laundry detergent
• We prefer to hang ours to dry, but throwing them in the dryer is perfectly fine

Hand Wash:

• Using hot, soapy water scrub the mask for at least 20 seconds, rinse then hang to dry

 Mask Hack for Hand Washing:

• Use a household Salad Spinner as a mini washing machine

A salad spinner can speed up the process. Sounds odd but it works. It's the perfect mini washtub. Use hot water and detergent and agitate. Then rinse mask, and spin. Hang to dry. Take a look at this video to find out how to use a salad spinner to up your mask care game.

How often should I wash my mask?

Cloth masks should be cleaned after each use. A supply of masks will help you manage the cleaning process, so you always have one on hand. We like to say one to wash one to wear, but practically it’s probably more like 3 to wash 3 to wear!

 We take our masks on and off many times throughout the day. How do I make sure it stays clean and is keeping me safe?

Remember the mask may be contaminated, so don’t touch the front of it when taking it off. Instead, use the loops or ties to take it off, then store it in a mask holder or zip lock bag until it is ready to be washed. Leaving your mask loose in your handbag, gym bag or car console can contaminate the other items. You can use our mask holders to help. They have helpful graphics to remind you which mask is clean and which needs to be washed.  As always, ensure you wash your hands  after handling your mask in general.

I hope this helps you with your daily mask care. This pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint. Our endurance is being tested and one thing that I know for sure is that we need each other to get through it.

Stay safe,

Darby.

Another blog today and it's a great one about the pandemic from a different perspective. From behind the lens of a portrait photographer. Camilla has managed to capture some fantastic photos of the commUNITY family over the years and today she gives us her take on what this time has meant to families and the family portrait!  

--We’re living in a very new world, and yet it is probably getting very old, very fast. The leaves are falling quickly, the temperatures are dropping, and a long winter of Covid-curtailed events is looming. How do all areas of our family lives find the resilience to keep evolving?  There’s no simple answer, but in my world, as portrait photographer, you simply make the best of what we’ve been given, and then you make it a little better.

I’m lucky enough to photograph people. In all their iterations. One of the things I’ve noticed since the start of the pandemic is that our appreciation of family runs a little deeper. We don’t take the simple things for granted anymore. That translates into photography as well. 

Some people quite naturally dread the annual family photo. I can’t blame them, sometimes I dreaded being on the other side of the camera too.  But then, when the pandemic started, I spent several weeks shooting family porch portraits in collaboration with a client, to raise money for local food banks. @thesilverliningproject. People embraced this project! Now a family photography session becomes more of a fun event. And these little sessions were a great diversion from the daily routine of trying to sort out at-home schooling, working and parenting (moms - you know what I’m talking about.)  Masked & unmasked, we tried to find a creative and fun way to mark this moment in time.

Seven months in, and the shift in attitude continues (and I love it). You don’t need to dread something that has become more of an event and far more fun to do. You can take your time planning your new favourite outdoor location! Most people before March 2020 didn’t ever have the time or opportunity to explore this amazing city and all of its unexpected little jewels of beauty. You can plan your photos around a new favourite family activity like biking or walking with the new pandemic puppy, or come winter, skating and skiing. Family photos never had to be staged or strained affairs, but now, more than ever, I think people are realizing that this translates more naturally into the new reality.

As the weather gets colder, photography can flourish indoors as well. Our homes have had to stretch and expand to include work & study places, quiet spaces, and shared family oases. (I got there in the end). And when I photograph a family indoors (masked up, disinfected and armed with a multitude of lenses that ensure some distance between myself and my clients) , I get to see these families in new and interesting ways that reflect the heart of their home.

When all of this is over (and it will end), when we have just these photos to remind us of this time, we’ll remember how different and how special this time was. There are many things we have to look forward to this winter, and many new adventures await.  My sense of appreciation for my family has never been deeper, and I’m sure that I’m not alone in this.--

Camilla Pucholt

Camilla Pucholt Photography

Interested in learning about Mask Care? Read our Blog.

Today we have a wonderful blog from someone who knows firsthand just how hard the pandemic has stretched the budgets of those families that are most at risk during a crisis. We here at commUNITY were so happy to partner with such a great organisation, and be able to provide one more essential item for kids going back to school.

 --As the Admin & Fundraising Coordinator for a small but mighty non-profit, Community Care of West Niagara (CCWN), I wear many hats…. and now many masks!  Since the start of Covid-19 so many things have changed.  But one thing that hasn’t is our commitment to help people who need food and other supports in the Town of Lincoln, ON. This is why it is so important that we keep our staff and volunteers as safe as possible so we can continue to be here to serve the community during this pandemic. Thanks to commUNITY and their generous donation of masks our staff and some of our volunteers received them!

Back in the summer, I was very excited to receive an email from Food Banks Canada introducing me to Deanna from commUNITY. This amazing family business has been donating $1 from each mask they sell to Food Banks Canada of which we are a proud affiliate member.  We emailed back and forth and decided to partner up for our Back to School program.  It was so fun to meet the team/family and get to know them and their passion.

The week of August 24^th, 2020, our clients with school aged children came to pick up a backpack full of age appropriate school supplies and many other items. CCWN is part of the Jumpstart program so each child received a new pair of running shoes as well. To add a reusable mask to this package was a huge relief for parents who otherwise had do go out and purchase them. Parents were extremely grateful for this opportunity, because they were able to use their funds for other expenses such as rent and groceries.  The kids were excited about getting to pick the colour they liked and since they were all adjustable, the fit was perfect for all of them.  This school year is vastly different than previous years, so it was crucial to be able to send these children with all the proper supplies to succeed throughout the upcoming year.

Our partnership with United Way Niagara, Jumpstart, and commUNITY, has allowed CCWN to prepare these kids for the school year. We are so grateful for organizations such as commUNITY, because without them, these kids wouldn’t have been able to attend their first day of school with the mandatory mask bylaw here in the Niagara Region.

I firmly believe that what little inconvenience there is associated with wearing a mask is far outweighed by the sense of comfort knowing that I am doing my part to not spread my germs to others. Stay safe y’all!

Yours in community,

Lynda O’Donnell

Thanks Lynn...seeing up close the difference CCWN makes in your community makes us realize just how important giving back becomes during a crisis.

Colin

Two Teenage Girls start a business and spread some community love. Learn More.

Like a diamond forming from carbon under immense pressure, so do some amazing stories come from within a global pandemic. Here is one that is inspirational, but also just plain awesome.  Davisville Chalk Grams. Two teen girls and their story in their words. Enjoy!

--At the beginning of the pandemic, we got into doing chalk art in front of our houses. It was just a fun activity to pass the time, while we were stuck at home. We noticed it was catching people's attention and that they really enjoyed our work, so we decided to start writing inspirational quotes to brighten people’s day! Eventually, people around the neighbourhood started asking us to do art in front of their homes, so we started discussing turning our love of chalk art into a business. A goal we made for our business was to donate a portion of our profits to a charity that was important to us. So we decided to give 20% of the money we earn to Sick Kids hospital for Covid relief funds. The first thing we did to start the business was create an Instagram account to promote our business. With the help of social media and people in our community, we started to get commissions all throughout our neighbourhood. As of now, we’ve been part of a marriage proposal; helped people celebrate birthdays; stressful first days of school (now more so than ever!) and even done messages for stores! It has been so rewarding to be a part of the momentous occasions in people’s lives.--

@davisville.chalk_grams

Great stuff. And if you want to see an example of their fantastic chalk skills, come to our Pop Up shop this weekend at 1276 Yonge Street between 10-4. They are creating a very cool message for us...and the community!

Have a super Thanksgiving! 

Stay safe...wear a mask.

Colin

Learn more about an amazing first responder and her experiences through the pandemic.

Today's blog post requires very little in the way of introduction other than to say the Emergency Room doctor that wrote it is an inspiration. Lindsay Bisset describes what the pandemic has been like for her on the front lines. These stories are sometimes difficult to hear and read, but I never get tired of them. Lindsays' truth and poignancy is needed as a beacon in a sea of mis-information. Starting with a Taylor Swift lyric doesn't hurt either...

Something med school

Did not cover

Someone's daughter

Someone's mother

Holds your hand through plastic now

Doc, I think she's crashin' out

And some things you just can't speak about

       Taylor Swift, Epiphany

It has been a long year.

My career in emergency medicine has had many times given me experiences I can't speak about. Paediatric deaths. Devastating diagnosis. Failing to save someone whom you love. But those are things I knew I would eventually encounter. This…this was different. 

As with most of my colleagues, I had been following the developments of a novel virus in China since late 2019. When Canada declared its first case, I spent the entire day on twitter on January 27th, trying to wrap my head around what was to come.

In March everything changed. The roads were empty no matter what time I went to the hospital. The parking lot and halls were vacant. My constant was the smell of sanitizer and caviwipes and my mask. Teams of doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists practiced and practiced simulations of caring for the sickest patients so that we could without risking exposure to ourselves or our teams. Our resuscitation rooms went from the organized chaos of too many people, to just three dedicated staff as the rest of the team communicated to us by baby monitors through glass like in a fishbowl.

Medical school did not prepare me for this new normal. This incredible loneliness and isolation as we delivered health care. In the Emergency rooms death and tragedy are part of the package but never have we had to work with patients and families in essentially solitary confinement.

Young or old. Healthy or frail. When they end up in one of our negative pressure, resuscitation rooms, breathless and scared, we know that intubation is the only thing to help. We also know that many will not survive regardless. We help them gather their last thoughts. Communicate with tearful families over iPads for hasty goodbyes. You don’t forget someone’s eye looking at you as they let you know they are ready. Ready for a medically induced coma that they may never wake up from. 

I know that this loneliness and isolation is something that COVID has touched everyone with. The lockdown made us keenly aware of our need for socialization and how we all had taken it for granted. This virus thrives on this need for social interaction and with the sharpest irony, this same need to be with people is what will cause more people to die in isolation. As an extra layer of sneakiness, COVID is very contagious before you have symptoms. So this is the mental challenge: as cases rise we need to convince everyone that increasing their bubble of close contacts beyond their immediate household, is in fact very, very dangerous. In our COVID assessment center, extended families are shocked to find out that they have given it to each other at a small wedding. Disbelief is the response for many when we call them with a positive test result. Because therein lies the rub: just because we long for days where we can see other humans without masks and a 2 meters distance, just because this loneliness is very, very hard, we cannot bend the rules just because it seems kinder to our children, or friends, our parents, or ourselves.  

COVID is NOT over. At best it’s half time. You don’t call it a win at half time no matter the score.

 -Andrew Cuomo

It’s been a long year. We are not finished. We mightn’t even be at half-time. Wear a mask. Minimize your social contact. Get your flu shot. Stay home if you feel sick.

We are in this together.

Lindsay Bisset MD CCFP-EM

Read About Mask Care

September is almost upon us and that usually means Back to School. But of course this year isn't like any other year. And Back to School means something different this year. 

Here to explain is someone who knows more about this than me. Michael Hodgson is a dance, drama and music teacher with the TDSB and the Young People's Theatre. He has been gracious enough to lend us his thoughts and insight into the upcoming school year...such as it may be. 

I am a front-line worker. I never really thought of myself as a member of this category but, as with so many facets of life, this has changed and adapted as a result of Covid-19. I am a grade K-6 arts teacher in the TDSB. The lead up to the schoolyear is usually met with an underlying combo of anxiety and excitement. This year, the visual reminder of the CNE may not be in attendance but students will soon be in class. As we approach September 8th, likely for the first time ever, to send or not to send has become the question. I will not feign to know all of the pros and cons here however, every family must do what is right for them. Some families will opt to keep them home and work with the school’s remote learning if they have a lifestyle that allows this opportunity. Others will create small groups in their communities and hire outside of the public system for a fee. Most will be sending their children to school for myriad reasons such as work-life, affordability, socialization, etc. Regardless of the choice families make, their children and our students have been dealt a blow that they never saw coming. They have been without routines, their classmates, their teachers and their clubs, teams and lessons, for so very long now. They are dealing with trauma.

How do I work to mend the mental health of our students?? I believe firmly in the healing power of the arts, imagination and the great outdoors. At this point in the summer, I usually have my initial lesson plans all drawn up and am ready to begin the year with gusto. This year, I put the brakes on the 3 R’s, and I am focusing on healing the trauma our students have faced. It is possible. Why just today, I saw a young child jump up and down with excitement at the sight of moss in a pond along the trail. Students tap into their senses in the outdoors. Students can take “listening walks” around their community, the forest or a trail and just breathe and listen to all of the sounds around them. When was the last time we encouraged a daydream? I taught online drama camps this summer for Kindergarten to grade 3 students. For a brief time, each morning, those kids escaped and created new worlds, moved their bodies to show their feelings, and shared their creativity with characters and expression. The escapism found in creativity and imagination will be crucial not only in our starting up of the year but rather, perpetually. Kids will need to talk about and express their feelings more than ever and as educators and allies, we must listen to and validate those feelings. By fostering a creative community of learners, we are capable of slowly healing and moving on constructively and collaboratively.

By working together, teaching the importance of masking, hand hygiene and physical distancing and engaging in play and getting our hands dirty in the mud we will be ok. I bought masks from commUNITY because they are Canadian made, they donate a portion of sales to Food Banks Canada and also, they look great and will help keep us all safe. We can make small strides towards joy with a mask on – no problem. The ultimate goal as an educator is to instill a joy and love of learning. We will need to start there; with the love we have for our youngest minds and the release that expression brings. Together we can keep one another safe, smiling and smart too. Look out along the West Rail Path this fall, just maybe you will see some students dancing optimistically and expressively along the way.

Michael

Thank you Michael for sharing your perspective on this. A wonderful take on a very important topic for anyone who has school age kids.

Stay safe! Wear a mask.

Colin.

This time the topic of this blog is not just face masks. It's also about shoes. I like shoes...specifically sneakers. Now, I am no collector, but I probably have more kicks than your average person. At least my kids suspect I do. My wife is certain of it. Anyway, here in this blog I am going to post some pics of how I try to match my commUNITY face masks with my shoes. Luckily we have a ton of different colours and I have a ton of different shoes! Enjoy!

Military Green:

This is a great colour. It's understated but is rich and saturated. The shoes I  paired with it are my Adidas Parley Nmd CS1. Yeah that's a mouthful. These shoes are super comfortable...the CS stands for city sock. About right.

Orchid:

The colour of royalty. Purple. Another rich, deep colour that I am a big fan of. Here I paired them with the really funky Converse One Star CLOT. CLOT are an awesome streetwear brand from Hong Kong. I love these shoes.

Bordeaux:

Maroon by any other name. This is a unique colour that has actually sold quite well. I like it because it's subtle. When I wear it out most people aren't even sure what colour it is. Suits me just fine. And I've got the kicks to go with it. Classic Adidas Superstars in a perfectly unique matching maroon colourway. 

Black:

This is like the black tuxedo of masks. Would James Bond wear this mask? Yes...yes he would. I pair this mask with another fantastic Converse collab. These are Converse Jack Purcell x Neighbourhood. And get this, Jack Purcell was a Canadian champion Badminton player who actually designed the original silhouette for Converse! Japanese street wear brand + Canadian Badminton player...I am here for it.

Steel: 

The name just sounds solid. This colour goes with just about any shoe you can find. But I like to match so I chose my Converse Jack Purcell Leather high tops. I mean come on, these are just the perfect upgrade from the traditional canvas fabric on these shoes. So classy!

Royal:

The colour of the Leafs, Jays and Argos. Yes I am a Toronto boy. This Blue is such a perfectly deep hue and you better believe I have shoes that pair perfectly. These are Adidas Stan Smith Primeknit. Stan Smith was a former No.1 American tennis player in the 70s and lent his name to this classic tennis shoe. When it's covered with such a cool fabric and an eye catching colour they are indeed champs!

Red:

This screams Canada doesn't it? My home. My community. These Converse Vintage All Star in an Ox Blood colourway are super light and just add a pop of colour to your feet. 

Well I had fun with this and I hope you did too. And yes I am a huge fan of Adidas and Converse in case you didn't figure that out already!

Anyway,masks don't have to be a burden to wear. Especially if you can think about them as just another wardrobe option. I'd love to see your Mask + Shoe combos so take a pic and post it to Instagram while tagging @communitymasks and use the hashtag #myshoesmymask . I'll choose one lucky participant to receive $75 credit for our site to be used towards anything we sell!  

Good luck! Be safe. Wear a mask. (And kick ass sneaks!)

Colin.

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Hello all,

Recently commUNITY was approached by Seattle Seahawks player Ugo Amadi to partner with him in giving back to his hometown in Nashville, and the city where he lights up opposing receivers on the football field, Seattle. We happily agreed to provide masks for kids as part of a back to school backpack initiative. We asked Ugo to write something for us to let us know what community means to him. Here it is:

At the beginning of COVID, my hometown, Nashville, TN was hit by a tragic tornado leaving dozens homeless and businesses torn apart. As COVID-19 heightened, so too did financial strain for families who did not have much to begin with. It was hard to watch my community suffer from not one, but two disasters. With the uncertainty that COVID has caused families who depend on childcare and schools, I wanted to help ease stress by donating school supplies and partnering with commUNITY to provide masks to children in both Nashville and my new home, Seattle, WA. It was important to me to support communities who are struggling and provide a fun event to get kids excited about the upcoming school year in whatever form it may take. As Summer ends, and uncertainty is still lingering, it’s critical that we uplift those suffering in whatever way we can until things get better, and beyond. “No act of kindness no matter how small, ever goes wasted.”

Well said. We appreciate your generosity and including us in these very special events. Thank you Ugo.

We will be posting photos of the events shortly on our Instagram feed here.

Stay safe. Wear a mask.

Colin.