This ERCDF enables LiveDifferent to further support the communities in which we work by responding to urgent or critical challenges, assisting with community projects and providing emergency relief in the face of natural disasters.
Over the past several months, these funds have been instrumental in providing assistance to various individuals and community initiatives. Of the $7,080 raised, 80% have gone toward medical assistance and 20% of the funds have gone toward community development.
Here’s how the generous contributions have supported some of these cases.
Emergency relief
Cancer support
LiveDifferent aided the Mexican non-profit Isaac Everardo AC, providing crocheted and knitted blankets, toques and essential supplies like Pediasure for families with children battling cancer. This support helps families cope with the challenges of distant medical treatment and emotional strain.
Medical costs
This fund continuously supports individuals by giving them access to the medicine and healthcare they need. From helping children with allergies and asthma to supporting a young man who suffered severe burns, we’ve been able to help many people on their road to recovery.
Funeral costs
The fund has consistently supported families with funeral expenses during difficult times, including the passing of a young asthmatic girl and the mother of two staff members.
Community development
Community reading programs
LiveDifferent supported two community reading programs in Mexico, providing books that teach important values and foster a love for reading among children, contributing to their educational and personal development.
Community Centre
The fund made a donation to a community centre in Padre Kino, run by a Canadian woman who provides valuable programs like crafts, English classes and a low-cost nursing program. This financial aid helps sustain the centre’s operations and services.
Rallying around families when they need it most
In the face of such adversity, meet Rafael and Yeraidi—a couple whose resilience and love shine through even in the darkest of times.
Rafael, a hardworking carpenter, experienced a life-altering accident when he fell from the second floor while working, resulting in severe injuries to his pelvis, back, ribs and legs. Miraculously, he survived, but the road to recovery has been arduous.
Yeraidi, his devoted wife, stands by his side, carrying the weight of their family’s future. With a 16-year-old daughter to care for and a baby on the way, she bears the immense responsibility of supporting her injured husband and preparing for the arrival of their new bundle of joy.
Beyond the emotional strain, financial hardships have added to their struggles. Rafael’s inability to work has made it difficult to make ends meet. There are days when they struggle to put food on the table, and they’ve been unable to afford basic necessities like medications and electricity bills. The family owed three months of rent, and their fridge and front door were both broken. The simple comforts we often take for granted had become distant dreams for this family.
Through the Emergency Relief and Community Development Fund, LiveDifferent has been able to cover their medical expenses while also paying for a new refrigerator for the family. One of our staff members has also generously paid their electrical bills.
Now that they have a refrigerator, Sandra, one of the community leaders who works closely with LiveDifferent, has committed to teaching Yeraidi how to make ice cream to sell within her community. This donation will not only help the family in their current circumstances, but it will also give them a source of income that will help carve a more promising future.
A collective effort is required to extend support and kindness to families like Rafael, Yeraidi and their children. Even the smallest gestures can make an enormous impact on their lives.
How can you help?
By donating directly to LiveDifferent’s Emergency Relief and Community Development Fund, you can help uplift this family and many others by showing them that they are not alone in their journey.
Even a small donation can make a huge difference in the lives of those struggling to get by – $50 has fed a family for a week, $30 has provided limb-saving medical attention and $80 has given a mother the medicine she needs to care for her family.
Become the change a family needs to transform their lives for the better! Donate today.
At the heart of LiveDifferent Academy lies a transformative experience that transcends traditional classroom learning. Known as the “Week in the Life,” this pivotal week is an immersive encounter that exposes students to the realities faced by countless individuals around the world. It is a unique opportunity for Academy participants to step outside their comfort zones, push boundaries and develop profound insights into privilege, gratitude and human connection.
What is the ‘Week in the Life’?
The Week in the Life is an initiative that brings students closer to the daily struggles and challenges endured by many individuals in underserved communities. It involves living in a basic shelter, engaging in manual labour, and relying on meagre wages to meet essential needs. The goal is to bridge the gap between the privileged world many of us inhabit and the stark realities for many people living in developing communities around the globe.
Through the testimonials of our 2022 cohort, we gain a deeper understanding of the impact of this extraordinary week:
Caitlin: “The most challenging aspect was actually the food situation… Throughout the week, we struggled with what food to buy due to what we could afford, balancing individual preferences, and getting food that would fill us up but was still nutritious.”
Eddie: “The work days pushed me to my limit. Having to ration our food and budget made it a lot worse… It made me feel very defeated and deflated.”
Katelynn: “I left the week in the life feeling confused and overwhelmed… I was so concerned about my well-being for such a short time while there are people who live that way every day.”
Logan: “This past week I found myself regularly asking myself ‘why me?’… How come I was so much more privileged than most of our world?”
Aspen: “I recognized that I was born in a country where salary is an affordable rate and that this is not always the case… It’s heartbreaking that our world is so unfair.”
Expectations, rules and realities
Academy students are leave their phones behind during Week in the Life, they take public transportation to work, are given strarting money of only 250 pesos along with a daily wage of roughly 200 pesos, and drinking water. From there, they are expected to budget for food and additional water, and firewood, and any additional transportation.
Throughout the week there will be random scenarios which simulate real-life problems a family may encounter. Things like new school uniforms, an illness, or medical bills, may come your way and cut into your weekly earnings.
Most important takeaways from the Week in the Life
The Week in the Life is undeniably the most critical week of LiveDifferent Academy for several reasons:
Empathy and understanding: It fosters empathy and a deep understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Students not only witness but also experience the challenges firsthand.
Gratitude and humility: It instills gratitude for the privileges we often take for granted, such as access to clean water, nutritious food, and safe shelter. It humbles participants and encourages them to appreciate the little things in life.
Human connection: It reinforces the importance of human connection. The support and camaraderie within the group during this challenging week highlight the significance of community and compassion.
Social responsibility: It awakens a sense of social responsibility. Students are motivated to make a positive impact, no matter how small, in the lives of those less fortunate.
Personal growth: It pushes individuals far outside of their comfort zones and encourages personal growth. Facing this level of adversity and adapting to previously unfathomable circumstances can lead to profound self-discovery.
In conclusion, the Week in the Life is not just a week; it’s a life-changing experience that reshapes perspectives and cultivates empathy. It challenges students to question their privileges, appreciate the power of human connection, and develop a sense of social responsibility. It is a pivotal component of the LiveDifferent Academy, a testament to the program’s commitment to fostering global citizens who are compassionate, grateful, and determined to make a difference in the world.
8 mental wellness tips for creating an inviting classroom
8 mental wellness tips for creating an inviting classroom
In our books, there’s no job more important than teaching!
Teachers are the guiding lights that illuminate young minds and shape the future. From the early morning greetings to the late-night lesson planning, your dedication knows no bounds. You create safe havens where students can flourish, allowing them to embrace their unique talents and discover their passions.
Your impact extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Teachers have the incredible opportunity to not only educate students academically but also to nurture their overall well-being. By incorporating mental wellness education into classrooms, you can empower students with essential skills and strategies that will benefit them throughout their lives.
To help with this mission, we’ve provided eight practical tips to help teach students about mental wellness. Inspired by our Circles Program, these tips will help students develop empathy, resilience, self-care practices and emotional intelligence.
8 mental wellness tips to use in your classroom
By gathering around a shared set of values and agreements, students are invited to show up in ways that foster brave space. We use these tips when gathering to have meaningful conversations about things that matter, but they can also apply within your classroom and beyond.
Commit to kindness
Cultivate a culture of kindness in your classroom. Teach students to recognize and respect the emotions and experiences of others, and show them that caring for others contributes to their own well-being as well. Encourage acts of kindness, empathy-building activities, and opportunities for students to support and uplift their peers.
Classroom example: Create a “compliment chain”. Hang a string or chain along one of the walls and encourage students to write anonymous compliments on small pieces of paper and attach them to the chain. This could be something they appreciate about a classmate’s personality, a helpful action they witnessed or a talent someone possesses.
Desire to develop
Remind students that each of us has the potential to become a better version of ourselves, and increase eagerness to learn and grow. Encourage student growth through self-reflection and guide students in reflecting on their thoughts, feelings and actions.
Classroom example: Have students keep a daily gratitude, emotions or self-care journal, and help them identify patterns, triggers and areas of personal growth.
Connect in cause
Students benefit when they understand their life experience is not just about their individual selves, but how we as a group can make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Rally your students to get involved in the school or wider community through volunteering or acts of kindness.
Classroom example: Identify volunteer opportunities through school clubs or events, start a fundraiser or collect donation items for a local charity, or research one cause that students can start raising awareness about.
Enforce a judgment-free zone
When we encourage students to drop their judgments and simply listen with open hearts, that is where meaningful connections flourish. Create an environment where students can feel comfortable discussing their emotions and experiences. Encourage open dialogue about mental health and well-being, allowing students to share their thoughts, concerns and questions without judgment.
Classroom example: Use initiatives like LiveDifferent’s Peer Mentorship Program in the classroom. This program was designed to build community and develop both leadership and personal development in students. It includes videos, resources and material needed for students to have discussions around authenticity, empathy, growth mindset, resilience, values and altruism.
Honour personal stories and boundaries
Building trust among peers takes a lot of courage, and one way to honour that is by encouraging students to keep stories that are shared in the classroom experience within the classroom (unless it concerns anyone’s safety).
Classroom example: Collaboratively create a “Circle of Trust” agreement. Explain that this doesn’t mean students can’t talk about what they’ve learned or discussed, but rather they won’t share identifying details or personal experiences that others have shared without permission. This agreement can be written down and displayed in the classroom, serving as a visual reminder of the commitment they’ve made.
Choose to share, pass or come back to me
Any time you are asking students to be brave in the classroom space, employ options that make them feel OK to pass on a question, share as little as they are comfortable with, or if they need more time before answering, employ the choice to “come back to me.” Options, options, options!
Listen deeply one person at a time
Whenever possible, encourage students to listen deeply, without interrupting others. Encourage students to engage not to debate or argue, but to primarily make people feel heard, seen and understood.
Classroom example: Show students this video and have them R.A.P: Reflect, ask and posture. Have students pair up in this listening exercise, and have them reflect back on what their partner says to them, ask questions about it, and ensure they have good posture and look friendly to show they’re listening.
Normalize seeking help
Reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by normalizing the act of seeking help. Discuss the availability of support systems within the school, such as counsellors or psychologists. Remind them that they are not alone and teach students that reaching out for help is a courageous and essential step toward maintaining their mental wellness.
Classroom example: Invite mental health professionals, counsellors or individuals with lived experiences to speak to your students. You can also redirect students to the resources available at your school or the Crisis Text Line.
Dive deeper with Circles
By integrating mental wellness education into classrooms, you can empower students with lifelong skills to navigate the challenges they may face.
LiveDifferent’s Circles program can help you put the above tips into practice. It is designed to help young people explore important values, build stronger relationships and get activated in kindness, leaving your youth more compassionate, resilient and hopeful. Book a discovery call today to learn how Circles can work in your school or classroom.
As teachers, you have the power to shape not only students’ academic success but their overall happiness and resilience. Let us embrace our roles as mental wellness advocates and guide students toward a brighter, healthier future!
20 creative fundraising ideas to help you make an impact
20 creative fundraising ideas to help you make an impact
Are you looking for a creative and unique way to raise funds for your favourite charity? Then look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 20 creative fundraising ideas to help you reach your goals.
These activities are a great way to raise money, bring people together and have fun. From bake sales to trivia nights and everything in between, there’s something to suit everyone’s interests and skill sets.
Ready to make a difference? Let’s get started!
Fundraising for a LiveDifferent Build
At LiveDifferent, we believe that everyone can make an impact, no matter how big or small.
Fundraising for a LiveDifferent Build may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll be able to point people to your own personal fundraising page and when they donate $20 or more to your Build, we’ll be able to issue them a tax receipt. This means donors will be able to claim up to 100% of their donation on their tax return. This is a nice perk to mention when asking friends and family for support.
The sooner you start fundraising the better. It’s important to set goals to make sure you meet the fundraising requirements in time for your Build. So before you start, be sure to ask yourself:
How much money needs to be raised?
When do I need to raise it by?
What resources do I have available?
What kind of fundraiser will my community support?
How much money will I realistically raise with each fundraiser?
These questions will help you plan and focus your efforts. With LiveDifferent, you have the freedom to choose how you raise funds: you can create your own unique fundraiser or use one of our pre-made templates, such as Fund-a-Flight, Fund-a-Project or Fund-a-Vacation.
Whatever your goal is, we can help you get there.
20 creative fundraisers
These creative fundraising ideas will help you rally your community to support your cause.
The more people who know about your fundraiser, the more successful you’ll be, so be sure to use social media, email, flyers and even local newspapers, radio and television to help spread the word. And whatever fundraiser you choose, highlight that all proceeds go towards a charity—this will encourage even more people to come!
Ready to make your Build a reality? Here are some of our volunteers’ favourite ways to fundraise:
Yard sale
Declutter your home and make some cash at the same time. Go through your house and find anything you no longer want or need, ask your friends and neighbours to do the same, and set up a sale in your yard. You’ll be surprised at how much you can raise from second-hand items!
Bake sale
If you’re handy in the kitchen, now’s your time to get creative and whip up all sorts of delicious treats, from cakes, cupcakes and cookies, to pies and pastries. Plus, it’s a great way to get the community involved, as people can donate their baking skills and time to make something special. You could even take this to the next level and sell a community cookbook. Not only is it a great way to raise money, but it’s also an opportunity to bring people together and share a little sweetness.
Lori Nitah and Shirley Christiansen baked a few pies for their trip.
Craft sale
Are you crafty? You can sell handmade items such as jewelry, cards, paintings, knitwear and more, or you can even showcase products from local artisans. With a craft sale, you can also set up activities like face painting, balloon animals and other fun activities to make the event more entertaining.
Barbecue
Enjoy delicious food with friends and family at a good old-fashioned BBQ! You can make an entire day of it with lawn games, water fights and maybe a hot dog eating contest or two.
You can also partner with a local business for an even bigger impact—they can match donations or donate food and drinks to support the event (your local Boston Pizza might be a good place to start!). They’ll get brand exposure and you’ll be able to amplify your fundraising efforts; it’s a win-win.
Shave a head
Is there someone your school would love to see without any hair? This fundraiser has the potential to raise a large amount in a short period of time. You can ask your friends to donate an amount for each inch of hair your volunteers are willing to shave off, or shave someone’s entire head by reaching a fundraising goal (maybe even their eyebrows!).
Car wash
Get your friends on board and set up a car wash at your local gas station (with the manager’s approval of course). Create big signs and have volunteers on the street directing people your way. You could have a set price or request donations. With the right planning and a little bit of elbow grease, a car wash can be a great way to make a difference!
Raffles and 50-50 draws
Find or make something of value and sell tickets for that item. It might be an autographed picture of someone famous, season tickets, gift cards or even a weekend getaway! You might even be able to get things donated to the raffle from local businesses.
To make it simple, sell tickets for a 50-50 draw letting everyone know 50% of the money raised goes to the name pulled in the draw, and 50% goes towards your fundraising goal. Remember to check if you are required to obtain a license to host a raffle.
Barb Moore Crowson’s horseshoe art.
Something-a-thon
A “marathon” style fundraiser is a great way to have fun and raise money. To get started, decide on an activity such as a walk-a-thon, dance-a-thon or read-a-thon, and set a goal for the amount of money you would like to raise. Invite friends, family, and community members to join in the fun, and have participants collect pledges based on the number of miles walked, hours danced, pages read, etc.
Tournaments
Bring people together for some friendly competition! Whether it’s a three-on-three basketball tournament, a mini-golf tournament or even a video game tournament, there’s something to appeal to everyone. If you want to take it a step further, reach out to your school’s athletic department to see if any upcoming tournaments are looking for a cause to donate their proceeds.
Sell a kilometre
People can help fund your trip by purchasing kilometres. To do this, calculate the cost of the entire trip to your destination. Then divide this cost by the number of kilometres you will be travelling. This will tell you the cost per kilometre. People can then choose to fund as many kilometres as they like at that cost.
You can also keep track of your fundraising progress with a map of your round-trip route. As you raise money, mark off the distance covered by the sponsors. FYI: Toronto to Sosua, DR, is approximately 3,200 km; and Toronto to Vicente Guerrero, MX, is approximately 4,200 km.
Bottle drive
Ask your family, friends and neighbours to donate their used bottles and cans for redemption. You can even have a friendly competition to see who can bring in the most recyclables. A bottle drive is an easy and effective way to raise money—it’s also environmentally friendly!
Paint night
Bring people together to create something beautiful. Invite a local artist to lead the painting session to make the night even more memorable. You can also provide snacks and drinks while you create your unique masterpieces. No experience necessary—all you need is a brush and a sense of adventure!
Trivia night
Put your smarts to the test and compete with friends and family in a series of rounds of trivia. Create a variety of trivia categories, such as pop culture, current events, sports and music—bonus points If you include some trivia about the place you’re travelling to for your build. You can also offer food, drinks and even prizes for the top teams.
Silent auction
Guests can bid on items of their choice and the highest bidder will take home the prize. You can offer a variety of items like gift baskets, gift certificates, experiences or custom artwork. You can even get local businesses to donate products for a tax receipt equal to the goods donated. Jazz it up as much as you like: Have food for sale, a band and even a multi-media Builds presentation.
Benefit concert
Do you know a band that would be willing to donate their time and talent for a free concert? Or a theatre troupe that is ready to take the stage for a memorable musical performance? Find a local venue to host the concert and put on a fun event for your friends, family and community. Be sure to select a venue that is licensed for this type of event.
Tyler Leighton and friends worked tirelessly to bring together the Music of the Night benefit concert. Photo Credit: Kayla Gordon
Fine dining
Invite friends and family to come together for a delicious meal. You can offer a variety of options for dinner, from a potluck-style dinner to a more formal sit-down dinner. To make it easy, you can provide a suggested donation amount for guests to contribute.
You can also make it extra special by researching local foods from the area you’ll be travelling to for your Build and including them in the meal. This is great as a way to give more information to your guests about what you are doing as well!
Community work
Offer to do odd jobs around town. Think gardening, pet sitting, babysitting, housework, car repairs or even carpentry; whatever people need doing that suits your skill set. You can advertise online or post flyers around your community; the fee would be whatever people would like to pay.
Local businesses and community groups
This is a great way to find corporate or community sponsorship opportunities in your area! Many local businesses and community groups are willing to support charitable efforts and may be interested in partnering with you. You can also leverage their networks to spread the word about your Build.
City and school council
Tap into the resources of your city and school! Oftentimes, local town councils have a stockpile of grant money available to support fundraisers such as this and may be able to offer sponsorship. School councils also host a ton of events throughout the year and may be willing to donate some of their proceeds. Connect with your local council members to see if this is an option.
Birthday or holiday fundraiser
Celebrate your special day by giving back! On an occasion when you would normally receive presents from friends and family, let all the gift-givers know that you would appreciate a donation to your trip instead. This is a great way to show everyone that it’s better to give than receive!
Learn more
No matter what type of fundraiser you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative! With a little bit of planning, you can come up with a successful fundraiser that will help you reach your goals.
Now that you’ve gotten some great ideas for your upcoming fundraiser, it’s time to get started. Set a goal, create a plan and start reaching out to friends and family to help you make it happen. With the right attitude and a bit of hard work, you’ll be well on your way to making the world a better place, one fundraiser at a time!
Why every parent should consider a LiveDifferent Build for their kid
Why every parent should consider a LiveDifferent Build for their kid
If you’re a parent considering sending your child on a humanitarian build, it’s likely you have a few questions.
We understand that sending your kids off to a distant country and entrusting them with the responsibility of helping build homes alongside people facing hardships can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Rest assured, safety and security are LiveDifferent’s top priorities, and we make sure that each volunteer is well cared for from start to finish.
But beyond safety concerns, there’s something truly special about participating in a Build with LiveDifferent.
A Build reinforces all of the important lessons you’ve taught your kids growing up. It’s an incredible opportunity for your child to gain valuable insight into their world, make life-long friends, discover their capabilities and understand the immense power they have to make a difference.
Can you trust LiveDifferent with your kid?
We at LiveDifferent have been running humanitarian travel projects since 2005, and have had over 5,000 participants with no serious incidents.
We have carefully planned our programs and routes to ensure a safe and culturally enriching experience. We recognize there are always safety measures and risks when travelling to any developing country, and with this in mind, we pay close attention to what is going on in local communities and along the routes we travel.
“Any parents that are considering this, I would just say put your trust in the LiveDifferent crew,” says Lucy Gibson, a parent who recently joined a LiveDifferent Build as a chaperone for her daughter’s school. “They really watch out for the kids – safety is first and foremost – and it’s just really, really well organized. … It feels safe with the LiveDifferent group.“
We maintain excellent community relations and work diligently alongside community leaders, other NGOs working in the area, and often government officials in each country that we work in. All of our staff are first aid certified, well-versed in safety protocols and we always have access available to quality medical attention if needed.
And if any safety concerns come to our attention before or during the program, we communicate this immediately to registered volunteers and their parents or guardians.
“Right from the get-go, there was a lot of information,” says Lucy. “You know, part of the LiveDifferent crew actually lives here, knows the communities, and that’s part of the culture that they try and bring; that culture of trust within the communities.”
How does a LiveDifferent Build benefit your kid?
Aside from maintaining strict safety standards, there are many reasons why sending your child on a Build can be beneficial for their growth and development.
LiveDifferent focuses on shaping the future of each of our volunteers in a profound way while unleashing their potential to make a difference. A Build gives them the opportunity to explore new interests, create valuable experiences, gain independence and work towards a meaningful career. It also teaches important life skills such as problem-solving, effective communication and the importance of teamwork.
Our volunteers also learn about social justice issues from local experts, providing them with an understanding of why their work is so essential in helping communities break out of poverty cycles. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to help those in need and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and we are proud to provide our volunteers with this opportunity.
“I thought it would be a great experience to have with [my daughter] before she goes off to university,” says Lucy. “And also to create awareness within herself to know how privileged we are just to be born in Canada and have what we have, and just give a glimpse of what’s out there in the world and how we can help.”
What’s more, our Builds are incredibly fun! Participants can expect to take part in awesome activities during their free time such as cooking local food, beach days, zip-lining adventures and much more.
“Every day is a new day,” says Lucy. “The itinerary that LiveDifferent puts together is, you know, that of a great balance of work and play. There’s a lot of play on the worksite, but then the kids get to go back and play some football in the pool, play cards, have a movie night; so there’s a great balance.”
What are you waiting for?
At LiveDifferent, we provide a safe and valuable learning experience for your child, while giving you the ability to stay connected throughout. Most of all, we will strive to help your child make the world a better place and change their lives forever.
But don’t just take our word for it …
We would love to have LiveDifferent be a part of your family’s journey! If you have any questions about our Builds or safety procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our Builds page to learn more.
And if you’d like to join your child on a Build, the more the merrier! We love having families join us in making a difference, and know that the experience will be equally enriching for everyone involved.
Veronika: A journey from fear and anger to empathy and kindness
Veronika: A journey from fear and anger to empathy and kindness
Empathy is essential for positive mental health because it allows us to develop stronger relationships with others and cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding.
Empathy helps us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and experience their feelings, thoughts or attitudes. But it’s not just about understanding someone else’s perspective, it’s also about understanding our own feelings, leading to increased self-awareness and a greater sense of well-being.
Exploring empathy does not undo or make right what someone has done, but when we are intentional about having empathy, we can choose to show compassion over judgment. In a world so deeply divided, we need to be able to listen to each other and connect.
Here’s how Veronika’s experience with empathy has improved her mental well-being.
Veronika Martseniuk
I’ve travelled to over 40 countries, but I’ve never been to Canada before!
I got off the plane a few months ago, and had this very strange experience: Everyone around me was being so polite, asking me how my day was, and saying “sorry” all the time when they did nothing wrong. It was kind of weird, but you know what? It felt right!
When I arrived in Canada, one of the first things our LiveDifferent team did was take me for a Canadian breakfast. There was bacon, eggs and pancakes. My teammate, Hasan, took fried chicken, put it on sweet French toast, covered it in maple syrup and bugged me until I tried it. This did not look right, but let me tell you: it felt right!
All of this to say, I love this country!
Life in China during lockdown
I am originally from Ukraine, but when I was 13 years old, my family moved to China. You can imagine: I had to leave everything I knew, my life, my school and my dear grandma.
I had to learn a whole new language and culture, and it was very challenging. But I love challenges, and my teachers and classmates appreciated the effort I was making, and encouraged me to keep trying. So after two years, I became fluent and began to feel a sense of belonging; like this place was home.
But when COVID hit, everything changed.
Things were VERY locked down in China. I was used to traveling and adventures, and now I wasn’t even allowed to travel to class, the library or even my dorm room. For years, it felt like a prison.
But in February 2022, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Beijing Winter Olympics. I was so excited to finally have another adventure after two years of lockdown. This was going to be just what I needed!
Once I arrived, however, I discovered things were more locked down than ever. I wasn’t even allowed in the Olympic Village or to watch any events.
On the last day, they took us back to the hotel and told us that as of 12 a.m., we would be locked in our rooms for a 21-day quarantine. We weren’t even allowed to open the door to our room, except for at approved times to quickly reach out and grab a food tray.
I went to bed that night, worried about how I’d get through the next 21 days. I had no idea how much worse it was going to get.
Devastating news from Ukraine
That very morning, I woke up early and picked up my phone to discover that my home country had been invaded by Russia. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe this was happening to my country. It felt like days as I waited and waited, trapped in that dingy hotel room, to finally hear that my grandma was OK.
A few days later, I got a message from a Chinese journalist I met through the Olympics. She asked me if I would do an interview about the war (it’s not like there are many Ukrainians in China that speak the language).
Since Chinese media is very supportive of Russia, I thought this might be a great opportunity to educate people. But when she sent me her list of questions, it was obvious that they were not really questions, but more like statements in support of Russia’s invasion.
I began to feel overcome for days with anger at not only her, but at all my other friends I saw posting their support for this war. How could anyone think this way? How is this OK?
But then I got another message.
My Mom had sent me a video to watch. I hit play and it was an interview with a Russian soldier. He was just a regular young man and was the exact same age as me. He did not want to kill anyone, but he was forced to join the army, otherwise, he would go to jail. When he arrived on the front lines, he heard there was a village in Ukraine where he could flee to surrender himself.
So he took his compass, put some food in a bag, and ran away into the forest. He ran for three days, only knowing the general direction to go. He didn’t have a cell phone as he couldn’t risk being tracked, and he got lost in the forest. He slept in the trees to hide from Russian soldiers. When he finally walked out of the forest, he saw a lady on the road and asked her where the village was. It was still a number of kilometres away and not easy to find, so this lady sent her two kids with him to take him to the school that the Ukrainian army was using for a base. He walked up with his arms in the air and surrendered himself, thinking surely he would be a prisoner of war.
He started crying when the interviewer asked if he had been tortured. He said when he first arrived, he asked for permission to go outside, but the Ukrainian soldiers looked at him and said you are a free man, you don’t need to ask for permission. They even gave him candies and sweets because they knew how hard this must be for him to leave everything he knows. He just couldn’t believe that his own people were trying to hunt him, but his enemies were treating him with such kindness.
Choosing empathy over anger
I began crying as I listened to his story. I realized that if these soldiers, who had been taught to hate and kill each other, could instead show each other empathy and friendship, then perhaps I could as well.
I thought about all the friends I was angry with and about this Chinese journalist. I began to imagine how she grew up only being exposed to limited sources of information.
I realized that she doesn’t know what she doesn’t know.
Instead of using anger and judgment, I began to use empathy and kindness. Instead of trying to argue or tear her apart, I asked questions and shared my perspective.
In the end, I know I might have only changed her mind a little bit, but that’s OK. I realized that all my friends like her who I was so angry with for their political views, my relationship with them is more important than having to win an argument, change their minds or be “right.”
This might seem weird, but I promise you that when you choose empathy and kindness, it feels right.
Learn more
Mental health is an ongoing journey and it is important to make sure that we all take the time to check in with ourselves, our loved ones and our mental well-being.
LiveDifferent Circles equips young people with the skills and tools needed to build positive mental health. Through conversations on authenticity, empathy, growth, resilience, altruism and values, youth develop the self-confidence to deal with the issues they’re facing and take positive action in their communities.
Want to join people like Veronika and help youth across Canada build positive mental health? Become a Road Team Volunteer!
Holly: How one teacher’s compassion helped me break free from a bully
Holly: How one teacher’s compassion helped me break free from a bully
Altruism is essential for mental well-being because it encourages us to put others first. Altruism helps us to build meaningful relationships and become part of something greater than ourselves.
People are at their best when they don’t just worry about themselves, but see themselves as a part of the greater good. In doing so, we begin to act as if our actions make a difference … because they do.
By being kind to ourselves and others, we can reduce stress, alleviate loneliness, and increase our feelings of optimism. Our actions can have a ripple effect, and our choices to be kind can have far-reaching impacts, beyond what we can even imagine.
Here’s how Holly’s experience with altruism has improved her mental well-being.
Holly Mace
Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to help people. I wanted to help people so much that sometimes, I would even put myself at risk.
I remember when I was in the third grade and I was trying to help a friend get her lunch bag from her locker. It was on the top shelf, pushed far to the back, and neither of us could reach it.
We had always been told not to climb on the lockers, but my friend’s lunch was at stake here! I figured there would be no harm in scaling a few shelves if it meant helping a friend, right?
So I jumped up to grab her bag, hanging onto the top shelf for dear life. But while I was dangling there trying to reach it, I suddenly lost my grip.
I came tumbling down from the locker and fell right on top of my wrist. It was contorted in a way a wrist should never be contorted, and to this day my wrist is still not right.
For me, when I see a friend in need, it’s like I have these blinders on. I didn’t always have a ton of friends growing up, so when the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to make sure my friends knew that I would do anything to help them.
Learning when to put myself first
When I was in eighth grade, I became best friends with this girl. We started eating lunch together, she introduced me to her friends, and eventually, I became a part of her group.
She confided in me about everything. She had a lot of struggles and I really wanted to be there for her. But I didn’t have the tools to deal with what she was going through at the time.
Eventually, this friendship became really unhealthy. She would call me names, push and hit me, and make me feel like everything bad that happened was my fault.
The dysfunction in this friendship started to affect me. My grades started to slip. I did terribly in math because she would sit behind me throwing highlighters at my head and would even tear up my homework. I was mentally and physically drained and my self-esteem was at an all-time low.
My math teacher, Mr. Auger, noticed how this friend would treat me and often stood up for me in class. A lot of students would eat our lunch in his classroom, but one day as I was about to go in, I remember him standing in the doorway and telling me, “No, you can’t come in here.”
I was so confused! This is where I ate lunch every day and Mr. Auger and I had a really great relationship. I thought I had done something wrong.
But instead, he said, “I’m not going to let you eat in here today, because she is in here. You’re going to go eat with your friends who actually treat you like a friend, you’re going to have a nice lunch and then you’re going to come back and we’re going to do math.”
At first, I thought this was super weird, but was later so grateful for what he had done. I didn’t realize how much I needed that one person to say, “You can’t take this abuse anymore; you have to move on.” That day was an amazing gift because that was the day I told myself I wasn’t going to let this bully take any more from me.
How altruism changed my life
I started ignoring this friend when they bullied me in class, and would instead hang out with the friends I had made on a school trip to New York. And eventually, I stopped being friends with her altogether.
I told her how much I respected everything she was going through, and that I understood the pain she was in, but that I couldn’t be that person carrying that weight for her. I did really want to help her and was sorry that I couldn’t.
Leaving that friendship behind made a world of difference! I felt like I finally had a handle on my life again. I started feeling better about myself, I made better friends, and I was able to focus in class—I got a 48% in math when dealing with this bully who was masquerading as a friend, but that grade skyrocketed to a 97% once I started leaning into healthier friendships.
I’m forever grateful to Mr. Auger for seeing my struggle. For standing up for me when I didn’t know how to stand up for myself, and giving me the courage to find my own strength.
It made me realize how much power there is in a single moment because that moment changed so much for me.
Mr. Auger showed me how important it is to set boundaries, but he also showed me that sometimes all it takes is noticing someone and caring about them to help put them on a better path.
Learn more
Mental health is an ongoing journey and it is important to make sure that we all take the time to check in with ourselves, our loved ones and our mental well-being.
LiveDifferent Circles equips young people with the skills and tools needed to build positive mental health. Through conversations on authenticity, empathy, growth, resilience, altruism and values, youth develop the self-confidence to deal with the issues they’re facing and take positive action in their communities.
Want to join people like Holly and help youth across Canada build positive mental health? Become a Road Team Volunteer! Want to learn more about Circles and how it can make a difference in your community? See how LiveDifferent can help!
Empathy is essential for positive mental health because it allows us to develop stronger relationships with others and cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding.
Empathy helps us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and experience their feelings, thoughts or attitudes. But it’s not just about understanding someone else’s perspective, it’s also about understanding our own feelings, leading to increased self-awareness and a greater sense of well-being.
Exploring empathy does not undo or make right what someone has done, but when we are intentional about having empathy, we can choose to show compassion over judgment. In a world so deeply divided, we need to be able to listen to each other and connect.
Here’s how Hasan’s experience with empathy has improved his mental well-being.
Hasan Shahzad
Does anyone else think that Spiderman is the best superhero? Like legit, just swinging around the city from building to building? That’s the dream.
I still love Spiderman, but as a kid I was obsessed. I remember when Spiderman 3 came out and I wanted nothing more in the world than to get that game. I had an original Xbox and my Dad and I went from store to store trying to find the game until finally one associate at the store explained that they were not releasing the game on the older consoles and I wouldn’t be able to get it.
I thought all hope was lost. That it was over, throw in the towel, doneski.
Then my dad asks, “Well what consoles work for that game?” The associate said, “The PlayStation 3 can support that game.” And my dad’s like, “All right, let’s do it. Get the PS3.” I remember on the drive home clutching my PS3 and just sobbing.
More than Spiderman, the greatest superhero I knew was my dad.
The power of a parent’s presence
I remember getting off the plane in Canada from Pakistan and seeing my dad at the airport. He left Pakistan when I was two and now, standing there at 6 years old, he was bigger than I imagined. It was like watching a slow-motion hero shot from a Marvel movie.
Everything was amazing when we first immigrated to Canada to be with my Dad. What I didn’t expect was that, over the next couple of years, my dad – who was like a hero – would slowly become more of what felt like a villain in my story.
As I began to grow up in Canada, there was always this tension in my family and it stemmed from my dad not being present. Parent-teacher interviews, basketball games—you name it, he wasn’t there.
I remember in the eighth grade he finally showed up to something; it was my provincial spelling bee final. I had won at my school level, made it through my district and was headed to provincials. It was the big time, baby! The best part was that my dad was going to be there.
I remember the feeling of approaching the microphone on stage to masterfully execute the spelling of a word like “chrysanthemum.” But I remember standing up there looking towards my parents, and there my dad is looking down at his phone. He stands up and just walks out. He was on his phone the entire time.
The Bag of buttons that changed everything
I had all this bitterness and anger and resentment towards my Dad, but that began to change because of a bag of buttons.
I remember one day my dad pulled out a small plastic bag full of pins. In the bag were pins from a gas station, McDonalds and KFC, and all the different jobs he had during his time as a new refugee working in New York and New Jersey. He began to explain how there were seasons where he would have to walk 45 minutes each day to work, just to make $6.50 an hour. He sent most of the money back to Pakistan to support my mom, sister and me.
He told me about the moment he knew he needed to leave New York. It was September 11, 2001, when he was on a train in New Jersey. The train was stopped on the track because there had been some sort of bombing in New York City. My dad sat there and watched the second plane crash into the south tower of the World Trade Center.
When people on the train started getting word that it was a terrorist attack from someone from the Middle East, he could feel everyone’s eyes turn to him. He no longer felt safe or welcome.
My dad immigrated to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to start over once again. He worked at a hotel, would do nights as a cab driver and eventually got into real estate and started becoming an extremely successful real estate developer.
I started reflecting back to the time when my family first arrived in Canada to finally be with my Dad. I remember walking into my sister’s and my room and on either side of the room were matching bunk beds. One was red and one was blue. The closet was full of brand-new clothes and there were so many new toys. And for every toy I had, my sis got one that countered. I got a cool Jeep and my sister got a Barbie convertible. I thought we were in heaven. I began thinking about all the things that my Dad went through to get to that point and I found a deep sense of gratitude.
The power of empathy: Reimagining my dad’s story
At the end of the day, I would have traded everything my Dad gave me just to have him be more present, so I asked my dad “ Why weren’t you there for me? Why couldn’t you just be there for me when I really needed you?” And I remember he replied, “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you in your basketball games. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you in these little moments. I had a job to do. And I did the best job I could to give you guys everything I didn’t.”
When I took a second to imagine life from his perspective and imagine myself escaping persecution and fleeing to the U.S. to make a life for our family, landing in New York, facing discrimination and starting over again in Canada; when I think about all those things, I think I might have done the exact same thing … I might have been the exact same way.
When I reflect on my Dad’s life, I think about all the sacrifices he made so that my life could be easier than his. In my mind, I had always made out my Dad to be a hero or a villain in my story, and what I have learned through empathy is understanding that my dad is just human.
So now I’ve chosen not to write a story of bitterness and anger from my past, and have chosen not to see my Dad as a hero or a villain.
Instead, I’ve chosen to see him as the man with a bag of pins that made a future for our family.
Learn more
Mental health is an ongoing journey and it is important to make sure that we all take the time to check in with ourselves, our loved ones and our mental well-being.
LiveDifferent Circles equips young people with the skills and tools needed to build positive mental health. Through conversations on authenticity, empathy, growth, resilience, altruism and values, youth develop the self-confidence to deal with the issues they’re facing and take positive action in their communities.
Want to join people like Hasan and help youth across Canada build positive mental health? Become a Road Team Volunteer! Want to learn more about Circles and how it can make a difference in your community? See how LiveDifferent can help!
Ice Road Tour: Supporting youth in Northern Manitoba
Ice Road Tour: Supporting youth in Northern Manitoba
It’s a crisis that’s hidden in plain sight, but one that’s decimating youth in many remote communities in Northern Canada.
Mental health access in these areas is severely lacking, but through our six-week Ice Road Tour, LiveDifferent is able to bring hope, healing and purpose to the Indigenous youth living in these isolated communities through our Circles in-school program.
What’s an Ice Road?
Ice roads are built throughout Canada’s far north every winter to connect remote communities.
Depending on the weather, these temporary “ice highways” are typically accessible for 6 to 8 weeks each year. They are vital for the transport of essential supplies such as fuel, building materials and food staples that remote communities need for the entire year.
During the rest of the year, these communities are cut off by water and wilderness and are reachable only by barge or plane, which means these ice roads provide an invaluable lifeline for residents.
Mental health in Northern communities
Remote communities in Northern Canada are facing an increasingly urgent crisis, with individuals often having to travel long distances to receive help. Where services do exist, they are often overstretched, with high turnover rates, long wait times and inadequate infrastructure.
Indigenous youth living in these remote communities face unique mental health challenges due to intergenerational trauma and oppression, leading to higher rates of suicide and substance use. These communities also struggle with poverty, inadequate housing and lack of employment, which further exacerbate mental health issues.
Without access to proper care and support, youth in these communities are left to suffer in silence. In response, community leaders are often forced to call states of emergency in order to raise awareness about the immediate need for more access to life-saving initiatives and services, that are often only available through federal and provincial governments.
But solutions are often temporary.
LiveDifferent’s Ice Road Tour
LiveDifferent has been supporting youth in many northern and remote Indigenous communities via our Circles mental wellness program since 2017. This program is delivered by a specially trained team–typically consisting of a balance between young Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders–equipped with additional programming over two days per community.
This year, Tristen Schneider is one of those leaders.
Originally from Shawanaga First Nation, Tristen began as a Road Team Leader with LiveDifferent in 2022. She and her team were on a six-week Ice Road Tour in February to bring messages of hope and change to students in Grades six through twelve living in remote communities in Northern Manitoba.
Tristen and her team have been confronted with the difficulties and hardships these communities face due to their remoteness. She has also seen the extreme suicide crisis that has taken many lives, some as young as six years old.
“Because they have limited access to resources and support … for some youth, there’s really not a lot of choice and so suicide has now become the answer,” she says.
“The thing about being in the North here is that these youth, they’re so comfortable with death. It’s very normalized here and it almost has a numbing feeling. Whereas, you know, even the consideration of living life is more scary than [death].”
Tristen wants to use her influence to give students a sense of hope and belonging. She wants to show them that they are not victims, but heroes of their own stories.
“What we want to try to create is to have meaningful conversations with these students to hopefully shed some hope, some meaning and give them a sense of belonging,” she says. “It’s really important to us that, as we navigate each community, we have to be very adaptable and approachable, openly engaging with these students. We’re not here to force an agenda but to hear and understand from them as well. Reciprocal learning and healing.”
She has witnessed the hardships that students have endured due to a lack of connection and communication. Particularly since the implementation of COVID restrictions and school closures, many of these young people have become more withdrawn, and have found it difficult to engage in social activities. She has heard many stories from students about the difficulties of dealing with addiction, trauma from childhood, and the turbulence of their relationships with their parents and wider community.
“Some of these schools that we’re going to just had a recent suicide crisis, where there are multiple suicide attempts for students, or as in other cases, there are other deaths that are going on within communities. So each community is unique and different,” she says.
Tristen is dedicated to providing these students with the resources and support they need to realize their dreams and reach their full potential. She passionately believes that every person has the right to experience the joys of life and is determined to show these young people that there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored.
How can you help?
LiveDifferent is committed to empowering and encouraging people to live lives that care for themselves and for others. We are making a difference to those who have been forgotten and neglected and we are giving them the chance to realize their hopes and dreams.
By working together, we can make a profound difference.
Take action and help us spread awareness by donating to our Canadian Youth Fund today. By donating, you can help LiveDifferent reach as many students as possible with our Circles program, helping them to create a better future for themselves.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure no one is ever left behind.
Resilience is the foundation for positive mental health and well-being. It allows us to confront difficult experiences and challenges in a more meaningful and productive way, enabling us to learn, grow, and become stronger from them.
Research shows that it’s not just what we go through that affects us, but it’s also the story that we tell ourselves. And if we stop and make meaning of life’s most difficult moments, they can actually help us develop a sense of purpose, take appropriate risks and create positive relationships with others.
Everything in life, both good and bad, can teach us something if we’re willing to learn from it. With resilience, we can turn obstacles into advantages and use them to create a life of greater meaning.
Here’s how Tristen’s experience with resilience has improved her mental well-being.
Tristen Schneider
When you travel across Canada as we do for months at a time, lugging and unpacking your belongings at a new location every day, you get very particular about what you bring with you.
These are the essentials:
Jumbo-size pack of deodorant (because you know it gets stanky living out of a truck!)
Fast food coupons (it’s like $20 for a burger nowadays, so gotta have these).
Stuffed animal – maybe a weird one, but I tried to fit my 20-year-old cat Cutie in my backpack, but she was all hiss and claws when I tried to stuff her in, so I took this instead.
More important than my backpack, though, is what I like to call my bundle. My bundle is the people and the lessons that I carry with me as I go through life.
My grandma Marnie, my Koko, is one of those people.
The life and legacy of my Koko
Growing up, every Sunday night was a family dinner at my KoKo’s house and she would always make my favourite: hangover soup. This consisted of macaroni, tomatoes and hamburger, and was always served with a scone on the side.
Now the reason it was called hangover soup is because on the weekends, my parents would drink all weekend and would head over to my grandparents on Sunday for their delicious medley of hangover remedies.
But at the end of the night, I was always scared to leave because this partying at home was too much.
I still remember laying in bed when I was six years old. My parents were drinking and screaming at each other so loudly. I reached over, snuck the phone under the covers and dialled 911. I was terrified someone was going to get hurt.
I always wanted to stay with my Koko, because that’s where I felt safe. In the Anishnaabe Clan System, my Koko was a part of the Bear clan, which represents healing and protection. Every Easter, you would her find her dressed up as the Easter bunny going door to door and handing out Easter baskets. She was the connector in the community; she brought healing and love with her everywhere she went.
But when I was 8 years old, I remember walking into my Koko’s house and seeing boxes and boxes of dialysis equipment laying around. Her diabetes had quickly taken a turn for the worse, and she was fighting for her life.
The next morning, they called us to come and say goodbye. She had passed away in the middle of the night.
Saying goodbye
I remember walking into her room and seeing her lying there. I had just lost the most important person in my life, but I refused to cry because I thought it was something that you don’t do in front of people. I just held it all in.
My Koko was the glue that held our family together and soon the family dinners stopped. Eventually, everyone drifted in their own direction and for many that direction was addiction. It was a very difficult path for me as well without her, and I struggled greatly with depression and anxiety throughout high school.
I remember hitting a low point, when the hurt felt like too much. But I had a dream that night about my Koko, and she said to me, “If you ever need me, come to my favourite spot.” There was this place at the waterfront in our community that she loved so much that they named Marnie’s Hill. So I cancelled my shift at work, got in my car and drove all the way from Toronto to be there.
Driving there, I felt a little foolish; I was going to all this trouble just because of some dream. But when I went and stood down by the water, this snapping turtle swam to the edge of the water. It popped its head up and just stared at me. Then I watched as an eagle came down and soared over the surface of the water. In that moment, I felt a sense of home. I knew I wasn’t alone, that my Koko and everything she taught me about love and community was still with me as a part of my bundle.
I had no idea how much I was going to need that lesson.
Adding to my bundle
Things had begun to change and improve in my life. I was engaged to the love of my life, Sebastian. We were getting married that October, and I was excited about my first week in my new job as a road team leader for LiveDifferent.
I had just flown out to Winnipeg to drive our team’s truck back to Ontario. I was driving the truck when I saw a call from my friend in Toronto. I pull over to answer the call: my friend told me that my fiancé, Sebastian, had died suddenly from a heart attack. He was 26 years old.
The night that Sebastian passed away, I had another dream; this time about a mother black bear watching over her cub. I didn’t understand what it meant, but what I did know was everything that I thought my life was going to be, all my hopes and expectations, were shattered in an instant.
This time, I knew I couldn’t keep it inside. I had to let myself grieve.
I flew back to my community and let them support me. The future I hoped for, the life I had pictured, everything had turned upside-down. I had to let myself feel that loss and fully grieve it.
When I met with Sebsastian’s mom, she started telling me how she always called him her “little bear,” and at that moment, I knew that he and my beloved Koko were together.
I realized that the kindness and strength he had taught me were now another part of the bundle that I carry in life. It’s the idea that all the people and experiences in my life, both the good and the bad, are there for a reason. They are there to teach me something so that I might be able to give back and add to other people’s bundles.
And I hope, that even in a small way, my story might add something to your bundle.
Learn more
Mental health is an ongoing journey and it is important to make sure that we all take the time to check in with ourselves, our loved ones and our mental well-being.
LiveDifferent Circles equips young people with the skills and tools needed to build positive mental health. Through conversations on authenticity, empathy, growth, resilience, altruism and values, youth develop the self-confidence to deal with the issues they’re facing and take positive action in their communities.
Want to join people like Tristen and help youth across Canada build positive mental health? Become a Road Team Volunteer! Want to learn more about Circles and how it can make a difference in your community? See how LiveDifferent can help!
