Family Dinner with @BostonPizza #BPKidsCards: Perfect Teachable Moment

Food for Thought: Making a family dinner about more than food. 

We all know how important eating together as a family is, but you'll really raise the bar on the impact sharing a meal together as a family can have by purchasing a Boston Pizza Kids Card for a minimum donation of $5. starting now until October 2nd, 2016. 

With a single $5. donation you create a teachable moment, help kids in need by supporting mentorship opportunities, and get 5 free* Boston Pizza kids meals. 

As my boys head to college and university this September, I reflect on the efforts it took to get to this point, and the resources my husband and I invested to help get them here. They've benefited from close and engaged relationships with their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, and have no shortage of impressive role models and mentors in their family to choose from. I think about the importance of youth having people in their lives to teach, guide and model positive behaviour, and just how lucky my kids are. 

Sadly this isn't the case for all kids. Not everyone grows up with access to role models. mentors, mentoring programs, and financial resources to help navigate life's challenges and choices. This is why the Boston Pizza Kids Card Campaign is so important. For a minimum of a $5. donation (available now - Oct 2, 2016) you can purchase #BPKidsCards to help ensure many more kids in Canada get support and access to role models and mentoring programs. Each $5. BPKids Card purchased provides an hour with a role model for a child in need. 

Plus your Boston Pizza Kids Card gets you 5 free* meals. That's a $35. value! If you register your BP Kids Card with a MyBP account you'll get another free kids meal, making it 6 free* meals for $5.

By involving your child in the process of purchasing a BP Kids Card you have an opportunity to teach them how this donation helps the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects to provide more than 200, 000 hours of mentorship to Canadian children and youth. It's an opportunity to teach them about giving back, charity and about the incredible organizations who partner with Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects and together provide support, role models and mentorship programs to kids who would otherwise have none.

For more than 25 years Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects has raised more than $22 million and partnered with organizations and charities such as: 

• Big Brother Big Sister Canada: Helps 1000's of youth with mentoring programs and the funds raised help them "extend and expand mentoring services to new communities and youth who do not currently have access to mentoring programs".
• JDRF Canada: BP Kids Cards help to fund "youth ambassador programs which provide mentorship to young people living with T1D (Type 1 diabetes).
• Kids Help Phone: Donations help to fund their "national professional counselling services" to youth as well as "adult tools and resources and online content on their website".
• Live Different: Funds help Live Different to deliver high school motivational presentations to inspire youth to "embrace a lifestyle that cares about people not stuff".
• Rick Hansen Foundation: The Boston Pizza Foundation helps the Rick Hansen Foundation spread the message of inclusion and reach more than 500,000 kids across Canada each year with its Rick Hansen School Programs. 

All this for just a $5 donation! So while you and your family gather for a delicious meal at Boston Pizza think of all this meal means to you, your kids, your community and the kids you've helped to reach their goals for a bright future. 

Bon appetit!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Boston Pizza Kids Cards.

For more information about the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects and BP Kids Cards follow Boston Pizza on twitter and facebook, and Boston Pizza Foundation on twitter and facebook. 

*Some conditions apply
Note: I have been compensated for my time creating this post. All opinions are my own and on a personal note I have in the past and will continue to support Boston Pizza and Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects in their efforts to give back to the community. I consider it an honour to participate in this campaign.

Free and Inexpensive Ways to Give & #Giveback - My List #TisTheSeason

Free and inexpensive ways to give during the holiday season.

We all have bills, and responsibilities. All of us have to watch our pennies, and budget to make ends meet, but if you're like me you still want to find a way to give back, especially around the holidays. 

I've put together a list of ideas that are either free, or cost very little to give. 

While it may cost so little, it means so much. Not only will you be helping those in need, spreading love and good will, but you'll also be an example to those around you. 

Who knows who might be inspired; your kids, siblings, co-workers, neighbours, even strangers.

Your local agencies, charities, and shelters are easily located by doing a Google search. 

EG: shelters, donations, Toronto.

For my list 

Keep Reading...

This was originally posted to Cathy Thinking Out Loud on Nov. 21st, 2013, but it still holds true and thought it was worth reposting. 

Happy Holidays! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about giving back. 

Until Oct 11th A $5 Donation Will Get You A #BPKidsCard at @BostonPizza Instore or Online ($35 value)

Do the Math! It's a Simple Case of 

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

I'm a parent of teens and apparently I'm too old to understand the "new" math taught these days, but I understand that more than ever kids need support and mentors and that the Boston Pizza Kids Card adds up to a great deal! 

In an ideal world all kids would have equal access to the tools and support needed to reach their full potential, and variables like finances, location, or accessibility would not factor into the equation. 

*From August 31st until October 11th, 2015 with a minimum donation (feel free to donate more) you can get yourself a BP Kids Card at any Boston Pizza location or at BostonPizza.com. Not only does your donation raise funds for the Boston Pizza Foundation, it gets you 5 free kids meals, a $35 value for only $5!

Plus when you register your #BPKidsCard with your free MyBP account you get a 6th kids meal free.

Now according to my kids' textbooks BEDMAS must be applied to all equations, but I'm applying my own version of BEDMAS to the problem. 
(WARNING: Not Recommended for High School Math homework)

B - Brackets to group people and organizations together in a common cause. 

E - Exponents the power of amplifying the message and reach of programs. 

D - Division of the funds raised between partners that provide valuable programs.

M - Multiplication of the funds raised and the programs made available to youth.

A - Addition of new programs and expansion of existing ones.

S - Subtraction of barriers to youth in pursuing their dreams. 

Since 1990 the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects' donations and fundraising efforts have been assisting its partners in developing, and delivering, programs to youth that provide access to tools, support and mentorship. Over the past 25 years the Boston Pizza Foundation has donated and raised over $20 million for programs to help Canadian youth be the best they can be. 

This year's goal is to raise $730,000!

Partners like Big Brother Big Sister Canada, JDRF Canada, Kids Help Phone, Live Different and the Rick Hansen Foundation will use those funds to continue to provide information, role models, mentors, ambassadorships, and programs to thousands of Canadian youth.

• Big Brother Big Sister Canada: Helps 1000's of youth with mentoring programs and the funds raised help them "extend and expand mentoring services to new communities and youth who do not currently have access to mentoring programs".
• JDRF Canada: BP Kids Cards help to fund "youth ambassador programs which provide mentorship to young people living with T1D (Type 1 diabetes).
• Kids Help Phone: Donations help to fund their "national professional counselling services" to youth as well as "adult tools and resources and online content on their website".
• Live Different: Funds help Live Different to deliver high school motivational presentations to inspire youth to "embrace a lifestyle that cares about people not stuff".
• Rick Hansen Foundation: The Boston Pizza Foundation helps the Rick Hansen Foundation spread the message of inclusion and reach more than 500,000 kids across Canada each year with its Rick Hansen School Programs. 

By investing a minimum $5 donation for a #BPKidsCard you have the power to multiply the number of youth impacted and the range of programs available to youth in Canada. That adds up to an impressive rate of return: healthy and happier kids, which makes for a better Canada, AND free kids meals.

Do the math! It's a WIN WIN! 

For more information about the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects and BP Kids Cards follow Boston Pizza on twitter and facebook, and Boston Pizza Foundation on twitter and facebook. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Boston Pizza Kids Cards.

*Some conditions apply

Note: I have been compensated for my time creating this post. All opinions are my own and on a personal note I have in the past and will continue to support Boston Pizza and Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects in their efforts to give back to the community. I consider it an honour to participate in this campaign.

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts @WeDay #NationalWeDay 2015 #Ottawa

If you have ever had the privilege of attending a We Day you can't help but be moved by the sheer size and magnitude of the event. April 1st, 2015 I attended the 50th We Day in Ottawa. More than 16,000 youth attended this by invitation only event. You can't buy a ticket to this event, you need to earn your way through acts of kindness, action and support both locally and globally. 

All those kids taking action to make their world a better place. But sometimes we lose sight of the individuals that make up those 16,000 plus. During this event, the 50th We Day celebration, I had the privilege to bring the focus down to the individual level and speak with two youth from Ottawa making a difference. 

Meet Trinity, a student from St. Leonard School. Trinity is actively involved in the school's Free The Children group and activities. 

• Her FTC school group has something called the Bucket List. Group members make a bucket list of 10 random acts of kindness they will do over the school year. It includes what those acts will be and the number of times the member plans to do each act of kindness on their list. I am happy to report that Trinity completed her bucket list! 
• Trinity and her friend had fundraisers such as a bake sale and lemonade stand during a garage sale to raise funds and awareness.
• She and another student gave a speech at a mini town hall meeting; one presented in English and the other in French.
• Trinity also attended a youth summit Keep the Promise, which dealt with child poverty.

Image via Keep the Promise Student Summit - Ottawa

Meet Tyler, a student from St. Matthew High School. Tyler has been busy working with Free The Children at his school for 3 years. 

• Tyler was one of twenty students to receive a Caring Canadian award from the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada April 1st, during the National We Day celebrations. 

Caring Cdn Award Recipients We Day 2015 Image via David Johnston on twitter @GGDavidJohnston

• He has participated in Scare Hunger, We Create Change Clean Water, and We Create Change for Education to name a few. 
• I asked Tyler what his favourite activity he has participating in, and he told me it was making Global Care Packages for kids in Haiti, (which included clothes, school supplies, etc) and becoming pen pals with one of the children. 

Now take these two inspirational kids and multiple them by thousands of kids just like them, working hard to make positive change in their world and we can easily see how We Days around the world have grown to be such big events and celebrations of what can be done.Ultimately We Day isn't about big but rather how small can become big, and the cumulative effects of individual acts. In my post, One small action a day = impact and change in a big way! it is easy to see why small grass root efforts are so important to our world and to our youth who are the leaders of tomorrow.

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts.

It was a real privilege to meet Tyler and Trinity and I hope their stories inspire you, and you'll share their stories with a youth in your life so they can see what enormous potential "we" all have to bring about change in some way everyday.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about We Day and some inspirational kids.

Note: I have not been compensated for this post. This post is merely to share my experience at National We Day 2015. I had the privilege of attending National We Day 2015 and interviewing these Ottawa Youth as the guest of TELUS. Being given the opportunity to participate in this event is very much appreciated, and I thank them for this.

1 Small Action Per Day = Impact & Change In A BIG Way @WE_365 #App @FreeTheChildren @TELUS

On April 1st, my son and I will be attending National We Day in Ottawa (thanks to TELUS). As you can see from my post about last year's event, National WeDay...oops there goes another rubber tree plant, We Day is a very inspirational event and a real privilege to attend. It's impossible not to be impressed by these kids and their efforts to make their world a better place. With We Day just around the corner it got me to thinking what motivates these kids to do the things they do? What makes them think they can make a difference? Once again this quote comes to mind:
"I wonder why someone didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody."

Many years ago, in a community centre, at a playgroup, over coffee and crafts a conversation was started between 4 stay-at-home moms that went something like this:

Kris: "I'm concerned about my kids exposure to pesticides being sprayed on lawns in our neighbourhood. I'm thinking of starting an awareness campaign and putting together information on the health effects of these chemical pesticides, as well as alternative lawn care options. Is anyone else interested in being part of this?"

Cathy, Maureen and Kirsten: "Yes!"

And so began our band of 

"Grass Root" Activists
and the 
Breathe Deeply (My Lawn Is Pesticide Free) Campaign

Our goal was two fold: increase awareness about the effects of pesticides, and offer effective alternatives to pest management and lawn care. Each of us had different skill sets and contributed in different ways. I designed the signs, t-shirts, and applied for the grants. Others made signs, researched and wrote the pamphlets, or acted as campaign spokesperson and media contact. Together we managed to create 3 pamphlets, each delivered to more than 1500 houses, make and deliver more than 600 signs, distribute more than 100 t-shirts, and successfully apply for 3 different funding grants. We spoke on the effects of pesticides, a need for a ban, and about lawn care alternatives to our Community Association, at City Council meetings, to local Girl Guides, and set up information tables at local events. We were featured on local TV and radio, and in newspapers, including The Globe and Mail. 

Global and Mail: Tuesday, August 29, 2000
Janis Hass (Special to The Globe and Mail) 
"Outside, a homemade wooden sign on the front lawn sums up her (Kirsten Devenny) philosophy. It reads, "Pesticide Free." ... Over coffee in her living room, Mrs. Devenny discusses the use of pesticides on lawns with her neighbours Kris Wong and Cathy Canton. These stay-at-home moms have banded together to promote pesticide-free lawn care in their leafy Nepean neighbourhood of Crystal Beach. They're concerned about the effects of pesticides on the health of their children..."

Chemical pesticides for cosmetic purposes on privately owned land were banned in Ontario in 2009.

What does this have to do with youth and change?

Well from the time my kids were toddlers they saw me involved in efforts to make my world a better place. All of our kids were there when we met at playgroup for strategy meetings, or went to the printers to pick up pamphlets. They helped us deliver pamphlets and signs throughout the neighbourhood, and were there for the TV and newspaper interviews. They were central to all of this because ultimately it was about them. I like to think that by setting an example we "planted the seeds" for our kids to grow into critical thinkers, and engaged citizens of Canada and the World. I hope through our actions they learned they have a voice, and the power as one individual to bring about change. It is imperative youth understand how their local actions can have a huge global impact, and that they must be the "somebody to do something".

At the time of the Breathe Deeply Campaign there were no apps, smartphones or tablets, but now there are, and lots of ways youth can connect and help to bring about change and awareness.

The We365 app was developed by Free The Children and TELUS to give youth a way to connect, track volunteer hours, and accept challenges to bring about awareness and change. It is a platform that makes sense to youth and they are comfortable with; an app and social media. 

So to celebrate National We Day, youth and their high hopes to make the world a better place, why not join the one action per day movement.

Install the free app,

WE365 APP

and start moving those rubber tree plants!

Be sure to follow 

WE Day on twitter

Free The Children on twitter 

WE365 on twitter 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about National We Day and WE365 app.

NOTE: I was not compensated for this post, but am an invited guest of  TELUS to National We Day 2015. In support of We Day I choose to post about my experience, but am not obligated to do so. In my mind cooperation between organizations like Free the Children and brands like TELUS is something to be supported. I strive to live by their motto "Give Where We Live" not just when presented with opportunities to do so, but also by making opportunities to do so.

Small #RandomActsofKindness add up to BIG #YouCaring: Jason's pancreatic-kidney #transplant

Yesterday, February 17th was Random Acts of Kindness Day.

I few years back I started chatting with a funny warm and engaging woman named Holly at a Team Buy twitter party. I can't remember what holiday theme it was about. In my mind I think Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. After the chat we followed each other on twitter. As it turned out she had recently started a blog Frugal Canadian Coupon Mom, and I shared and followed along on her posts there as well. 

Shortly after that I noticed an entertaining and engaging gentleman started to appear in conversations and at twitter parties. Turns out it was Holly's husband Jason. Individually they are great and as a couple they are outstanding. Jason writes for Holly's blog and as a blogaholic at PTPA.

I knew Jason had some health challenges including diabetes, but I was so sadden when I heard he would be starting dialysis twice a week because of chronic kidney disease. I knew this had to be tough and would put emotional and financial stress on the family, but in general I think both Holly and Jason have tried to stay positive and just deal with it one day at a time. 

Not surprisingly it was pretty exciting news when Jason started the screening process for a transplant. Unfortunately the transplant and appointments are not in the town where they live. The cost of travel to and from dialysis and the transplant appointments are adding up faster than Jason and Holly can pay them, and there will be additional costs for travel to Montreal for the actual transplants. Seems to me, at a time like this, stressing out about how to pay for the gas and expenses during the transplant period should be the last thing they should have to worry about. 

Jason has started a YouCaring page where you can donate to help him with these costs and expenses. Remember no donation is too small and all the small random acts of kindness can add up to a BIG difference. Please donate if you can, and then spread the word so other can too! 

Link: Jason's YouCaring  

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about my friend Jason and Random Acts of Kindness. 

Shopping spree to help #protect #wildlife @TELUS #shopwildly is the best retail therapy I've had in years!

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and then ... including our wildlife!

Tis the season for giving and I was given the opportunity to #ShopWildly and help TELUS decide how to spend $5 Million dollars to protect wildlife and the environment.

 Doing Good Deeds for Wild Things sure feels good!

TELUS has committed $5 Million dollars over the next 5 years 

to programs, causes and initiatives to protect wildlife and our environment. 

I like to spread the funds around. A little here and a little there. 

All those littles add up to a big difference. 

You can make a difference too! Simply by shopping at a TELUS store you can help to protect animals and environments that desperately need it. For every TELUS store purchase you will receive a code for up to $10 that you can redeem at the TELUS Shop Wildly site, where you decide which animal to support with those funds.

Even if you don't make a purchase you can participate by visiting the TELUS Shop Wildly site. You simple click on SHOP NOW and you will receive a code to spend on the intuitive of your choice. 

 Once you're done shopping be sure to share using the hashtag #ShopWildly and let all your friends know so they too have the opportunity to do Good Deeds for Wild Things.

Join the #ShopWildly conversation with @TELUS on twitter and TELUS on facebook!

This is the best retail therapy I've had in years!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about wildlife!

Note: I was not compensated this post, but I did have the privilege of spending a $1000 Shop Wildly code to support and help protect the wildlife of my choice. You can see how I spent that $1000 Shop Wildly credit in the image above.

Practicing #RandomActsOfKindness this #Holiday Season with help from @MuchoBurritoHQ

Today is #GivingTuesday!

A day once a year (but why stop there) when you commit to giving back. A day to give of yourself, your time and maybe even your money. It's all about finding ways to connect with people, organizations and charities that desperately need your help to do good and help others.

It's like a giant group hug!

We all have the power to give and make a difference in some way. There are plenty of ways to give and lots of ideas that cost so little but mean so much . In fact many of these not so random acts of kindness can last all year long.

Mucho Burrito is one such brand that gives back. They get involved, support causes, and actively recruit their Embajadores to do the same. They "put their money where there mouth is" so to speak.

Although I admire their commitment to giving back, I only want to eat at Mucho Burrito if it tastes good. Well aren't we in luck! The food is fresh healthy and absolutely Mucho Delish! 

So in the spirit of #GivingTuesday Mucho Burrito has been kind enough to give me two $25 gift cards to giveaway. Two lucky readers will get to take a special someone for a Burrito and give the gift of YUM!

Maybe you can share a burrito after a busy day of holiday shopping. While you're out shopping why not pick up an extra toy for a toy drive, or some non-perishables for a food drive.

I myself get the regular size but the Mucho Macho men in my life go for the Mucho size burrito! 

Step Away From My Burrito!! 

You don't have to share your actual burrito,  

just a delicious meal at your closest Mucho Burrito with someone special in your life.

Be sure to follow Mucho Burrito on Facebook and Mucho Burrito on Twitter for all their news, contests and fun engagement!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Giving Tuesday.

Note: I have been compensated for this post. I received Mucho Burrito Gift Cards so that I too can share a burrito with my family. It is one of our favourite places to stop for a quick bite that is delicious and healthy. We Mucho love it!

About A Boy... Oliver can #TelusAllAbout his day! Thanks @Telus for #Giving!

Photo via Oliver's Story - OCTC 

Do you ever see a post, video or hear a story that restores your faith in humanity? A story that reaffirms your thoughts about a brand and why you choose them as your brand? We have power as consumers and it is one way in which we have a voice. I try very hard to support brands that give back, support worthy causes, and have a policy or vision I can get behind. I want the brands I use to get involved in the communities they sell to on a day to day basis. I love it when they support smaller local initiatives, and not just the larger national ones with big media coverage. One such brand for me is TELUS.

In my opinion we all have a voice, or at least should. Oliver should have a voice too! Telus helped to give Oliver a voice in a very real sense! Telus is in the communication business, and how fitting that they helped Oliver communicate with those around him in a meaningful way! Please take a minute to watch this lovely video about Oliver and how he found his voice with some help from his friends at Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre (OCTC) and TELUS.

Oliver's Story: Telus helps Oliver speak for the first time through the power of technology via TELUS Blog

In the end it is all about a boy, or girl, parent, brother, sister or friend. So this Thanksgiving I encourage you to use your Voice, reach out and Communicate, Give and Thank those in your life that make it special! Remember those around you who need your help to have a voice, and then smile at Oliver's story and that he now can "Telus" all about his dreams and plans for the future.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about a boy.

Note: I was not compensated in any way for this post. The purpose of this post was merely to share what I felt was a story worth sharing. I hope you feel the same way and share this story as well. 

They're here for a good dine, not a long time @BostonPizza $5 donation gets you #BPKIDCard @BostonPizzaFdn

Saving money and a good meal for your kids couldn't be easier AND you look like a hero to your kids and all those that benefit from the Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects program.

Hero for almost zero is what I call it! 

For a minimum $5 donation you get a Boston Pizza Kids Card good for 5 free Kids Meals ($35 value, some conditions apply). Donations go to help the Boston Pizza Foundation raise funds and awareness for organizations in Canada that help kids by providing role models and mentoring programs. 

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Kids Help Phone, 
and Rick Hansen Foundation. 

Last year they raised over $615,000! 

That is a lots of good deeds and good feeds all because of a $5 donation and BP Kids Cards, 

but I think we can do even better this year! 

From September 22nd until November 2nd you can show your support by purchasing by way of a minimum $5 donation (feel free to donate more if you are able) a Boston Pizza Kids Card either at your local Boston Pizza location or online at Boston Pizza.com.
If you register your card you get an extra meal bonus! Yes that is 6 meals in total!

Take a minute to read what Sarah from Journeys of the Zoo had to say about her Boston Pizza experience at A Meal to Remember Thanks to Boston Pizza Orleans and Carla from Working Mommy Journal about Gluten Free options at #GlutenWise at Boston Pizza

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Boston Pizza Kids Cards.

Note: I have not been compensated for this post in any way. The purpose of this post is merely to share this campaign and an opportunity to win a BP Kids Card with my readers.

Interview with the Head Zoo Keeper: Sarah from @ZooJourneys

Few on twitter will not recognize or have seen the orange "Z" of Journeys of The Zoo go by in their twitter feed. We know Sarah as a funny and kind person, who shares tons of great tidbits of information. She is one of those truly genuine people who make a point to engage on a personal level with others. Rarely does she respond with a simple RT or LOL, instead she responds with questions, or comments meant to continue and expand the conversation. She will ask you things like: How does that make you feel? Will you attend again? I'm sorry to hear that. or Feel better soon! 

Many of you may know about her annual drive to Mexico, and follow along to see the antics and fun Sarah and her family get up to as they adjust to what can only be considered culture shock. They all seem to effortlessly adjust to a very different pace and way of life for several months each year. 

Given the type of person that Sarah is, it is not surprising that she volunteers her time to, and supports several charities. So taking my cue from Sarah I thought I would ask her a few some questions meant to continue and expand dialogue about those charities.

What charities do you actively support?

"Every week that we're in Canada, I stop in to my local food bank and thrift shop, House of Lazarus. After six years, I am honoured to call the staff my friends.

When in Mexico, we touch base with the President of "Tzi'te Proccion Animal" a humane society* that we joined in 2005 to get an update on what they've done throughout the year."

Why are these charities important to you?

"Some people want to change the world, whereas I want to have an impact on one person at a time. Every time I visit House of Lazarus, I see people that need help, and I can help them. I hope that if I ever need help, they will help me.

In Mexico, they have social programs to help and feed people but nothing for the dogs. They have no voice so I speak for them."

What do you do to try to support these charities?

"Every week, I get the kids to pick a toy (or two) to give to House of Lazarus. We spend a fair amount of money in the thrift shop as most of the kids' clothes, toys, and books are purchased from there, as well as household items such as dishes, movies, crafts and knickknacks. One hundred percent of this money is used to fund the food bank. In the summer, I always make sure that I plant too many vegetables and donate the excess. I try to mention them (House of Lazarus) any chance I can on my blog, and love to support them on social media. 

(Re Mexico) One thing that the dog association lacks (that they have control over) is (a source of) funding. Every year, when I come back to Canada, I load up the van with local artisans' products and sell them in Canada. The solution is a win-win-win! I spend my money locally and support the local artisans work by paying a fair price for their goods. I bring back colourful, handmade and one of a kind products that Canadians wouldn't otherwise have access to and 100% of the profits go to support our dog initiatives in Mexico. You can read more about this in my three part series starting with The Issue Tzi'te Humane Society in Mexico."

*Note that I use the term "humane society" to imply action and not because we are associated with the official association.

Given that every little bit counts, whether in terms of time, money, or actively educating and sharing what these charities do, what can others do to help support these charities?

"Social media is such a powerful tool. All it takes is for the right person, to see a post and solutions are found. We don't have a lot of extra money to donate, however it only a few minutes to promote a cause on Twitter or Facebook. If every Canadian gave 10 cents to a cause that would make a pot of $3,300,000. See what a dime can do!" 

If you could give one or two reasons why you personally feel it is important to get involved and give back in some way, what would they be?

"Some may say that this is a selfish one, but it's true, the joy I get from being able to help others makes me so proud. The saying "to give is better than to receive" really is true for me.

The other reason is that I want to leave this world in a better place than I entered it. One way for me to do that is through my children. I want them to grow up and be empathetic, caring and compassionate people that "deposit into the bank account of life, as much as the withdrawl". I want them to know that not everyone has the things that they do. Not from a state of guilt but of reality. Some people lack one or all of the basics of life, food, shelter and safety."

Have you always volunteered?

"I really found my calling after the death of my son Alexander. The morning after he died, a woman gave me 25 cents. A quarter. Her gesture changed my life forever. You can read about it here How the Gift of a Quarter Changed My Life Forever. "

Do you think it is important for your kids to give back? If so, how do you teach them about charity and kindness?

"Having my kids be charitable is one of my key goals as a parent. I try to do this by teaching them to be aware; to think twice when a friend asks them for a bite of food or a toy. Perhaps they are hungry or have no toys. Living in Mexico has been especially helpful in teaching this. Poverty is on every street corner. 

Moving forward, I will remind them that being rich does not necessarily make a person happy, although having some money definitely helps."

What is the one thing you have learned about people through your involvement in charities, and volunteering?

"Something I have learned about people and it is not limited to those involved in charities is that people are good and they mean well. I have yet to meet a volunteer that would make me believe (based on their actions) they don't love what they're doing, I try and thank them for their contribution every chance I get."

Any last thoughts?

"I'd like to thank every single person that has ever purchased any of our Mexican goods. Every little bit counts. To people who give their time and energy for those who can't. To you Cathy and all the generous sponsors that support our Companies that Give to Those in Need in memory of my son, Alexander."

"If everyone said thank you to one person, once a day, that would be a lot of thank yous."

Thank you Sarah for taking the time to chat with me, and for all you do. You are as beautiful on the inside as out!

Clearly others see that Sarah is a wonderful and giving person since she was recently nominated for Walmart's Mom of the Year 2014. Congratulations on the well deserved nomination Sarah!

Be sure to follow Sarah and all The Zoo's adventures on Journeys of The Zoo on Facebook and Journeys of The Zoo on Twitter

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Sarah.