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What if being a volunteer firefighter isn't the best fit? Rest assured; there are still plenty of other ways to help support your community and local first responders both during National Fire Prevention Week and all year round. 1. Volunteer to help with fundraising events, administrative tasks, and community programs. 2. Donate to your local department to help purchase new equipment, upgrade their facilities, and maintain operations. 3. Practice fire safety in your home by testing smoke alarms, emptying dryer lint, and never leaving the stove unattended. 4. Write a letter, send a card, or stop by your local station. Consider dropping off coffee, donuts, or lunch for a treat.

As the snow falls outside, let's take a moment to reflect on the stark reality faced by those experiencing homelessness during this winter storm. For many, preparing for a snowstorm means securing shelter, warmth, and provisions. But for those without homes, it's a chilling struggle for survival against the elements. Each snowflake serves as a reminder of the biting cold and the constant battle for warmth. The latest statistics show that the homeless rate is expected to rise for the third year in a row. Despite efforts, the number of individuals facing homelessness continues to increase, exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and rising living costs. As you cozy up indoors, consider the impact you can make in the lives of those less fortunate. Your donations can provide vital support to our Homeless Outreach Team, enabling them to connect vulnerable individuals with essential resources, offering shelter, compassion, and dignity. Click the link to make a donation to our Homeless Outreach Services Campaign: https://bit.ly/3SiGct3 #FightHomelessness #WinterSurvival #MakeADifference

History of Bonfire Night Also known originally as ‘Gunpowder Treason Day’ it started as a commemoration of the foiling of the plot to blow up Parliament and kill, the then King, James I. In the early days it was made law to commemorate this day and people were expected to attend church and give thanks. They would be punished with a flogging if they did not attend. In the evening people would gather around bonfires and it became an event for anti-Catholic sentiment, which in places such as Lewis in Sussex, would become very violent in nature. This law was not rescinded until 1859, after attitudes towards the Catholics had changed and anti-social behaviour towards them had calmed considerably. The well-known nursery rhyme ‘Remember, remember the 5th of November’ has no known author, it is known as a folk verse and originated in the 1600’s. By the late Georgian/ early Victorian period, the day was referred to as ‘Guy Fawkes Day.’ The 1870’s saw the night became a night for people to come together and celebrate in a peaceful manner, with bonfires and firework displays, often raising money for charities and good causes. It was now being referred to as’ Bonfire Night.’ The time frame for the making of ‘Guys’ as we call them, effigies of Guy Fawkes, is a little more unclear, as some reports are as early as the late 1700’s, with kids making small handheld effigies of Guy Fawkes, which they would use when begging, in the run up to the day. However, there are reports in the early days of small effigies of anybody that was hated, and this included the Pope, being made and burned at gatherings. The large versions we see today placed on bonfires, seem to appear first in the early 1900’s. These coincide with the large firework manufacturers, who started rebranding the event in marketing campaigns as ‘Fireworks Night’ in an attempt to cash in. These large effigies were paraded around by kids chanting the saying ‘a penny for the guy’. #History #Bonfire #BonfireNight #FireworkNight #GunpowderTreasonDay #GuyFawkesDay #LewisSussex #NurseryRhyme #Parliament #KingJames #AGRHistory

Normally we would start by offering our heartfelt wishes that everyone had enjoyed the previous couple of weeks. Given their devasting impact, it may not come as a surprise that our musing today is about the historic 380 wildfires burning here in our province. Three of them rage nearby, impacting three separate communities less than 50 km down the lake from where we sit as we write this. Instead of the normal picturesque lakeview, the area is shrouded in heavy blanketing smoke, the sun glowing red, lending to the ominous mood felt by many in the communities most impacted. Many folks in surrounding areas, including us, have been starkly reminded that in these summer periods having a grab and go bag is essential. The timing of the date these fires started is ironically surreal. Twenty years ago, to the exact day, was the start of the Okanagan Mountain Park fire, which burned the east side of Okanagan Lake for 10 days destroying homes and forever changing the landscape of the South Slopes east of Kelowna. Situations like these bring out the best in people. As family, friends and neighbors are impacted by fire and destruction, it seems that almost everyone who can lend a hand is doing so. Organizations, service groups, church groups, private businesses have all made notice they are here to help and just let us know how. With over 27,000 people currently evacuated, lots of folks need a lot of help, and they are going to continue to need help. Many people may have left their homes with little or nothing more than the clothes on their backs. If there is something you can do to help, please do it. Check the websites of your local emergency social service organization, food banks, community organizations and other registered charities to find out where you can donate needed items, money or volunteer your time to help. It is important to remember that the effect of this episodic trauma will be felt in the coming days, weeks and months as the fires are put out and those impacted start to try and rebuild their lives. Treating others with empathy, compassion and kindness can and will make a profound difference in their recovery. Please stay safe! #emergencypreparedness #traumainformed  #safetyleadership    

It's been three weeks since the fires in Lāhainā, and there's so much I want to say about the tragedy--I think that’s why it’s taken me so long to post. The depth of the loss and the chasm of grief is inconceivable. And the path forward is daunting. For all of us here on the continent--whether we have ties to Hawai`i or not--if we care about justice and equity for all, we must be in solidarity for the long haul with the kānaka maoli and locals who have designed a beautiful and intricate network of kāko’o (support), kōkua (help), and aloha ��āina (love of the land). Because it is this community that came together, as it always has, as it always will, to protect one another. And they showed up in ways unimaginable by government agencies that were still scrambling to organize a response. They showed up in canoes, in ATVs, on bikes, on foot, to protect their people and to honor those they lost. They could not be stopped. The strength and resilience of this community is breathtaking. Make no mistake, opponents WILL use this opportunity to divide us. It’s in their best interest to do so. We’ve heard stories of shameless developers hoping to buy cheap land still laden with ash, or of brazen attempts at water grabs from developers away from kalo farmers, or of landlords issuing eviction notices to residents who somehow didn’t lose their homes. Families who have been there for generations are at further risk of being driven out, as they have been for decades. They are STILL fighting for survival, self-determination, and to simply remain. But we can and must dream of a better future where communities of color and native communities are thriving. If we remain united and focused on this fight for the long term, I’m certain we can resist the forces that don’t want to build Lāhainā back to the vibrant, lush wetland, and healthy and thriving community it once was and can be again. We dare to dream of a better future. Please donate as much and as often to support the community and families that have lost everything. Here are trusted organizations with deep connections to the local community:  https://lnkd.in/gRHBAg_T https://lnkd.in/gTTcncEd #Lāhaināstrong #mauistrong

Did you know that this month is American Red Cross Month?⛑️ It's important to recognize the vital role that the organization plays in supporting communities across the country. One of the most critical areas of focus for the Red Cross is home fire prevention and relief. Every year, thousands of families are impacted by devastating home fires, and the Red Cross is there to provide support and assistance in the aftermath. As one of their Safety Campaigns, the Red Cross works to educate families on fire safety and prevention. In addition, they offer resources and support to help families get back on their feet after a fire, including temporary shelter, food, and clothing. This month, let’s take a moment to recognize the incredible work that the American Red Cross does to keep our communities safe. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about their important mission, we can all play a role to help make a difference! #americanredcrossmonth #americanredcross #providingaide #safetyfirst #firesafetyeducation #fireprevention #firerelief #jackwardfireconsultants #originandcausefireinvestiation #fireinvestigation

Attention friends and colleagues! 📢 At Friends with Food, we're deeply concerned about the hunger crisis affecting our beloved state of Wisconsin. 🍽️💔 Did you know that 1 in 6 children and 1 in 8 people overall face hunger in every county and congressional district? 😔 It's a stark reality that we must address together. While programs like SNAP provide temporary assistance, generating over $1.3 billion in economic activity, charitable programs alone cannot fully support those in need. 💡 It takes a combination of government assistance and community efforts to bridge the meal gap effectively. This is where YOU come in! 🙌 We invite you to join us in making a difference. Consider volunteering at your local food bank or advocating for lawmakers to prioritize hunger relief in Wisconsin. 🗳️ Your voice matters, and together, we can create lasting change. Let's start a conversation! Share your thoughts, experiences, or ideas for addressing hunger in our communities. 💬 Don't forget to like and share this post to spread awareness and inspire others to take action. 🌟 Together, we can ensure that no one in Wisconsin goes hungry. 🤝 #FeedWisconsin #EndHungerNow

Igniting Positive Change During the Holidays: A Call to Extend Your Support Amidst the joy of the holiday season, it's pivotal that we extend our warmth to those experiencing homelessness. A simple act of kindness can not only uplift spirits but also engender a transformative ripple in our community. Here’s how you might contribute: 1. Consider supporting local shelters with financial or essential contributions. 2. Allocate time to assist organizations and initiatives focused on providing to those in need. 3. Engage in charitable programs that work towards alleviating the burdens faced by the homeless. 4. Educate yourself and others about the pervasive issues and explore the impactful act of giving back. Together, let’s illuminate our community with benevolence, and forge a future enriched with understanding, compassion, and unity, thereby lighting the path of love and hope, one kind act at a time.

See below for the ways you can give back following the tornados from this weekend. Everyone can make a difference!

We went out on the streets to listen to people, and the hardships of living in an RV might surprise you. While it might be easier than living in a tent, there are still significant hardships like: - Overcrowded RV space - Taking care of companion animals - The hardship of getting out of a tent Living in a tent has its own difficulties - The weather in Los Angeles has been brutal over the last week - It's freezing and people have little cover to keep themselves warm - All they have is their tent to keep themselves protected You can read more about these hardships in the carousel below. As hopeless as it sounds, there are solutions. The Giving Spirit Youth Council passed out winter survival kits to people on the streets recently. These kits included tarps and blankets as well as food and socks. Over the last week, I've had the opportunity to share the stories that stuck with me over time. The hardships that keep people on the streets and suffering. Hopefully, this pushes you to do more for your neighbors living on the streets. Soon, the Youth Council will launch its semester initiative regarding supporting domestic violence victims. You can make a difference with a donation there. Thank you so much to Tom Bagamane, Angela Liu, and the whole Giving Spirit leadership team for their leadership and commitment to making this outreach possible. We couldn't have done it without you. #theyareus #housingcrisis #socialjustice #youthleadership