Recently, there have been many events to focus on and consider.
The first week of May saw Smile cookies at Tim Horton’s take centre stage for many local charities, mental health awareness was at the forefront, Red Dress Day serves as a symbol, calling the spirits of women and girls who are suffering, missing, or murdered back to their loved ones, and King Charles III’s coronation, just to name a few.
Nevertheless, what is the importance of each event, and how do they impact the day-to-day activities of individuals? The sweet snack Smile Cookie campaign, launched in 1996, benefits charities and organizations selected annually by Tim Hortons franchise owners to support a worthy cause. Tim Hortons was the entrepreneurial vision of its namesake, Toronto Maple Leaf’s defenceman Tim Horton (1930 – 1974) and Jim Charade (1934 – 2009). Restaurant Brand International (RBI) is currently the parent company of Tim Hortons. Miles Gilbert ‘Tim’ Horton was often called ‘Superman’ or ‘the strongest player in hockey’ wherein Tim Hortons’ legacy is premium-blend coffee, light fare pastries, and sandwiches.
Canadian Mental Health Association reports, “In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.”, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc. Storytelling has become one of the most essential and relevant means of mental health education and awareness. One-on-one counselling or peer support are options for individuals seeking help with mental health issues. The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line (1-877-303-2642) is a 24/7/365, confidential service that provides support, information, and referrals. For help with crisis support, mental health or addiction screening and assessment, or strategies to support emotional well-being, contact your local/provincial mental health organization or service.
Red Dress Day raises awareness of the violence Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people face. Red dresses honour and represent the pain and loss of loved ones and survivors of those who have gone missing or have been killed. In Indigenous culture, red stands for power, success, fighting, and hunting prowess. The red handprint, usually painted over the mouth, has become the symbol of solidarity for all the victims of murder, rape, kidnapping, and abuse whose voices are not heard and for the silence of the media and law enforcement amidst this ongoing tragedy.
Canadians celebrated with mixed support the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, often stated that Canada was her ‘second home.’ She died on September 8, 2022. Charles I was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland until his execution in 1649. Charles II, known as the Merry Monarch, died in 1685. Canadians seem poised to see if His Majesty King Charles III has the political adaptability and knowledge to steer through the struggles he will face. Challenges include high inflation, an energy supply problem, post-covid health and economic recovery, and a unique relationship with Canada. The King is the sovereign of Canada, as established in the Constitution Act (1867).
Whatever cookies, conditions, colours, and coronations your future holds, may they provide a convenient and favourable treat, improve your well-being, not be limited to only black and white (or the grey areas), and provide you with many opportunities to celebrate you, in manners fit for a King or Queen.
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Jacqueline Biollo is a consultant by day and a cookie monster by night. She steadies her mental health through physical fitness and appreciation for arts and culture. Her favourite colour is pink, and she is a former ‘Grand Bethel Honoured Queen’ with Job’s Daughters International.
Photo by Blue Nail Negatives
Platinum Jubilee Celebrations for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
