Posts

NeighbourLink’s Christmas Market 2025 — Where Community Feels Like Christmas Magic

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  by Ruby Dalvina Hello my lovely readers, There’s something about November in North York — that moment when the first frosty wind slaps your face and your brain instantly goes, “Yep, it’s Christmas Market season again.” And if you’ve ever been to NeighbourLink North York’s Christmas Market, you know exactly what I mean. It’s not just an event — it’s a feeling. It’s the sound of carols mixing with laughter, the smell of hot chocolate in the air, and that universal struggle of trying to sip cocoa with mittens on. I’ve been attending since the early days — back when it was still called the Santa Parade. I’ll never forget that freezing night when Lily Cheng (who’s now our City Councillor) gathered a small, brave group of us to walk around singing worship songs. We were basically human popsicles with halos. The crowd was tiny, the air was frosty, but the joy? Unbelievable. Fast forward to now — the crowd has multiplied, the lights have tripled, and I’ve lost count of how many hot choco...

“Nobody Claps Until Everyone Does: The Hidden Truth About Struggle and Success”

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“Nobody Claps Until Everyone Does: The Hidden Truth About Struggle and Success” By Ruby Dalvina Hello dear readers, Let’s be honest — the road to becoming something is one of the loneliest highways you’ll ever walk. When you’re struggling, trying, failing, restarting, and surviving on faith and caffeine, the world rarely claps. But the day you finally “make it,” suddenly, the same silence that once surrounded you turns into applause. It’s strange, isn’t it? How people seem to see you only when the spotlight hits you, not when you were building the stage in the dark. The truth is, nobody claps until everyone does. The Psychology Behind Why People Don’t Care Until You Succeed Psychologically, most people are drawn to results, not processes. We live in a results-driven culture where achievements, status, and visible success act as social proof. When you’re struggling, your potential isn’t “validated” yet. But once you reach a visible milestone, society translates your story into something...

“The Truth About Climate Change in 2025: What No One Is Talking About (But Should Be)”

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  http://www.planetwatch.ca/ Dear Reader, I was sipping my morning coffee the other day—seriously, that mug of java was absolutely stellar—and as the steam curled up in lazy spirals, a thought popped into my head: What cause in the world needs more attention than anything else right now? I scanned the list in my mind—global health, poverty, artificial intelligence, the rise of the octopus as an internet star—but the winner, surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly) was clear: climate change. Yes, I know—it might sound like another “oh-yes, we know about that” topic. But bear with me. Because while we’ve heard a million times that carbon dioxide is up and the sea levels are rising, what I want to share here is freshly worded, deeply researched, and hopefully uplifting in the sense that we all—including the youth and the older among us—can act. And yes, I’ll pepper in a little humour (respectfully) because otherwise we might drift off into doom-scroll territory, and what a waste of...

The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation: Where Hope Finds a Seat

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  The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation: Where Hope Finds a Seat By: Ruby Dalvina Dear Reader, Today, I want to take you on a journey into the heart of a remarkable nonprofit in Huntsville, Ontario — The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation. This is not just an organization, but a living story of compassion, dignity, and community, and I feel deeply moved to share it with you. When I first connected with Amy Snow, Volunteer Coordinator at The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation, I was instantly struck by her warmth. Our very first conversation didn’t feel like an introduction — it felt like reconnecting with someone I had known for years. That experience revealed something profound to me: if this is how The Table’s team treats a stranger like me, with such dignity and kindness, I can only imagine how beautifully they embrace the people who walk through their doors seeking help. Soon after, I also had the chance to speak with Heather Cassie, Founder and Executive Director. It was inspiring to hear d...

A Thanksgiving to Remember: Extending the Table of Hope

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Dear Readers, As Thanksgiving draws near, many of us are already picturing the golden turkey on the table, the laughter of loved ones, and the warmth of gratitude filling our homes. But behind the joy of this season, there are also families quietly wondering how they will put a meal on the table at all. This is where NeighbourLink steps in—not just with food, but with dignity, compassion, and a reminder that no one is ever truly alone. The Heart of NeighbourLink’s Thanksgiving NeighbourLink is preparing for its biggest Thanksgiving yet. With the growing demand in our community, the need has nearly doubled compared to last year. Through its two food banks, NeighbourLink now supports more than 250 families each month, offering not just non-perishable goods but also fresh produce, poultry, dairy, and household essentials. This Thanksgiving, NeighbourLink is taking on the challenge of providing: Two full Thanksgiving distributions—one at each food bank. Turkeys, chickens, hams, vegetables,...

Willowdale Yard Sale Day 2025: Community, Connection, and Caring for Our Neighbourhood

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  Every so often, a community event comes along that isn’t just about what’s being sold or bought, but about what’s being built: connections, kindness, and care. Willowdale Yard Sale Day, hosted by NeighbourLink North York, is one of those rare events where shopping secondhand becomes a doorway to something much greater — community engagement and environmental responsibility. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Willowdale will come alive with over 50 yard sales happening simultaneously across the neighbourhood: 20+ indoor sales at Lansing United Church (49 Bogert Ave) from 9 am–1 pm 20+ indoor sales at Spring Garden Church (112 Spring Garden Ave) from 9 am–1 pm 15+ sales at homes across Willowdale To make things even easier, NeighbourLink has created the Willowdale Yard Sale Map, which last year received an astonishing 90,000+ views. This simple yet powerful tool allows residents to find sales, plan their routes, and maximize their experience while ensuring vendors can reach more neig...