Ruby Dalvina

  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 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...

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,...

  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...

  “I’m Fine”—When Silence Feels Safer Than the Truth By Ruby Dalvina Dear Readers, There’s something I’ve been reflecting on lately—something many of us carry quietly but rarely name. It’s that moment when someone asks, “How are you?” and we respond with a soft, automatic “I’m fine,” even when we’re not. Not because we want to lie. But because, in that moment, the truth feels… unsafe. Too heavy. Too complex. Too vulnerable to unwrap in passing conversation. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—saying “I’m fine” with a smile that hides storms, not out of deception, but out of self-preservation. Why We Say “I’m Fine” When We’re Not Sociologists and psychologists agree: emotional safety plays a huge role in whether we express our true feelings. Vulnerability can be terrifying—especially in a world where strength is often misdefined as stoicism. According to a 2023 report from the American Psychological Association, 63% of adults admit they avoid sharing th...

By Ruby Dalvina Blog:  rubyelitedalvina.blogspot.com Dear beautiful souls, If you’re reading this and your heart is heavy — like it’s carrying the weight of a hundred betrayals, broken promises, unanswered prayers, and sleepless nights — I want to say this: You are not alone, even when it feels like you absolutely are. This blog is for you — the one who trusted too much, hoped too hard, believed in the goodness of people (especially your own blood), only to be met with silence, selfishness, or betrayal. It’s for the one who once clung to God like breath, only to now ask, “Are You even there?” It’s for those who stare at the ceiling at 3 AM, whispering, “What’s the purpose of all this?” I’ve been there. I know that emotional numbness wrapped in a smile. I know the quiet agony of questioning whether you’ve wasted the most valuable years of your life loving the wrong people, defending the ungrateful, and giving yourself away like your heart was a clearance sale. Let’s talk. When Life ...