Patricia Sands

Author

Social issues

The little engine that could …

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These days it is easy to become discouraged and sad about the state of the world when we read or watch the news. However, if we look beyond the headlines, there are many good news stories about everyday people working to help make the canstockphoto8136400world a better place.

I want to share one of those stories from my hometown of Toronto and offer a standing ovation to NEW CIRCLES founder Cindy Blakely and her dedicated staff of volunteers. September is going to be a special month for them!

Here’s the  NEW CIRCLES  newsletter, so you can be properly introduced. Next week I will add more to the story … with pleasure!

Take a moment, when you can, to click on their link and add to the “likes” on their Facebook page today.  Feel free to spread the word and then post about folks in your community doing good work. It’s one way we can help pay it forward.

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September Strong starts today!19

Dear friends and supporters,

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As you may know, New Circles is the “little engine that could”, a powerhouse agency driven by hundreds of volunteers, donated clothing and financial support from a caring community. Last year, we distributed 200,000 items of clothing helping over 25,000 people, many of whom are new to Canada, to meet their immediate needs, make new connections and move forward with their lives.

This month, we are launching September Strong, a social media campaign to raise awareness about the wide range of programs at New Circles and expand our circle of support. We hope you will help us to spread the word.

It’s easy, just “like us” on Facebook and share our updates with your friends.   Each day we will post new content created just for this campaign.  Learn about our Seniors Mobile Mall, volunteer programs, friendship circles and so much more.  Our goal is to reach 350 likes by the end of the month.    And don’t miss “Cindy’s Corner” – a video series profiling our founder Cindy Blakely.

Today, we’re kicking off September Strong with a video “Helping Hands”,created by New Circles volunteer Georgina Graham, a third year English/film student at Bishop’s University.  [Click here to watch video.]

Please join us in spreading the word.  With your help, we can build strong and caring communities where everyone has access to basic necessities.

Stay September Strong,

 The New Circles team

$5 = Joy!

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You know how life sometimes gets a bit overwhelming with commitments, deadlines and a ‘to-do’ list that appears endless? That’s where I’m hanging out at the moment. This too shall pass … chocolate will help ….

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It never seems to fail that in the midst of days like this there is always a ray of sunshine. Today that burst of brilliance appeared in the form of a Newsletter from Rikki Neukom, sharing a fabulous update on the undertaking she began last year to celebrate her fortieth birthday.

Let me back up a bit.

Last August author Elena Aitken introduced us to Rikki Neukom in a post on her blog, “Don’t Forget To Breathe”. I hope you will take a minute to go there and read the background to my post.

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The bottom line is this. Rikki is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in this world in her own unique way. She helps make the dream of an education come true for children at a Primary School in Kenya, where her friend Agnes is a teacher. Rikki’s only request is for a $5 donation from anyone interested in helping out.

For more information, email Rikki at 40booksin365days@gmail.com.

Here’s a p.s. from Rikki that I received yesterday. It made me smile even more.
“This is probably too late, but I wanted to let you know that the amount of notebooks and pens that were purchased through “40 Books” will actually be enough to cover each of the students in the school for the whole school year. That’s over 650 students. Wow, I had no idea. Also, I was told that the day after the kids received their backpacks the mom’s and dad’s gathered at the school because they were so thankful for the backpacks.

Wishing you a great day.
Rikki”

If you have other bursts of sunshine to share about people you know who are making the world a better place in their own special ways, let’s hear about it.  You know I love to share those stories!

Release date-early April 2013And now it’s back to final line edits of the printer’s proofs for The Promise of Provence. Time to hook up the caffeine i.v. Still hopeful for an early April ebook launch. I’ll keep you posted!

Not just one, but TWO promises …

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2013 Theme: THE GENDER AGENDA: GAINING MOMENTUM
“Over time and distance, the equal rights of women have progressed. We celebrate the achievements of women while remaining vigilant and tenacious for further sustainable change. There is global momentum for championing women’s equality.”

Here’s the first promise: To help accomplish this simple task today … right now … I promise that as many people as I can reach and those who visit here today … men or women … will  “Like” the International Women’s Day Facebook Page. Click right here and then hang around there for a while following up on some of the extraordinary links. Be that woman or that man. Then pass the message on. Do it for our girls. Do it for their future. Do it. Thanks!

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Now for the second promise … well … forgive me …  I guess that’s kind of a corny segue … but I’m excited to share this with you for the first time. I feel it’s an appropriate day to talk about this promise because my next novel is a woman’s story and it’s about hope and change which is something we should encourage in each other all the time. N’est-ce pas? It’s also partially set in …  where else would you expect from me … the south of France.

Drum roll please ~~~~~~TA DAAAAAAAAAA ~~~~~~~ the cover of my next novel!

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I’m also absolutely delighted to have my new novel featured on my friend Bette Lee Crosby’s blog today as part of her March Treasure Hunt. She lets a few details about the story slip, so be sure to bette-insert-2drop over there! You can sign up for the great giveaway she has going too. Do take a look at the fabulous collection of novels Bette has written with that inviting, humorous and touching Southern voice of hers, and decide which one you want to read first. I have loved every one of them.

To add to the celebrations of this special day, I am going to give away two free ebooks of The Promise of Provence as soon as it is available around April 1st. If you don’t mind waiting until the end of April, I will also give away one signed print copy. Click right here to leave your e-mail address – sorry about the Captcha – but you know that just means spammers won’t get in to spoil the contest for you! You can tell me in the comment box there if you want an e-book or print. We will do the draw on March 31.Thanks!

I’m excited about the upcoming launch of this novel and I hope you are too.  Take a minute and let me know if you did something special for International Women’s Day  … besides liking their Facebook Page, of course!

Friday, March 8th is International Women’s Day! Celebrate!

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It’s that time again- Friday is International Women’s Day! How does it come around so quickly? I’m posting before March 8th so you have time to check and see how you might get involved. There are many events and celebrations planned around the world. Check here to see what is happening in your area.

In Toronto, International Canadian activist, speaker and author Sally Armstrong will be hosting a live blog which is something we can all be part of no matter where we happen to find ourselves. She is truly a woman who lives as she believes and puts herself in harm’s way on a regular basis to further the cause of women around the world. Here’s the info:

Date & time: 08 March 2013 12.00 to 13.00
Event: LIVE BLOG WITH JOURNALIST AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST SALLY ARMSTRONG
About: Sally Armstrong will share stories from her new book Ascent of Women. She says a new revolution is unfolding and the exciting story is being written by women in mud-brick houses in Afghanistan and Egypt’s Tahrir Square and in Congo’s forests. She introduces us to change makers – women who are claiming their space at home, at work and in the public square, including girls in Kenya suing their government for not protecting them from rape. Join us for a live chat with Sally Armstrong on International Women’s day as she shares these stories from the front lines. You will be able to join the discussion, ask questions and comment.
Venue: Join us online at MSN.ca, Toronto, ON

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In recognition of International Women’s Day, I am posting a reminder about the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Please click on the name to visit their website and see how you might get involved.

You may have read about this before on my blog as I like to give a shout out to this extraordinary organization when I can. I’m proud to be a member of this group that is constantly researching needs and building programs through the actions of a community of women and men coming together for a common cause.

Over the last twenty years, the Canadian Women’s Foundation has invested $35 million in more than 1,100 community programs across Canada.

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A public foundation, it consists of committed supporters, donors and volunteers across the country and diligent, enthusiastic staff workers that passionately believe in the importance of social change.

In the simplest terms, CWF invests in programs that move women and girls out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence. In part these programs strive to:

 teach young people about healthy relationships;

 counsel children who have witnessed violence, to help them heal and prevent them from becoming victims or abusers themselves;

  support women as they rebuild their lives after abuse.

Investing in the power of women and the dreams of girls. 

I also want to share this link at one of my favourite travel websites Journeywoman.com. To recognize International Women’s Day they have posted a wonderful photo gallery of women from around the world. The photos were taken by bloggers as they traveled about on their personal journeys. Take a break and enjoy!

Needless to say every day is a day for considering the equality of every single person. However these special days are set aside to help build awareness and connect the global community. How will you recognize International Women’s Day? Whether your recognition is a quiet word of support to a woman in need, an offer to help another, or a big brassy celebration, everything counts. Do something!