Humans Of Support
#607-55 east Cordova Street V6A 0A5 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Meet Mary Hawk, today's #HumanOfSupport 1) What do you do? How long have you done this? My name is Mary Hawk; I am the CEO and Founder of the Sheen for She Foundation. I am also a full-time software engineering student at Arizona State University, double major in political science and psychology major at Glendon College, and working towards my private investigator and real estate licenses. I started the Sheen for She Foundation with my partner in 2018, from a need to introd...Continue reading

Meet Nicole Crimi todays #humanofsupport Q: What do you do and how long have you done this? A: I am a second-year medical student McMaster University, as well as a fine artist. I have been drawing my whole life and began painting professionally in 2013. I especially love finding ways to combine my passions for art and medicine through creative initiatives and collaborative pieces!...Continue reading

Meet Laura Hulstein today's #HumansOfSupport Q) What do you do? How long have you done this? A) I am a respiratory therapist. I have been an RT for 12 years. I currently work at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. As an RT, I work mostly in critical care areas, including the ER, ICU, NICU as well as general wards. RTs most often treat patients who are acutely ill with respiratory distress and in a declining state. One of our main jobs is managing patients on ventila...Continue reading

Meet Tina Doane, today’s #HumanOfSupport Q: What do you do and how long have you done this? I have been working as an RRT for over 31 years. Currently FT at Credit Valley Hospital and Casual at Joseph Brant Hospital. Throughout my career I have primarily worked in the Hospital setting caring for absolutely EVERY age of patient from before the first cry/breath (which we often provide) through to the last breath. Over those years I also worked simultaneously in the Home Care S...Continue reading

Meet Sarah Howard, today’s #HumanOfSupport. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I am a Respiratory Therapist and have been working for 8 years. We work with patients of all ages; from the day they are born to the day they pass away. We are members of the CODE BLUE and CODE PINK teams which means we respond to all cardiac arrests of any age anywhere in the hospital and assist in compressions as well intubate patients (place a breathing tube in the lungs) an...Continue reading

Meet Pete Till, today’s HumanOfSupport. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I'm a Product Designer at Yorkville Sound, a manufacturer of premium... pro audio equipment. I've worked here for 13 years. Growing up, I loved to build things and loved playing drums and guitar. I'm lucky to be working at a company that I'm so passionate about. Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: Like many other companies, Covid19 brought our work to a standstill. We responded to the federal government's call to industry to support the manufacture of emergency medical supplies. Soon after, we were contacted by StarFish Medical (located in Victoria, BC) to help design and manufacture a control panel for a ventilator design they were working on. Early on in the design process, one of the engineers at StarFish Medical noticed that the control panel for the ventilator looked an awful lot like an audio mixing console. He contacted his local Long and Mcquade, which forwarded the call to Yorkville. The challenge was to source components (not normally used in ventilator designs) and finish the design and manufacture of the first prototypes in a matter of weeks. This would normally take years. We immediately got to work, bringing more people into the project as we went along. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: I always find joy in many things. It has felt very rewarding to be able to help offer some solutions during this difficult time. When at home, I have enjoyed the slower pace of life lately, which has allowed me to spend more uninterrupted time with my wife and kids. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: It's amazing to see how our employees have pulled together and have done what it takes to accomplish this immense task. Many of our employees have commented how rewarding it has been to contribute to solutions during the Covid19 pandemic. It has also been exciting to see so many people and businesses change what they are doing in order to support their communities. It is during difficult times that you see the most innovation. It will be interesting to see what great innovations we will be left with after this pandemic has passed. Q: Describe a moment that has truly affected you? A: Immediately after the federal government called out to industry to help with the manufacture of emergency medical supplies, I knew our talented engineering and production staff could help. After many long days (and nights) of hard work, it was very exciting to see the first ventilator control panel come off the line. Everyone involved feels very proud. Photography: @thejohnweight #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #the6ix #toronto #healthheroes #COVID19Toronto #COVID19Ontario #Toronto #Ontario #kindness #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 #inspire #madeincanada #ventilator #innovation #staysafe #wearamask

Meet Melissa Morrison, today’s HumanOfSupport. Q: What do you do? And how long have you done this? A: I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist and I have done this for 14 years...Continue reading

Meet Ahmad Kahn, today’s Human of Support. 1) What do you do? How long have you done this? I am the chairman and president of @SinaiFoundationCanada....Continue reading

Meet Gar Gar, today’s Human of Support. Gar Gar is a community and youth advocate in Calgary and with the help of his wife Nancy and a host of volunteers, kids in need are receiving bikes, school supplies, and homemade pizzas. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: My name is Gar Gar and I am a community and youth advocate for 13 years. My passion has always been working to better our community and in doing so, inspire others through my actions to build a be...Continue reading

Meet Adair Roberts, today’s Human of Support. Adair began the Feed the Frontlines initiative in March and she has inspired many communities to jump on board. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I’m an independent consultant who does strategy and organization development work in the mental health and addictions sector. My clients are organizations hospitals, community agencies, educational institutions - that provide or train those that provide mental hea...Continue reading

Meet the Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association Team, today’s Humans of Support. Lynn Moseley, Kristin Griffin, and Julie Matijiw are among an amazing team of people at a non-profit program in Langley where frontline workers spend time with horses specially trained to bring comfort and reduce anxiety. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this?...Continue reading

Meet Sarah Helene Beley todays Human of Support. Sarah is the Director of "Working Gear Society" which provides a range of clothing, accessories and personal grooming options to the vulnerable residents of Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this? A:My day job is at a tech start-up but in my free time I am the Director for Working Gear Clothing Society. I have been doing this for the last 5 years running the charity in the evenings and ...Continue reading

Meet Araxi Arslanian, todays Human of Support. Her friends call her Rax and shes a women's support worker at the Lorna Budzey Building in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this? A: I'm a women's support worker at a low-barrier harm reduction housing program for women and women-lead families challenged with mental illness, addictions, and underhousing in the DTES. The Lorna Budzey Building is operated by RainCity Housing. I've wor...Continue reading

Meet Suzette Araujo the Performer and Phil Koole, todays Humans of Support. Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: We are therapeutic Clown Practitioners at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.... We are not new to performing: Phil Doc Hopper has done this for 6 years and has much stage experience and Suzette Nurse Flutter has been a clown for many years and is a Cirque du Soleil alumnus. Most challenging has been the physical distancing and having our faces covered as we are used to being more up close with our clients. This has been mostly challenging with our non-verbal clients who typically require our touch and close physical proximity. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: We find joy in playing with the kids and developing a connection. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: The kids do not seem to be affected whatsoever by our masks and goggles. Our play continues! Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: The first week we really noticed how COVID-19 affected everyone in the hospital. The energy and mood was down and heavy. We noticed that our presence lightened up the mood. We received emails from staff and parents thanking us, which really encouraged us in our work. Lets all keep working together and keep safe. Photography: John Weight Photography Writing: traceylynnwade #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #clown #the6ix #dochopper #nurseflutter #toronto #healthheroes #nurse #Therapeutic #smile #laugh #kids #COVID19Toronto #COVID19Ontario #Toronto #Ontario #kindness #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 #inspire Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Araxi Arslanian, todays Human of Support. Her friends call her Rax and shes a womens support worker at the Lorna Budzey Building in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this? A: Im a womens support worker at a low-barrier harm reduction housing program for women and women-lead families challenged with mental illness, addictions, and underhousing in the DTES. The Lorna Budzey Building is operated by RainCity Housing. Ive wor...Continue reading

Meet Esther Griffin, todays Human of Support. Esther is a Client Advisor RBC in Vancouver. Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: Covid-19 has had all of us stepping out of our comfort zones: working from other branches, connecting with new colleagues, working together while keeping physical distancing, and being safe for us and our customers. It has meant changing the way we do banking while being mindful of our clients needs and concerns. And it is going the extra m...ile for our clients who couldnt make it into the branch, reaching out via telephone and emails and finding solutions. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: Right now I find joy by doing TikTok videos and watching other TiKTokers Im watching lots videos with puppies and kitties videos and also families who are putting videos together to bring smiles and laughter to the world. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: As we are going back to the new normal, people are kind and considerate, and as we came back and re-opened our branch on Granville & 12th out regulars are so very pleased we are open again for business. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: As bad as COVID-19 is as a virus and the lives it took, we have seen lots of kindness, we have seen mother nature and the animal kingdom rejuvenate, families come closer and quality time sharedI just hope we continue to be considerate loving and caring after we go back to fully normal times. Q: Please tell us something funny/lighthearted/quirky? A: Our managers at our RBC Broadway & Cambie location end every huddle with 3 knock-knock jokes which always lift everyones spirits so we then start our work day on a positive note. Here are a few jokes we like: -What did the big flower say to the little one? Grow up bud. -What do you call a security guard outside the Samsung store? A guardian of the galaxy -What did one volcano say to another? I Lave you #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #Vancouver #RBC #Banking #Bank #BC #Financial #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 #inspire Photography by: Josh Neufeld Photography Written by: @traceylynnwade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Vida Valerie Vispo, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this? A: I am a Licensed Practical Nurse at a clinic and a long term care facility. I have been working at the clinic for 3 years and a year and a half at the long term care facility....Continue reading

Meet Barbara Lucus, todays Human of Support. What do you do, how long have you done this? I am a Social Worker in the Maternal Newborn Program at BC Womens Hospital. I have been doing this since1995. Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job?... A: Like so many others, I am providing more services remotely, either by phone or email. This can often be challenging because developing a trusting relationship is fundamental to the work I do. I think that is much harder to accomplish without the opportunity for personal connection. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: I think there are a number of positives that have come out of COVID-19. One positive is that I believe many of us have developed a deeper appreciation and gratitude for simple little things that we previously took for granted, like getting together with family and friends, going to the library, dining out or taking the kids to a playground or movie. I think a lot of us never even thought about how lucky we were to have those freedoms. Q: Describe a moment that has truly affected you. A: I was truly affected the first time I went on to the antepartum ward at the hospital and saw all the nurses at the nursing station in their full protective equipment gowns, gloves, caps, masks and face shields. I know these women and they are amazing - strong, competent, capable and dedicated to their profession. When I saw them all together like that there was a radiance about them. They looked like an army of angels. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: I do have something I would like to share. During this time when it is so important to address systemic racism at all levels in all institutions across Canada and the world, do your part to create inclusion and change. Everyone you meet has a story and is facing challenges that you know nothing about. Be kind and just and courageous in all your dealings with others. #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 #inspire Photography by Josh Neufeld Written by Tracey Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Robert Young, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I am the Meal Program Coordinator Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon (RMH). I started three weeks before the lockdowns came into effect back in March. I am in charge of the family meals program at RMH, which is a volunteer run program where groups fundraise to purchase ingredients and volunteer their time to come into the House and cook a meal (usually dinners and brunches) for...Continue reading

Meet Alexander Jay, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this? A: Im an Special Provincial Constable, Animal Protection Officer in the Cruelty Investigation Department with the BC SPCA. I Investigate all reports of cruelty against animals and take the necessary steps to alleviate their distress. We decrease the likelihood of repeated abuse through education, cooperation, and if necessary, deterrence in the form of legal proceedings (search ...Continue reading

Meet Anthony Eppler, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do? How long have you been doing this? A: By day Im a sanitation worker for the city of Burnaby and I aspire to be a firefighter. Ive worked for the city for the past 10 years. As a lifeguard, roads worker, and now sanitation garbage truck driver. Ive been volunteering for the past 3 years with Street Saviours Outreach Society (SSOS) approximately 8-12 hours a week.... Q: How did COVID-19 change your job? A: COVID-19 did not stop my day to day work of trash collection however it did shut down my volunteer work on Vancouvers Downtown Eastside (DTES). This was particularly hard knowing that there was little outreach support going on during the pandemic and that overdose numbers were drastically rising. Q: How have you been finding joy? A: Whats bringing me joy in this moment is being able to be back out on the streets doing outreach and overdose prevention/response and making connections again with my friends on the DTES. Outside of work and volunteering my passion is fishing so I often find myself on the ocean or river. Q: What inspires you right now? A: I really appreciate groups like the humans of support page and all the wonderful people youve taken the time to highlight. Knowing that we are all in this together. Unfortunately right now a lot of news media I hear and see seems so negative so the highlights help shine light and keep spirits high. A: Do you have a story that sticks out in your mind? Q: One overdose patient in particular sticks out. This individual was particularly shaken up after his overdose as this had been his first in over 30 years of drug use. He was so thankful to us for helping him and immediately wanted resources for getting into treatment. It was a really eye-opening experience and it felt like a small win to me being able to be the next step in his journey to recovery. Q: What would you like to share? A: Treat every individual as if they were your mother, father, daughter or son as they are that to someone else. Q: Any extra thoughts? A: Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats (Voltaire) #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #StreetSaviour #StreetSaviourOutreachSociety #StreetSavioursSaveLives #FirstAid #Outreach #PPE #FuckFentanyl #SSOSlove #DTES #Volunteer #passion #CityOfVancouver #ThankYou #BC #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photo by: Erich Saide Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Gerry Guitor, todays Human of Support. Gerry is Founder and President of the Spirit of York Distillery in Toronto. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: Spirit of York is a distiller of premium Canadian spirits. As soon as the country went into lockdown to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19, we pivoted our operations to manufacture and supply hand sanitizer for our community and front-line employees. In addition, we started selling hand sanitizer at our di...Continue reading

Meet Dr Deborah Money, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I am a physician, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Infectious Diseases. I am also a Professor UBC Faculty of Medicine. I have done this for 26 years, but have been an MD for 35 years.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: It has dramatically changed what I was doing. As a researcher who was working on HIV and HPV and the microbiome, I pivoted my research team to focus on COVID in pregnancy. However as a reproductive infectious diseases expert this is what we do which is respond to new infections that affect pregnant women and their infants. I was involved in provincial and national guidelines and have been very honoured to be invited onto the Federal Task Force on Immunity. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: By seeing how amazing my colleagues have been in stepping up and working together in teams to solve the problems of how to manage COVID-19 with minimal solid data. We had the most amazing experience when I asked leads in every province and territory if they would step up to create a pan-Canadian network to study COVID-19 in pregnancy, everyone agreed even though they were all extremely busy working on combating COVID in their regions and even though we had no funding at first. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: Great teamwork, great focus on the problems at hand, collaboration across public health and clinical medicine. Q: Describe a moment that has truly affected you? A: I have had the privilege to train the Reproductive Infectious Diseases specialists who are across Canada and watching them lead in their provinces and come together immediately to solve the issues of how best to advise our colleagues and our patients on what to do with COVID-19 for pregnant women and their infants. I was so proud of their compassion, intelligence and calm leadership. #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #Gynecology #Doctor #InfectiousDisease #Professor #UBC #Pregnant #Teamwork #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 #inspire Photo by: Erich Saide Written by: Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Amy Dalton, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I originally come from Ireland where I worked as a care aide for almost 9 years. I now work as a recreation aide in Lynn Valley Care Center.. and have been working here since my move to Canada in January 2019. ...Continue reading

Meet Greg Street, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: My name is Greg Street. Im a Chief Pilot for Lake Central Airways. Ive been flying professionally since 1979.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic weve had to be very careful as far as crew and passenger health and safety is concerned. There is a questionnaire from Transport Canada that the passengers are required to complete to confirm that they are fit to fly and additional forms must be provided to Canada customs upon landing from abroad. The aircraft is always cleaned after each flight but since the pandemic, there have been additional and stringent disinfecting measures taken to ensure the safety of everyone onboard the aircraft. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: Seeing the passengers we bring home on the rescue flights from abroad being reunited with their families has been a particular joy. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: People having extra time to spend with their loved ones. Also, getting caught up on outstanding projects and work that is, in normal times, put on hold due to busy schedules. Q: Describe the moment that has truly affected you? A: In the first week of the pandemic almost no airplanes were in the sky. We were one of the very few aircraft that each consecutive air controller spoke to during our flights. Onn one rescue mission to pick up a family - and their dogs - stranded in West Palm Beach. The controller at West Palm tower said he watched us depart Toronto and his entire day was spent following us until we arrived. As we spoke to each control sector, we thanked them for keeping the skies open and many of them got quite emotional hearing that. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: Coming home to Toronto and being the only airplane arriving at Pearson we had our choice of runways, which never happens at a busy international airport. It was surreal. Being the only aircraft taxiing to the gate past dozens of parked airliners and the complete silence on the ground frequency was again, very emotional. Q: Quirky story: A: In all my years of flying I never thought I would see the day when coming out of the cockpit smelling of alcohol - from sanitizing the cockpit - would be ok! Also sharing alcohol with a customs officer albeit in a spray bottle to disinfect his gloved hands while handling our passports was another unique experience. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #COVID19Toronto #COVID19Ontario #HumansOfSupportTO #Coronavirus #COVID19 #Pilot #ChiefPilot #LakeCentralAirways #SkyserviceBA #AircraftCharter #the6ix #Ontario #Toronto #Gratitude #MessageOfHope #Kindness Photography & writing by: John Weight Photography

Meet Bobby Nikkhah, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do, and how long have I done it? A: I am a cybersecurity analyst supporting sensitive research at UBC but by night and in my spare time I am a volunteer medical team-lead, coordinator, and the communications director for Street Saviours Outreach Society which is a non-profit, secular group of volunteers providing emergency medical care, overdose response, first-aid and outreach services including distributing fo...Continue reading

Meet Brenda Dewar, todays Human of Support. Brenda is Nursing Manager at Canuck Place Childrens Hospice in Vancouver providing pediatric palliative care to children and families in BC. Q: What do you do and how long have you done this? A: I am a registered nurse and have worked with sick children/youth for most of my career. I have worked at Canuck Place Childrens Hospice for over 20 years directly with children/youth with life-threatening illnesses.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: I recently became the manager of the nursing team and was not expecting a world pandemic to be declared months later. The clinical leaders at Canuck Place worked hard to ensure we could continue to provide palliative care to our children/youth and also keep everybody including the staff safe and healthy. We constantly review the scientific literature and carefully follow the directives of the Provincial Health Officer. Covid-19 became a major focus of our work. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: The generosity of the community around us who have supported Canuck Place with donations of PPE, food, and other needed supplies. Many groups including Finn, the Canucks mascot, have driven by honking and cheering to lift the spirits of the team, children, and families. Q: Describe a moment that has truly affected you. A: Canuck Place works to bring families together and having to restrict numbers of visitors to the hospice because of COVID has been heart-wrenching. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: I love being part of a dedicated, compassionate team of people including nurses, doctors, counsellors, recreation therapists and more that stop at nothing to make the day better for the children/youth and families that we care for. To the housekeepers that keep us safe and healthy and to the cooks that prepare delicious meals for us. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #Nurse #Nursing #CanuckPlaceChildrensHospice #ChildrensHospice #Pediatric #CanuckPlace #Generosity #Donations #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photo by: Josh Neufeld Photography Written by: Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Brenda Dewar, todays Human of Support. Brenda is Nursing Manager at Canuck Place Children's Hospice in Vancouver providing pediatric palliative care to children and families in BC. Q: What do you do and how long have you done this? A: I am a registered nurse and have worked with sick children/youth for most of my career. I have worked at Canuck Place Children's Hospice for over 20 years directly with children/youth with life-threatening illnesses.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: I recently became the manager of the nursing team and was not expecting a world pandemic to be declared months later. The clinical leaders at Canuck Place worked hard to ensure we could continue to provide palliative care to our children/youth and also keep everybody including the staff safe and healthy. We constantly review the scientific literature and carefully follow the directives of the Provincial Health Officer. Covid-19 became a major focus of our work. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: The generosity of the community around us who have supported Canuck Place with donations of PPE, food, and other needed supplies. Many groups including Finn, the Canucks mascot, have driven by honking and cheering to lift the spirits of the team, children, and families. Q: Describe a moment that has truly affected you. A: Canuck Place works to bring families together and having to restrict numbers of visitors to the hospice because of COVID has been heart-wrenching. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: I love being part of a dedicated, compassionate team of people including nurses, doctors, counsellors, recreation therapists and more that stop at nothing to make the day better for the children/youth and families that we care for. To the housekeepers that keep us safe and healthy and to the cooks that prepare delicious meals for us. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #Nurse #Nursing #CanuckPlaceChildrensHospice #ChildrensHospice #Pediatric #CanuckPlace #Generosity #Donations #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photo by: Josh Neufeld Photography Written by: Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Dr. Julianne van Schalkwyk, todays Human of Support. Dr van Schalkwyk is the Department Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at BC Womens Hospital and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Infectious Diseases at UBC. Q: What do you do? A: I am an OBGYN and I have been in practice at BCWH for 15 years.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: COVID-19 changed my job and all the members of my department immensely. As maternity services are an essential service, we had to develop and adopt significant practice changes in record time in order to protect our patients, our colleagues, and ourselves. Q: How do you feel joy? A: During these times I find joy in witnessing the ongoing top-quality care delivered at BC Womens Hospital and the collective collaboration required to do so. I remain so indebted to my colleagues who stepped forward to volunteer their time, knowledge, and communication toward insuring we had back up medical coverage as well as up to date information on the impact of COVID in the setting of pregnancy. Q: What thoughts would you like to share? A: Through this crisis, we have learned to come together and realize new ways of approaching the same issues - and do so with even more efficiency. During this time of crisis, everyone banded together for a seamless group response under incredibly anxiety-provoking conditions. I am so grateful, this could have gone so many different ways but everyone rose to the occasion and helped out. #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #Canada #OBGYN #Professor #UBC #BCWomensHospital #Hospital #HealthCare #Doctor #Coronavirus #COVID19 #inspire Photography by ERICH SAIDE Photography Written by Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Teara Fraser, todays Human of Support. The first thing you might note when meeting Teara is her warm and open smile. Shes also a woman on a mission: owning and operating her own airline, working as her companys primary pilot, creating and participating in programs to support and lift up fellow Indigenous women, and flying needed supplies to Indigenous communities in BC. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: Becoming a pilot was transformational, truly giv...Continue reading

Meet Garrett Ling-Lee and Taylor Cherris-Wilding, principal coaches at RainCity Basketball Club, and todays Humans of Support. As COVID-19 began to hit B.C. right before March break, they, along with their business manager, Graeme Klayh, created an online platform to keep RainCity and its youth players active and engaged during the lockdown. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I (Taylor) started Raincity Basketball in 2017, I am the founder/director, and he...Continue reading

Meet Dwight Barrett, todays #HumanOfSupport out of Toronto, Ontario Q: What do you do, how long have you done this? A: Im a Registered Nurse and currently work at Credit Valley Hospital in the Emergency Department (ED) as one of the charge nurses. I also work at St Joseph's Hospital in Toronto in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Ive worked in the ED for 9 years and in the ICU for 3 years. Ive also worked in Cardiology for 4 years.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: COVID has massively changed my job in both places. Our PPE, procedures and patient flow has greatly been impacted and changed. We are also now seeing more mental health cases because individuals are stressed and both mentally and emotionally drained from this crisis. One of the biggest challenges with COVID19 is the daily changes and procedures we face, especially during the early phases of this pandemic. You would literally start your shift at 7:30 am and throughout your 12-hour shift, you will have 4 new updates and procedure changes announced to you. By the time you are able to practice and understand it, another one comes out that disputes the previous ones. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: Honestly, my joy right now is being at home and spending time with my family. I also get joy by listening to music and just getting away. My joy used to be working out, but the gyms are closed so I try to do home workouts - definitely not the same for me. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: Id like to remind everyone that though this crisis and pandemic has changed many of our lives, we are trying hard to control it. This is a new normal that unfortunately, we have to adapt to. Exercising social distancing though might seem an annoyance to many is vital and key at the moment. Hygiene is a must. Most importantly, I want to say to not only check-up on your own well being, but also a fellow loved ones physical, emotional, and mental health. This crisis has impacted many emotionally and mentally as we have seen an increase in visits of those who have become depressed, stressed out, sadly, and even suicidal. A change is coming, but we have to ensure we can adapt to it in order to survive. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #COVID19Toronto #COVID19Ontario #HumansOfSupportTO #Coronavirus #COVID19 #TorontoNurse #OntarioNurse #HealthCareProvider #Ontario #Toronto Photo by: PAWELECphoto

Meet Devina Briggs-Hammoud, todays Human of Support. Devina is a grade 10 student at Collingwood School Outside of school, she is an actor and snowboard instructor. When the world turned upside down during her spring break, causing the local mountains to close and film industry to come to an abrupt halt. Devina felt called to use her skills to serve others and started sewing masks for essential workers. When Devina was getting low on supplies, she rallied the community, in...Continue reading

Thank you, Krissy Vann for sharing Humans Of Support on CTV Vancouver this morning. This is truly appreciated. Proud of the fantastic team behind this initiative/movement and all the Humans Of Support we have had the pleasure of highlighting and the ones we will be... #HumansOfSupport #ctvmorninglive #frontlineworkers #frontlineheroes... https://bc.ctvnews.ca/video

Meet Izzie Cheung, today's Human of Support. Q: What do you do? A: I'm a Respiratory Therapist(RT) at Vancouver General Hospital. I am a new graduate RT and have been working for about 2.5 months now since my accelerated graduation from the program.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed what you do? A: I entered the workforce during COVID-19, amidst all the policy changes, so COVID-19 more so affected my schooling rather than the work. My first patients without a preceptor were COVID patients, so I view the month of March as a time where I hit the ground running. My last month and a half of my clinical year was cut short, and my orientation was quick (since I had already been a student at VGH) so I had to adapt to the new environment and establish independence sooner than I thought I would. Q: How are you finding joy? A: I'm finding joy in the socializing at work. I've been painting, skateboarding, and sewing during my time off. Q: What positive things are you seeing? A: The support from the public, friends, and colleagues, I received while painting my mural was really cool. My neighbourhood in North Van is very loud during the 7 pm cheers, so I've enjoyed joining in on my days off. Also, I've seen more people out than ever before, especially kids, enjoying the outdoors, and I think the pandemic has made people fall in love with nature again. Q: Describe a moment that has impacted you. A: A moment that truly affected me was the week before I had my first shift when I began moving my bed and all my clothes to my family home's basement. The idea of working was really exciting, but it was dampened by the realization that I would have to seriously separate myself from my family until things panned out. Q: What would you like to share? A: I just really want to promote the profession of Respiratory Therapy and hope the mural prompts people to look deeper into different roles within healthcare. I hope RT's across Canada feel recognized and seen for their effort and expertise in cardiopulmonary care and ventilation management. #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #Canada #VGH #Ventilator #Graduate #HealthCare #Specialist #Artist #StreetArt #Art #Mural #Coronavirus #BC #VanMuralFest #Gastown #COVID19 #inspire Photo by: Erich Saide Written by: Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Dr. Neilson McLean, todays Human of Support. Keeping this COVID-19 crisis under control takes a village and Dr. McLean appreciates the leadership of Provincial Medical Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and her team and says this is their Superbowl, theyve been training their whole lives for this moment. For fun, he takes to the skies in his own helicopter. His favourite maneuver? Doing the doughnut. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I am an Intensivis...Continue reading

Meet Monica Thwaites, todays Human of Support. Monica is an occupational therapist currently working at Vancouvers Downtown Eastside COVID Testing Clinic Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I am an occupational therapist and have been working in this capacity for approximately five years. I usually work on a forensic community-based mental health team but since mid-April, I have been working at the Downtown Eastside COVID Testing Clinic providing assistan...Continue reading

Meet Izzie Cheung, todays Human of Support. Q: What do you do? A: Im a Respiratory Therapist(RT) at Vancouver General Hospital. I am a new graduate RT and have been working for about 2.5 months now since my accelerated graduation from the program.... Q: How has COVID-19 changed what you do? A: I entered the workforce during COVID-19, amidst all the policy changes, so COVID-19 more so affected my schooling rather than the work. My first patients without a preceptor were COVID patients, so I view the month of March as a time where I hit the ground running. My last month and a half of my clinical year was cut short, and my orientation was quick (since I had already been a student at VGH) so I had to adapt to the new environment and establish independence sooner than I thought I would. Q: How are you finding joy? A: Im finding joy in the socializing at work. Ive been painting, skateboarding, and sewing during my time off. Q: What positive things are you seeing? A: The support from the public, friends, and colleagues, I received while painting my mural was really cool. My neighbourhood in North Van is very loud during the 7 pm cheers, so Ive enjoyed joining in on my days off. Also, Ive seen more people out than ever before, especially kids, enjoying the outdoors, and I think the pandemic has made people fall in love with nature again. Q: Describe a moment that has impacted you. A: A moment that truly affected me was the week before I had my first shift when I began moving my bed and all my clothes to my family homes basement. The idea of working was really exciting, but it was dampened by the realization that I would have to seriously separate myself from my family until things panned out. Q: What would you like to share? A: I just really want to promote the profession of Respiratory Therapy and hope the mural prompts people to look deeper into different roles within healthcare. I hope RTs across Canada feel recognized and seen for their effort and expertise in cardiopulmonary care and ventilation management. #HumansOfSupport #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #MakeADifference #Compassion #Community #Canada #VGH #Ventilator #Graduate #HealthCare #Specialist #Artist #StreetArt #Art #Mural #Coronavirus #BC #VanMuralFest #Gastown #COVID19 #inspire Photo by: Erich Saide Written by: Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet TJ Conwi, todays Humans Of Support. TJ is an Executive Chef and part owner of Ono Vancouver a kitchen consulting service in Vancouver. When the novel coronavirus hit, TJ and the Ono team saw a need to get nutritious food to people affected by new regulations and restrictions. TJ first got to work ensuring surplus foods from restaurants and suppliers didnt go to waste and made nutritious meals for laid-off hospitality workers. Then, in consultation with the City of Va...Continue reading

Meet Dr. Daniel Kalla, todays Human of Support. Until COVID-19 hit, Dr. Kalla thought hed seen it all in his 22 years as an ER physician at St Pauls Hospital. But dealing with the Coronavirus has changed everything. In addition to his medical expertise, Daniel Kalla, Author is also a published author of eleven books, the first ironically called Pandemic, and the latest, just out now, examines the opioid crisis. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: Emerge...ncy Department physician at St. Pauls Hospital (for 22 years) / Author Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: Where to begin? COVID has changed most aspects of life in the ER from the constant need for wearing PPE to introducing a brand new disease entity, which didnt exist 7 months ago, and now is foremost in our minds Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: In so many smaller things. An appropriately distanced walk with friends. A home-delivered meal from one of my favorite restaurants. A good book, currently The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson Q: What positive things are you seeing? A: Many positives. The courage and selflessness of my colleagues and coworkers. The support of friends. The sense of the collectivewere all in this together. Truly. Q: Describe a moment that has truly affected you. A: An older woman who refused to let go of the hand of her grown son, despite the news that he was positive for COVID Q: Please tell us something funny/lighthearted/quirky. A: I had no idea how the loops of a surgical mask could irritate the back of your ears when worn for 8 hours at a stretch. I spend too much of my time trying to find a solution for taking the pressure off of them #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #Physician #Doctor #Healthcare #ER #Emergency #EmergencyDoctor #StPauls #Writer #StrongerTogether #EmergencyDepartment #Author #PPE #Courage #Selflessness #HealthCareHeroes #VancouverAuthor #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photo by: Josh Neufeld Photography Written by: Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Dr. Rihab Elzein, todays Human of Support. Dr. Elzein is both a family physician and an addiction medical doctor. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I have worked in many branches of medicine both here and in the UK for over twenty years. I was previously an orthopedic surgical registrar in the UK. I recently emigrated to Canada where I am currently a family physician and an addiction medicine doctor. I became a doctor following in my fathers foots...Continue reading

Meet Jennifer Humchitt, todays Human of Support. Jennifer is a Peer Services Navigator at Vancouvers Downtown Eastside Women's Centre helping women in crisis navigate through COVID-19. Q: What do you do? And how long have you done it? A: I have been a frontline worker in the Downtown Eastside since 1998 and am currently a Peer Services Navigator with the Downtown Eastside Womens Centre.... Q: How has COVID 19 changed your job? A: Not being able to engage with the women of the centre on a daily basis has many women in crisis and feeling helpless. Most women could use a hug from friends, someone to listen to them and acknowledge their situation. Women want to feel validated. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: I am very fortunate to be housed with my older son and family, so at the end of my day I get to go home and see, hug, cuddle and play with my grandchildren. I have always believed children are the best medicine for the soul. Q: What positive things are you seeing right now? A: I believe Creator has given us humans a second chance to take better care of Mother Earth. We are seeing unbelievable sights, like less air and ozone pollution. I worry about Climate change. How we carry on affects our grandchildren. Q: Describe a moment that truly affected you? A: The overdoses that are accruing on a daily basis have an ongoing effect on me. I feel so helpless and have lost so many members of communities including my own. I worry about the increase in alcohol and drug use during this time. Q: Do you have something to share? A: I have and will always believe as long as there is breath in the body, there is always hope. I am living proof that you should never give up on yourself. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #At-Risk #Shelter #Women #Housing #HousingForEveryone #Kindness #DowntownEastside #DTES #Downtown #WomensShelter #Advocacy #Emergency #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photography by Erich Saide ERICH SAIDE Photography Written by Tracey Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Meet Ali Goodbaum, todays Human of Support from Toronto, Ontario. Ali is a third year University of Ottawa medical student who is working on getting PPEs to medical professionals in Toronto. Q) What do you do? How long have you done this? A) I am a third-year medical student at the University of Ottawa. In the third and fourth year, known as clerkship, we rotate through different specialties and work alongside healthcare providers in hospitals, operating rooms, and clinics....Continue reading

Meet Carlos Castro, todays Human of Support. Carlos has been hit hard by COVID-19, literally hit, as he contracted the Corona virus through community transmission. Hes a licensed mechanic who uses his time and skill to help others. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: I'm an Automotive Mechanic and have been licensed since 1985....Continue reading

Today's Human Of Support is from Toronto! Meet Doug Britten, todays Human of Support. Doug is a driver for Meals on Wheels Morisset & Toronto and before COVID-19 he took seniors to and from appointments and errands, a job he loved. Now he is ensuring seniors get proper meals, delivered with a smile. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this?... A: Im a driver for Better Living Health & Community Services, part of the Transportation Department. The job entails picking up, driving, dropping off, and at times assisting seniors in getting to their appointments (medical, grocery shopping, and social). I have been doing this for a handful of years after I retired, as a means to help others - even if its only on a part-time basis. Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: COVID-19 has modified the position to only a few medical rides and primarily delivering Meals on Wheels to seniors and shut-ins within our community. The job is more stressful because of social distancing, but also more fulfilling serving those in most need. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: I find joy in the little things like how people seem to be more caring for themselves and interested in keeping others safe as well. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: Please, during this pandemic, stay home if you can, stay safe, and know this shall pass. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #HumansOfSupportTO #MealsOnWheels #Meals #Seniors #Caring #Gratitude #Compassion #Kindness #COVID19Ontario #COVID19Toronto #Wheels #Driver #Community #MealDelivery #FeedTheNeed #Canada #MakeADifference #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photo by: PAWELECphoto

Meet Teresa Stenmark, todays Human of Support. Teresa is a Peer Support Worker at the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre in Vancouver. Since COVID, the Shelters services are curtailed but its advocacy for women in need has not stopped. Q: How has COVID changed your job? A: A lot of ways but most notably is that we now operate strictly as an emergency shelter, open only to those self-identifying women with beds, rather than also operating as a drop-in space as we did before.... It more than halves the number of women we see in our space daily. Q: Where are you finding joy? A: I'm finding joy everywhere, to be honest. Our women are a joy unto themselves, and the sunshine doesn't hurt one bit. We're all laughing a little bit harder than we maybe would have before, at things that maybe aren't that funny... I work as part of a great team, it's not hard to find beauty in the day-to-day around here. Q: What positive things are you seeing? A: Seeing people get housed - even temporarily - into these hotels has been amazing. It's incredible what a global pandemic can do to convince the city that these people need and deserve housing. I love seeing them come back to visit, excited beyond anything to have their own bathtub and a door that closes. Q: Describe a moment that has truly affected you. A: A moment that has truly affected me happened on March 17th. We had to make the decision to close the doors to those without beds, and stop doing intakes until we could get a handle on what COVID meant for the DTES residents we work for. It was a hard, weird day. I'll never forget having to make a choice like that. Q: What would you like to share? A: Something I'd like to share... I guess just that, all things considered, we're doing alright down here. It's not all face masks and scary headlines. I'd also like to give some major kudos to the management team and staff of the Shelter - teamwork makes the dream work! Q: Do you have an interesting story to share? A: A funny little tidbit I could share is that a few of our women rescued a couple of abandoned gerbils from a nearby park, where they'd been left to bake in the sun. They brought them back to the shelter (of course, who doesn't bring gerbils to a people shelter) and staff promptly coveted them, cleaned them, and named them after ourselves. Lil T and Lil V are thriving and surviving. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #At-Risk #Shelter #Women #Housing #HousingForEveryone #Kindness #DowntownEastside #DTES #Downtown #WomensShelter #Advocacy #Emergency #Canada #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photos by: Erich Saide Written by: Tracey Lynn Wade Do you know someone who is making a difference in your community? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include their name, contact information and a brief description of what they do

Todays Human Of Support is from Toronto! Meet Doug Britten, todays Human of Support. Doug is a driver for Meals on Wheels Morisset & Toronto and before COVID-19 he took seniors to and from appointments and errands, a job he loved. Now he is ensuring seniors get proper meals, delivered with a smile. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this?... A: Im a driver for Better Living Health & Community Services, part of the Transportation Department. The job entails picking up, driving, dropping off, and at times assisting seniors in getting to their appointments (medical, grocery shopping, and social). I have been doing this for a handful of years after I retired, as a means to help others - even if its only on a part-time basis. Q: How has COVID-19 changed your job? A: COVID-19 has modified the position to only a few medical rides and primarily delivering Meals on Wheels to seniors and shut-ins within our community. The job is more stressful because of social distancing, but also more fulfilling serving those in most need. Q: How are you finding joy right now? A: I find joy in the little things like how people seem to be more caring for themselves and interested in keeping others safe as well. Q: Do you have something youd like to share? A: Please, during this pandemic, stay home if you can, stay safe, and know this shall pass. #HumansOfSupport #StayHome #StayPut #StayBrave #FrontlineWorkers #SocialDistancing #ThankYou #BC #HumansOfSupportTO #MealsOnWheels #Meals #Seniors #Caring #Gratitude #Compassion #Kindness #COVID19Ontario #COVID19Toronto #Wheels #Driver #Community #MealDelivery #FeedTheNeed #Canada #MakeADifference #Coronavirus #COVID19 Photo by: PAWELECphoto

Meet Eva Regehr, todays Human of Support. Eva is a fashion designer and sales director with Catherine Regehr Inc, a luxury couture label her mom Catherine founded 30 years ago. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: My main role is to co-design our three annual collections alongside my mother Catherine who founded the company Catherine Regehr Inc. over 30 years ago. After designing each collection I travel to market in NYC & Paris three times a year to show o...Continue reading

Meet Jackson Noah, todays Humans Of Support. Jackson is the Executive Chef at the @ItalianCulturalCentre in Vancouver. For Jackson, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic has meant pivoting several times. First, after the Centres catering bookings were cancelled and catering staff had to be laid off, Jackson turned to making takeout meals for customers. Then came an alignment with Growing Chefs! and Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society, organizations with strong infrastructu...Continue reading

Meet Yasmen De Leon, todays Human of Support. Yasmens Mexican restaurant in Toronto has completely changed since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Where once she had ten staff working now just two people fill take-out and delivery orders. Her employees are like family and Yasmen is so concerned for their safety she often drives them to and from work. Q: What do you do, how long have you done this? A: I am the owner of Comal y Canela "el alma de Mexico en Toronto", a restaurant spe...Continue reading

Meet Mike Lowe, todays Human of Support. Michael is a MedEvac Pilot for Carson Air Ltd, a company under contract with the BC government to provide medical evacuations. Michael works out of YVR Vancouver Airport but is quick to give a shout out to his colleagues across BC and elsewhere in Canada and the US. Q: What do you do? How long have you done this? A: Carson Air has Vancouver and Kelowna based King Air 350 and Cessna Citation Encore aircraft under dedicated MedEvac c...Continue reading