A few months ago, my dad ran into his cousin on a plane. They started talking about life, and then began discussing work. My dad's cousin, Ron, told my dad all about a company he works for, called ShelterBox. My dad came home, told me about the company, and I immediately wanted to write a story about it. The following is my article that was recently featured in the Projector, and I hope you like it:
They have provided emergency living environments for over 500,000 disaster victims worldwide. They have offices in eight countries, Canada included. They provide assistance within 48-hours of getting a call. Yet, very few people have ever heard of them.
The ShelterBox organization was founded by a Rotary Club member in England. With 80 full-time ShelterBox ambassadors, and a few hundred additional volunteers, the Canadian branch of ShelterBox is an important part of a large, worldwide operation.
The name, ShelterBox, directly represents the product. They are transportable shelters in a box. Each box contains necessary survival supplies for ten people, including a tunnel tent, sleeping bags, a multi-fuel stove, a water purification system, cooking supplies, and various tools and equipment. Nearly 30,000 boxes have been sent throughout the world since 2001. Countries such as Romania, India, Indonesia, Haiti, Iraq, and Afghanistan have benefitted. The supplies are of the highest quality, and it costs $1200 to sponsor a box.
Don Ohlgren, Executive President of ShelterBox Canada, became involved with the organization after a speaker visited his Rotary Club in 2004. After volunteering to help ShelterBox during the disasters in China and Burma last year, Don and his wife, Anne, began working for the organization. “We were tasked by England to take on the full-time position of managing ShelterBox Canada.” He explained that “we constantly work with all the major organizations,” including the United Nations and the Red Cross.
“Others do food, medicine, rescue and the like, but we are specialists in shelter and nothing else. That’s why we are so good and so fast at what we do,” he said.
Canada currently raises 8 to 9 per cent of all worldwide donations, with only 730 Rotary Clubs throughout the country to work within. The future goal for ShelterBox Canada, according to Ohlgren, is to prepare over 5000 boxes per year within five years. That is within Canada alone. “Worldwide,” he explained, “ShelterBox will be doing over 50,000 boxes per year, and Canada wants to be at least ten per cent of that total every year.”
Sylvia King, ShelterBox ambassador in Winnipeg, feels fulfilled working for the organization.
"As individuals who live in such an affluent country as Canada, with very few dramatic natural disasters, it is a privilege to serve those individuals in the world who are so much less fortunate.” King does not foresee the need for the organization decreasing. “There are constantly more and more disasters occurring worldwide, resulting in more need for boxes than ShelterBox can meet,” she said.
“The best part about working for ShelterBox,” explained Ohlgren, “has been meeting fabulous volunteers and like-minded people all across Canada who want to help out other people they will know and will never meet, but are still willing to financially aid them in times of disaster.”
For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit: www.shelterbox.ca
November 30, 2009
November 27, 2009
A Wedding Intro NOT for Everyone...
... but definitely for me! I stumbled upon this video while I was procrastinating earlier today, and just had to post it. I have seen the video where the couple busts out a choreographed dance routine during their first dance at the reception, but have never seen a dance routine during the actual ceremony itself. It is such a clever and fun idea!
Now all I have to do is convince someone to marry me, and I can come up with my own choreographed something. I hope you like it!
Now all I have to do is convince someone to marry me, and I can come up with my own choreographed something. I hope you like it!
November 26, 2009
Study Tips to Save Your Life
To say the least, yesterday was an eventful day. I arrived at campus at about 7:30 a.m., and diligently began working on the massive amount of school work I needed to complete. I was feeling pretty good until about 2 p.m., when I had to confront a large pile of data for a PR research project. Now, I'm not complaining, but I'm afraid of numbers. I'm a Creative Communications student... we can't do math. My group mates - Tiffany and Jenn - were also confused, and slightly perturbed by the information we had to organize. It was only a matter of time before we each hit sensory overload.
The following is a list of what my classmates and I did yesterday to cope with stress (and survive without killing one another). I hope you find it entertaining:
The following is a list of what my classmates and I did yesterday to cope with stress (and survive without killing one another). I hope you find it entertaining:
- At lunch, we discussed our plans for Christmas (and this is becoming a popular conversation among CreComm's).
- The talk about a break from school initiated the talk about movies, and we wrote down a list of titles we need to watch in the near future (J.B hasn't seen very many musicals, so it looks like he will be spending a lot of time experiencing such wonders as Grease, Moulin Rouge, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show).
- Doing a little dance is always helpful... or contemplating how to retrieve a paper airplane that is stuck on the outside ledge of a windowsill on the second floor.
- When you are feeling stressed, a good yoga pose can do amazing things. Especially when that yoga pose is conducted by three people simultaneously in a stairwell.
- Sometimes one just needs to be removed from the situation completely, and therefore, I give you the King's Head Pub. They have a great menu, and a relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes you just need to get away. Thankfully, our little study group maxed out at the same time, and we had a great dinner experience.
- When in a hurry, or when speeding down Portage Avenue in an attempt to find a vacant edit suite for a radio assignment, a good, fast-paced rock song will make the experience more memorable. Some waving and honking at strangers is also helpful, as it creates a festive air.
It was a truly interesting day yesterday, but I can't say I'm eager to live it over again. I want to finish this blog with a shout out to the people who helped me... You know who you are, and I love you!
November 25, 2009
I've Discovered Twitter... and it's Twitteriffic!
I tried to fight it for as long as possible, but today my PR instructor, Melanie, forced me to subscribe to Twitter. Initially, I was sceptical. What possible benefit could Twitter have for me? I know I want to be a journalism major, and I am not planning on pursuing a career in Public Relations. So, what's the point? Within about 10 minutes of searching through the site, however, I realized that Twitter contains a vast amount of information. I have been missing out by ignoring it these past few years, and I have to catch
up!
We were instructed to add 10 people to our account, and my mind started swimming with possibilities. Authors, actors, writers, historians... I could add anyone, and become privy to their daily thoughts and activities. I started by adding Bartley Kives from the Winnipeg Free Press (because I do want to be a journalist, and he writes some great stuff), and then ventured towards music. So far, I am following 28 Twitter accounts, and the list will continue to grow as I think of additional people to add. I even added the Musee D'Louvre, and even though the Tweets are in French, I get the gist.
The moral of the story is that Twitter is in fact a good idea, and I feel that everyone should sign up. I will Tweet my followers when I have a new blog post. Hopefully readership of my blog will drastically increase as a result! Twitter on all!
up!We were instructed to add 10 people to our account, and my mind started swimming with possibilities. Authors, actors, writers, historians... I could add anyone, and become privy to their daily thoughts and activities. I started by adding Bartley Kives from the Winnipeg Free Press (because I do want to be a journalist, and he writes some great stuff), and then ventured towards music. So far, I am following 28 Twitter accounts, and the list will continue to grow as I think of additional people to add. I even added the Musee D'Louvre, and even though the Tweets are in French, I get the gist.
The moral of the story is that Twitter is in fact a good idea, and I feel that everyone should sign up. I will Tweet my followers when I have a new blog post. Hopefully readership of my blog will drastically increase as a result! Twitter on all!
November 23, 2009
Mario Music Equals Theme Songs For Life
When I was growing up, we had a Super Nintendo. We never had the original Nintendo, but my friends did, and I played that one as well. For children of my generation, characters like Mario, Luigi, Yogi, and the Princess were common staples to daily life. I enjoyed the games, like everyone else, but I must admit that the background music within certain video games affected me more.
What I loved about the music, in both Super Mario and Original Mario, was that it changed appropriately depending on the game level. Above-ground, normal paced levels had the basic music common within most levels. Underground, darker levels received a
deeper, more defined tune. In fast-paced levels, a quicker, choppier music really got the player in the mood to kick some ass, take names, and reach the end. And don’t forget the somewhat slow, marine-like tune that accompanied under-water levels. That was one of my favourites, because I actually felt like I was swimming.
I believe that any situation in life can be defined by one of the Mario background songs. If you are late for class, or chasing the bus, think about the fast Mario tune. If you are doing laps in a swimming pool, think about the underwater Mario tune. And, if you are walking down a back alley, unsure of your future, the deeper, underground tune will get you through it. Sing the songs out loud, recount them in your head, or download to an iPod or other music device. Find the system that works for you, and follow it. Mario music can define your entire life, and can make any situation a whole new level of fun!
What I loved about the music, in both Super Mario and Original Mario, was that it changed appropriately depending on the game level. Above-ground, normal paced levels had the basic music common within most levels. Underground, darker levels received a
deeper, more defined tune. In fast-paced levels, a quicker, choppier music really got the player in the mood to kick some ass, take names, and reach the end. And don’t forget the somewhat slow, marine-like tune that accompanied under-water levels. That was one of my favourites, because I actually felt like I was swimming.I believe that any situation in life can be defined by one of the Mario background songs. If you are late for class, or chasing the bus, think about the fast Mario tune. If you are doing laps in a swimming pool, think about the underwater Mario tune. And, if you are walking down a back alley, unsure of your future, the deeper, underground tune will get you through it. Sing the songs out loud, recount them in your head, or download to an iPod or other music device. Find the system that works for you, and follow it. Mario music can define your entire life, and can make any situation a whole new level of fun!
November 20, 2009
Where Do All The Road Cones Go?
I realize this is an interesting topic for a blog, but I have a serious question that needs to be thoroughly addressed. I was driving home through a construction zone a few weeks ago, and accidentally ran over one of those orange road cones. I know, I know, I should have been paying attention, but I swear it was strategically placed in a bad location. I continued driving, while cursing under my breath. Those stupid things are absolutely everywhere. This brings me to my question. How many cones does the city have in use on streets at any given time? Hundreds? Thousands? I bet the number is definitely in the thousands. So, what I'm wondering is: where do all the road cones come from?
When you actually stop to think about it, the concept will blow your mind. Mose people have heard the joke that Winnipeg has two seasons, winter and construction. This is true, year after year, and I have personally driven through more construction zones than I can count. And construction occurs simultaneously all throughout Winnipeg. This means that somewhere in the city there must be a place filled with City of Winnipeg road cones, and it must have enough stock to supp
ly construction projects throughout the entire city.
Such a place must exist, and I want to know where this road cone palace of wonders is located. I also want to know if there is one person from the city assigned the important task of watching over the cone warehouse to ensure no one steals anything. You can picture it. A lonely man, the middle of the night. Nothing to keep him company but the thousands of road cones sitting quietly on shelves. I bet it's cold in there; cones don't need heat. I want to meet this person. I would buy him (or her, I guess) a coffee, bring some donuts, and ask what the road cone protection business entails. There HAS TO be a warehouse somewhere, because when winter hits, most construction disappears.
To take it one step further, think about every city in the world. I'm sure most large cities have road cones. Where do they go? And, to twist your mind even further, how many cone warehouses do you think there are in the entire WORLD?! Now there's a thought...
When you actually stop to think about it, the concept will blow your mind. Mose people have heard the joke that Winnipeg has two seasons, winter and construction. This is true, year after year, and I have personally driven through more construction zones than I can count. And construction occurs simultaneously all throughout Winnipeg. This means that somewhere in the city there must be a place filled with City of Winnipeg road cones, and it must have enough stock to supp
ly construction projects throughout the entire city.
Such a place must exist, and I want to know where this road cone palace of wonders is located. I also want to know if there is one person from the city assigned the important task of watching over the cone warehouse to ensure no one steals anything. You can picture it. A lonely man, the middle of the night. Nothing to keep him company but the thousands of road cones sitting quietly on shelves. I bet it's cold in there; cones don't need heat. I want to meet this person. I would buy him (or her, I guess) a coffee, bring some donuts, and ask what the road cone protection business entails. There HAS TO be a warehouse somewhere, because when winter hits, most construction disappears.
To take it one step further, think about every city in the world. I'm sure most large cities have road cones. Where do they go? And, to twist your mind even further, how many cone warehouses do you think there are in the entire WORLD?! Now there's a thought...
November 18, 2009
How To Survive a Zombie Outbreak
DISCLAIMER: The events in the following essay have not yet happened. This was an assignment for one of my classes, so do not be alarmed when you read the part about everyone you love being dead. This following is a How-To essay designed to teach the public what to do WHEN a zombie outbreak occurs. Print it out, put it in your wallet or purse, and ensure you can refer to it quickly in the event of an emergency. You will be glad you did. Good luck to us all...
The world, as we know it, has ended. Either a massive flu pandemic has broken out, or a deadly, unknown disease has escaped from a high security facility. Regardless, the majority of humans are now dead. Unfortunately, those who died have not remained dead, and instead have begun to roam the planet in search of living people on which to feed. Simply stated, you are now being hunted by creatures commonly referred to as zombies. And depend
ing on the virus or disease that infected them, you are either being hunted by slow, stupid, awkward zombies, or fast, screaming, infected-with-rage zombies. But do not panic. The following is a guide of three easy steps that must be understood in order to survive a zombie outbreak. Do not refer to such books as The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead, because the information is not up-to-date. Following my three-step system is paramount, and complying with the information might just save you from becoming someone’s dinner.
The first step to surviving a zombie outbreak is acceptance of the situation. This is much easier said than done, as most people will have a difficult time when they realize everyone they have ever cared about is most likely dead. A variety of emotions will occur as you struggle to make sense of what has happened. Crying or hysteria will occur almost immediately; shock and fear will follow soon after. Next, rage will take over, and this is the emotion that can be the most problematic. Many people will want to grab the first available weapon-like object and destroy every zombie around as a way to avenge the deaths of loved ones. It is paramount that you fight this urge. Angry weapon wielding usually results in a zombie-inflicted injury, leaving you in the same position as those you lost. Find some way to stay occupied, and allow anger to pass like the previous emotions. If you successfully work through the rage phase without getting yourself killed, feelings of acceptance and calmness will take over. This is good, as it means you are now ready to move forward.
The second, and most important step to zombie survival, is preparation. If a zombie outbreak were ever to actually occur, the government would set up a recovery plan. This means help will arrive, sooner or later, and all you need to do is stay alive until you are found. To do this, preparation is necessary. First, find the nearest police station or military base, and stock up on the following: guns, ammunition, swords, machetes, various explosives, blow torches, and a bow and arrow. Next, locate the nearest department store, and collect canned food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, and rope. Load everything into a dependable, working vehicle. Hopefully, you will be far away before the zombies are attracted by the noise of the car engine. Fill up at the nearest gas station, and fill as many portable gas cans as humanly possible. Finally, begin driving to the nearest body of water where large boats are moored.
It is a known fact that zombies are unable to swim. They will attempt to follow you into the water, but
will gradually drown. This is precisely why in step three it is necessary to find both a sailboat and lots of water. Technically, any type of boat would do in a desperate situation, but a sailboat eliminates the problem of running out of gas. Pack the boat with the supplies you have collected, and set sail through your chosen body of water. Do not follow an approach similar to that highlighted in the movie Dawn of the Dead, where survivors hide in a local mall. This is short-term solution, as zombies will gradually surround your hideout and make escape impossible. Help will arrive eventually, and waiting on the water where zombies cannot reach you will increase the chance of survival. It is important, however, to be on the lookout at all times. Do not assume you are safe simply because you are on the water.
Attempting to live through a zombie outbreak can be a trying and terrifying experience for anyone. This is why it is extremely important to fully understand and implement the three easy steps that make survival possible. Allotting adequate time for acceptance, preparation, and escape will separate you from those who do not have a serious will to live. The well-organized steps and industrious methods you exhibit may even impress the rescue teams, resulting in a high-ranking political position in the post-zombie world. Following the zombie outbreak how-to guide will not only save your life, it will steer you towards a more powerful future. Just remember to choose your survival partners carefully, and when killing zombies, aim for the head.
The world, as we know it, has ended. Either a massive flu pandemic has broken out, or a deadly, unknown disease has escaped from a high security facility. Regardless, the majority of humans are now dead. Unfortunately, those who died have not remained dead, and instead have begun to roam the planet in search of living people on which to feed. Simply stated, you are now being hunted by creatures commonly referred to as zombies. And depend
ing on the virus or disease that infected them, you are either being hunted by slow, stupid, awkward zombies, or fast, screaming, infected-with-rage zombies. But do not panic. The following is a guide of three easy steps that must be understood in order to survive a zombie outbreak. Do not refer to such books as The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead, because the information is not up-to-date. Following my three-step system is paramount, and complying with the information might just save you from becoming someone’s dinner.The first step to surviving a zombie outbreak is acceptance of the situation. This is much easier said than done, as most people will have a difficult time when they realize everyone they have ever cared about is most likely dead. A variety of emotions will occur as you struggle to make sense of what has happened. Crying or hysteria will occur almost immediately; shock and fear will follow soon after. Next, rage will take over, and this is the emotion that can be the most problematic. Many people will want to grab the first available weapon-like object and destroy every zombie around as a way to avenge the deaths of loved ones. It is paramount that you fight this urge. Angry weapon wielding usually results in a zombie-inflicted injury, leaving you in the same position as those you lost. Find some way to stay occupied, and allow anger to pass like the previous emotions. If you successfully work through the rage phase without getting yourself killed, feelings of acceptance and calmness will take over. This is good, as it means you are now ready to move forward.
The second, and most important step to zombie survival, is preparation. If a zombie outbreak were ever to actually occur, the government would set up a recovery plan. This means help will arrive, sooner or later, and all you need to do is stay alive until you are found. To do this, preparation is necessary. First, find the nearest police station or military base, and stock up on the following: guns, ammunition, swords, machetes, various explosives, blow torches, and a bow and arrow. Next, locate the nearest department store, and collect canned food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, and rope. Load everything into a dependable, working vehicle. Hopefully, you will be far away before the zombies are attracted by the noise of the car engine. Fill up at the nearest gas station, and fill as many portable gas cans as humanly possible. Finally, begin driving to the nearest body of water where large boats are moored.
It is a known fact that zombies are unable to swim. They will attempt to follow you into the water, but
will gradually drown. This is precisely why in step three it is necessary to find both a sailboat and lots of water. Technically, any type of boat would do in a desperate situation, but a sailboat eliminates the problem of running out of gas. Pack the boat with the supplies you have collected, and set sail through your chosen body of water. Do not follow an approach similar to that highlighted in the movie Dawn of the Dead, where survivors hide in a local mall. This is short-term solution, as zombies will gradually surround your hideout and make escape impossible. Help will arrive eventually, and waiting on the water where zombies cannot reach you will increase the chance of survival. It is important, however, to be on the lookout at all times. Do not assume you are safe simply because you are on the water.
Attempting to live through a zombie outbreak can be a trying and terrifying experience for anyone. This is why it is extremely important to fully understand and implement the three easy steps that make survival possible. Allotting adequate time for acceptance, preparation, and escape will separate you from those who do not have a serious will to live. The well-organized steps and industrious methods you exhibit may even impress the rescue teams, resulting in a high-ranking political position in the post-zombie world. Following the zombie outbreak how-to guide will not only save your life, it will steer you towards a more powerful future. Just remember to choose your survival partners carefully, and when killing zombies, aim for the head.
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