​Hey kind krafters!
 
It has been over a month since I made my pledge through Parley to give up plastic bags for 30 days. There were a few times where I forgot to bring my bags, but then I either bought enough to hold without a bag, or I just bought a new reusable one to add to my collection! I honestly found it super easy to do, and I know that by refusing plastic bags in front of my friends, I have been able to make an influence on how they shop now too! I was never pushy or told anyone to use reusable bags, but by just sharing this action with them, I have heard that several friends are now also refusing to use plastic and will bring their own bags to the store. I have also found through this last month that reusable bags hold SO MUCH MORE than your regular plastic bag!!! AND they don’t rip like plastic bags do! So many bonuses to shopping sustainably. 

​Because the last month went so incredibly easily, I am now going to try to eliminate another plastic item from my life. I have been doing pretty well so far with this, but I want to take it to the next step. I have been taking mason jars and other reusable containers to the grocery stores and using them to stock up on pasta, rice, oats, and nuts. But I recently found out that if you ask the store clerks to put other items in your reusable containers instead of the plastic containers that they provide, they will do it! I feel awkward asking to do this but ya gotta be the change to see the change! 

​Now on to some exciting news!! On September 8th the Ocean Cleanup was launched and set off to clean the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The founder and creator of the Ocean Cleanup is Boyan Slat, a 24 year old college dropout from the Netherlands. There are over 70 members of staff that come from many occupational backgrounds like engineers, researchers, scientists, and computational modelers who all work together to get of the plastic pollution in our oceans. Over 5 years of researching, engineering, and testing, they have raised over thirty-million dollars to build the machine that will hopefully save our oceans. Despite not having much press time about this incredibly important experiment taking place right now, he was recognized by the United Nations and was awarded a top environment award for his invention. 

​I am not going to try and explain how this cleanup works when there is a perfectly clear video to show you ten times better than I ever could. Basically, there are 3 main factors to the cleanup:

1. To create a coastline where there isn’t one with the machine
2. To take advantage of the natural ocean forces to help the machine function
3. To concentrate the plastic and then take it out of the water to sort it and reuse it

Here is the video that fully explains the procedure –

The Ocean Cleanup has also taken preventative measure to ensure the safety of sea life, the machine during any storms, and to make sure that other vessels know where they are at all times so that they are not disturbed during their work. There has been both negative and positive feedback for Boyan Slat’s ideas, but many are hopeful that it will work! To find out more information about his invention and the cleanup, visit this website - https://www.theoceancleanup.com.
 
 
Best wishes kind krafters!! I hope your eco-journeys are going well!!
 
Lots of love,
Rhi xoxo

Hey kind krafters!
        
Things have been so so busy! As I spoke about in my last blog I am back in wolfville attending Acadia University Bachelor of Music Education. I thought I would tell you guys a little about what exactly I do here!
 
I am in my 3rd year here at Acadia and hope to become a music educator in my future. In my third year here I really get to focus in on the education side of things within my courses. I am taking a intro to high school education course, conducting, jazz education and more! It feels really good to be able to focus my academic energies into something I am super passionate about! 

​Along with course work I am also a Saxophone major! I take principal applied saxophone here with my wonderful instructor Tristan De Borba. We work on all things technique to performance. This year I will be performing my very first recital (yikes). I am in the process right now of choosing my repertoire for my recital which will be in March. Another awesome thing about having the opportunity to do a recital is that I will be splitting it with my fellow saxophone major and great friend Abby! Lots off work to be done but I am extremely looking forward to it!

​I also play saxophone in the Acadia University Wind Ensemble lead by Dr. Hopkins. As well as being the Wind Ensemble assistant. I am super lucky to have the opportunity to have this position with the ensemble! The ensemble is one of the most established ensembles on campus and we play great music. Our first concert is Sunday October 21st at 3pm! 

​Aside from academics I am also part of the SAMS council here at Acadia School of music. SAMS is the Society of Acadia Music Students. The SAMS takes care of all things school of music events, fundraisers, and information from our faculty to the students. I am the Education Representative so my role is to communicate all education related events to the students. I really enjoy being on council and being involved with the music students at acadia.
 
Every Saturday I will be volunteering with Acadias SMILE program! SMILE stands for Sensory, Motor, Instructional, Leadership, Experience. SMILE is such an amazing program that uses the buddy system and offer opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities. It is one of my favorite things here at Acadia! I hope so speak more about SMILE in an upcoming blog :) 

​Myself and kind krafts other youth ambassador Rhian are also planning a open mic night for kind krafts here in Wolfville! This is an opportunity for music students to showcase talents, students to enjoy some live entertainment and most importantly to help with kind krafts most recent cause! We are both so excited for this and hope to see lots of faces!

SO thats what has been keeping me busy! Staying busy with volunteering and music are the best ways to keep busy (in my opinion)
 
Talk soon!
 
Amy Cameron.

Hey kind krafters!
 
It's that time of year again! For me I am packing up all my belongings and headed back to the lovely town of Wolfville. Getting ready to go back to school can be stressful but here are some things that seem to help me stay on track!

• Stay Organized!!

It may seem like this is the most overused piece of advice in the book but I swear it helps! Staying organized in regards to packing, your future school schedule and the entirety of the move is crucial! I try to make lists, and organize all of my belongings to make things easier.
 

• Prepare School Supplies that you need for your classes!  

There is nothing worse than getting into a new class and feeling unprepared! Make sure you have school supplies ready to go for the first day of classes and also check out the professor's syllabus online in advance for more information.
 

• Invest in a planner!

During the school year is such a busy time! Between, doing   homework, attending activities, and school events as well as taking some time for yourself it can be really hard to keep track of everything. By investing in a planner you can better manage your time and know what you have to accomplish day to day. Time management is key to accomplishing  everything you need to do!  

• Get Involved!

Regardless of what year you or in or how old you are, getting involved within your school and the community is a great way to make sure you start back to school on a positive note! Getting involved with your school community is great because you can pursue your interests and meet peers who have the same and similar interests as you. Getting involved in the community is great to meet other people outside of school as well as creating a positive place for you to live! Regardless if you are passionate about school or community involvement, getting involved is super important and will make you feel great!
 

• Stay on top of work early

It may seem like you have lots of time at the beginning of the work year but staying on top of your work is crucial to success for the upcoming school year

• Have Fun!

Catch up with friends and make new ones! School is also about enjoying yourself so make the most of it! Having fun and making time for yourself is super important when it comes to success this upcoming school year
 
Well kind krafters, back to school is stressful for everyone! I hope you all put your best foot forward and have the best school year yet!
 
Amy Cameron.

Hey kind krafters!!
      
We all know how hard it is to keep up with the business of everyday life and on top of that, try and keep ourselves healthy. Staying fit and staying with a well balanced diet feels impossible.
I will admit, I am certainly not perfect (just like everyone) when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle but here are some tips that help me stay on track and feel happier and healthier!

•   Exercise

 
I know it sounds obvious but, exercise can really make a difference in your everyday life. Trying out a local gym and getting into a simple workout routine is a small step to a much healthier life. The gym can seem super intimidating but trust me, the employees are there to help and make you feel confident! If you are confused on how or what to workout, look online, ask a gym employee or start the gym with a friend, it will make it much less intimidating and you will feel great!

• Meal Planning

             
If it's work, school or even if you are just at home, meal planning can really make a difference in your health! It makes you think about the food you will be eating and get you more confident with cooking as well! Something as simple as taking a lunch to work or school rather than eating out can make a huge difference!

• Take a walk

​Fresh air and nature is always the answer! One of my favorite things after a long day to de-stress as well as get some exercise is to take a walk to my favorite places, if it be my community or local beach. A walk and getting outside is great for your mental and physical health.

• Yoga

 
Yoga has so many benefits! While it can be so relaxing it also improves blood flow, increases your heart rate, helps you focus and boosts your immune system! Yoga is a super great way to improve your health and make you happier.

• Try out a local farmers market or food establishment

 
Eating from local food producers is always a great choice. It allows you to be able to support your community all while being able to eat non-processed and healthier options!

• Take some time for yourself

 
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not all about eating and exercise, taking time to relax and refresh your mental health. Do something for you! Nap, hang out with friends, take a bath. Adding that self-care is huge to staying healthy at stressful times.
 

• Treat yo’ self!!

             
Come on, eat that ice cream. Everyone deserves a treat once and awhile! Do not deprive yourself from all the yummy things in life, its all about balance :)

Thanks kind krafters, Until we chat again!
 
Amy Cameron.

​Hey kind krafters!
I have had an awesome couple of weeks enjoying the hot weather and I hope you all have too! As much as this summer has been great for beach days and nights on the patio, I can’t help but think about why Canada has been hit with this unreal heatwave. I have always thought that by recycling, carpooling or walking when I’m able to, having reusable straws, etc. I was doing my part for the environment. But after doing extra research, I have found that there is SO much more I could be doing for our earth. 

​According to NASA’s website, there are some major signs of rapid climate change that we can’t chose to ignore anymore. Global temperature rise, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreat, decreased snow cover, sea level rise, declining Arctic sea ice, extreme events, and ocean acidification are all large indicators of negative global change. Visit https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ for more information on all of the factors mentioned above. With this summer’s natural disasters such as flooding and mudslides in Japan, wildfires across California, as well as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions across the globe, I got to thinking of what more I can do to help our planet. 

One of the most important issues right now is our oceans. Due to several human-made factors, scientists have predicted the loss of commercial fish and seafood species to happen by 2048 if we continue the way we are going. A study conducted by the United Nations has also shown that coral reefs could be gone in 30 years due to the heat stress caused by global warming. Since 2016, half of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef has died. That’s just two years of harm. 

​If you’re social media feeds are similar to mine, I’m sure you have seen several videos circulating of mass piles of garbage floating in our oceans. Recently a State of Emergency was declared in Santa Domingo due to waves upon waves of garbage lapping up along the shoreline. A little under a month ago, over 1000 tons of plastic and other debris had been removed from the hardest hit areas. Sadly, Santa Domingo isn’t the only place that is suffering from plastic in our oceans. 

It’s easy to feel disheartened when reading about all of the current environmental issues in our world, but letting it get you down will get us nowhere. Take the information and change your actions because of what you now know! I am learning new ways to help the planet every day, and though my small changes may not seem as though they’re doing much, you never know how your actions can ripple out to affect the big picture. Here are some of the lifestyle changes I plan on making to help
1. Refuse plastic bags – There are plenty of reusable options to carry your items in. Take your own reusable bags, or if you go to the store and realize that you forgot a bag, buy one for an extra dollar! Instead of using plastic bags to put your produce in, use the brown paper bags (which are often placed by the mushrooms), or don’t bag them!
2. Don’t buy single-use cups and cutlery when you’re on the go – Instead of using wax-lined cups from Tims, bring your own mug or water bottle. If you know you go out to lunch once a week, bring some cutlery with you so that you don’t have to continue to throw out plastic knives and forks. Or slow down!! If you’re not in a rush, take the time to sit down and dine in which ends up not needing to use the plastic products!

3. Cooler washing cycles - Wash your clothes in cold water, and don’t machine dry! The majority of laundry detergents that are used today don’t need warm water to activate their cleaning solution and so cold water is the way to go. Roughly 75% of the energy that is used in a wash cycle comes from heating up the water! By switching to cold water washes, you won’t only be helping to save the planet, you’ll also be spending less money in your energy bill each month! After your cool wash, hang your clothes outside to dry or on a drying rack in the winter. This way they are less likely to shrink and will last longer.
4. DIVA CUP – For all you folks out there who have visits from Mother Nature herself, this is an amazing investment to make. I have heard nothing but good reviews about the Diva Cup and have been wanting to buy one for ages. To do your own research, visit www.divacup.com/eco-divas/ . 

5. Switch up your cleaning habits - Instead of using cleaning wipes around your home that can’t be recycled, use old clothes that you might have thrown away, or other rags and towels that are lying around. I was recently looking through a blog that teaches you how to make your own cleaning liquids and reusable ways to store them, check it out - https://thetareshop.com/zero-waste-cleaning-tips-and-tricks/ .
6. Use your Garbage Goggles - Pick up one piece of garbage when you walk to work or your next class. Someone might see you and do the same thing and then we have a whole butterfly effect going!!! It’s not hard to do and takes no time at all to pick something up and throw it in the correct waste bin.  

​One last thing before I sign off! I dare you to join the #PARLEYAIR Challenge (http://www.parley.tv/oceanplastic/#parley-air-strategy-1). The challenge is very simple, all you have to do is pledge to ban one plastic item from your life. For me, I plan to stop using plastic bags. Parley is a “space where creators, thinkers, and leaders come together to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of our oceans and collaborate on projects that can end their destruction”. They have several projects underway across our oceans and have partnered with several brands in the fashion industry to create sustainable clothing out of ocean plastic. Browse their website for interesting research, information about their projects, and to become a part of the movement!

Good luck with the challenge kind krafters!! And keep in mind our planet as you go through the day-to-day motions! <3
Rhi xoxo

Hi kind krafters!! 
 
A favourite hobby of mine is cooking! I love to create new meals and snacks and really experiment with my recipes. With learning about the Dartmouth North Community Centre, I have been inspired to cook more over the past few weeks and thought I might share some of my newly found recipes with you!!  

Instructions
 
1.     Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. I would recommend lining your baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper (if you use tin foil lightly spread the oil along the bottom to make sure the cauliflower doesn't get stuck.  
2.     Put the cauliflower florets into a bowl and pour the oil and lime juice over them. Shake it like a polaroid picture until the florets are nicely covered. The mix the spices in and shake again! 
3.     Place the cauliflower onto the baking sheet and cook them for 15 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 15.  
4.     While the cauliflower is baking, mix the ingredients for the curry mayo. Make sure to taste as you mix so that you know if you have enough spice – I went overboard the first time I made this recipe!! 
5.     Once the cauliflower is looking a little crispy, you're ready to serve!!!! 

Instructions
 
1.     Once all of the vegetables are chopped up, sauté them in a large pot at a medium-high heat. Add the vegetable stock and rice, and bring to a boil. Put a cover on the pot and cook until the potatoes and rice are soft.
2.     Put in the spices and maple syrup and let the soup continue to boil.
3.     If you have access to a blender, feel free to blend and make the soup into a bisque or leave it chunky and have it as a nice fall vegetable soup.
4.     After around 20-30 minutes of boiling, you should be ready to go. 

Instructions
 
1.     Cook vegetables in a large wok with the oil and garlic on a medium-high heat. Wait until they are close to tender before putting the noodles in another pot of boiling water.
2.     The noodles should take 5-7 minutes on a high heat. Once they are done, strain the noodles and add in a cracked egg. Add the noodles to the large wok and add the peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices.
3.     Cook for another 5 minutes and really mix all of the elements together before serving :)
 
All of these recipes are easy to prepare and don’t take long to cook. I like to find my fresh produce from local markets in HRM and try to make my own sauces instead of buying pre-packaged stuff. I find it so much fun to cook and a great creative outlet. Feel free to comment your favourite recipes so that I can give them a whirl at home!!!
 
Rhi xoxo

​Hello kind krafters!!
It's been a while since I last wrote a blog as I have been away in Newfoundland for the last three weeks touring with the National Youth Choir! I had an amazing trip (minus the snow in Gander) and I am sad to leave all of the music and new friends on "The Rock".
Firstly, I want to say how thankful I am to be able to participate in the National Youth Choir. This was my third year representing Nova Scotia and I'm always amazed at how each year is as good as the last. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow choristers from across Canada as well as Jeff Joudrey, Gabrielle Gaudreault, and Phil Roberts. It is such an honour to be able to work with these talented musicians and to tour beautiful provinces for the purpose of sharing music. 

​The trip started in St. John's where we stayed at MUN for our rehearsal week. The conductor, Jeff Joudrey, jumped right into the music and everyone was so enthusiastic about our repertoire. One of my favourite things is having a first rehearsal with a new choir. Everyone learns their music at home and so you never know what to expect when the whole group finally comes together. After finishing the rehearsal, we all knew that this was going to be a fun year. Over the next week we polished all of the twenty pieces and then set out for our upcoming tour. 

The choir then travelled to Cornerbrook, Stephenville, Gander, Clarenville, Carbonear and finally St. John's. At each new location we met tons of new people and were able to explore the area. I'm so thankful for the enthusiastic audience in Cornerbrook, the INCREDIBLE dinner in Stephenville, my super awesome billets in Gander, being able to see my friend from Acadia in Clarenville, and the unreal hospitality shown to the choir in Carbonear. Our wonderful tour manager, Kristian, and her family gave us the true Newfoundland experience as all forty-five of us swarmed their home for dinner and a party. We also got screeched in, where community members watched us kiss the cod and dance a good Newfoundland jig. The choir couldn't be more grateful for what Kristian, Astro, and her family did for us during the tour – we LOVE you!!! 

​Throughout the week, there were a few events involving community outreach which really stuck with me. In Cornerbrook, Gander, and Carbonear we were able to meet with the local choirs and work on one of our pieces with them. It was so much fun to watch how excited they were to be able to sing with us. It made me remember how inspiring it used to be for me to sing alongside my older peers when I was in junior choirs. I don't think we realize how influential small moments like that can be and so it was really awesome to be able to have that experience.
When we were in St. John's we had a mental health workshop with Dr. Jan Buley. At first the choir was barely awake and probably not in the best shape, but we quickly snapped out of it as Jan got to work. We did an emotional exercise which definitely brought the choir closer. It was so important for us to have this workshop and to have that time to be with each other in a non-musical setting. Later on that day, we met with the Stella's Circle Inclusion Choir and listened to them sing an original song for us. The Inclusion Choir is based in St. John's and most of the members have experienced homelessness or have gone through a period of struggle. Stella's Circle is a local organization that provide services to adults who face barriers that prevent them from fully participating in their community. These barriers include mental health challenges, addictions, trauma, poverty, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, low literacy, and long periods of unemployment. The organization has several ways for people to be involved including the choir. It was beautiful to hear the song they wrote and to have the opportunity to meet such lovely people. Visit http://stellascircle.ca/ to learn more about the organization and all of the ways they are helping their community. 

​Finally, we reached Podium (Canada's national choral conference and festival which is co-presented by Choral Canada and a provincial host every two years) and a snazzy new hotel in St. John's. On Sunday we had our final concert in the gorgeous basilica – the acoustics were out of this world!! It was bittersweet performing our final piece but we still had two workshops to go! The next day we were fortunate enough to be able to work with composer Ēriks Ešenvalds and sing two of his pieces, "Stars" and "Only in Sleep". What amazed me the most about this particular workshop, was how Ešenvalds got us to think. Instead of simply stating how he wanted us to sound (warmer tone, less vibrato, more open, etc.) he would make us discover it for ourselves by telling us to sound like "winter". It was so cool to see how effective that terminology was compared to telling us what he wanted more directly. He was a very lovely man and I'm so thankful to have been able to work with him. 

​I loved exploring the city and meeting so many locals who were always up for a chat. I got to catch up with a friend I hadn't seen in years and talking with him made me so happy – thanks Tristan! I am now obsessed with the city's Jellybean Row Houses and have decided I will have a brightly coloured house when I'm older. It's a beautiful place and I wish that I had been able to see more of it during my stay. Now that I've been to Newfoundland I can't wait to go back! 

Rhi xoxo

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one" - Mother Teresa

​Hey kind krafters!

With our new cause for the season being Community Gardens, I have been thinking about ways that I can contribute to building sustainable local food systems when I head back to university in the fall. I volunteer regularly with the Wolfville Farmer's Market where I have access to fresh, healthy, and nutritious food and am wondering how I can use this to my advantage when helping others. 

​I decided to message a group of my AMAZING friends to ask if they would be willing to start a mini soup kitchen when we all return to Acadia in the fall, and it was so lovely to see how eager everyone was to get going. We then started brainstorming a bunch of other ways we could get involved with our community and help those in need throughout the year. I was so happy to see this response and it showed to me that all you need to do is ask and you will be flooded with support. 

However, as we plan out the logistics, there is still plenty of work that can be done in our different provinces while we live at home for the summer. I took a look through different websites to find food banks and meal programs close to me. Here's what I found -

https://www.feednovascotia.ca/find-food - Feed Nova Scotia's website is probably one of the most up-to-date resources online. If you click on the link provided you will be able to find all the necessary information to find any program near you! Feed Nova Scotia is a charitable organization that collects and distributes food to more than 150 food banks and meal programs around the province.
​
http://adsumcourt.weebly.com/drop-in-centres-soup-kitchens--food-banks.html - The Adsum Court in Dartmouth is one of the locations for Adsum for Women & Children. This super helpful link provides a list of drop-in centres, food banks, and soup kitchens around HRM.  The locations are also written on the website along with days and times that their services are in use! 

I also asked the brilliant volunteer coordinator at the Wolfville Market if she knew of any programs in the Valley and here are some of the things she told me -
​

1. The Market has a program called Food Bucks which provides market dollars to those in need so that they are able to buy wholesome produce at the Market. This program is sustained through donations and volunteers!
2. https://www.facebook.com/pg/SharingOurUnappreciatedProduce/posts/ - SOUP or Save Our Ugly Produce is a local organization that takes food from farms and turns it into soup for those in need. Check out their Facebook page for more information!!
3. http://foundns.com/ - FOUND Forgotten Food is an organization in Nova Scotia that strives to reduce food waste by gathering and sharing forgotten fruits and vegetables. The group sources the food that wouldn't usually end up on our plates from local producers, farmers' markets, and even the trees around them.

About our cause!
​
The Dartmouth North Community Food Centre is a project of the Dartmouth Family Centre. They believes in creating a welcoming space for people to come together to grow, cook, share, and advocate for good food! They pride themselves in providing people with access to high-quality food in a dignified setting that doesn't compromise their self-worth. Skills for cooking and gardening are taught and kids are encouraged to participate to expand their taste buds and help them to make healthier food choices. Community members find their voices on the issues that matter to them, and people find friends and support. CFCs offer multifaceted, integrated, responsive and prevention-focused programming in a shared space where food builds health, hope, skills and community.

I am so glad that we have chosen this cause for the season and can't wait to get involved with our kind kraft events and projects!! Keep checking for upcoming events because we'd love to see you there!
 
Rhian xoxo

Well it’s June! University is over, grade school is coming to an end and everything is feeling much different than it has for the last eight months. Summer is a time for feeling refreshed and a time for change. For those moving back home they are starting long distance relationships and friendships from school and rekindling with all the friends and family they've missed for eight months. For those who have stayed home, its friends coming home and no longer living in the library rather than their own home.
           Since we are free of the stresses and school that the year brings it is time to start that refreshed and summer feeling! While enjoying the sunshine, what's a better way to spend the summer than taking advantage of the community and environment around you?
          Here are seven tips and ideas to kick off your summer taking in the outdoors and the pleasures of local establishments!
 
1. Eat Local. 

Who doesn’t love a good lunch date? Eating local is such a great (and delicious) way to support local restaurants around you! By eating local you are supporting local economy, benefiting the environment and not to mention enjoying food full of flavor right in your community.

2) Get outside! Go for a Hike.
 
For myself, Cape Breton and Wolfville NS is full of the most beautiful hiking trails. Not only is hiking a great way to take advantage of the environment around you it's also a great workout!
 
 
3) Enjoy live entertainment.
 
If it be a band, a singer/songwriter or local theatre, getting out to watch local performers is my favorite way to spend my summer! Most of these performers practice and rehearse so hard to hard to bring you the happiness and entertainment that music and theatre brings! It's a great way to take in some talent this summer while you are supporting someone's passion.

4) Make the most of your summer job.
 
Working for the summer can sometime be a drag, as we all know. But keeping a positive attitude can make it a little less painful. Some advice I would give would be to try to find summer work you are passionate about! If you are working a job you love you won’t feel like you are working at all! So many local establishments are usually looking for students, don’t be afraid to reach out if your interested, more than not they would love to have you.
 
5) Shop local.
 
Summer is a great time for wandering around local shops. (also who doesn’t love a few nice new pick-me ups for summer?) If it's art, clothing, or craft, buying local is supportive and a great way to shop!
 
6) Get involved in local workshops
 
Learning something new is a great way to keep yourself involved and keep creative! Local photography, theatres, yoga studios and art centres often have camps and workshops! This is an awesome way to learn something new and also support a local business

7) Reach out and get involved!
 
Summer is the perfect time to volunteer and find out some more information on charitable organizations around you that create a positive impact on your community! Volunteering is the best feeling (trust me) you wouldn’t want to spend your summer any other way.
 
Until next time, Amy Cameron.

​Hey kind krafters!
 
This week marks my first six months as a member of the kind krafts team! I have learnt so much in my short time here and can’t wait for what is still to come for this organization. Because of this milestone in my kind krafts timeline, I thought that I might write about why I think it is important to volunteer and be a part of an organization. 

Why Volunteer?
 
Throughout my years in junior high, high school, and university, I have volunteered in numerous ways and places. From Sunday Suppers at St. Andrew’s United Church, to random sporting and musical events, to Saturday mornings at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market. Here are some of the main reasons for why I like to volunteer:
 

1. Learning new skills – Through volunteering you can constantly be gaining new experiences. You could be figuring out how point systems work at karate competitions, how to handle cash at a vendor booth, or starting to master a new language to better communicate with others at your placement.
2. Making a difference –  Volunteering allows you the chance to give back to a cause you believe in. There are always opportunities to volunteer if you ask – just because it isn’t advertised doesn’t mean people wouldn’t appreciate any help you might be able to provide. What might seem to you like another day greeting people as they walk into an event, might actually be the highlight of someone else’s week. You never know the impact you have on someone’s life, no matter how small.  

3. Creating connections within your community – I think this is the BEST reason to volunteer. Why keep within your small group of friends and work colleagues/fellow students, when you could meet so many new and inspiring people?! I have found friendships with people I would have never expected through going out and working with other folks in my community. I can’t stress enough how lucky we all are to be able to do this!!

Why join an organization?
 
I have been a part of several organizations over the past eight years ranging from school councils and committees, to non-profits such as kind krafts! Being involved with all of these groups has taught me lots and helped me in lots of ways. Here are some of my favourite reasons for joining an organization:

1. Having a break from studying/work – Sometimes participating in something outside of your day-to-day life is super helpful for distracting you from stressful situations and allows you to focus all of that energy into something positive. It gives you a great study break and is productive at the same time!!

2. Learn how to work with others – Playing a part in an organization means working with others no matter what the role and how big or small it may be. This gives you awesome life experience for how you collaborate with your other team members and allows you to figure out what works and what doesn’t in a safe setting – Score!! 
 
3. Experiences – Through your time in an organization you will be exposed to countless new experience like workshops, AGMs, new courses, etc. This is an incredible opportunity for students as these chances may not come up too often through schooling depending on class sizes and course material. Take advantage of attending as many as you possibly can, or use your position to ask to create your own events for the company’s development. 

So, have fun volunteering kind krafters!! I really encourage all of you to reach out and seek volunteering opportunities within your communities. These experiences are irreplaceable and so essential to your growth! It’s also incredibly humbling to use your talents and time to help others.
 
With love,
Rhi xoxo