It’s incredible what a person can see and do in three short days. Of course, all it takes is a moment to change a person’s life. That’s exactly how I would describe my recent trip to the Dominican Republic with Air Transat and SOS Children’s Villages Canada: life-changing. Moment after moment, I felt something shift inside me as I saw the good both of these organizations were doing. The three days touring Santo Domingo and the villages felt like so many more as we got a crash course in exactly what SOS was and how Air Transat was supporting its mission. Although there are so many facets to explore, here are the not-so-basic basics:

SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES

Founded in Austria by Hermann Gmeiner in 1949, SOS Children’s Villages has since become the world’s largest orphaned child charity. The original concept was so simple: WWII left many women widowed and children orphaned. Gmeimer brought them together to restitch the family unit and the model ended up spreading like wildfire.

…all it takes is a moment to change a person’s life…

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Although times of war inspired the first few villages in Europe, today SOS Children’s Villages addresses many reasons children become orphaned and displaced in a global effort to make a difference. In the Dominican Republic, the number one cause is domestic violence. Granted, SOS stepped in initially due to a natural disaster in 1979.

That being said, the tolerance for violence in this country is terrifying. The root of it seems simple to me: poverty. Yet it isn’t simple at all. Natural disasters and miseducation are a couple examples of factors not in the people’s direct control. These led to a rampage of disciplinary abuse, domestic violence, early marriages, sexual abuse and teen pregnancy — all of which are common causes of orphaned children.

 …the tolerance for violence in this country is terrifying.

There are two sides to the Dominican Republic, the one we see on postcards and the one I saw last month. Although tourism has become an important source of income for the country, it has brought with it other terrible consequences including commercial sexual exploitation of women and children. To see travel companies such as Air Transat acknowledge this truth and step in to help change these chilling circumstances brings hope.

Photo by Carolane Stratis

AIR TRANSAT x SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES

SOS is more than the sum of its villages. The non-profit recognizes that they provide a bandaid to a problem, not a solution — even though these “bandaids” are incredible refuges from the dire reality its trying to address, ones that allow children to be raised in their own countries as well. Yet since one of their most important pillars revolves around the latter, SOS has made it a priority to help re-educate the Dominican Republic people in hopes of keeping the original family together.

With the help of Air Transat, SOS has created and introduced family strengthening programs, which provide support to disadvantaged families with the goal of preventing child abandonment. Working in tangent with local authorities and other charities, these programs offer skills training, small business and micro enterprise initiatives and community development.

The necessity for this nonprofit in general is indisputable.

We had the honour of speaking to a few members of the Barahona and Paraiso communities in Santo Domingo to see how these programs have helped so far. Although it has only been in place for a few months, those we spoke to communicated how fortunate they feel to have such support and how it has changed their perspective on violence in the home. Change might not happen immediately, but the fact that they were more aware of their actions and what it could mean for the future of their families was hopeful. Funding to extend and expand these programs would only benefit the community, that’s clear.

It was also emphatically more eye-opening to witness the environment the children in the villages came from. The necessity for this nonprofit in general is indisputable.

Photo by Carolane Stratis

Photo by Carolane StratisHOW YOU CAN HELP

My initial mission when coming home was to talk about the difference between international volunteerism and charitable tourism. I think it’s important to revisit that post to understand why SOS Children’s Villages stands out from other non-profit organizations. there are right and wrong ways to step into tenuous situations, especially when different cultures are involved and even more especially when children are involved.

To see the work SOS and Air Transat has done sheds light not only on the scary state many parts of the world are in, but also the proper way to make a difference. Nothing’s perfect, but from everything I’ve learned so far, this comes pretty close.

Photo by Carolane Stratis

At the beginning of 2017, I had set a few big goals to get myself out of the depressing divorce hole I’d dug for myself in 2016. One of the biggest ones I’d set my heart on since my teens was to volunteer abroad. Before I knew it, I became a walking cliche as I started researching organizations in Africa — not to throw shade on anyone who has or is planning to help out any African country in need. Yet in my research I stumbled upon an article that urged potential volunteers to ask themselves four simple questions before making any moves:

1. Would you volunteer abroad if you had no cameras on you?

2. Does the agency have the same intentions and values that you do?

3. Are you going to do more harm than good?

4. Would you trust yourself enough to do this job in your own country?

These questions gave me immediate pause. I didn’t have to mull over them too long before deciding I wasn’t ready to volunteer in Africa. It’s not that I couldn’t do what they asked. It was because I wanted to volunteer to not only escape my current situation, but to feel like a good person while I was on the run. Basically, my intention was not pure. (Granted, anyone who’s watched the Friends episode of the selfless good deed knows there are pretty much none out there.)

That said, I didn’t strike it from my bucket list. Instead, I vacationed in Kenya and Ethiopia with one of my best friends whose cousin had been living in Africa for three years. I got incredible insight into these particular cultures and it inspired me to want to delve into them more. But before I decided I knew enough to volunteer there, I needed to start volunteering in my own country first. So I did.

And then a few months later I got an amazing opportunity: To shed light on SOS Children’s Villages and the good work Air Transat is doing to help this international nonprofit. I was able to immerse myself as fully as one can in three days in order to share what I heard, saw and felt with you, my readers. I wasn’t volunteering, I was using my skills as a story teller to not only show people what this organization was doing, but also how they can help.

Of course, the flood of messages that came through while I was there all pertained to volunteering — which I can’t blame anyone for. It would’ve been my initial reaction as well. But then I immediately remembered those four questions and I started to ask the staff at SOS more about the difference between international volunteerism and charitable tourism as well as what they look for in volunteers. That’s when I got a big dose of reality: They don’t accept international volunteers.

At least, not really.

SOS Children’s Villages is dedicated to the children they help and the cultures in which they help them. International adoption and volunteerism is met with extreme caution because they often don’t preserve or respect one or the other — sometimes both. This fact isn’t meant to immediately jump to the conclusion of harm. Instead, it’s to shed light on the fact that these children deserve a chance to thrive as best as they can in their home. If that’s not possible, how do we step in to MAKE it possible instead of taking them out.

So to clarify one important point…SOS does accept international volunteers, but with very strict guidelines. They have to be able to commit to a MINIMUM of six months abroad (preferably a year), already speak the native language and essentially acclimate as quickly as possible so that it’s as more about the children and families involved than it is about themselves settling in and learning about the culture.

Since that’s a lot to ask for, SOS has a very helpful page on their website that direct interested individuals on ways they can help. From sponsoring a child to making one time donations and perhaps even securing a corporate connection, financial assistance is what will go the distance — not just travelling all the way there and disrupting a delicate ecosystem. And imagine the knowledge received through sponsorship. Imagine getting to know a child or village first and then perhaps committing to volunteering afterwards.

There’s helping and then there’s helping properly. The urge to help is always admirable no matter what the true intention is, yet it’s important to understand that if your goal is to do that…how do you do that with as much integrity as you can. Ask yourself those four questions and if you can’t answer them honestly, then find other ways to lend a hand.

For those who tuned in on Saturday morning for my local long run, here’s the map of the route. I’m currently training for my second half marathon and know how many people love to travel to Toronto around this time — perhaps to participate in the Scotiabank Marathon themselves. So in addition to the five scenic routes I already created for Tourism Toronto, I decided to create a longer bonus route for those in training mode.

Starting at the historical site of Fort York, I ran through to Strachan and then up to Trinity Bellwoods. There happened to be a fun arts market, but any weekend is a good weekend to take a detour and stroll through. From there I continued west along Queen Street, hitting must-visit pockets like Parkdale. Queen West ends at Roncesvalles, which is also a fun strip. But instead of going north there, I decided to enjoy a little nature and run through High Park.

Once I hit Bloor Street, I turned back east to make a pit stop at Hodo Kwaja, the best spot for some Korean walnut cakes in K-Town. It was just a short distance to Bathurst, which I headed down to browse through Kensington Market quickly before stopping at Toronto’s first shipping container market, Market 707, on Dundas for a quick refreshment. Before I knew it, I was back on Bathurst heading south to Fort York, finishing a solid 16km run.

It’s so great being able to explore Toronto on foot. And if you decide to run, you get to see even more! Long runs are meant to be taken nice and slow, which is ideal when checking out a new city this way.

Photos by Eric Black

We’re in the midst of a second summer and the good weather is giving me all the #FallbackFriday feels for my last cottage getaway in Muskoka. BMW Canada pulled all the stops for our city escape, setting my friends and I up in an incredible townhouse at Muskoka Bay Resort. So maybe it wasn’t a typical cottage experience with its infinity pool, light switch fireplace and insane golf course backdrop, but it definitely was in line with the drive up in the new BMW X5 PHEV.

I was immediately impressed with how smooth the ride was. That may be expected from large cars already, but let me tell you, it was exceptionally smooth thanks to its electric features. If you’re not familiar with the acronym, PHEV stands for “plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.” It especially had  excellent body control on the curvy B-roads we took up to the resort.

Once we arrived, we immediately devoured the sights. It was gorgeous. And I don’t think we could’ve timed it better, arriving when the sun was setting in time to cook a healthy dinner. We even managed to pass out early in order to wake up early for a day of relaxing adventures that BMW was kind enough to set up for us.

First up, yoga and massages at Within Spa. I still believe it was the best massage I’ve had to date — and I love treating myself to massages. I’d never been to Bracebridge before, so it was also great being able to roam around the small town. Considering it was a decent 20 minute drive there, it felt like another mini getaway.

When we got back to the resort, we immediately hit the infinity pool before dinner. The drive back was just as good and we even put the stereo to test with some inspired Disney sing-a-longs. What road trip isn’t complete without a solid playlist? I have to thank my friend Bailey for that. She really came through. I suggest everyone blare the best of Disney before purchasing a car.  I’m dead serious.

And then before we knew it, we were leaving! We snuck in a bit more time by the pool before packing up to find some hiking trails nearby. It was great hitting the open road again to see a bit more of Muskoka. Considering we had a long drive back home in cottage traffic, we were surprisingly in good spirits. I think this had to do in large part with how roomy the X5 is. We were all comfortable with all of the leg room a girl or guy could ask for.

Of course, we also had the famous Webers to look forward to! How could anyone not be excited to hit the road when we had such a mandatory pit stop along the way? I personally could not wait to wash down the burger with a chocolate milkshake. And I think we deserved it after our hike.

Overall, it was a memorable weekend and a great way to say goodbye to summer. It’s hard not to feel spoiled now that I’m part of the BMW family. Not only was the experience one for the books, the X5 PHEV was also a luxury ride with a down-to-earth heart.

By now it’s clear that I love to travel. I’ve made a priority of it since my first big trip away to Cyprus and Egypt when I was 20. I’ve gone on tangents explaining why it’s important to expand your four walls beyond the city — the country —  you live in, yet one of the things I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve managed to explore a good chunk of Canada. Once you get a taste for travel, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of the exotic. Yet appreciating where you’re from beyond your own immediate surroundings is just as fulfilling. Especially if you call Canada home.

I’ve been fortunate enough to end up on both the west and east coasts of Canada — not to mention discovering Ontario as well — and have fallen in love with the country over and over again because of it. You don’t have to travel far to have an adventure. Here are the top 5 spots I’ve travelled to personally, all of which embrace Flow Water’s latest campaign, “From Canada, With Love.”

VANCOUVER AND TOFINO

I lived in Vancouver for a couple years in my mid-twenties. It was there that I truly learned to love Canada. Up until this point, I don’t think I had travelled much within the country. While Vancouver itself is a beautiful city with tons to do (Grouse Grind, Seawall, etc.), it was also close to so many sights in British Colombia in general. I loved surfing in Tofino, skiing in Whistler, horseback riding in Kelowna and camping under glaciers at Joffre Lakes.

TOBERMORY

The kind of nature you find just outside of Vancouver may not be as accessible in Ontario, but it’s still there. When I moved back to Toronto, It became a mission of mine to discover the beauty of my home province. Thankfully, my dad and mom moved out of the city (separately), allowing my brother and I to appreciate smaller towns a couple hours outside for the city. But I also wanted to see even more. A couple summers ago I finally made my way to the Bruce Peninsula and fell in love with Flower Pot Island. The rock formations were incredible to behold. As bonus spots in Ontario, I also highly recommend Elora Gorge and Cheltenham Badlands.

MONTREAL

I always thought it was fascinating that many foreigners were more familiar with Vancouver and Montreal than they were Toronto. But after visiting Montreal a few times over the years, I understand the appeal of the Euro-Canadian city. Although it might be an obvious choice on my list to visit, I’ve been consistently surprised at the amount of people I know who have yet to visit this charming destination with its incredible food, beautiful old quarters and, of course, rich culture.

CALGARY AND BANFF

I’ve always wanted to go to Banff and somehow never made it there while living on the west coast. So when a friend asked me to go there and Calgary with her, I was extremely excited. Banff was as breathtakingly beautiful as I expected and Calgary won me over with a surprise bid for my affections. As an avid cyclist, I loved the safe bike paths that connected the small city perfectly. The food scene was also impressive and overall the vibe was warm and welcoming.

PEI AND THE RED SAND SHORES

My first real taste of Canada was a road trip my dad took us on while I was in high school. We drove east all the way to PEI, stopping for sights and towns along the way. Although I remember having the best time, unfortunately I don’t remember many details from the trip itself. But what I do remember is making it to PEI and heading straight to the Red Sand Shores. My dad had been so excited to see it in person and it was everything he had hoped for. I would love to go back as an adult to soak it all up again.

These are a few of the places I’ve been to, but I have a never-ending list of where I want to go next in Canada. Here are my top 3 destinations to check out next:

Yukon

Halifax

Thunder Bay

As I mentioned, I teamed up with Flow Water in writing this post and I have some exciting news to share. The new Flow bottles have a UID number, which you submit here to be entered into a contest for a chance to win a wellness retreat to Quebec City, Tofino or Grafton! There are 2 grand prize winners, plus gift cards + Flow water vouchers. Good luck!

I knew I wanted 2017 to be my big year of travel. Not to say that I don’t make travel a priority every year — because it is; but I wanted to check off some big ticket dream destinations I’ve had on my bucket list for ages. Top of that list: Korea, Africa and New Zealand…in that order. I was leaning heavily towards South Korea since I’ve never been. I visited my dad’s homeland, Sri Lanka, seven years ago and had yet to visit my mom’s. Yet when my good friend, Amelia, told me she was planning a trip to Kenya and Ethiopia, I had to tag along.

The only thing is, I hadn’t backpacked since my first Eurotrip back in 2004. Although I pride myself on being a light packer, I needed a variety of items to be properly prepared for the range of activities we had on the docket. From beach houses to safaris and volcano hikes — not to mention a couple nice dinners out here and there, packing efficiently for Kenya and Ethiopia became a bit of an art form. Thankfully, MEC stepped in to help keep me in check.

Here are my top picks for packing light…and a couple extras specifically tailored to an East African adventure:

1. MEC SUPERCONTINENT 65 TRAVEL PACK

To be completely honest, when I first picked up this bag, I thought it was too big. I loved that it came with a smaller day-pack that was perfect for my daily excursions, but I was on a mission to pack lighter than I ever had before and I was left with so much room. BUT, I didn’t anticipate buying as many souvenirs as I did (the African textiles!), so it ended up being a boon even though waiting for checked luggage was a bane.

2. DISH SKINNY JEANS

This denim was my best friend. Versatile, comfortable and cute, I couldn’t have picked a better pair for the trip. Don’t let the chic cut deceive you, dish packed it with a ton of hidden tech that ensured colour locking, antimicrobial treatment, mechanical stretch and moisture-wicking ability.

3. MEC ALPINE ALLY JACKET

Although we travelled at the beginning of peak season, it also happened to be at the tail-end of East Africa’s rainy season. So a rain jacket was a must. I choose MEC’s Alpine Ally because it did the job as stylishly as possible.

4. MEC MERINO T1 TANK and TEE

As much as I live in Dri-FIT sportswear at home, I was warned that with limited access to laundry, I might want to stay clear of such fabric because of odor. So I opted for merino wool. Lightweight and simple, they were especially perfect for my safaris and hikes.

5. NIKON ACULON T01 8X21 BINOCULARS

These cute binoculars came in handy much more than I expected. From our two hour wait to see a young jaguar emerge from its lair to spotting rhinos in the distance, I was SO glad I had them on me. Plus how could I say no to the all-white?

6. PATAGONIA WAVEFARER BUCKET HAT

I almost forgot to bring a hat. Thankfully, I spotted this immediately as I was perusing the aisles at MEC and knew I had to have it. Super cute with its camo print and extremely practical, I wore it every day on my safari to shield me from the hot African sun.

6. SCARP EPIC LITE TRAIL SHOES

When we finally made our way to Ethiopia from Kenya, we instantly put ourselves into a different scenario all together. We ditched luxury and comfort for a 3 day adventure in the Danakil Depression (aka Hell on Earth). I lived in these hiking shoes the whole time. Considering that I only used them for 3 days on a 3 week vacation, I needed a pair that were extremely lightweight for packing. I made the right choice.

7. MEC EMPEROR PENGUIN WINDSTOPPER OVERBAG

We slept under the stars for two nights. I’d heard some horror stories about bed bugs, so I knew I wanted to bring my own sleeping bag. Of course, that would add a lot of bulk to my pack…yet by opting for this overbag (perfect for hot nights), I hardly added any weight. And as a bonus, it packed up super tightly.

8. PETZL TIKKINA HEADLAMP

Pretty much self-explanatory. First, we hiked up Erta Ale during the night to avoid the heat of the sun. Secondly, sleeping under the stars required our own night lights. This headlamp was also great during our safari since the camp wasn’t well-lit at night.

9. MEC TIMELESS PANTS

Last but certainly not least, MEC’s Timeless pants. Just like the Scarpa hiking shoes, I lived in these pants for my entire Danakil adventure. Extremely lightweight, they provided protection for my legs without overheating me in the desert. They were also extremely comfortable for the hours we were in a car.

I still can’t believe I’m home from one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. It was such a surreal experience made even better because I was prepared for everything. Let me know what you think about my MEC packing list!

I’ve never driven an electric car before and as soon as I opened the door to the latest BMW i3, I knew I was in for a treat. In spite of its compact size, the interior was very roomy with details that were subtly futuristic, which gave the experience a special touch. Complete with two easy-to-use displays, I was excited to head out to my dad’s place for Father’s Day.

My dad lives just outside the city, a drive that isn’t necessarily recommended when it comes to this electric car. Yet once the electricity is used up, there is a traditional gas tank that takes over for the rest of the trip. I didn’t have to worry about being stranded without power on the 401. Although it was a little disconcerting that it did affect my speed from time to time, the ride was smooth.

In fact, it was smoother than any car I’ve ever driven. Like a silent ninja, it barely made any noise nor did it feel as though it had an engine in it at all. Incredibly comfortable in more ways than one, I was happy to go the distance in it. Of course, it is ideal as a city commuter. Easy to maneuver and park, it’s a great alternative to other similar sizes. Not to mention environmentally friendly AND cheaper. It’s made for the conscious millennial who’s looking to upgrade from a fixie ;).

In my line of work, my hours are sporadic, I can (if I choose to) go to an event morning, noon and night, and travel can be arranged at a moment’s notice. It’s at once exhilarating and exhausting, but add a puppy into the mix and it can quickly become irresponsible depending on the situation. Last week, I picked up Curry from our first boarding experience after being whisked away to Marseille, France, by Air Transat for five days. I’m pretty sure she would’ve stayed another five days if she had it her way, that’s how much she enjoyed it.

Curry made new friends instantly and took to the daily routine like a champ.

Soulmutts Toronto might as well be marketed as a summer camp for dogs. A cozy home in Riverdale, it’s been converted to be as dog-friendly as possible complete with a hay-filled backyard that the canines have access to any time of the day. Yet that’s not the only feature setting it apart from other dog daycares. Here are a few of the unique benefits of Soulmutts:

1. They boast a private 1/2 acre plot of forest land for off leash outings where it is ONLY their dogs, who have all been screened for aggression, vaccinations and overall temperament.

2. They drive the same, one-of-a-kind vehicles the Toronto Humane Society use. These vans have reinforced walls for safety while on the road, insulation for full temperature control, commercial HVAC units, separate secure riding areas for small, medium and large dogs as well as the most advanced security systems on the market today complete with Drone GPS Tracking, Engine Immobilizers, Mobile Engine and Temperature Control and of course very, very loud alarms.

3. They have a Dog Ranch up north for weekend getaways during the summer and fall. In addition to lots of forest ground to cover, there’s also full lake access for dogs who like to get wet.

4. They just overhauled their booking system to make it more intuitive and efficient for clients to use.

5. Last, but not least, they are opening a new daycare location that provides 4000 sqft indoor play area and, more importantly, 6000 sqft outdoor. It will boast even more exciting features to give the dogs the best stay they could possibly imagine, so stay tuned for those details!

The reason Soulmutts is not only incredibly practical but also full of so much, well…soul…is because of the love and care put into it by owner Ally Fodero. She started rescuing dogs during her university career. Yet it wasn’t until she rescued her dog, Calypso, from Central America, later reuniting her with her actual brother, that Ally realized this was her true calling. It’s clear she understands not only what her clients want, but also what the dogs need.

When it came to Curry, the social element of Soulmutts was perfect for her. I have a particularly social puppy who loves the stimulation of constant attention. Curry made new friends instantly and took to the daily routine like a champ. I might have been a little sad she didn’t seem to miss me at all (hahaha), but that’s a testament not only to her temperament but also how amazing Soulmutts really is. Not to mention the stress that was immediately alleviated on my part when I was introduced to them in the nick of time.

As I mentioned earlier, my job is sporadic and I needed to find a dog sitter mere days before jumping on a plane. If it wasn’t for Soulmutts, I may have had to turn down the opportunity. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. And more than that, Curry was able to have her own fun staycation. She’s been peacefully recovering ever since!

I can’t think of a better way to head up north than in a sports coupé. I got to test drive the BMW 4 Series last long weekend and was it ever a ride. This sleek two-door vehicle not only got my besties and I to the cottage in style, but also in record time. Yet for all of its sportiness, there was plenty of room for us girls and all of our bags — because, let’s face it, you know we overpacked for a two-day getaway.

Perfect for an impromptu escape from the city.

Comfortable, smooth and full of attitude, the BMW 4 Series lends itself to be a ride as much about function as it is about form. Yes, you might want to take it out for a spin based solely on adrenaline (that sport mode!), but it was surprisingly perfect for an impromptu escape from the city as well. While others may have opted for a typical SUV or larger sedan for country driving, I’m so happy we got to drive in something a little — scratch that, a lot — more exciting. Of course, the best part was it’s efficiency on gas. Yes, I said it…I’m very much a practical girl.

Stay tuned for a review of the BMW i3!

The first (and only) time I went to the opera, it was a surprise gift and I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been a long-time fan of live performances, making it a point to see at least one theatrical show a year. I loved almost everything about my first experience — dressing up, walking into the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, sipping on champagne and finally sitting down in the stunning theatre itself.

That feeling rushed back as I got ready for Operanation, a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Opera Company‘s Ensemble Studio that has a mission of nurturing young individual theatre artists and developing new plays. 100% of the funds raised at this event goes to this program, which is incredible.

With this year’s theme being “A Night of Curiosities,” I knew I was in for a treat. The three floors of the opera house were transformed into a cabinet of curiosities, some doors of which had lock decals signalling special experiences beyond. From a delectable donut tower to a palm reader and even a tiny room to watch an old VHS-taped opera, there were numerous areas to discover and delight in.

Of course, some of the best “curiosities” were the guests themselves. The iconic cultural event brought out everyone’s creatively mysterious personas, which manifested in opulent costumes and more. Of course, how else were we supposed to truly enjoy the enticing elixirs, experimental cuisine and musical hybrids — performed by Juno award-winning artist, Kiesza? Overall, it was an intoxicating night that ended up extending to Soho House. A party that never ends is the best kind.