In the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, a group of passionate activists came together with a shared vision to transform the lives of African Nova Scotians. GameChangers902 was born out of a deep sense of frustration, anger, and the unwavering desire to challenge injustices and create a more equitable society. Through their collective efforts, GameChangers902 aims to centralize the African Nova Scotian experience, culture, and history, while empowering the community and advocating for lasting change.
A Commitment to Action and Activism
Trayvone Clayton, Kate Macdonald, and DeRico Symonds, three young black activists, founded GameChangers902 with a burning determination to make a difference. Their pivotal moment came during a visit to Parliament Hill, where they bore witness to an act of racial violence. This experience ignited an even greater commitment to the cause, propelling them to become prominent figures in the racial justice movement in Nova Scotia.
Driven by a mission to challenge the status quo, GameChangers902 refuses to be limited to social media activism. They actively seek opportunities for action and engagement, aiming to change the rules of the game and ensure that young African Nova Scotians are invited to the playing field. By raising the profile of excellence within their communities, GameChangers902 strives to dismantle barriers and empower future generations.
Current Projects and Collaborations
GameChangers902 is actively involved in various projects aimed at effecting systemic change and creating a positive impact within the African Nova Scotian community. One notable collaboration is with the Halifax Regional Municipality and the African Nova Scotia Justice Institute. Together, they are spearheading a collective impact project that encompasses a youth services review, a comprehensive approach to tackling gun violence, and providing support and guidance on related matters. By working in partnership with key stakeholders, GameChangers902 maximizes their efforts and amplifies their impact.
Keeping Supporters Informed
GameChangers902 understands the importance of keeping their supporters informed and engaged. They primarily utilize their Instagram channel as a platform to share updates, stories, and initiatives. Through regular posts, live streams, and interactive content, GameChangers902 ensures that their community remains connected and informed about the ongoing work and progress being made.
Making a Greater Difference
To truly maximize their impact and reach their goals, GameChangers902 recognizes the need for permanent or consistent funding. Currently, much of their work is driven by the dedication of volunteers or through contractual arrangements. The ability to transition into full-time advocacy and community empowerment would enable GameChangers902 to dedicate even more time and resources to effecting lasting change.
A Deeper Commitment to Community
Above all, GameChangers902 wants the world to know that their commitment to their community runs deep. They deeply care about effecting positive and lasting change, doing whatever is within their capacity to create a better future for African Nova Scotians. Through their tireless efforts, GameChangers902 aims to inspire and engage individuals from all walks of life to join their cause and collectively build a more just and equitable society.
GameChangers902 is not merely an organization; it is a movement fueled by passion, determination, and the unwavering belief that change is possible. With a focus on centralizing African Nova Scotian experiences and empowering the community, GameChangers902 is making significant strides in challenging injustices and raising the profile of excellence within their communities. By joining forces with like-minded individuals, organizations, and through the support of generous donors, GameChangers902 will continue to drive lasting change, creating a brighter future for African Nova Scotians.
When: Sunday, May 7th, 2023 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Java Blend Café on 6027 North St.
Sign up: Click here to reserve your spot
Sip on your favourite latté as Sara Macalpine from Two Birds One Stone Farm leads you through how to create your own bulb garden, using locally grown seasonal flower bulbs.
You will dig your hands into the soil to create a lovely spring garden that you can enjoy indoors or outdoors. The bulbs are all started, prepared for your creation; Tulips, daffodils, muscari, hyacinth and crocus, and together you will nest them into clay planters.
The bulbs will flower for a few weeks. When they fade, you can plant them outdoors to enjoy them year after year.
All supplies will be on hand, but you may wish to bring gardening gloves and an apron to keep clean.
Workshop participants will receive a 10% discount on beverages from our Cafe.
Time to do something fun with your mom, your sis or friends, even your partners. Anyone age 12+ are eligible to participate.
Seats are limited. Click here to reserve your seat.
Here is a bit more about Two Birds One Stone Farm:
Two Birds One Stone Farm sits on Mi'kma’ki, the ancestral, unceded, and unsurrendered land of the Mi'kmaq people. They acknowledge the gifts of this land, and their responsibility to honour the peoples of Mi’kma’ki by caring for the environment and continuing our journey of decolonization. They are all treaty people.
In the photo: Sarah & Kenny
"Our farm has grown over the years, and today we are fortunate to work with these beautiful souls who have seeded, planted, weeded, watered, harvested and created with our flowers!"
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Tell us about Hospice Halifax please!
"Hospice Halifax was founded in 2001 to provide the best possible end-of-life care for patients and their families. Since opening our doors to patients in 2018, we now welcome approximately 150 terminally ill patients facing the end of life, including vulnerable seniors, people living with physical disabilities, and people who are precariously housed. Our care extends to the community with regular one-on-one counseling, support groups, and programs for bereaved people looking for a safe, supportive environment to explore their feelings of loss. Our services are free-of-charge and accessible to all residents of Nova Scotia, with some exclusions"
What projects is Hospice Halifax currently working on?
"We have an amazing peer to peer fundraising event, Hike for Hospice coming up on Jun 11, 2023. Hike for Hospice is an energizing, family-friendly community walk that give people the opportunity to honour their loved ones and supports the great work happening at Hospice Halifax! The entire community is welcome and are encouraged to form a team, participate individually, or put in a team with their company. Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for information on participating!"
How does Hospice Halifax keep their supporters informed about your work?
"We keep our community connected through a variety of channels! We have an active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin (@HospiceHalifax) where we share updates on our programs, upcoming events, and stories from our patients and families. We also send out regular newsletters to keep our supporters up to date on our activities and upcoming events. More information on all of these topics can also be found on our website."
What would make the greatest difference in helping Hospice Halifax get better at what they do, or help the organization reach their goals?
"When you make a gift to or volunteer at Hospice Halifax, you provide someone in your community, and their loved ones, with the very best end-of-life care. We rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations to fund over 50% of our operations and programs. Donations of time, money, and resources all help us to continue providing quality end-of-life care to those in need. Every gift, big or small, makes a tremendous difference."
Is there anything else that you wish more people knew about Hospice Halifax?
We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and supported. One thing that we wish more people knew about Hospice Halifax is that our services are available free of charge and available to anyone in Nova Scotia, with some exclusions. You can learn more about our services and programming on our website: https://
We know how annoying it is when coffee runs out, especially when you just got up in the morning or need caffeine to stay awake and you cannot buy coffee at the time...
Don't worry, we have your back!
Java Blend just launched "Subscribe and Save 5%" option for purchasing coffee online at our website.
You can choose to have your favorite Java Blend coffee delivering to your doorstep every 15 days or 30 days. AND SAVE 5%!
On each coffee product and bundle page offering subscription plan, you will see two options:
1) Subscribe & save 5%
2) One-time purchase at its original price
Simply check the option 1) Subscribe & save 5%. Otherwise, your coffee is by default set as one-time purchase for the checkout.
Our coffee subscription is a service that we can regularly deliver fresh coffee right to your doorstep. If you want peace of mind to avoid running out of coffee or simply want to enjoy the convenience to have your favorite JB coffee delivered to you, this dedicated coffee subscription might be for you.
Fresh coffee and you can save 5% from this subscription plan, it is a no-brainer!
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Exciting News! We are partnering with JD Shore Rum Cream, to delight you
with shake up on a classic coffee cocktail - Espresso Martini.
During the promotional period From February 13th to March 26th, 2023,
customers who purchase a JD Shore Rum Cream 750ml at any NSLC
stores can enjoy an exclusive one-off 20% discount when purchasing Java Blend coffee
online or at our cafes on North St. and Sackville St.
Buy Aztec now to make Espresso Martini
Java Blend & JD Shore Espresso Martini - Ingredients Recipe
1 Part Java Blend Aztec Coffee
Brew coffee the way you like it at home. You can use any type of
coffee brewing tool you have at home: espresso machine, French Press, Drip
Coffee, Pour-Over, Moka pot, Chemex, V60, Aeropress, etc.
1 Part JD Shore rum cream
Rim: 2 tbsp sugar mixed with 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Garnish: 3 whole Java Blend coffee beans
Preparation:
Learn how to make it on YouTube video
JD Shore Rum Cream 750ml is available at all NSLC locations.
Join us as we host tastings at an NSLC near you with our version of the
Espresso Martini!
How to enjoy the promotion offer?
NSLC customers who have purchased a JD Shore Rum Cream 750ml during the promotional period of February 13th to March 26th, 2023
- IN PERSON: Use the JD Shore/Java Blend bottle neck tag or an NSLC
receipt showing the purchase eligible for the promotion, enjoy a one-off 20%
discount at our cafes on 6027 North Street or 5146 Sackville Street
- ON-LINE: Enter the coupon code "JDSHORE20" after checkout and before proceed to payment, enjoy a one-off 20% discount on Java Blend coffee website. Buy Aztec now!
Remarks:
This promotional offer is limited to the promotion period only.
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Tell us about Gender Affirming Care Nova Scotia (GACNS) please!
"GACNS is a non-profit volunteer organization run by the Community, for the Community. Our four person team pushes for change to provincial policy change surrounding health equity and access for members of the trans, intersex, and gender diverse Community."
What projects is GACNS currently working on?
"We are currently consulting with multiple provincial departments to support EDIRA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Accessibility) policy efforts to ensure that they include comprehensive support for health equity and access for our Community. We are also supporting the development of a pilot program to provide a one-stop-shop for transition referrals with MSVU and Dalhousie."
What would make the greatest difference in helping GACNS get better at what you do, or help the organization to reach the goals?
"Community partnerships! GACNS believes in collaborative programming and outreach as the basis for all community work, and strives to partner with other organizations across Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Provinces to put on events, fundraisers, direct action efforts, etc.. All marginalized communities succeed when we push together and stand in solidarity with one another."
Is there anything else that you wish more people knew about GACNS?
"Did you know that Nova Scotia is the most transgender province per-capita in Canada? For more than two years, we have worked to create a province that reflects this reality, allowing us to lead the way in transgender, intersex, and gender diverse rights and healthcare. We go beyond just gender affirming care, with our focus being on health equity and access for the entire 2SLGBTQIA+ community with an increased focus on some of our most marginalized members, trans, intersex, and gender diverse persons. We are an all-volunteer organization. Our entire board works in a fully volunteer capacity, with some of us putting in full-time hours on top of their work and school obligations."
How does GACNS keep supporters informed about your work?
"Supporters can stay up-to-date on GACNS through our website, gacns.ca, @gacnovascotia on Twitter and Instagram, and by signing up for our upcoming newsletter via our website"
Learn more about Gender Affirming Care Nova Scotia by visiting https://gacns.ca
Join us to support Gender Affirming Care Nova Scotia!
$1 from every bag of Care to Become sold will be donated to Gender Affirming Care Nova Scotia, along with all drip coffee sales on Community Cups days during the period from January to March 2023.
All drip coffee sales from the following Community Cups Days will be donated to GACNS, along with $1 from every bag of "CARE TO BECOME" sold.
January 18 (Wednesday) - Gourmet Coffee Day
February 20 (Monday) - World Day of Social Justice
March 30 (Thursday) - International Transgender Day of Visibility
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We will be pairing each of the coffee courses with complimenting taste experiences to enhance and further understand the world of specialty coffee.
This is an experiential as well as an educational evening for coffee lovers, and those who want to learn more about the world of artisanal coffees.
Please reserve your tickets online, as there are limited number of seats per session.
Lead: Alex Lee
Date:
Time: 5:30pm
Address: 50 Gary Martin Dr #140 Cortado Tasting Room, Bedford, NS B4B 0P9
*Capacity 6
To reserve tickets, please click here.
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Tell us about Out of the Cold Community Association!
Out of the Cold is a grassroots non-profit rooted in harm reduction and anti-oppressive practice. They operate two low-barrier supported housing communities, one in Halifax and one in Dartmouth, grounded in dignified, person-centred and harm-reduction oriented supports. The core of what they offer is long-term, reliable, safe, and stable housing for those who have experienced chronic homelessness.
Out of the Cold also offers outreach support 5 days a week to the HRM for folks who are in active homelessness and in need of tailored supports. This can be everything from a tent and sleeping bag, to referrals and connections with support agencies.
What does Out of the Cold do and how do you manage to do it?
"We operate as a close knit team who offer care and respect to traditionally marginalized persons. We believe that every one of us has the right to safe, healthy and affordable housing. This core belief feeds what we do. We honour our values and embody our principles in order to do the work that we do. We would not be in this field if we didn’t care deeply for each individual we support, both in our housing modulars and in the wider community."
Is there anything that you wish more people knew about Out of the Cold or the issues you are trying to solve?
"We rely so much on donations to keep our program running. Every little bit helps so please consider making a donation. We also take physical donations in the form of food, clothing, shoes/boots, jackets, new underwear (all sizes and genders), and socks."
What would make the greatest difference in helping Out of the Cold get better at what it does?
Donations, donations, donations!
Visit Out of the Cold - Linktree to see how you can help. For example, it is their first holiday season and they are trying to make it magical. Community folx can sign up to deliver presents in early December for a resident. They support 65 residents and so far. More folx are needed, register now to provide gifts and share your love.
How do you keep your supporters up to date about your work?
"For the most up-to-date callouts, we post on Instagram @otchfx
For contact information, visit Out of the Cold - website."
If I wanted to get to know Out of the Cold better, what are the best ways to learn more?
"We’ve put a lot of thought and care into setting up our website. There, you can read more about what we do and what you can do to support us. We send lots of love to our community and receive it in return. Thank you!"
Learn more about Out of the Cold Community Association by visiting www.outofthecold-hfx.ca/
Join us to support Out of the Cold!
$1 from every bag of Safe Supply! sold will be donated to Out of the Cold, along with all drip coffee sales on Community Cups days on December 10th and 22nd, 2022.
]]>“Aside from the café changing to a Java Blend location, we’ve already done quite a significant overhaul to the menu with plans for new additions you’ll see soon, the bagel bar we’ve launched has proved popular. The location really caught our eye – it’s right in the downtown core that’s grown significantly with more residents to the area and high tourist numbers as people look to travel again.” said Adam.
Java Blend was originally founded by Theodore Sideris in 1938 and has been a mainstay in Halifax’s North End. Growing now to incorporate both retail locations and wholesale, Java Blend is one of the pre-eminent wholesale suppliers of coffee beans in the area. Current owners Adam Bose, Joe Dunford, Ibrar Ul Haq and Alex Lee acquired the much-beloved business in 2019.
“When both parties are excited about the succession and change of hand, it’s a win win,” said Colin Beiswanger, Commercial Leasing Manager with Southwest Properties, developer and manager of MAPLE. “We wish previous owner Jenna all the best with her present and future business endeavors and look forward to building a long-term relationship with a well-known business in the industry in Java Blend.”
Java Blend will assume operation of the coffee shop at MAPLE, complimented by other fantastic food options Arthur’s Urban Market grocery concept and The Mercantile Social restaurant.
The Youth Project’s mission is to make Nova Scotia a safer, healthier, and happier place for 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/ Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, +) youth through support, education, resource development, and community building. The Youth Project has been proudly providing resources to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for 29 years, since 1993.
What does The Youth Project provide to their community?
The Youth Project is a multiservice organization hosting an education team, programming team, and support services team with an aim to further the inclusion and wellness of 2SLGBTQIA+ under the age of 25, foster knowledge exchange/training, increase access to public health services for Two Spirit, trans and non-binary youth, and provide social and cultural programs, services, celebrations for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth provincially.
Our education team works to organize 2SLGBTQIA+ workshops in schools and workplaces across the province, develop curriculum and resources pertaining to 2SLGBTQIA+ equity and inclusion, consult with various provincial organizations to implement inclusion policies, and prepare and facilitate anti-oppression workshops specifically relating to gender identity and sexual orientation.
Our programming team offers 2SLGBTQIA+ core programming through a digital/in-person hybrid model to reach more youth provincially. Our programs act as supportive spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to meet peers, strengthen relationships, ask questions, and have access to information about gender, sexuality, healthy relationships, and other local supportive systems/spaces.
Our support team travels throughout the province as well as offers digital support to provide resources, referrals, and supportive counseling to youth and families based on gender identity, sexuality, and navigation of medical and/or legal systems.
Is there anything that you wish more people knew about The Youth Project?
We have a new completely subsidized therapeutic counseling program that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ youth have access to a supportive mental health intervention offered by a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These free sessions are for anyone who is 25 and under and a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but we prioritize youth who need to receive a letter of readiness to support their journey accessing gender affirming care provincially.
How do you define gender identity? How many gender identities are there?
At the Youth Project we say that “gender is a galaxy with infinite plot points and possibilities” – to us this means that gender is expansive and creative! We believe that everyone should have space to explore their identity and feel comfortable, safe, and free to express themselves in the ways that they would like to.
Everyone has a gender identity, our gender identity is our individual experience of gender, related to our sense of self.
Unlike gender expression, gender identity is not outwardly visible to others. Coming out is not a necessary factor in having a valid gender identity, some people may feel very comfortable and excited to discuss their gender identity and others prefer to keep it private, both are valid, both are wonderful.
Our gender expression is a little bit different, it is how we express our gender identity outwardly - some examples of this could be our name/pronouns, clothing, hair, makeup, how we choose to communicate – all of these elements and more are a part of our gender expression.
How does gender identity relate to a person’s sexual orientation?
Great question!
A person’s sexual orientation (rooted in attraction) is different from their gender identity (their sense of self). There is a misconception that anyone who is non-binary or trans also identifies as a member of the queer community and that is not always true. While these are separate elements of someone's identity, sometimes they can influence each other and/or shift as we learn more about ourselves, our genders, and our orientation.
What are the issues the youth are facing when it comes to gender identity?
There are a lot of issues provincially and nationally that young Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary youth face. Generally we see a lot of barriers in relation to gender affirming and trans competent care - there are long wait times for care and we see trans healthcare being siloed as a specialist issue instead of general care provision and we believe this to be stigmatizing, isolating, and a huge contributor to longer waiting times and less active support.
We also see a critical need for culturally relevant, trauma-informed, gender affirming mental health support that is accessible and safer for youth to access. There is a lack of trans competent mental health support and this is increasingly dangerous and difficult for our community.
We also see the ways in which the current housing crisis and discriminatory hiring practices directly impacts and further marginalizes trans youth as their access to stable and safer housing, employment, and food security is further compromised.
It is also so important that youth who are exploring their gender identity have access to supportive adults who hold similar/parallel identities. This is important so youth have access to representative support as well as the space to imagine what their lives could look like in the future. We understand representation and representative supports as active harm reduction and a fundamental element of social development for queer and trans youth.
There are so many terms gender identity and sexual orientation, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and ally youth, LGBTQ, 2STGNC, etc. How should the youth address and express themselves in public and feel safe?
There are so many brilliant and beautiful identities, at the YP we use the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/ Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, +) with the plus referring to all of the other identites that are not captured in that version of the acronym. The most important thing to do when meeting someone new or when someone you know is learning more about their identity is to use the words that they use and mirror their language. Everyone has a different relationship to the acronym and different definitions of these big words that can mean so many different things. Mirroring language means that we are not assuming and that we are respectfully following the lead of the folks in the community.
Learn more about The Youth Project Nova Scotia by visiting https://youthproject.ns.ca/
Join us to support The Youth Project!
$1 from every bag of You Contain Multitudes sold will be donated to The Youth Project Nova Scotia, along with all drip coffee sales on Community Cups days on November 5th and 20th, 2022.
]]>NS Young Farmers are 18-40 year old Nova Scotians who want to connect with others who care about agriculture, learn about opportunities and innovation and grow their knowledge and businesses.
Our mission is to support the growth and development of young farmers and agriculture professionals through networking and learning opportunities. While our vision is, growing the next generation of industry leaders to ensure a sustainable future for Nova Scotia agriculture.
How many young farmers do you have as members of NSYF?
We currently have 80 members so far this year! However, our membership is made up of all young people in the agriculture industry – not just farmers. Our members range from farmers and farm employees, to production and sales, to transport etc.
What is the biggest difference between small and large-scale farms?
Honestly, one of biggest differences is simply the size of operation. Nova Scotia is home to farms of every shape and size. There are farms that sell at farm stands at the end of their driveways, farms that sell to stores like Walmart, Loblaws and Sobeys, farms that sell at farmers’ markets, farms that have Community Shared Agriculture programs, or farms that have online stores.
What is the biggest misconception about working in agriculture?
That farming isn’t a viable career path. We’re currently in a time where the connection between people and the food they eat, is often only as deep as buying it at the grocery store. But there are so many opportunities with agriculture, not just farming! Folks are unaware of the wide array of careers there are in food and farming. Technology is huge, there is work in research and development, marketing, banking, sales, the list goes on.
What do you think are the challenges facing young farmers from the effects of climate change, and what support could they receive to help mitigate those challenges?
Some of the challenges would be extreme weather events, and less predictable weather patterns. As well as new pests and diseases making their way to Nova Scotia.
Here in Nova Scotia, there are two big initiatives underway that are focused on tackling climate change. The Living Labs program focuses on identifying innovative technologies and on-farm management practices that can be adopted by farmers to tackle climate change. The solutions developed throughout the living labs will also help protect biodiversity on farms, improve water and soil quality, and, through the efficient management of resources and increased resilience, strengthen farmers’ bottom lines. Another is the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, which is an initiative to help farmers improve soil health, protect soil from erosion, and tackle climate change by adopting beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases.
Other examples could be introducing new crop varieties, and ensuring Business Risk Management Programs adequately support farmers when disaster strikes.
In your opinion, what can the community do to support small farmers, and what support could the government provide to support sustainability in agriculture?
Regardless of the size of operation, farms in Nova Scotia need support from our communities. Did you know that nearly all farms in our province are family run? That’s pretty cool! You can support Nova Scotia farms by looking for local products at the grocery store, farmers markets, restaurants etc.
Ensuring local food procurement in schools, hospitals, and other government institutions is a great step to support the sustainability of our food system. Developing programs and resources that meet the needs of the industry.
Is there anything that you wish more people knew about Nova Scotia Young Farmers?
We are a membership of people aged 18-40 involved or interested in NS Agriculture, not JUST farmers!
How can people get involved to support NSYF?
Check out our website and social platforms to follow along with what we’re doing. You can become an active member or even a supporting member if you want to get behind our initiatives.
Learn more about Nova Scotia Young Farmers (NSYF) by visiting https://nsyoungfarmers.ca/
Join us to support NSFY!
$1 from every bag of But First, Farmers! sold will be donated to The Nova Scotia Young Farmers, along with all drip coffee sales on Community Cups day on September 18th.
Figures source from Canada government website and Canada: Outlook for Principal Field Crops, 2022-06-20
]]>Proudly following no-kill principles, the Nova Scotia SPCA is a registered charity that helps companion animals in need. Every year, approximately 15,000 pets are helped through animal rescue, progressive programs, and rehoming opportunities. Some pets were abandoned, injured, homeless, or abused… but they all deserve a second chance.
"At our core, we stand for what we call the 3 R’S. Rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome. Animals come to safety at the SPCA through a number of different ways. Some were abused or neglected and seized from devastating situations. Others were abandoned or came to us when their owner passed and they had nowhere else to go." - Taylor Huestis, Communications & Development Officer at Nova Scotia SPCA.
We are proudly open admission which means that we will never turn away pets in need. We accept animals into our care regardless of their age, health, or breed.
On average, 500 hurt and homeless pets are brought into our care every month. This is the first step we take, also the first R - Rescue.
The second R is rehabilitate. And this looks different for every pet!
For some hurt and injured pets, they are rushed in for emergency veterinary care at one of our SPCA Veterinary Hospitals or Clinics. It may mean they need lifesaving surgery or medicine to help ease the pain.
Some pets need to heal physically… whereas others emotionally. In our shelters and with our trained dedicated foster families, we work around-the-clock to help rebuild their trust and show them humans are kind and loving. When pets are in foster care, the SPCA provides everything the pet needs to have a comfortable stay – litter, food, toys, you name it, we will supply it. Foster families provide socialization and help build their confidence for a promising future.
And finally, the most rewarding but bittersweet R – rehome.
It is really a rollercoaster of emotions. Sometimes it is impossible to not get attached and although we are so excited for the pet to start their next chapter, it can be hard to see them leave. We always remind ourselves that goodbye is the goal.
We are proudly no-kill which means we do not euthanize animals for space. We help to pair pets up with their perfect match so the family and animal are set up for success. On average, healthy and friendly pets are adopted into loving families in less than two weeks.
Other pets who have more unique needs may take more time. Some pets have taken more than 200 days but no matter how long it takes, we never give up on finding their happily-ever-after.
Our SPCA Enforcement Officers responded to an emergency call and rescued an injured black and white cat from a small community in Cape Breton. It was clear that Phoebe’s leg was broken but x-ray scans showed that the trauma was much worse. Phoebe had been shot with a .22 caliber gun. The bullet went through her back leg into her front leg, shattering the bone. Sadly, her leg needed to be amputated to prevent a lifetime of pain and discomfort.
We had no leads as to who did this to poor Phoebe so we wanted to share a post online encouraging anyone with any information to come forward. Kelly and her partner Ethan had been following Phoebe’s journey and had already contacted their veterinarian to learn how to care for a pet missing a leg in case they were the lucky ones to adopt her. It was almost like fate stepped in! They were the very first to fill out an application for this sweet gal. Even though Phoebe only has three legs, nothing can slow her down.
Kelly shared “she creates her own makeshift staircases to get where she wants to go. One night shortly after we brought her home, she went into the closet and when we looked up, she was walking across the hangers!!! Since then, we keep closets closed haha.”
Dory was suffering from extreme pain when she arrived at the SPCA. She was covered in fleas and filth and the dirty matts on her skin were so deep they were actually blocking the blood flow. Dory’s eye was also bulging out and needed emergency surgery before things got worse.
Because Dory was so shut down, she was in our care for a long time. 148 days to be exact. That is nearly 5 months!
She may have lost an eye, but she found a loving family. She was adopted by a young couple who absolutely adore her. She regularly has matching outfits with her fur mama and she is spoiled silly.
The work never stops. Even with a global pandemic. We’ve become even busier creating programs to help pets and families at risk.
One new program is called Paws & Support. This is a free program for loving pet owners who are seeking safety, hospitalization, or facing homelessness. With Paws & Support, owned pets are cared for by the SPCA and are reunited once their owner is in a safe, healthy space. We developed this program to help pet owners feel confident their pet is well cared for while they focus on their own wellbeing.
Another new program is the SPCA Pet Pantry. This is a free program for pet owners who are unable to afford pet food or litter and need temporary assistance. We supply nutritious food and litter and arrange for contactless pick-up. Sometimes we all just need a little help to get back up on our paws.
Our goal is to help pets, support families, and strengthen communities.
Some pets need one-on-one support to overcome abuse and neglect. Others need emergency medical treatment to survive. It’s tough, but you can make it easier.
Donate - Our shelters do not receive any government funding. Important supplies like medicine and food are entirely covered by donations and fundraising. Your special gift will help heal pets and give them the hope they need and deserve.
Adopt - Homeless animals are waiting patiently for that moment when someone will look into their eyes and see how special they are. Become a hero by rescuing a pet and creating space for more animals to be saved.
Volunteer - We have more than 300 volunteers that help with animal care, admin, fundraising, TNR, and supporting our thrift stores. Come see for yourself how rewarding it is!
Foster - We provide all the supplies you need, and you open your heart and home. Fostering can be life-changing for you and truly lifesaving for pets.
Learn more by visiting www.novascotiaspca.ca/how-you-can-help/
Join us to support SPCA!
$1 from every bag of Toe Beans! and Dog City sold, $3 from every bundle sold will be donated to The Nova Scotia SPCA, along with all drip coffee sales on Community Cups day on August 8th and 26th.
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Rainbow Refugee Association was founded in 2011, by a group of community members who wanted to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQI+ refugees. After two years, and $12,000 fundraised, RRANS was able to welcome the first LGBTQI+ refugee sponsored through us to Nova Scotia.
Since then, we have been able to assist almost 30 individuals, couples, and families in resettling in Nova Scotia. We want to continue doing this work, and grow our impact!
The Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia is volunteer-driven, grassroots, registered non-profit society that makes possible LGBTQI+ refugee resettlement, and supports safer communities of belonging, through advocacy, education and sponsorship.
"First and foremost, we are a community-driven organization that works to sponsor, resettle, and support LGBTQI+ refugees. What this typically looks like is providing a year of settlement support and financial support to newly arrived LGBTQI+ newcomers. We let individuals lead their own resettlement process, and tell us what is important to them - including housing, employment, leisure, health, education, and more, and we assist them to move from surviving to thriving.
We do this through the generous support of our community - both financially, and through volunteering. Our work is made possible by the contributions of individuals, community groups and organizations. We have a deep history of being volunteer run and driven, and this continues today, through our Circles of Care volunteer resettlement program.
RRANS provides support to newcomers through a Circle of Care volunteer resettlement model - building up a support network (4 - 5 volunteers) around newly arrived newcomers. Some of the duties volunteers can anticipate as part of these Circles of Care is to assist with orienting newcomers to life in Nova Scotia (e.g. navigating the bus system, setting up a bank account), and building community connections (e.g. volunteering, meeting new people, exploring the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, etc.)"
Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia is the only registered non-profit society dedicated to LGBTQI+ refugee resettlement and support in Atlantic Canada.
LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable because of systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. Displaced from their home countries and unable to find safety, your help is needed so that they can build a life and thrive, as who they are.
The average cost of sponsoring an LGBTQI+ and supporting them through their first year of resettlement is $15,000.
Settlement support for LGBTQI+ refugees includes, but is not limited to: housing support, education support, employment support, systems navigation, individual advocacy, orienting to life in Canada, and fostering social and community connections.
RRANS is developing a Circles of Care volunteer resettlement model to train volunteers to feel competent and confident in providing hands-on settlement support, while building a community circle of support and care around newly arrived LGBTQI+ refugees.
“I realize these are EXTREMELY jargon-y however, and am happy to break down/ explain any of them.” - Rhiannon Makohoniuk, Executive Director at RRANS.
RRANS works with a coalition of LGBTQI+ refugee serving organizations (the Rainbow Coalition for Refuge), including Rainbow Railroad, Capital Rainbow Refuge, AGIR Montreal, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, End of the Rainbow Foundation, and Rainbow Refugee Society Vancouver. This coalition advocates for better rights, pathways to resettlement, and supports for LGBTQI+ newcomers in Canada, or looking to resettle in Canada.
This year, some of the advocacy priorities for this coalition include:
The North Grove is a dynamic community hub located in the heart of Dartmouth North, one of our city’s most challenged communities. Our family and community food centre offer programs, services and space for people to connect through family support, food and friendship. We strive to create supportive space for learning and community connections to form and grow.
With a population of almost 13,000, Dartmouth North has the highest poverty rate in the municipality (33%). Almost one in every two of children in Dartmouth North are living in poverty and 58% of families are lone parent households. The community is also home to more seniors, living alone, than any other area in Halifax’s Regional Municipality with almost half of its residents living on their own.
“So much happens at The North Grove! Through our hub model, community members of all ages are able to connect with us and our partner organizations. For instance, in the summer our Community Farm becomes a hive of activity with food and family programs for toddlers to seniors and everyone in between! It is alive with Community Gardeners trading tips, farm volunteers harvesting vegetables for community meals, kids in Sunshine Gang playing in the Children’s Discovery Garden, Peer Advocates offering drop-in, and people sitting around the picnic tables just having a chat and a rest.” - Abi Hodson, Communications & Partnership Coordinator
The North Grove’s Community Action Office is a hub of activity. Staff and Peer Advocates work with participants on everything from filling out forms and navigating tenancy rights to organizing voter engagement campaigns like Speak Up! Show Up!
While many things have changed in the past two years, the work of the Community Action Office has been continuous and responsive to community needs. In 2021 the office received more than 565 visits from participants for support with taxes, peer support, community action appointments, and workshops. We also welcomed four Peer Advocates to the team and engaged participants in two Speak Up! Show Up! voter engagement campaigns.
“It’s really cool to be present as people advocate for themselves and each other.” -Tammy Shields, Community Action Coordinator
]]>
We had the pleasure of chatting with Erica on their team, and learning all about their organization and how we can help them more!
Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered organization that provides moving and storage services at no cost to people who are fleeing abuse. As the only service of its kind in Canada, we are powered by over 2,000 volunteers across the country and operate chapters in Greater Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, Montreal, Nova Scotia and Vancouver.
The Nova Scotia chapter launched in 2019 and to date has completed over 400 moves in the Halifax Regional Municipality, South Shore and Annapolis Valley.
Shelter Movers helps eliminate the financial and logistical burdens associated with moving by creating a safe space to collect, transport and store survivors’ belongings. We collaborate with local businesses and community services (shelters, police, social services, etc.) who refer clients that have decided to leave an abuser, and have a safer place to go. Shelter Movers makes all the arrangements to move and store survivors’ belongings, including vehicle rentals, a team of volunteer movers/drivers, private security or police escort, storage space, pet fostering and language interpreters.
Our small staff team is supported by over 270 trauma-informed volunteers who volunteer through both in-person roles (mover/driver) and virtual ones (fund development, marketing and communications, volunteer recruitment, administrative positions, etc.). With the support of volunteers and our community partners who donate moving supplies, vehicles, storage space and security services, Shelter Movers Nova Scotia is able to move an average of 14 families per month.
Survivors face the prospect of losing everything they own when they decide to leave an abusive situation. Moving and storing one’s belongings is expensive, logistically complicated and often dangerous. That’s where Shelter Movers fits in. We remove the financial, logistical and safety burdens a survivor would otherwise be faced with when fleeing violence.
Shelter Movers Nova Scotia is active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Shelter Movers brings together a community of individuals dedicated to ending gender-based violence. If somebody is interested in learning more about our organization or how they can get involved, they can visit our website www.sheltermovers.com. From there you can read blog posts written from our chapters across the country, contact us to become a volunteer or make a donation online.
We believe that everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence. Whether you are interested in offering your time or resources - there’s a place for you at Shelter Movers!
The best way to get to know Shelter Movers better is to get involved! We have a fantastic community of volunteers, donors and business partners in the HRM, South Shore and Annapolis Valley who are passionate about supporting survivors of abuse.
To find out the most suited way for you to get involved, visit our website or email our team at volunteerns@sheltermovers.com.
]]>Todos al Agua works collaboratively to develop and implement solutions in four primary axes: Community, Soil, Forests, and Water. It has achieved amazing results, supporting communities in securing a more prosperous and sustainable future.
Brewtiful Future is available online, at our North Street Café, Cortado Tasting Room, and Pete’s locations in Downtown Halifax and Bedford.
]]>As Earth Day approaches, we have been reflecting on how we can be better for our planet, for our community and for our love of coffee.
[Enter the Clean team]
We have teamed up with our friends at Clean Foundation for April’s Community Cups roast. Clean helps the communities in which they work make real progress toward a cleaner future by taking on climate change challenges. They bring specialized teams together to work on complex problems, delivering clean projects and programming for communities.
Clean’s Education and Engagement team strives to inspire environmental change through their outreach, engagement and education opportunities. From superhero puppets to home efficiency, and from watershed action projects to workplace lunch and learns, there’s something for everyone to participate in!
This month’s Community Cups will directly support the Clean Foundation’s Climate Action Grants initiative. It offers youth an opportunity to develop, create and execute climate action projects that will create positive environmental impacts within their schools or communities. These grants of up to $500 can be used to turn an environmental project idea into a reality!
The Clean Foundation is here to make the biggest impact for a cleaner world! Support them by purchasing a bag of BREWTIFUL FUTURE and stopping into the café on April 22nd for Community Cups Day.
Read more about Brewtiful Future and why it’s an extra special roast in Brewtiful Future: About the Beans.
]]>Edwin Nicholas is third-generation coffee farmer in the La Paz region of Honduras. He studied agronomy in university where he met his wife, Maria Emilia. Together they returned to the coffee mountains where he grew up to run his family farm and be near his siblings' surrounding farms.
Edwin's farm was producing delicious, high-quality coffee for several years until Coffee Rust Disease destroyed their crops in 2008, followed by other climate challenges and fluctuations in pricing on the C market. Over the years, he has furthered his education in processing methods and has been experimenting with them to rebuild his farm into one known for producing great washed, honey and natural microlots.
This is the first year we are offering Edwin's delicious Yellow Honey processed coffee produced on a smaller portion of his farm called Finca La Princess Diana. He says that the key is to select only red, ripe cherries and conduct a meticulous process of moving the coffee every 15 minutes for the first three days of sun-drying on mesh beds.
With all the climate and labour challenges they faced on top of the pandemic, Edwin is determined to continue improving his crop and processing methods for the next harvest.
Let us know what you think!
]]>“The mission of the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) is to empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives; and to encourage and recognize the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry.” - IWCA
We are determined to do our part in the IWCA’s mission; not just for the month of March but consistently across our day-to-day operations and growth strategy. We prioritize this in our hiring practices and selecting partnerships.
We are proud to say that our overall team is made up of 58% women, 4% men and 38% non-binary employees. Our management team includes ten incredibly intelligent, talented and accomplished women. We are confident in their ability to effectively run our businesses, challenge our limitations, and continuously push us to be better. Several have moved up from various entry-level roles throughout our organization as they thrived from day one, while others bring a wealth of knowledge from their education and past experiences in the coffee industry.
When selecting our farm partners, we always ensure that their values are inline with our own cultural values of honesty, integrity, safety, support, and respect. Unlock Herstory was made with beans sourced entirely from women producers in the Cajamarca region in Northwestern Peru. Their co-op, COOPAFSI, has provided strong support for gender equity and women grown coffee for a long time. They have a committee led by women in their cooperative that is tasked with financial decisions including distributions of loans, farm improvement projects, and community education.
We are dedicating our Community Cups March roast to Adsum for Women & Children. Our Community Cups Day will be held on International Women’s Day, March 8th.
Let’s “Unlock Herstory” together and #BreakTheBias through prioritizing supporting women across the coffee industry, highlighting the many amazing women-owned and women-run local businesses in our community, and uplifting the women around us who have experienced bias and hardships.
]]>Happy March! As Winter comes to a close and Spring approaches we are looking forward to weekend storms making way for brand new flowers. Fittingly, our Community Cups local partner this month is an organization with an exciting new project preparing to bloom.
Adsum For Women & Children has been providing safe shelter and housing support for women in need since 1983. Since opening their doors Adsum has helped thousands of people, housing as many as 300 people per year across their locations. More still access Adsum’s support in the form of food, clothing and connection. Adsum employs an anti-oppression, feminist and trauma-informed framework while following their guiding principles of respect, trust, self-worth and inclusion. Adsum works with many women of marginalized identities, First Nations women and also newcomers to the country. Since 2008 Adsum has adopted a policy of trans-inclusion, recognizing the unique challenges faced by transgender, non-binary and genderqueer individuals navigating the shelter system.
Last year Adsum broke ground on an exciting new development project in Lakeside: The Sunflower. Consisting of 25 housing units as well as a community space (Sunflower Court and Sunflower House respectively) The Sunflower is the result of Adsum securing $4 Million in funding from the Rapid Housing Initiative. Working with local construction professionals like Cobequid Consulting, DORA Construction and Passive Design Solutions, Adsum is seeing their vision of a net zero, energy efficient community come to life. The Sunflower is named in tribute to Patti Melanson: a nurse, health and housing advocate, and recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia. The name was chosen by Patti’s daughters, Ella and Mackenzie. It’s a fitting name, as Mackenzie says: “Our mom believed that people, no matter their circumstances, should not be treated with judgment, only compassion. Sunflower Court will be a place where, like sunflowers, its residents will find the light, warmth and safety they need and deserve.” The Sunflower is expected to see completion and occupancy this Spring, a welcome addition to the new life brought on by the season.
We are very proud to be working alongside Adsum in recognition of International Women’s Day. This month’s Community Cup, Unlock Herstory, will be launching on March 4th. A single-origin from Peru, the beans have sourced from a co-op supporting gender equality which you’ll be hearing more about very soon.
Housing security is often the most important step in anyone’s journey out of poverty and cycles of discrimination. Providing someone keys to a house unlocks more than a door: it opens an entire world of hope and opportunity.
]]>Last summer we began moving into our new warehouse. It’s been a process! We began with moving our non-coffee inventory, followed by our Packaging & Delivery team and roasted coffee, and then the Admin team. The final piece of the puzzle was the Roasting team and green coffee!
As you can imagine, moving coffee roasters is not a small task. We had an incredible team of ~15 people working together to pack up our green beans, safely dismantle the machines, move them onto pallets and the truck, and into the new space. And of course, getting them hooked up and ready to roast again! Our team included our (human) Roasters, along with a crew of Gas Fitters, Electricians, Roofers, a Roasting Equipment consultant, and a few others who couldn’t miss the occasion. Recognize the guy in the grey cap? ;)
We have BIG DREAMS for our new warehouse. Our hope is that it will continue to grow with us as we strengthen our direct relationships with farmers and expand our community of specialty coffee lovers. This space gives us the opportunity to invite you in to join us as we experiment with new roasts and push our standards.
We can’t wait to have you!
]]>Our hearts sank and minds started racing. How long will this last? How can we continue operating? How can we keep the coffee flowing so that our customers have some sense of normalcy in their daily routine? We cannot let down our incredible team. We cannot disappoint our community.
The last two years have been incredibly challenging to say the least. But we’re writing this letter to thank our wonderful community for not only keeping us going, but pushing us to be better. We would not have survived without your ongoing support, so thank you for navigating through this with us. Thank you for being patient as we learnt the business. Thank you for continuing to support us through our takeout window and online. Thank you for being respectful and following public health guidelines in our café. Thank you for participating in our community initiatives. Thank you for choosing us.
Now, we are ready to look forward! We have a lot of exciting things planned for 2022 and we could not ask for a more supportive community of coffee lovers to surround us on this journey. This year we will continue to challenge ourselves, learn from our incredible team, appreciate everyone involved in creating a single cup of our coffee, develop new and existing partnerships with amazing farms, and support our family, friends and neighbours.
Thank you for showing us what “building community one delicious cup at a time” truly means!
Cheers,
Adam, Alex, Ibrar & Joe
Tell us about your organization!
The DBDLI is an Africentric institute that creates educational change for learners of African ancestry to empower them to reach their full potential. We aim to improve educational experiences, opportunities and outcomes for Nova Scotian learners of African ancestry.
Can you teach us about Delmore “Buddy” Daye? Why is your organization named after him?
Delmore “Buddy” Daye was a champion boxer and was a prominent member of Halifax’s African Nova Scotian community. He was involved in the formation of the city’s Neighbourhood Centre of which he became the Program Director for Youth.
A firm believer that violence gets you nowhere, he negotiated with scores of bitter and frustrated young African Nova Scotian leaders and followers to seek solutions to their very real employment and living problems. In 1971, he was appointed Manager of Province House and on January 1, 1990 Buddy became the first African Nova Scotian to hold the post of Sergeant-at-Arms. Outside of his responsibilities, he was a Director of the Black United Front, a member of the Halifax Athletic Commission, a member of the Mental Health Association, and a member of the Company of Young Canadians. After his death in 1995, Halifax renamed Gerrish Street between Gottingen and Maynard Streets, to Buddy Daye Street.
Mr. Daye embodies the true spirit of Ubuntu. He used his activism, positivity and gusto to make social change, not only for African Nova Scotian communities but for all Nova Scotians. That is a big reason why he is our namesake.
What’s your role at DBDLI?
I am the Community Engagement & Public Relations Coordinator. My role includes working directly with African Nova Scotian communities to enhance knowledge and skills, as well as stakeholder relations, program planning, media relations and general communication activities. I work collaboratively with the youth and research departments to promote learner success and African Nova Scotian community capacity development.
What does a day at DBLI typically look like?
Before the pandemic you would see lots of in person team collaboration, creative ideas, new possibilities and tons and tons of fun. We are a small but mighty team of around 12 staff and we are close knit, almost like a family. While we still encompass all of that, we have been working through a hybrid system of working some time at the office and some time at home. The spirit of Ubuntu is present in everything we do, so we were determined to continue to move forward during the pandemic. Our own research has shown that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected our African Nova Scotian communities, so it is vital that we continue to highlight these sorts of inequities, influence policy change and support our communities.
What are some resources that can help African Nova Scotian learners who are facing educational equity issues?
Get in touch with us! We have plenty of resources available for all ages, whether it be The ABC’s of Viola Desmond (which was made by elementary school children for elementary school children, and we are celebrating its fifth year of being released) to Q is for Quarantine (written by Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard) to our African Black History Textbook and many more. All are available to purchase through our website.
We also encourage volunteers to come experience “a day in the life” (hopefully more than just a day) at DBDLI to see how we work, what tangible things are being done and how they can use learned skills in their day-to-day lives.
Our research department continues to work alongside universities to highlight inequities and that can and will be used to influence policy change.
But if there is a learner out there who feels the system is not supporting them or is not designed for them, reach out to us. We can help. A lot of our staff have experienced inequities within the educational system and within society as a whole, so it is important for African Nova Scotians to know that they are not alone, and change and hope is key to get through it all. Again, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu is how everyone (not just African Nova Scotians) can make a real change in how we see and treat each other.
Can you tell us more about the initiatives your team is leading?
As mentioned, our talented research department continues to gather data and information that we hope will guide good policy change, but we also are very much engaged in community initiatives. For instance, last year we held our first Afrocentric conference (a two-day virtual event), we have created the Viola Desmond Community Talks docuseries (stay tuned for series number 2 coming this year) the Ancestral Roots Summit (trademarked), our annual African Nova Scotian History Challenges, Emancipation Day celebrations and much more.
What can we do better as Nova Scotians?
I think most Nova Scotians want to be supportive allies to our community but don’t know how or are too afraid to ask questions for fear of unintentionally saying something offensive. As long as the intent is positive and the desire to be a better ally is there, then that’s a great start.
But to truly do your part, the best thing to do is to actively listen and to not instinctively go on the defensive. Our wonderful CEO (and mentor to us all) Sylvia Parris-Drummond wrote a poignant op-ed on not just active listening, but insisting upon it. She said it best when she wrote:
“In thinking about all of those conversations and presentations from a year ago, I have to ask, will this year’s theme be building from last year’s theme, or are we entering into February 2022 as if it is our first opportunity to learn through listening? Somehow the burden for change is still, disproportionality, placed on the shoulders of my community. It is unjust that those who came before, and those who have held on and preserved their family’s history and continue to do the work of their ancestors, are expected to raise their voices yet again.”
People of African descent have been in Nova Scotia since the 1600’s yet today, in 2022, it often feels as if there has been minimal positive change to achieve true equality for all. We are still living in a society where systemic racism continues to permeate and touch every part of our society. With so many Nova Scotians raising their hands saying “yes, this is wrong, I will be a good ally”, why does it seem like very little has changed? This is why insisting on active listening is crucial.
How can we support the DBDLI?
You can help by taking part in a lot of our activities and initiatives. We always have something on the go and have volunteers of different kinds of backgrounds. This will help to understand what it’s like working within the mindset of Ubuntu, and hold on to that mindset within your day-to-day life. You can also purchase our resources and share the knowledge that you gain from them broadly. Of course, donations go a long way too.
Take a moment to reflect on where you fit within the “movement that must see structural and systemic change” (Sylvia’s words). Once you truly have come to understand that, the next step is action.
What did you do beyond sharing a simple post on social media? Do you read a headline about racial inequity and continue to scroll past it, or do you take the time to actually read it? What have you done beyond merely saying “we can and need to do better”?
One of my favourite quotes is from Barack Obama who once said: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
]]>The development of the Instituto Hondureno del Cafe (IHCAFE) or the Honduran Coffee Institute in the 1970 was a big push to improve coffee quality and provide support in the 6 defined growing regions of Copan, Montecillos, Agalta, Opalaca, Comayagua, and El Paraiso. We find our favourite Honduran coffee producer, Fredy Ochoa, nestled in the Comayagua region in Central West of Honduras, in the state of Francisco Morazan, where he inherited part of his family farm. For generations, Fredy’s family farmed vegetables, beans, and maize (corn). In 2012, Fredy inherited a portion of land from his mother and decided to dedicate his efforts to growing coffee. He planted 200 trees to start with on his 1.4 hectare finca and kept planting more year after year. This was no small undertaking.
Growing coffee is a very hard business and can be an uphill battle in the best of times. Fredy was the first in his family to start a coffee finca and of course, he was very nervous. Thanks to the support of his cooperative, Cooperativa Portal El Edén, he began to learn more about coffee planting, growing, and processing by attending workshops provided by the co-op. There he learned about organic farming practices and to this day, refuses to use herbicides and pesticides. Instead, he uses his machete to prune and cut away the weeds and makes his own organic compost to fertilize twice a year. Coffee is truly a labour of love!
After a few arduous years, Fredy finally had his first crop in 2016 (it takes about 4 years from planting coffee trees to producing a good yield)! He was extremely lucky that his finca was not affected by La Roya (coffee leaf rust, a fungal infection of the coffee tree leaves that eventually destroys the entire shrub) that has all but decimated many coffee growing regions in Central and South America. He takes great pride in his coffee finca and boasts that it is the prettiest in the region, especially when the coffee trees are in full flowering!
2019 and 2020 were hard years across the board. For Fredy and many producers in Honduras, an estimated 30% of the crop was lost due to severe weather conditions of drought and massively heavy rains due to climate change. Although rains are good at specific times for coffee, severe rains can make it difficult to harvest or can damage the coffee plants or flowers.
For us, we missed having Fredy’s coffee last year and are more than excited to provide you with his coffee this year! We brought in two delicious varieties that Fredy is very proud of: Ruiru 11 (pronounced roo-E-roo) and Lempira. You may have enjoyed the Lempira over the holidays as our “Margo” limited release. Now, we are introducing Fredy Ochoa Ruiru which carries many delicious characteristics from its roots including pink grapefruit soft acidity and concord grape sweetness.
]]>Founded in 2012, Nourish NS is a non-profit supporting healthy food environments for children and youth. They work collaboratively alongside schools and community partners in Nova Scotia to foster healthy eating programs and positive relationships with food. In addition to supporting school food programs through leadership, resources and capacity-building, Nourish works at a provincial level to advocate for federal investment in a Canada-wide school program. Nourish programs aim to bridge gaps between local farmers, schools and families; connect Nova Scotians to their local food producers; and promote food literacy and skills through various educational programs, including cooking programs and food gardens. You can even find some tasty recipes on their website to try after your next trip to the farmer’s market!
As for the beans? The Java Blend Roasting team, led by Liz Bishop, has put together a special blend of two coffees. Sourced from farmers co-ops in Colombia and Ethiopia, School Days is a post-roast medium blend with notes of caramel, citrus and sugar cane. The beans are roasted separately and blended afterward to bring out the best in both and to create a blend that is balanced and complimentary. We’re even bridging similar gaps in the coffee community here: the Colombian beans are from the second container we’ve ever brought directly to Halifax from their origin point. We’re making Java Blend history here people.
And finally, we will also be hosting Community Cups Day at our café on January 14th in celebration of the National Day of Education. All proceeds from drip coffee sales will be donated to Nourish NS.
We look forward to sharing this amazing coffee with you!
]]>We have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with members of our various local non-profit partners. We’ve learned so much more about what we can do - not only through giving donations but by bringing awareness to their incredible initiatives and the groups they advocate for. So on that note, we are thrilled to launch COMMUNITY CUPS: Small beans. Big impact.
Every month we will be partnering with a different local non-profit organization and will dedicate a featured roast to them. $1 from every bag of the Community Cups roast sold will be donated to the local non-profit, along with all drip coffee proceeds from Community Cups Day.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our January partner! The roasting team has created a delicious medium roast blend with beans sourced from Colombia and Ethiopia. It will be available from January 10th - 31st, and Community Cups Day will be on National Day of Education (Jan 14th, 2022).
Click here to learn more about the farms.
Cheers!
]]>Luckily for you and your summer plans, Java Blend’s cold brew is ready just in time to give you the boost you’ll need to walk that extra mile to your favourite hiding spot on Long Lake. And, as if JB Cold Brew wasn’t already the perfect companion for all your summer adventures, this year it’s available in cans. We’ve reached peak portability people.
This is a pretty big leap forward for us. Traditionally our cold brew has been made in very small batches and only available in cups. This uptick in production has been made possible thanks to help from Propeller Brewing Co. With their brewing infrastructure Propeller is able to brew, keg and can our Cold Brew at a much higher volume than we could on our own. Members of Java Blend’s production/roasting team work closely with Propeller to ensure our standards of taste and quality are met while exploring new possible techniques and recipes.
Brewing standards and practices are important but, like 2013’s theatrical flop Jack The Giant Slayer, it all starts with a magic bean. We’ve experimented with different blends over the years and we have chosen our signature K2 Espresso for this year’s Cold Brew. Currently a single-origin Brazilian, K2 is known for its notes of Dark Cocoa, Caramel and Citrus. But something special happens when coffee is brewed at a lower temperature. Several factors contribute to the bitterness level of coffee including roast level, origin, and age. One of these factors is the temperature coffee is brewed at. By brewing coffee with cold water less of the bitter oils and acids are extracted which creates a naturally sweeter tasting cup. This highlights the citrusy orange notes of the K2 while bringing out a surprisingly malty vibe.
If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with making your own cold brew at home I have great news for you: it’s so simple! ABC easy as 1-2-3! In this instance “ABC” means “Awesome, beautiful coffee.”
Previously in my piece about The French Press and why you need one I included a recipe for cold brew concentrate. Concentrate is a concengreat way to keep cold brew on hand while saving on fridge space. But we can make the process even easier with this zero fuss hold the muss cold brew recipe.
For this recipe you will need:
-50g of your favourite coffee
-750g cold water
-A large mason jar or container or french press
-A spoon
-A coffee filter
First step is to grind your coffee fairly coarse, think like a very rough kosher salt. The coffee and water are gonna be in contact for a long time and grinding your coffee coarsely will make sure you avoid over extraction. Once your coffee is ground add it to your container and then slowly pour all of your water over the grinds. We’re using 50g of coffee and 750g of water but you can increase or decrease those amounts to your heart's content. Just make sure you’re always using around a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water. Stir it 2-3 times to make sure all of the grinds are saturated. Now pop it in the fridge overnight or for 14-18 hours and let it get to work.
The only tricky part is separating the grinds from the coffee. If you brewed your cold brew in a french press you can just plunge and serve. Otherwise just strain it through any coffee filter into a separate vessel. If you don’t have any on hand I’ve used paper towels folded into a cone shape in a pinch. Heck even a really fine mesh strainer could do the trick.
Alternatively, companies like Toddy offer really cool (hehe) cold brew kits. Our friends, Halifax-based Fine Grind Filters recently released their own cold brew filter. Think like an extra large tea bag but for coffee and made by a fantastic local company. You can purchase these directly from Fine Grind Filters or at our store.
But of course the most fuss free option of all is to just let us make your cold brew for you. Cans are available now in our North Street cafe. Come grab one (or six) and let the summer begin!
]]>I first met Liz Bishop in the Summer of 2020. Cortado Tasting Room was simulating a coffee competition for two baristas and Liz was asked to act as head judge. Liz is someone whose reputation precedes her. Not only was I aware of her pedigree in specialty coffee but several coworkers and bosses had impressed upon me her depth of knowledge, expertise and professionalism.
It’s not often that people can live up to that amount of hype but Liz certainly did. After recently moving home to Nova Scotia, Liz joined our team as Java Blend’s first Director of Coffee. She was kind enough to sit down with me in our separate working spaces and answer some questions about herself and her role via email:
Can you give me a brief rundown of your professional history in coffee?
Started as a Baby Barista 2004 at Just Us! Coffee in Wolfville and continued to move into various roles including Head Barista, Assistant Manager, Manager, Barista Trainer, and “Coffee Specialist” up until the end of 2017.
I really found my people and a deeper love of coffee in 2010 and 2011 when attending the SCA Expo in Houston and the BGA Camp Pull-A-Shot. I eventually became an IDP Instructor for some of the BGA Barista Level Classes and continued to attend Barista Camps as an instructor and served on the BGA Education Committee for a few years.
I began judging both regional and national Barista Competitions in the 2010-2011 season in Victoriaville, QC and various other competitions (Latte Art, Coffee in Good Spirits, Brewer’s Cup, Aeropress) since 2013. I believe I began participating as a Head Judge in 2016.
In 2016, I received my certification as an Arabica Q Grader.
Director of Coffee, Reunion Coffee Roasters, 2018-2021
Started as Director of Coffee at Java Blend and Sine Coffee Labs in 2021.
This is a new position for JB. What has the process of rolling it out been like?
Great. Super fun. Starting a new role does not come without its challenges but there is a special level of complexity where I created my own job description and tasks can change on a weekly basis. It’s all a learning process but I think it’s going well.
What are some things customers can expect to see in the future? Different coffees? Different procedures?
With Java Blend, I do hope to bring in a more diverse line up of featured coffees from a variety of origins, at the same time I want to build longer more sustainable relationships with producers. For example, we will be getting more of Fredy Ochoa’s coffee from Honduras this year. This is a relationship I hope to grow this year and continue in the future. I am working a lot with our roasting team to develop a more robust quality control program that will help to improve the day-to-day quality and consistency of our coffee line up.
Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to doing in this role?
Drinking lots of delicious coffee and travelling again. I mean, isn’t that the dream? I’m also looking forward to discovering new avenues in my coffee career that were either put on hold or have not yet been explored.
You’re working in this role as part of Java Blend & Sine Coffee Labs. How do you approach these two brands differently?
For JB, it is important to know the profiles of the coffee lines and our customers who love them. We want to provide the best quality and consistency possible without losing sight of our values or our history. With Sine we have the opportunity to be a bit more adventurous with our offerings, for example the Guzman line-up we have right now is quite unique! But we all also love a delicious, washed Ethiopian, there is just so much range to play with!
What are some of your favourite coffee things right now? What does your coffee set up look like at home?
Right now, I am excited for fresh crop East African coffees. It is such a wonderful time of year when they start to arrive in the spring! It’s what I want to drink all day in the summer.
Do you want the short version or the long version? My coffee setup at home includes a Baratza Vario-W and a Bonavita 8-cup dripper… and a V-60 with range server…and a gooseneck kettle… and a kalita wave… an AMC scale… cupping bowls and spoons…shall I go on or it that enough?
What would be the first thing you recommend someone get for their home coffee set-up?
A good burr grinder and perhaps a water filter depending on what your water is like. I know this sounds like old hat but a good grinder that produces consistently even grinds will go a long way when it comes to the quality of coffee you are brewing. It’s a small investment that will hopefully last you for years. Step away from the spice grinder and into a new level of brewing!
You’ve done a lot of work on palate development. What’s one thing people at home could do to improve their palettes?
Taste lots of different things all the time. Take account of everything you smell and taste and really pay attention and take notes. Next time you are at a grocery store, pick up a fruit that you haven’t tried before or haven’t had in a long time. There are also a few activities that could also be fun to do with your family or friends that we sometimes do when doing calibration training like a chocolate tasting. Find a few different types of good quality chocolate (for example milk, 50% dark, 75% dark, and bittersweet) and taste them all from lightest/most milk and sugar to darkest/least sugar. If chocolate isn’t your bag, try a variety of citrus fruits!
What’s your go to drink at a cafe?
I usually like to ask what’s on for drip or feature pour-over before going for a 4-6oz milk and espresso beverage. To be honest, I usually go for both.
What’s a non-coffee thing that excites you right now? What’s giving you joy?
Growing food. I get excited about growing things in the summer and I’ve never had this much space to grow in Nova Scotia, so it’ll be an experiment to grow tomatoes and hot peppers out here.
Favourite beverage that isn’t coffee related?
Do I only get to choose one? Wine and beer are definitely at the top of the list. In the darkest days of the pandemic, I considered leaving coffee to explore careers in both. I also love a good Negroni.
Now that you’re back on the east coast what are you most looking forward to about post-lockdown Nova Scotia Summer vibes?
I have a healthy fear of and respect for the ocean, but I always love swimming in it when I get the chance. Also, some family cottage times out in the Valley.
How have you seen/foresee the industry changing as a result of this year?
It’s great to see so many people step up their brewing at home! I’ve seen many shops really up their online sales game when it comes to beans, brewing equipment and filters. There also seems to be great support from the communities surrounding the shops.
The lack of competitions and events is one of the biggest changes. They are like benchmarks that many of us look forward to, and I for one can’t wait to be together with some amazing people and drink coffee again.
And finally: If you could compare yourself to any animal, what would it be and why?
Oh, boy. Well, one of my favourite animals of all time must be the horse. I used to have a Percheron named Moose when I was younger and we spent a lot of time together when I was an angsty teenager. Riding on the trails behind my family’s farm was a perfect way to connect with nature and my love for hiking and walking continues today. Horses are fiercely loyal, dependable, and supportive when treated with respect, kindness, and love. I can see a lot of that in myself.
As Java Blend prepares to move into a new era it’s encouraging to see such a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and down to earth person with a hand on the wheel.
]]>I’m talking about the French Press.
True Love
I’ve recommended using the french press before in my guide to getting started brewing at home but I love them so much I wanted a chance to celebrate them on their own. I really want to dig in to let you know what makes the french press so cool and why I’m so into it as well as which one I think you should buy and how to use it. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do here! Don’t try to stop me!
I think the french press is a perfect way to make coffee. It’s easy to clean and you can use it to make hot coffee, tea and even cold brew (stick around.) It’s an immersion method as opposed to percolation which are pretty big words for such a small blog. Drip coffee makers and pour overs like the Chemex and V-60 involve pouring water over coffee grinds through a paper or cloth filter while immersion methods like the french press or the aeropress require your coffee and water to sit in a vessel until you’ve finished extraction. When making a pour over by hand you need to worry about several factors like how fast you’re pouring water, how evenly you’re saturating the grinds and how quickly the water is passing through to the cup. The french press eliminates all of these variables. This takes away some ability to manipulate your extraction and develop a specific recipe but sometimes I just want to set a timer and zone out for four minutes and I am willing to make that trade.
And that four minutes is really important to me. Because as much as making and drinking and talking about coffee is my “job” and “doing my job” triggers my “imposter syndrome based fears and anxieties” which are “rooted” in the “exploitative and oftentimes dehumanizing aspects of modern capitalism” I really prefer to use it as an opportunity to kick back and relax.
My most beautiful perfectly ideal morning is one where I’m staring out my kitchen window at a light snowfall. A pot of oatmeal on the stove and a french press of coffee patiently brewing as I am wrapped up in my favourite housecoat and the melancholy songs of Haley Heynderickx’s 2018 album I Need To Start A Garden. Maybe my girlfriend is there. My cat definitely is.
But now dear reader comes the second act tragic twist of this blog post.
I broke my french press three years ago and I’ve been too preoccupied with buying trendier brewers like my V60, Moka Pot and FrankOne to replace it. I’m a fraud. I’ve spent years lauding the power of the french press with nary a one on my shelf. Like a Western Canadian Politician encouraging people to stay home via tweets from Hawaii I have NOT been practicing what I preach. And now I’m prepared for my reputation to be shattered like so many pieces of broken glass on the floor.
But also like broken glass a person’s reputation can be swept up, placed in the trash and replaced with a brand new one.
This is a very strong metaphor.
So I’m happy to formally announce my imminent purchase of a new french press and the one I’ll strongly recommend to you.
But first, a little suspense:
There were three contenders for my new french press. First up was this number from Hario. The fact that it doesn’t come with a frame and is just solid glass makes it look naked to me which was a plus because I love that attitude. But the wooden lid, while fashionable, is prone to warping if left on too long after brewing which wouldn’t fit with my lazy lifestyle.
Second was the Bodum Chambord. This is the classic french press design dating back to 1958. Lots of manufacturers make similar designs but Bodum has such a commanding share of the market that many people refer to all french presses as “bodums.” I was all set to grab one of these until my girlfriend (did I mention I have a girlfriend) introduced me to her french press of choice: The Espro P3.
Whenever you’re grinding coffee, regardless of how coarsely your grinder is set, you’ll end up with some fines. Most french presses don’t filter these out when pouring and your last bit of coffee will be a little “sludgy” as a result. Espro uses a patented double filter that ensures this doesn’t happen. Plus the P3 is friggin BIG man you can fit so much caffeination in this bad boy. I’ve had arguments with my coworkers over the stylistic choices Espro has made but dangit *I* think it looks cool and it WORKS and they did NOT pay me to say that but I WISH they had.
Dreamy
At this point you’re 900 words into this article (my word count is always turned on) and you want to know the best way to use this thing. Great news: it’s simple as heck.
French presses come in all shapes and sizes so rather than give you an exact recipe I’m going to walk you through the process and let you take it from there. You are an intelligent, strong, capable human being and I know you can do it.
Start by weighing and grinding your coffee. Typically 18-20 grams is enough for one person but if you’re making a larger batch of coffee shoot for 55-60 grams (this will fill the Espro P3 and make coffee for three or one person all day.) You want to grind the beans fairly coarse. Think a step larger than kosher salt.
Bring your water to a boil and then let it sit thirty seconds to cool down. I like to pour some hot water into my french press and swirl it around to heat up the glass but this is optional.
Next add your coffee grinds to the press. Stir them around a little with a chopstick or a spoon to break up any clumps and level the top.
Gently pour the desired amount of water over the grinds in a circle: saturating as many grinds as possible. I like to use a ratio of 14 grams of water for every gram of coffee.
Give it one more gentle stir and cover it for four minutes. Once that time is up gently plunge the press and serve.
Take some time to drink your coffee and then rinse the press out with a little water and dump those grinds into the compost.
Great Job.
This could be you
In the summer I love having a steady supply of cold brew concentrate in the fridge and the french press makes it so friggin easy.
It’s a very similar process to above but instead of using hot water to brew coffee very quickly we’re going to use cold water to brew coffee over a longer period of time.
Using the same grind size fill your french press with coffee and cold water but this time use a ratio of 4 grams of water per gram of coffee. Stir once more, cover and let sit in the fridge for 14-18 hours. Feel free to play with longer or shorter brew times to make milder or stronger concentrates.
Once your brew time has passed plunge the press and pour the concentrate into your *most stylish* container.
Serve cold brew over ice and make sure to dilute with an equal amount of water. Then have fun with it! You can add any dairy or fruit/berry garnishes you like. Got some mint leaves on hand? Chuck em in. Sometimes as a treat I’ll mix my cold brew concentrate with coconut LaCroix. Just trust me.
You can make delicious coffee of any roast level in a french press. I’d recommend our Breakfast Blend as a medium roast and the Northender for an intense dark roast. If you’re making cold brew I’d recommend something either in the between like 38 Espresso or something with a more unique flavour profile like Costa Rica Red Honey.
Happy pressing! Or as the french say “Mercredi!”
Featured image photo credit: Maddi Tang.
]]>But you’re not here to learn about a beginners perspective on SEO tactics! You’re here to learn about reusable coffee filters! Well it just so happens that’s another topic I am very much in the beginning stages of understanding so I called in the big guns. Specifically former Java Blend barista Katelyn “Big Guns” Armstrong of Fine Grind Filters to answer the questions I’ve determined you might want the answers to.
What Are Fine Grind Reusable Filters Made Of?
Fine Grind Filters are all made out of one hundred percent cotton. Katelyn makes each filter by hand in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. After leaving Java Blend Katelyn took a job crafting cotton tote bags and garments; when she saw the leftover scraps of cotton weren’t being used she began devising a sustainable way to combine her loves of coffee and sewing. In the fall of 2020 this would take the form of Fine Grind Filters.
How Do Cloth Filters Compare To Paper Filters?
Great question! The biggest difference you’ll notice between a cloth filter and a paper filter is that cloth tends to let more of the coffee’s oils through to the cup. This creates a cup of coffee with a thicker body somewhere between a french press and a regular pour over.
If you’re brewing with a pour over method such as a V60 or a Chemex you’ll want to make sure you don’t skip pre-wetting your filter before adding your ground coffee. It would even be a good idea to use a little extra water to ensure your filter is properly soaked and your vessel is heated.
Because cloth filters are more porous than paper filters, coffee tends to move through them a little faster so Katelyn recommends grinding your coffee a little bit finer. “Oh I wonder if that’s why it’s called Fine Grind Filters.” I can hear you muttering and YES I did ask her and YES that is why. Also because it’s fun to say. Fine Grind Filters.
How Do You Clean Cloth Filters? How Do You Care For Them?
Safety first! Katelyn recommends sanitizing your filter before you use it for the first time. This is the method for sanitizing a cloth filter:
Ring out the filter and hang to dry
After each use you’ll want to empty your filter into the compost and rinse it thoroughly under hot water. Make sure to get rid of any coffee grind stragglers and then hang it up to dry. Your filter will hold on to some excess oils after you clean it but that’s fine! Once a month or so when those oils seem to have built up too much just repeat the sanitization process from above. Katelyn dries her filter out on her dish rack but anywhere it will dry quickly and evenly is good.
Another storage option if you don’t use your filter very often or if you can’t dry it out very quickly is to store it damp. I use my Hario Woodneck once a week and my house is *cold* so after rinsing my filter I keep it in a ziploc bag in my freezer. This prevents any mildew from forming during the drying process!
So Why Fine Grind Filters?
These are durable, handmade filters that will last you a long time and make really tasty cups of coffee. Fine Grind Filters are available for a variety of coffee makers. At the time of typing Katelyn makes filters suitable for basket drip, Hario V60-02, Melitta cones #2 and #4 and (her most prized design) a one size fits all Chemex filter. We helped her prototype the Chemex filter and it’s an impressive design and Katelyn’s current favourite way to brew coffee.
When we talk about being more environmentally conscious and sustainable one of the best things we can do is buy local goods from small producers. Everything about Fine Grind Filters has been sourced from or made in Nova Scotia. On top of buying fabric locally Katelyn’s packaging was designed by Amherst based toy designer Colin Brunt and is printed by Haystacks Media Production in Tantallon.
Intentionally marketed at an accessible price point Katelyn has created a quality product that acts as a fantastic local alternative to larger national brands of reusable filters. Filters can be purchased at our cafe or online through our website or the Fine Grind Filters Instagram page.
All Photography by Victoria Daaboul.