Cheers &Jeers
CHEERS: HELPING UKRAINIANS As people watch what is happening in Ukraine, it can make you feel helpless. But there are people in southwestern Nova Scotia who have given others the opportunity to feel helpful through fundraisers in support of the Red Cross's Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
Over the weekend, Digby County resident Diane Axent – with the help of volunteers and generous donors – hosted a workshop in which she taught people the art of Ukrainian Pysanky eggs. Ancient Ukraine legend believes Pysanky replaces evil with good in the world.
Monetary donations from the public were also accepted.
Later this month, Yarmouth County resident Candice Phibbs is holding a fundraiser in which she is selling perogies and chrusicki – both of which are traditional Ukrainian dishes. Weeks in advance, her fundraiser sold out.
Both women have family ties to Ukraine. Asked in Digby over the weekend why people had taken part in the Pysanky workshop, many told us they just wanted to do something to help the people of Ukraine.
It's nice to see them given that chance.
JEERS: FRAUDS AND SCAMS
According to the RCMP, frauds and scams are on the rise across Canada, including in Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says
Nova Scotians lost more than $2.5 million to fraudsters in 2021. This was up from just over $790,000 in 2020, which represents a rise of 331 per cent. It marks the highest yearly recorded financial losses to Nova Scotians in the history of the centre.
March is Fraud Prevention Month and the RCMP are reminding people of ways they can avoid being a victim to a fraud or scam. Top tips include:
• Don't give personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn't expect.
• Resist the pressure to act immediately when being pressured to make decisions.
• Never send cryptocurrency or gift cards for payment. Government agencies or police forces will never pressure individuals to pay or demand gift cards or cryptocurrency to pay.
If someone suspects they have been a victim of fraud, contact your local RCMP detachment.
Stay vigilant folks.
CHEERS: IWK CHAMPION
The IWK in Nova Scotia has made a nice choice in selecting Shelburne County youngster Katie Hallett as the province's 2022 IWK Champion.
Katie will be the face of the IWK, and she and her family will be advocating for donations by sharing her story.
This family is well aware of the importance of the children's hospital. After being born, Katie was diagnosed with Laryngeal Cleft Type IV, a condition causing life-threatening respiratory and feeding issues. She spent 630 days at the IWK, has had countless surgeries, and has benefited from the care extended there, and also the medical equipment that fundraising has helped to purchase.
Her mother says they are incredibly proud of Katie's strength and resiliency as the 10-yearold continues to power through every obstacle she faces.
We are too. You've always been a champion, Katie.