This winter there’s nothing cooler than staying warm, so arm yourself with everything you need to stay cozy, including the ever-popular puffer jacket.
Nostalgia is fashion’s biggest trend, and styles made popular in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s are making a major comeback.
But these days, the puffer isn’t limited to Michelin man-inspired looks. The puffer jackets of today come in a variety of different colours, lengths, and silhouettes, not to mention, they have more functionality than ever before! So whether you’re the type that spends all their time outdoors, or only faces the winter when it’s time to commute, there’s a puffer on this list for you.
From iconic sportswear brands to radically transparent labels, take a peek our favourite warm and stylish puffer jackets that you can shop for under $250 (because you don’t have to break the bank to stay warm).
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In times like these, it’s easy to feel helpless or that your contributions don’t make a difference, but all it takes is one small step to make the world a better, more understanding place. Now is the time to use our voices to empower the communities that aren’t always heard and make a stand for equal rights and opportunities.
If you’re looking to make a difference starting at home, here are 10 organizations that serve a variety of black Canadian communities.
Black Youth Helpline
Established in 1992, Black Youth Helpline is committed to providing “primary prevention” in order to help the youth across Canada grow. The organization has three core values rooted in its mission: respect, education, and health. Through its mission, Black Youth Helpline strives to provide opportunities, break down barriers, and develop communities. Donate to Black Youth Helpline or learn how you can get involved.
Freedom School Toronto
Freedom School Toronto is a youth and parent-driven initiative that aims to fight against anti-Black racism in the school system. The program provides year-round school and training programs, curriculum fairs, and student conferences to help create systemic change. While Freedom School Toronto accepts monetary donations, you can also help by volunteering or donating new and unused pencils, workbooks, art supplies, office supplies, furniture, laptops, and more. Learn more about how to get involved.
Federation Of Black Canadians
This national, non-profit organization is driven by organizations across the country that advance the social, political, cultural, and economic interests of Canadians of African descent. Federation of Black Canadians focuses on community building, higher education, health, economic security, reducing racism, and criminal justice reform. Donate to Federation of Black Canadians or learn how you can join the movement.
Zero Gun Violence Movement
Founded by Louis March, a volunteer worker and advocate in the African Canadian community for over 30 years, the Zero Gun Violence Movement is committed to addressing the structural and socio-economic conditions that contribute to gun violence in the greater Toronto area. Through partnerships and awareness campaigns, the Zero Gun Violence Movement hopes to build safe and healthy communities for everyone. Donate to the Zero Gun Violence Movement or learn more about the organization.
Harriet Tubman Community Organization
The Harriet Tubman Community Organization has provided African Canadian youth with a sense of belonging and connection to their heritage since 1972. Since its inception, it has evolved into a multi-service centre that offers culturally relevant and educational youth development programming such as counselling, skills development, summer camps, newcomer support, leadership programs, social events, and beyond. Learn how you can get involved.
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter is a global movement that was founded in 2013 as a response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. With a mission to eradicate white supremacy and stop the violence inflicted on black communities, Black Lives Matter has chapters across the world including three in Canada: Vancouver, Toronto, and Waterloo. Learn more about the movement.
Black Legal Action Centre
Founded in 2017, the Black Legal Action Centre is a non-profit corporation that offers legal aid services to low and no income black residents of Ontario. The services, which include legal representation, advice, and support, are completely free to those who qualify. Donate to the Black Legal Action Centre.
Black Women In Motion
This Toronto-based, youth-led organization empowers and supports the advancement of black women and survivors of sexual violence. Black Women in Motion works within intersectional feminist, trauma-informed, survivor-centred framework to create healing spaces, educational tools, economic opportunities, and culturally-relevant content for black women. Learn about how you can get involved or make a donation.
Black Business And Professional Association
In 1983, the Black Business And Professional Association was founded to address equity and opportunity for the black community in economic development, employment, and business. The non-profit produces the annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards, a national event that recognizes and honours excellence in achievement while also supporting higher education through its BBPA National Scholarship. Donate to the Black Business And Professional Association or learn more about the organization.
The Most Nurtured
The Most Nurtured is a Toronto-based holistic wellness program created for black women, by black women. The programming, which includes community yoga, panels, and workshops, is currently on pause due to COVID-19, but aims to help LGBTQ+, non-binary, and trans women connect with and become the most nurtured version of themselves. Donate to The Most Nurtured or learn more about the program.
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Canada Goose has been launching a lot of great initiatives lately. From switching production to medical gear for Canadian hospitals to ramping up production to widen its support, we’ve seen a lot of positive action from the outwear brand.
And now, the company is launching a sustainable impact strategy.
In Canada Goose‘s first-ever Sustainability Report, the company has outlined five key commitments to lessen its impact on the environment. One of the most notable commitments is the outwear company’s plan to stop using new fur.
By 2022, Canada Goose plans to introduce reclaimed fur into its supply chain, which in layman’s terms, means that the company will be seeking out fur that’s already in the market instead of living animals. In addition to this, the company will also be launching a consumer buy-back program for fur in the upcoming months.
On top of the company’s new fur sourcing protocols, Canada Goose plans on being responsible down Standard (RDS) certified by 2021.
In partnership with Textile Exchange, the outerwear brand will be RDS certified at 100% of its facilities by 2021. Fabrics are also getting a sustainable upgrade. Canada Goose has committed to using 90% bluesign approved (a manufacturing process that ensures the lowest impact on people and the environment) by 2025.
Other initiatives set out include a goal of producing net zero greenhouse emissions by 2025 and eliminating single-use plastics in all Canada Goose-owned or controlled facilities.
“We have always believed in building a business that is good for our team, for the communities we’re a part of and for the planet, for generations to come,” said Dani Reiss, President & CEO, Canada Goose. “No matter how much we’ve done over the last 60 years, we need to do more – the world can’t wait.”
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Is it just me, or does something about self-isolation make you crave sweets?
Right now, baking is at an all-time high, with flour sold out at many grocery locations. But if you’re one of the lucky ones that have some flour on hand, then there’s a new treat you can add to your mealtimes.
Canada’s Wonderland recently released its famous funnel cake recipe.
The recipe was recently posted online by the theme park’s Executive Chef, Dilup Attygalla. Available on the Canada’s Wonderland website, the recipe has been pared down so that even novice chefs can whip up the sweet treat at home.
Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry.
So as long as you have flour, sugar, eggs, milk, water, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and oil, you can easily make the batter.
Now you can have the full Canada’s Wonderland experience at home, complete with a virtual rollercoaster ride and a treat. The best part is — no lineups!
The recipe provided makes three to four larger funnel cakes, which are perfect for sharing with your housemates, just like you would at the park. Stick to classic topics like whipped cream and strawberries, or get creative and use what you’ve got at home!
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If you’re missing your weekly trips to the St. Lawrence Market, we’ve got some exciting news for you. While you’re self-isolating, you can now get delivery from Toronto’s famous market.
During the pandemic, the historic spot has remained open to shoppers looking for essentials, however, new measures were recently put in place for the safety of vendors and shoppers, including shorter hours and vendors offering delivery and curbside pickup.
Shoppers can find a handy list of vendors offering delivery and curbside pickup can on the St. Lawrence Market website.
The sales and deliveries are handled by the individual vendors, but you’ll find delivery options for the St. Lawrence Fish Market, St. Lawrence Uppercut Meats, St. Urbain Bagel, Di Liso’s Fine Meats, and more. Some vendors are available through delivery apps like UberEats, while others are taking orders online and by phone.
While you won’t find every single available for St. Lawrence Market delivery & pickup, there are plenty of great options to choose from.
You can get most of your essentials by delivery or curbside pick-up from local vendors at the famous market, which means you have another option if your regular grocer‘s schedule is jammed.
Browse the full list of St. Lawrence Market delivery and curbside pickup vendors.
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If you’re one of the many downtown Torontonians that’s growing frustrated with long lines to get into essential stores and the lack of delivery windows for grocery shopping, you’ll be happy to hear that a new market has popped up with everything you need.
Based in City Place, the good people behind the neighbourhood Fox And The Fiddle have opened up a contactless pick-up market that carries grocery essentials and booze. “We immediately saw a need for not only easier access to groceries, liquor, and wine, but a way to be able to pay rent during this crisis,” Fox And The Fiddle owner Adam Brown says.
Even though Fox Market has only been open for a short time, they’ve seen people from as far as Markham drive down to pick up necessities.
You can find Fox Market at at 17 Fort York Blvd.
Fox Market’s mission is simple: to provide downtown residents with a quick and convenient way to get fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and more without the hassle of waiting in line or for the next delivery window.
The store stocks locally sourced meats from St. Lawrence Market, fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples and condiments, bagels, bread, and even prepared foods like chicken wings and housemade soup.
Through a special partnership, shoppers will also be able to find boozy drinks like Storyteller Beverages and Bees Knees Gin Cocktails.
As well as sprits from Niagara Craft Distillery, wine from Wayne Gretzky VQA, and more. Just note that, in accordance with AGCO rules, all alcohol must be purchased with a food or snack item.
Through its partnership with Storyteller Beverages and Niagara Craft Distillery, Fox Market is also able to provide a free bottle of hand sanitizer to those in need and who place orders.
So, how does it the market work? Well, that’s simple, too.
All you have to do is head to Fox Market’s online store. Once you’re there, add what you want to your basket. When you’re ready to check out, you can choose the pick-up time and date that works best for you. Then just head to Fox Market where the team has social distancing measures in place, show your order number and ID (if needed), and the team will leave your order on a nearby table to be picked up.
It’s super easy and convenient. The Fox Market team is also taking suggestions for items and is constantly updating its stock, so if something is sold out, keep checking back!
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Supporting its communities and showing Canadian pride is what the Toronto-based brand Peace Collective is all about, and during the current circumstances, the brand’s message is even stronger.
From providing meals to those in need with all store purchases to offering store discounts to those who support partner food banks, Peace Collective always has giving back at the top of its priority list. And now, the Toronto brand has released a collection that directly helps with COVID-19 prevention.
Partnered with Budweiser Canada, Peace Collective has release a brand new collection and all the proceeds will be donated to Canadian Red Cross.
The initiative aims to help support the heroes on the frontlines and is inspired by Budweiser Canada’s recently launched One Team campaign.
In the Peace Collective x Budweiser Canada capsule collection, you’ll find shirts that feature the phrase “Home Team” with the words #OneTeam. The message is meant to remind us that Canada is at its best when we come together to make an impact for the greater good. At the end of the day, we’re all cheering for the Home Team.
Pieces in the collection start at $35.
There are three different pieces you can shop: a long sleeve, a sweatshirt, and a t-shirt. If you’re looking for new loungewear and a way to support the Home Team, this is a great initiative to check out.
Shop the Peace Collective x Budweiser Canada collection.
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Being a parent during a pandemic isn’t easy, especially if you’re balancing working from home and homeschooling your kiddos.
Chances are, you’ve got your hands full. But if you’re looking for new ways to keep your kids entertained at home, you’ve got options!
From puzzles and games (like this free printable Family Edition of Cards Against Humanity), you don’t need to spend a fortune in isolation for activities. Art projects like colouring sheets are a good way for kids (and yourself) to stay busy, too.
Crywolf is offering original designed colouring sheets for free online.
Founded by two artists in Toronto, Crywolf is the spot to go for cute and quirky pins, iron-on patches, t-shirts, and more.
And now you can get the store’s original designs on colouring sheets for your kids or yourself. It would even be fun to make an evening of it with your housemates!
there are four different original designs available: Narwhal, Sharkboy, Dragon Wolfe, and Migo.
Each one is 8.5 x 11″, so as long as you have a printer and some pencil crayons, markers, crayons, or paint, you can add an extra activity to your routine and keep your hands busy.
When you’re finished, email your completed piece to crywolfclothing@gmail.com or tag them on Instagram @crywolfclothing and show off your work of art.
While these sheets are completely free to download, if you do want to support this local retailer, you can make a donation of any size to the shop. All donations will be used to help keep the store afloat during this difficult time.
Download the colouring pages on Crywolf’s website and help the little guys that add vibrance to our communities.
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Nowadays, restaurants across the city are getting creative in the way they’re servicing customers. From sharing their most popular recipes online to adding alcohol delivery to menus, the city’s eateries have worked hard to adapt to the new normal and bring us the good eats we crave.
And now, for those in the mood for Filipino food, you can get a traditional feast delivered straight to your door — banana leaves and all!
Tala is a new Filipino restaurant brought to us by the good people at Tinuno.
Located at 294 Dundas St. West, the cozy new eatery opened in the midst of the global health crisis but are now delivering good vibes and family feasts to those looking to mix up their weekly takeout menus.
Available for take-out and through DoorDash, Tala offers a traditional two-person kamayan feast for $36.
In the kamayan kit, you get atchara (papaya/carrot salad), grilled pineapple, squid, pork bbq skewer, milkfish, shrimp, mussel, okra, and eggplant, which you can lay on top of a bed of garlic rice and banana leaves, just like Tala would serve it in-house.
This dinner option, which is traditionally eaten with your hands, is a fun way to change up your regular routine and spice up “date” nights.
If you don’t live in the DoorDash delivery zone, keep an eye on Tala’s Instagram page.
The restaurant is offering special dinner drop-offs for select neighbourhoods and announces these on Instagram, so a direct-to-door kamayan feast could be in your future.
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With the temporary closure of all non-essential businesses, we’ve seen many important initiatives be put on hold. But during these uncertain times, mental health is important as ever and fortunately, companies like Look Good Feel Better are finding ways to adapt.
Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is a non-profit organization that helps women going through cancer feel like themselves again.
The emotional hurdles of losing hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows and the toll medical treatments take on a person’s skin aren’t struggles that one should have to go through alone. And at LGFB, the mission is to provide cancer patients and survivors with a sense of community and support.
Through workshops hosted by volunteer cosmetics professionals, LGFB offers tips and techniques on skincare, wig selection, and makeup application.
While the in-person workshops, typically hosted in hospitals and cancer centres, have been put on hold for now, LGFB has made its services available online to continue offering support to those it could help.
“It’s a space where women can have real conversations with other women going through a similar experience.”
– Sue Larkin, Look Good Feel Better’s VP of Programs and Marketing
“Our workshops teach skincare and make-up techniques to help women facing cancer manage the appearance-related side effects of their treatment, along with tips on how to overcome the loss of hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. But the workshops are so much more than that,” Sue Larkin, Look Good Feel Better’s VP of Programs and Marketing says. “Many women suffer from a loss of community as they’re going through cancer treatment and our workshops also provide women with the opportunity to connect with one another and truly feel like themselves again.”
Right now, there are two different workshops open for registration online: skincare & cosmetics and wigs & hair alternatives.
With a variety of dates and times, each workshop has 20 spots available to ensure an intimate experience where women can easily follow along, ask questions, and connect with other individuals going through the same experiences.
Throughout its time, the organization has received praise and positive responses.
“In a survey conducted last year, we found that over 95 per cent of respondents appreciated what they learned and 96 per cent found value in the program to improve self-image,” Larkin says. “We know that participating in a supportive care program has real, lasting benefits.”
To take part in an LGFB workshop, you can register online. Or if you want to support the non-profit organization in another way, there are plenty of opportunities to participate! Donate, volunteer your services, or explore the other ways you can help spread positivity and make a real difference in someone’s life.
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