Category: Blog
Technically speaking, he’s our newest volunteer
We’ve been working behind the scenes with a new volunteer to join our team of nearly 600 volunteers helping more than 2000 family members across Canada. A robot, specially programmed by an Ontario Tech University team at the Faculty of Business and IT to both entertain and educate sick kids. Our robot was unveiled at a special […]
When someone tells you they have cancer, the response is simpler than you think
This essay, by Maria Coletta McLean, originally appeared in The Globe and Mail on January 3, 2020. I have cancer. Please don’t start telling me about your friend/neighbour/co-worker’s experience with cancer. Please, don’t say, “Oh, so many people have cancer of some sort or another. You’ll be fine. My cousin’s wife …” I know you […]
Equine Therapy For Kids Affected By Illness
When a child is diagnosed with an illness, they face a host of challenges from the treatment protocol and the after-effects. Chai Lifeline Canada recognized these challenges and began to provide equine therapy to those children in need. The connection between a horse and its rider is a magical bond, inspiring mutual trust and shared […]
Journaling and Gratitude
Remember the good old days when you wrote in your diary (as a kid) and got so much pleasure from it? Why did we ever close that door? Did we mistakenly believe we got too old, too smart or too sophisticated to continue? I’ve discovered that revisiting that simple joy can be life-changing. Here is […]
Small town teacher makes a big difference!
“I found Chai Lifeline while doing a Google search, looking for a group who would take my hair at less than 12 inches (I believe it ended up being that length in the end, but I wanted to be sure it would be accepted). I chose Chai because of this and the added benefit that […]
Why Is It So Important To Be A Chanukah Hero?
In our house, Chanukah is a very important time of year! One in which our family always looks forward to celebrating together. Every year before the holidays, we have our children make a Chanukah list of the things that they would like to get as presents. The kids are usually very excited to tell us […]
Camp Lifeline
Camp Lifeline is a Chai Lifeline Canada program. The need was recognized for local specialized daytime programming for kids who could not attend regular summer camps. This is due to complex medical needs and an increased risk of contracting infections. For two weeks a year, Camp Lifeline provides a unique camping experience. Campers are provided […]
How to tell kids the truth when the news is scary, sad, or bad.
Recently, someone I love shared news with me that I experience as difficult and painful. In our conversation, we chatted about how others she told received the news and she shared that it went as expected, with the other person taking the lead from her. She said she was honest but optimistic, and that led […]
3 Steps to Teach Kids Compassion
Compassion isn’t something that comes naturally to kids. Just like sharing toys, it’s a learned behaviour, and the earlier kids learn it, the more caring they’ll be, not only in their formative years, but also as adults. How do you teach kids to have compassion? As director of Chai Lifeline Canada, an organization that helps […]
Reflections from Our Family Services Intern, Yakira
When I was in High School, I remember a Chai Lifeline staff member come speak to our class about becoming volunteers. After a video presentation which left not a dry eye in the room, and a sign-up sheet with a long list of names, we were hooked on the organizations missions and messages. Never could […]
