FIDO WITH CARE
WE’RE LENDING OUR VOICE TO HELP CREATE A POSITIVE CHANGE FOR CANADIANS
More and more businesses across Canada are reopening their doors, but it’s especially hard for smaller local businesses to get back on track. So, we’re teaming up with LGBTQ2S and BIPOC local business owners to share their unique stories—and some great deals!
BALANCE FIRST WORKSHOPS
Our spotlight on local business is shining on Balance First Workshops of Toronto. Check out our Q&A to see how owner, Micah Julia Nelson found success by coaching mindfulness and yoga, and by empowering the community she serves. Oh—and she does online classes now.
Q&A WITH MICAH JULIA NELSON
How did you get your idea for the business?
My idea came to me when I was in Botswana on a government funded internship. My neighbors’ kids saw me with my yoga mat and asked me to teach them yoga when I got back. Suddenly, I had a class full of kids wanting to do yoga with me in my backyard. This experience was so beautiful and transformational that I decided to do my yoga teacher training and get an education degree when I returned to Canada.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to support from my family, especially my mom, and Trails Youth Initiatives, a children's charity for youth from the inner city. Trails Youth Initiatives has been like my extended family and my home away from home since I was 12 years. I am now a board member, and I have the privilege to see the inner workings of how to run a successful organization.
How have you needed to shift your business model as a result of the Covid-19?
I am still in the process of fully shifting my business model. Before Covid-19 I was facilitating workshops in person but now I have to go completely online.
How have you been able to get your business involved in the local community?
I have by working with the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment, leading workshops for parents, teaching in local schools and leading online workshops for children.
How have you seen your local community rally and support your business?
It was lovely to see how many students of mine from the local schools attended my online Mindfulness with Micah workshops. I also facilitated adult mindfulness classes that helped to raise money for the Jean Augustine Centre since they lost 95% of their funding at the beginning of Covid-19.
How is your business a reflection of your local community?
My business is a reflection of my local community because it serves my local community. I introduce local students and their parents to yoga, mindfulness and holistic health. I also empower the little girls from the Jean Augustine Centre through mindful art practices online during Covid-19. I work with both the students and their parents. They are my neighbors and now my friends too.
PERKS THAT MATTER
Great deals and prizes for Pride and from local businesses are waiting for you in Fido XTRA. Check them out, only on the Fido app.
LET’S CELEBRATE PRIDE
WITH A CONTEST
Break the wall for a chance to instantly win 1 of 400 special prizes for the occasion. Check it out.
PERKS WITH PRIDE
We’re proud to offer exclusive deals from local LGBTQ2S-owned businesses. Enjoy and show your pride! Check it out.
$10 OFF A DESIGNER MASK
Get yourself stylish protection with this deal on a mask made in Canada.
Check it out.
BLACK TEA PODCAST
SEE THE DIFFERENCE WE’VE MADE SO FAR, WITH CARE
Fido With Care started a couple of months ago and we’re amazed by what we’ve been able to do so far. More amazing are our partners, Food Banks Canada and Pflag Canada, who provide critically important services. We’re proud of everyone involved: the volunteers, those who donated, and those who stepped up in other ways. Thank you. We hope you’re in good spirits and in good health.
WE’VE DONATED $150,000
Thank you to everyone who clicked to show their support for Pflag Canada and helped us quickly reach a $150,000 donation. This, in addition to the tablets and data plans we donated, will help Pflag Canada members stay connected, while staying apart.
If you’re able and wish to contribute, please join us in helping the LGBTQ2S communities.
TOGETHER, WE’VE HELPED PROVIDE
500,000 MEALS
With your support, we’ve provided half a million meals to families in need. That’s amazing! We’re touched by the care you’ve shown. Thank you to all of our customers who generously donated.
And we’re not done yet! Supplies are still running low as more people are relying on food banks across Canada. If you’re able and wish to contribute, please join us.
STORIES FROM ACROSS CANADA
PFLAG NATIONAL
“Fido’s involvement and tablet offerings have come at a critical time when our Chapters required the tools and resources to ensure our communities had access to us. We are proud to continue this outreach during Pride, as we encourage our communities to connect with us digitally and celebrate.” - Omid Razavi, Director of Communications
PFLAG DRYDEN
“We are grateful for the generosity and show of support by Fido enabling health and wellness to our LGBTQ2S+ community members. We have scheduled [meetings] and are so looking forward to reconnecting. Thank you, Fido, for having pride and respect in our quest for equality, free of discrimination.” - Carolyn Hill
PFLAG HALIFAX
“[This donation] will allow virtual peer-support sessions to this vulnerable community who needs it now more than ever due to an increase in isolation. Thank you for recognizing the needs of our LGBTQ2S community and for providing practical ways for us to bridge the digital divide.” - Cyndi Sweeney, Chapter Leader
