• Education,  Resources

    Eight non-fiction books that highlight women and their strengths

    Real stories about women, written by women. Courtesy of rdne stock project  Danielle McNally, has been the full-time events coordinator at her father’s iconic Toronto bookstore Ben McNally’s since it opened in 2007 and recommends these newish female-centric titles. They range in genres from historic to political, to personal and anthological:   1.​​ Overture of Hope by Isabel Vincent  In Overture of Hope, Canadian investigative journalist Isabel Vincent, chronicles the lives of two unassuming British sisters, Louise and Ida Cook, who used their fanatical obsession with all things opera as a cover to rescue 29 Jewish people from Hitler’s holocaust wrath.    2. Unearthing by Kyo Maclear  From essayist and novelist Kyo…

  • Lifestyle & Family

    Celebrating women in the literary arts

    Ontarian women who have made waves in the literary arts. Courtesy of ksenia chernaya  Ontario is a fertile ground for cultivating literary brilliance. Throughout history, women in Ontario have played pivotal roles in shaping the literary arts scene and making important contributions to literature and poetry. From literary pioneers to contemporary trailblazers, Ontario’s literary landscape has been enriched by the creative genius of these exceptional women.   Women in Ontario have not only made their mark as individual writers but have also contributed to the establishment of literary organizations and initiatives that empower aspiring writers. Organizations like the Ontario Writers’ Conference and the Toronto International Festival of Authors have provided platforms…

  • Business

    The Give and Grow: Where sports and nature collide

    The Toronto-based small business combining gardening, basketballs and community outreach. During the bleak days of the early pandemic, many looking for escape or distraction found solace in starting new hobbies, FaceTiming loved ones or starting a new project. One of those pandemic projects became The Give and Grow. The Toronto-based company was founded by Olivia Ho, a healthcare worker with a love for everything basketball-related. Ho also coaches youth as a Sport Program Lead at MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) LaunchPad. The Give and Grow puts an athletic spin on interior decoration. Ho dreamed of combining her passion for basketball and love of nature into a single product, and…