National Volunteer Week in Canada

National Volunteer Week in Canada
Here are some of our English Café volunteers whom we appreciate and recognize as wonderful conversation partners to our ESL students. Thank you to all of you!

February 26, 2011

The Healthy Eating & Fitness

On February 18th we discussed Canada's Food Guide and different ways to eat healthy. The group explored the ins and outs of reading labels and grocery store flyers. Guests considered the need for drinking lots of water, eating 5 - 10 servings of fruits and vegetables and controlling their intake of salt. Healthy snacks were served at the break. We also learned that Bernice loves lattes!

Healthy Eating - by: Bernice Voordouw

Safe food and good nutrition are important to Canadians. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet is one of the best ways to protect and promote good health. It's easy to choose foods wisely when you follow Canada's Food Guide. Some tips found in Canada's Food Guide are:

  • How much food you need from each food group; What foods can be found in each food group; Choosing oils and fat Beverages; and Tips for choosing and preparing foods

Click here for more info food-guide


Fitness - by: Debbie MacIntyre

Physical activity improves your health and well being. It reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy levels, helps you maintain a healthy body weight and improves your outlook on life. Walking, one form of exercise, and the many benefits it reaps, was discussed. A few exercises were demonstrated by the guests and volunteers. Also some exercises were demonstrated using a Pilates ball.

February 07, 2011

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

By: Elsie Siemens.

Valentine's Day is celebrated on Feb. 14. We celebrate by giving flowers, gifts and cards to those we love. We do this to honor Saint Valentine.
One legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with the jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first "Valentine" himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it "Your Valentine", words still used on cards today.
There are many valentine symbols such as: apple, harp, cupid, rose , Love Knot, and Love birds and doves, but the most common one is a heart. Love blooms when two hearts meet!
On Friday we shared how we met our "life's partner" and what characteristics we look for in a life's partner.
We played a game where each person picked the name of someone in the group, gave him or her a special wish and a small chocolate heart. Debbie and Chris brought Valentine snacks.