"ANIDA celebrates International Self-Care Day by showing women the appreciation they deserve."
Often the term self-care is associated with selfishness. (Grunewald, 2021) However, being selfish means there is a desire to take from others, whereas self-care is done with the intention of restoring your energy without depleting someone else’s resources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “self-care is what an individual does to maintain, enhance, or improve her physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.” (World Health Organization, 1998)
July 24th is International Self-Care Day. The date itself symbolizes that the benefits of self-care are life-long and experienced 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24th of July = 24/7). (International Self Care Foundation, 2020) ANIDA ran a new project involving “Hope Hampers” to make this day extra memorable and meaningful. Over 200 hampers were given out to women who are newcomers or refugees in the Black Creek – Humber River Community. The women at ANIDA spearheaded this project and partnered with Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (EHCW) and the Rexdale Women’s Centre.
[In the picture, from left to right, are: Carine Zamble, Ranelle Aquino, Jade Shortte, and Nikola Donkor]
The Hope Hampers consisted of items that focused on the nutritional requirements specific for women. Hope Hamper items include: fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, canned tuna, olive oil/sesame oil, honey, dark chocolate bar, paprika, curry powder, green tea, and corn.
Here’s what recipients had to say about the program:
“The Hope hampers project; brings us a great experience to taste some organic products and healthy food. It was a big help for the families who are in need.”
“It has a good impact on the families, especially to those who are struggling to provide food to their families in this pandemic.”
“The hope hampers project was unique; because the food was in a reusable bag; easy to carry; and have some healthy stuff that will provide nourishment for the families who needed the food.”
The “Hope Hampers” was just another way for ANIDA to help sow the seeds of change and to make a world of difference.
References
Grunewald, S. (2021, January 22). Is Self-Care Selfish? – Restorative Counseling Chicago. Restorative Counseling. https://rcchicago.org/self-care/.
International Self-Care Foundation. (2020, July 20). International Self-Care Day. ISF. https://isfglobal.org/international-self-care-day/.
Nichols, T., Gringle, M., & Pulliam, R. (2015). “You have to put your children’s needs first, or you’re not a good mother”: Black Motherhood and Self-Care Practices. Women, Gender, and Families of Color, 3(2), 165-189. doi:10.5406/womgenfamcol.3.2.0165
World Health Organization. (1998). The Role of the pharmacist in self-care and self-medication: report of the 4th WHO Consultative Group on the Role of the Pharmacist, The Hague, The Netherlands, 26-28 August 1998. In The Role of the pharmacist in self-care and self-medication: report of the 4th WHO Consultative Group on the Pharmacist’s Role, The Hague, The Netherlands, 26-28 August 1998.