Now, 12 years later, Global Medic (GM) has grown into a respected emergency relief organization as part of the David McAntony Gibson Foundation.

“I was out in Nepal for some disaster work and came home to [David’s] funeral frustrated with the way the aid system works, so I set something up more efficient and named the charity after him in his honour,” Singh says.

At 39, Singh recently gained recognition from TIME Magazine, appearing alongside the likes of Bill Clinton in the magazine’s annual “100 Most Influential People” feature. Speaking about the nomination in the National Post in April 2010, he said the upcoming nominee gala was an opportunity to “work the room” and gain support from wealthy donators.

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“We got some people on board and built our network,” he says of the gala. “But I’m not Madonna; I gotta use charm and I’m a little low on that,” he says humbly.

For the blurb alongside his sketched face in TIME, the prime minister of Haiti extended his everlasting gratitude for GM’s quick and effective work. “Singh and his group of volunteers wasted no time in arriving in Port-au-Prince and setting about providing clean drinking water,” he wrote.

Most importantly, Singh’s team ensured local Haitians were able to treat the water themselves by providing hands-on training. “It’s the methodology we’ve used for years,” he says. “It’s better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. [With the locals help], we distributed close to a million litres of water a week.”

Singh landed in Haiti as part of GM’s first team, and after four weeks of 18-hour days, he says he just wanted to “come home, puke, and sleep for a few days.” His team wasn’t able to work at night for security reasons. “Once we got in there it was a horror show,” he says. “At night, the gunfire and screaming beyond our compound walls really hammered it home. [Worse was when] you came out the next day and saw bodies that hadn’t been killed by the earthquake – these guys were tied up naked and shot in the head.”

Despite the gruesome work environment, Singh was determined to deliver aid to those in need and joined GM’s fourth, fifth and even their sixth team. He manages to juggle his Toronto paramedic job and selfless volunteer work because “his [Toronto paramedic] department is so great and understanding.”

As for all the recognition his work has brought, he says, “The media says ‘good for you,’ but it’s nothing about me. It’s all worth it when a three-year-old is getting clean water and you’re like, this kid has a shot now.” www.globalmedic.ca

Somewhere across the world, help is the shared sentiment of a total stranger who is suffering from acute kidney failure, fed up with the nauseating and weakening dialysis treatments, and scared of the average eight- to 10-year wait period for a healthy kidney transplant (most dialysis patients die in half that time). When the pain of any unhealthy organ becomes anywhere from noticeable to unbearable, individuals may feel inclined to search for ulterior motives of survival. Restoration of their depreciating health is the ultimate end result. The question is, at what cost?

In the middle of these two distant, deprived worlds lie the illegal organ traffickers, the brokers, and the doctors. These law breakers continue to function knowing that the law of the land in almost every developed country makes it illegal to sell an organ for money or gifts of any kind. The most abused loophole is the claim that the person donating their organ is doing so for altruistic reasons, nothing more. Small-time brokers in this seedy business are caught every year and charged for fraud.

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A million people are diagnosed with kidney failure each year. The gap between demand and supply continues to widen, which makes illegal trafficking another lucrative cog in the black market’s almost unstoppable evil machine.

The World Health Organization, with the help of “Organ Watch” at Berkley University California, estimated that one-fifth of the 70,000 “legal” kidney transplants that occurred last year came from the black market. The majority of these backdoor deals occur in China and India, poverty stricken countries like Moldova, and places throughout Central and South America. People are lured into selling their kidneys for as little as $2,500 US. The weak, especially those with families, are the ones that organ traffickers regard as three-legged dears (an easy kill). Organ traffickers will cheat, maim and murder humans for their fresh organs. In 2009, The New York Times reported that in some cases, Indians were forced to give up an organ at gun point without compensation.

Whether it is a piece of liver, an eye, a lung or a kidney, the poor who try to better the quality of their life and their children’s lives by selling a piece of their body fail to realize the need for intensive post-surgery care that is mandatory in any normal hospital situation after undergoing such invasive operations. In this world, however, cars and hotels often serve as the surgical rooms and bumpy bus rides back to their homeland, without proper medication, double as their post-surgical rest period.

In the documentary “Organs Across Borders,” a 32-year-old Moldovan man named Mikhail explains how and why he sold his kidney. At age 26 he left Moldova and headed for Turkey – the European mecca of black market organ trafficking was waiting for another poor soul and its fresh kidney. A few days after his kidney was removed, traffickers put him on a bus headed for Moldova. Without proper documents, a $500 bribe to border police was the only way he could get through. Were they in on it? Probably. Without the essential
pre- and post-medical treatment, along with rest and the avoidance of hard physical work, people like Mikhail are unable to fully recover from surgery. He never fully recovered and is unable to perform basic tasks. With physical labour being the main source of income in poor countries, whatever life is left to lead often becomes more difficult than the one pre-surgery.

The average monthly wage in Moldova is $50. It’s no wonder, then, that it leads all European countries in unsanctioned surgeries for cash – and the numbers never accurately portray the true amount of people who go under the illegal knife, due to the fact that people are ashamed to admit to their doctors that they have undergone a backdoor surgery. For $2,500, Mikhail learned that shortcuts in life often make for regrettable decisions. He is now at the mercy of a welfare system that pays him $20 a month.

Globally, the demand for healthy organs of any kind exceeds supply. This is where things get dirty, and the players on the black market profit through whatever means necessary. The ethical dilemma is to wait for a kidney or cross the border and enter the world of kidney trafficking. Even after dishing out tens of thousands of dollars – as much as $150,000 for a healthy kidney – there are no guarantees. Each year, thousands of people die on the operating table or from a kidney that is diseased (hepatitis B being the major contributing factor to fatalities occurring after a kidney is successfully transplanted.) Parents in search of the answers to their financial woes and inspired to give their children an opportunity to thrive, even in the face of certain pain, are dying every day around the world and leaving their children with nothing.

Time is against the sick, money changes lives forever, and solutions can prove to be deadly. The desperation of someone faced with a fatal illness will undoubtedly force them to acknowledge the temptation that the world of illegal global organ trafficking is offering.

All it really takes is a little x in the organ donor box on the back of your driver’s license to make a change. Take the time to visit www.giftoflife.on.ca and see what a difference you could make in someone’s life here in North America and abroad. That little x can help put an end to illegal organ trafficking. It doesn’t cost you anything and it might save someone else a lot of money, not to mention the life of a mother or father and even a child in a third world country. Also, for a gripping account that digs deep into the black market’s organ and human trafficking ring, be sure to check out Ernie Hunt’s new novel, “Trading in Humans – An abhorrent crime against all civilization.”

With its 2009 revenue of more than $400 billion US, Wal-Mart decided last year to remove hundreds of familiar products in an effort to tidy up shelves. But customers in a slowly recovering economy began to look elsewhere for their favourite brands; resulting in the world’s largest retailer suffering four straight quarters of revenue decline  – a first in its company history. Reports reveal that Wal-Mart acknowledges that the move to carry fewer items was bold. It is now replenishing the 300 products it dropped and advertising price markdowns that will continue through the summer at its U.S. stores. With a first-quarter showing an increase of 10 per cent in net income, the retail giant continues its confident stride. “They are the 800-pound gorilla, so they thought they’d throw their weight around a little to chart better profit performance,” says industry insider Darlene Quinn, author of Webs of Power and Twisted Webs. “What they discovered is that the real 800-pound gorilla is the consumer.”

www.darlenequinn.net

As you read through, you’ll come across oodles of inspiration to help ease the stress of finding pieces and products to make your wedding day extra special.

Kodak Moments Having photographed weddings in places like Australia, India, Mexico, England and Puerto Rico, to name but a few, you can be sure Dave and Charlotte will snap photos of every striking and surprising moment of awe and action that takes place on your big day. www.daveandcharlotte.com

Words of Wisdom Express your happiness and congratulations for a newly married couple with a card that stands out among the many Hallmark repeats. The original artwork on the front is bright and eye-catching and the inside is blank for you to write a genuine, personalized message. www.etsy.com

The Key to Happiness This porcelain cake plate with glass dome, dessert plates and customized key and family name design shows you put some thought into purchasing the perfect gift to give a pair of newlyweds. www.etsy.com

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Find Your Places Everyone Move away from the standard name and table number printed on a plain, white place card. Catch the eyes of your guests as they walk into the hall and see their name and table number elevated by a cute, authentic wine cork. www.etsy.com

Dressed to the Nines Walk down the aisle past family and friends in the most enchanting, elegant gown anyone has ever laid eyes on. With the striking selection of wedding gowns from L & J Bridal, you’ll surely be turning a lot of heads on your special day. www.landjbridal.com

Sweet Sentiments If you’re looking for wedding favours that are more exciting than almonds in a bag, try giving out these fun and tasty customized, bagged cookies. You can chose from two shapes and the customized design and fondant options are never-ending. www.etsy.com

Put a Ring On It This stunning symbol will help you show that you want to make your love for your partner official. This gorgeous three-band row diamond ring from Tiffany & Co. will represent your true feelings as well as impeccable taste. www.tiffany.ca

Take the Cake Not every couple looks the same, so why get a standard cake topper that appears nothing like you and your partner? Have customized polymer cake figures that resemble you and your partner sitting on top of your cake to add a personal touch. www.etsy.com

Say Cheese Capture the breathtaking sun and scenery surrounding you as you say your ‘I dos’ on top of the rocks of an exotic wedding destination with photography by lifestyle photographers, Dave and Charlotte. www.daveandcharlotte.com

Not filing a tax return if you owe money to the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) is considered a crime and can lead to severe punishment. The CRA can charge you criminally and penalties and interests will be added to all amounts owing.  Penalties for not filing a tax return or other ways of evading the taxman are stiff. The CRA enforcement division efficiently tracks down and prosecutes tax evaders. The best thing to do is to come and see us so that we can assess the actual amount owing, if any. Our team will then prepare a confidential, voluntary disclosure to CRA on your behalf. This process may avoid criminal prosecution and penalties.

2. My father has passed away. Do his personal taxes need to be done and, if so, when and who does them?
When a person dies, the executor or administrator of the person’s estate must file a “terminal return” for the deceased to report income up to the date of death. The terminal return is due by the usual deadline or six months after death, whichever is later. Any tax balance owing is due on April 30 of the year after the year of death or six months after death, whichever is later. If the deceased person was paying tax by instalments, only those instalments due before the date of death are required.

3. I have my own business and I have my personal house mortgage payment withdrawn from the business account. I just received a call from CRA saying they want to audit my business and personal returns for the last three years.
Mortgage payments are considered personal expenses. If mortgage payments are withdrawn from the business account then the business can deduct those payments as a draw or director salary and they will be included in your salary for the year. These mortgage payments must be included on your personal tax return, otherwise the CRA would be able to track them down during their audit and the CRA could charge you for tax evasion. Furthermore, tax returns will be reassessed for those years and will result in additional amount of taxes owing, while penalties and interests will be imposed on taxes owing.

4. How does HST affect me as a business owner and my family?
The HST is the new tax in the Province of Ontario, which now forces everyone to pay 13 per cent on almost everything as of July 1, 2010. Previously, certain services only charged GST (five per cent) and not PST (eight per cent). This means that everyone will begin paying an extra eight per cent on things like accountancy services, gas, guitar lessons, etc.

As a business owner, you will be charging HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) instead of GST and PST. If you are a business who was not previously charging PST, you will see more changes. Businesses that were collecting PST and remitting the PST entirely must now collect the 13 per cent HST and remove the Input Tax Credits (ITCs) to pay the net amount owing to the CRA. The benefits to the business owner can be summarized as follows:
▶ Input Tax Credits (ITCs) will reimburse many business purchases that were PST-exempt but now attract HST
▶ Savings on your input costs could make your business more competitive
▶ Time and expense saved by no longer managing and remitting separate provincial tax

As a household, while some goods and services will be subject to a higher rate of tax, the tax reform package includes income tax breaks and a rebate of up to $1000 for most individuals and families. As a result, many Ontarians will actually save money initially. Ontario will also reduce its first income tax rate from 6.05 per cent to 5.5 percent in 2010, which benefits lower income earners.

5. I only see my accountant once a year and I am frustrated with not knowing how I did last month.
For a business, it is critical to have an up-to-date financial position. We accountants must separate ourselves from the day-to-day bookkeeping of our clients in order to maintain independence, so we try to leave the bookkeeping up to the client.  However, this means more work for the client, which they do not have time for. Our secret to making your business successful is simple. We have three independent teams that essentially form your internal accounting department and external accountants.  We combine the three teams with modern technology and “Walla” financial information at your fingertips, every month.

Call us at 416-762-0062 to find out how to get a $150 gift certificate and if you have a question that needs to be answered, and want us to post it in our next issue, send us an e-mail to info@accworks.ca or check us out at www.accworks.ca

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Here in Canada we will be able to witness every moment – from England manager Fabio Capello’s stern glare to Argentinean Lionel Messi’s dizzying runs – live on the CBC (the official match broadcaster). This will make it easy to observe the Cheshire-cat smile of Sepp Blatter, who as the president of FIFA might consider this World Cup his baby. It was Blatter’s dream to have each continental federation host the World Cup on a rotational basis. This will start in 2010 with South Africa and continue to Brazil for the 2014 edition (for which massive delays and problems have already been reported). However, this World Cup has a different feel to it. Blatter’s rotational plan to promote the world’s most popular game is theoretically sound but, in reality, many logistical and security issues have come to the forefront. Although South Africa has the honour of being the first African country to host the tournament, that also comes with massive responsibility. In a country where people like Nelson Mandela fought for decades to end the Apartheid system, it is only fitting that he will be able to see such a grand event come to his nation. The people of South Africa fully deserve to host such a prestigious event but in a nation where the unemployment rate is 25 per cent and many people fight to survive in shanty towns, will the flash-in-the-pan attention of the World Cup really change any of this?

Then there is the issue of security. Al-Qaeda has publicly announced terrorist threats against the United States, Germany, England, Italy, France and, most recently, Denmark and Holland. In a country where local crime and security is also a constant concern, the addition of terrorist threats from abroad and African soccer’s internal terror concerns means that a degree of concern is justified. Earlier this year, the Togo national team’s bus was riddled with bullets from Angolan gunmen during the African Cup of Nations tournament, killing the bus driver and injuring nine others. Despite all this, if you ask any of the players if this is a concern to them, they will probably say they are more worried about Spain’s unrelenting attacking play or England’s strength in the air.

So who are the teams to watch and which players will truly stand out? From the moment the first game kicks off at Soccer City – Johannesburg’s 95,000-seat stadium – to the final whistle that will close the tournament at the same venue, you want to be in the know. This can be neatly packaged using the number 11, which is symbolic to this tournament in more than a few ways. Firstly, there are 11 players in a team. Jabulani, the name given to the official Adidas match ball, has 11 colours on it to honour each of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Here is 11/11; the best teams and respected players to keep an eye on.

Italy is the defending World Champion and one of the most difficult teams in the world to beat due to their defensive mastery of the game. Their manager, Marcello Lippi (“Il Mister”), has assembled a team with nine returning champions, which has drawn criticism from the Italian press that the team is too old and slow. The omission of controversial fantasista Antonio Casssano has also been hugely unpopular with the tifosi (fans). However, if Lippi can do what he does best – unite the group and exploit their strengths – then no one will notice the player’s walking sticks on the bench. Look to Cannavaro and Buffon for leadership, while the spark will have to come from De Rossi and goals from Di Natale if the Azzurri want to emulate their 1934 and 1938 Championship consecutive victories.

Brazil are always favourites to win the trophy, and rightfully so. Brazilians play with flair and skill, and they have Kaká. The engine behind the big yellow machine can run around players while smiling (a role he needs to fill since Dunga has left out Ronaldinho). Expect the Selecao to go far, especially since Kaká’s pearly whites haven’t gleamed much this season at Real Madrid.

Argentina’s appetite for glory this time around parallels the country’s love for steak, and the Albiceleste will try to make mincemeat of the majority of their opponents with Ballon d’or and FIFA World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi, leading the attack. Another deadly attacker is Diego Milito, who is lethal in front of goal; just ask Bayern Munich’s Daniel van Buyten after Milito turned him around like a skewer on the grill for his second goal of the game in the Champions League final. Diego Maradona is the team’s coach, which means anything is possible, including coaching tips on how to use their “hand of God” when in front of goal. El pibe de oro claims that he will strip and run naked if Argentina wins the World Cup. That alone may be worth the victory.

Spain’s victory in the 2008 European Champion helped them finally overcome the taboo that haunted the team for years – underperforming when it counted most. As a result, they have to be serious contenders to lift the cup, especially with Villa, Xavi and the clinical Fernando Torres leading the way. La Furia Roja is definitely one of the most exciting teams to watch, with offence being their forte. Expect them to score a boat-load of goals but if they lose focus (as they did in losing to the U.S. in the Confederation Cup semi-final last year), they may be looking red for all the wrong reasons.

England has followed the same pattern as Spain in past tournaments by not being able to close the deal; until the arrival of their new manager, Fabio Capello. Striking fear into everyone, including his players, is something to which the English have responded well. They won their qualifying group comfortably and Capello has brought a serious tone to the media circus that is English football. Despite the unfortunate injury to David Beckham and the sex scandal involving John Terry, if England can keep it together and if Capello doesn’t eat any of his players, they have their best chance in years to go all the way. Wayne Rooney has the potential to win the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals and if he can stay healthy he could be one of the stars of this edition in South Africa.

Holland is the Jekyll and Hyde of soccer. They are capable of putting in class performances and beating any team but their lapses and lack of success when the time is right has meant that the inventors of Total Football are usually in Total Vacation Mode when the grand final rolls around. Despite having produced some of the greatest players in history – Van Basten, Gullit, Cruyff, and even modern-day incredibles such as Van Percie, Robben and Inter’s Champions League monster Sneijder – the Oranje leave much to be desired. In qualifying they won their group by a massive 14 points and this could be the year that Holland, like Spain, finally breaks their winless streak.

These next two teams might very well be grouped in the same category: lucky to be in the World Cup finals. France and Portugal barely scraped through their qualifying groups and the infamous Thierry Henry hand-pass that knocked out Ireland caused an eruption of anger towards Les Bleus and FIFA alike. The French are not liked by many to begin with, and with the much maligned Raymond Domenech as their coach and with karma against them, the 2006 finalists might be remembered like the final image of Zinadine Zidane in his last game: walking off the pitch with their heads hanging down in shame. Portugal is really a one-man show, and when Cristiano Ronaldo is not stopping for a photo shoot during the middle of the game, he’s trying to win it on his own. If soccer has taught us anything, it’s that the team wins, not individuals, in which case Ronaldo has no supporting cast. He’ll most likely make a few spectacular plays and maybe even score a few goals, but with Portugal paired up in the Group of Death with Brazil and Ivory Coast, don’t expect them to get out of their group. Perhaps France and Portugal could save some money and take the same flight back to Europe.

Any World Cup article would be lacking greatly if it didn’t give respect to the Germans. Die Mannschaft have been one of the most consistent teams in the history of the tournament and they are continually written off, to the peril of many teams. It is almost as certain as death and taxes that the Germans will be there in one way or another. Despite the incredible loss of their captain, Michael Ballack, to injury just before the tournament, Germany has the mental strength and solid foundation to find a way. Look to Bastian Schweinsteiger to pick up the slack from Ballack. The country that makes some of the best automobiles in the world is truly the machine that won’t break down.

Finally, the last two teams to mention here are those that could really make a mark in the tournament. African nations have been on the bubble, ready to break out on the international scene for some time, and having the World Cup on their continent could be enough to finally see a breakthrough. The Ivory Coast has one of the world’s best strikers in Didier Drogba and if he can keep his head he could challenge Rooney for the Golden Boot. The Elephants are lightning fast and with the skill to match, Brazil and Portugal might not be the only ones scratching their heads asking, “What just happened?” Ghana was the African Cup of Nations finalists and with the experience they gained in 2006, the Black Stars still have a lot of young talent that could take some teams by surprise.  Unfortunately, the loss of Michael Essien will hamper their efforts but the enthusiasm and leadership of Sulley Muntari could be enough to see this dark horse team cause a few upsets along the way.

These are the 11 teams to watch for, and from June 11th to July 11th, they – and possibly even a few others from the 32 competing nations – will dazzle, mesmerize and make us cry and shout. This all comes part and parcel with the greatest sporting spectacle in the world. If all goes well and South Africa is able to overcome its challenges, then this World Cup (like USA in 1994 and Korea Japan in 2002) will be another continental first and a huge success. That would be good news for Sepp Blatter, whose rotational plan may remain for a while to come.  www.fifa.com

Once upon a time, a princess and her prince lived in a high tower. Then reality arrived with a forceful push, felling the princess to her battered knees. She held her bloodied head up, her gaze in the looking glass reflecting the scars of a hostage.

Shackled by custom or written law, women and girls around the world continue to live in a dark, controlled existence that is often ignored.

From Colombia to Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia to Haiti, the fairy tale of thousands of women is to embark on a flight to freedom – the right to vote and drive and walk down the road without fear of being raped or sexually mutilated or burned or murdered.

These basic rights of life are unattainable for women living in climates of female apartheid, where men continue to dominate. “When it comes to beating women or raping them, that’s not culture – it’s violence,” says Marianne Mollmann, advocacy director of women’s rights at Human Rights Watch.

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Protecting human rights worldwide, Amnesty International reports that high levels of sexual violence are common in the Eastern Congo, while in Chad, women and girls face rape both inside and outside refugee camps. Bruised and beaten, women in Papua New Guinea have nowhere to turn; government inaction has resulted in a lack of women’s shelters. According to Security Council Resolution 1820, between 250,000 and 500,000 women were raped during the Rwandan genocide; 20,000 – 50,000 were raped during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s. “Sexual violence in conflict zones is indeed a security concern. We affirm that sexual violence profoundly affects not only the health and safety of women, but the economic and social stability of their nations,” former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told United Nations Security Council in 2008. The presumption that women bask in equality in the West is debatable – in Canada, a country that leads in the protection of women – many Aboriginal women end up on milk cartons or in morgues. According to the United Nations, anywhere between 113 and 200 million women are “demographically missing” from our world, which paints the disturbing picture of a declining sex ratio and an ever-present patriarchal resurgence. “Violence and discrimination against women takes place in every country and every society around the world. No country is immune,” says Lindsay Mossman, a woman’s human rights campaigner for Amnesty International. “The reasoning behind this comes from the conventions for the elimination of discrimination and violence against women from 1979, and in terms of international standards such as that one, we recognize that violence and discrimination against women is a result of unequal power relations between men and women,” says Mossman. Indigenous women in Canada are five times more likely to die from violence, reports Amnesty International. The non-governmental organization recently completed its global “Stop the Violence Against Women” campaign, a six-year-long effort to highlight discrimination against women in the law or in cultural practices.

“When it comes to beating women or raping them, that’s not culture – it’s violence.” – Marianne Mollmann

In 2004, an Australian woman named Jennifer Birrell moved to Saudi Arabia with her husband, an Australian citizen with a Saudi passport. Two and a half years ago, she tried to leave when her husband attempted to kill her, she alleges. She says her forehead bears witness to this charge: he bashed her with a candlestick. As the largest Arab country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia continues to impose a male guardianship system whereby law, men – whether they are an abusive ex-husband, father, brother or even a son who is a minor – are free to execute major decisions concerning women. A woman is forbidden to exercise freedom of choice: she may not undergo a medical operation, attend school or travel to another country without permission from her male guardian. Filing a complaint against an abusive partner isn’t an option because she cannot go alone to the police department. “The guardianship system in Saudi Arabia, where women’s decision-making is subjected to male authority or male authorization, clearly, by law, is discriminatory,” says Mollmann, who believes that the system in Saudi Arabia “is linked to their extreme interpretation of Sharia law. “Implementing this system really has no place in modern society,” she adds. Earlier this year, Birrell was suddenly deported back to Australia, but without three of her five children, who are Australian citizens. She wept and pleaded with her former husband to not take her kids away from her. “I was so distraught I collapsed,” Birrell told Sydney Morning Herald. “This is not a choice. I will never choose to leave my children.” She continues the fight to have her children back home with her.

Barbara Boxer, a U.S. senator from California, is the author of the original 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which provides the criminal justice system with reforms to better prosecute violent crimes against women. During the annual “It’s Time to Talk” campaign in 2005, Boxer said: “The Violence Against Women Act protects the lives of tens of thousands of domestic violence victims. But the U.S. must also support gender equality around the world, and that means acknowledging that some nations we consider to be our friends are no friends to women. For example, domestic violence is not regarded as a crime in Saudi Arabia. The United States should not have ‘normal’ relations with nations that treat women as second-class citizens.”

“The guardianship system in Saudi Arabia, where women’s decision making is subjected to male authority or male authorization, clearly, by law, is discriminatory.” – Marianne Mollmann

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah recently made headlines when he appointed a woman to the rank of deputy minister and launched the first co-educational system for both sexes. This suggests a less conservative view and cautious approach to loosening the stringent gender segregation that is tradition in Saudi Arabia. Saudi conservative Rowdha Yousef believes that women should continue to adhere to Saudi culture. A mother of three, she began a campaign called “My Guardian Knows What’s Best for Me” when she noticed Saudi women organizing personal freedom crusades such as that of activist Wajeha al-Huwaider, who demanded to cross the border without male permission. Interviewed by The New York Times, Yousef revealed that she is able to experience freedom while practising Sharia law and family customs, thanks to her elder brother, who is a benevolent guardian. She also feels that female campaigners are fuelled by what they see in Western society.

Consider the story of Quebec native Nathalie Morin. Mired in what Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon deems a ‘private matter,’ she was recently in the news claiming that she and her children have been forced to live in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by her husband, who she alleges is abusive. Choked not by the throbbing desert heat or an Arabian sandstorm, Morin has been desperately trying to return to Canada for almost three years. “I cry, he hits me. I laugh, he hits me. I talk, he hits me. I get angry and he beats me,” Morin told CBC News. Her union is not of happiness and love, it’s an antiquated chattel marriage, where the husband owns his wife. She is his property. She is his slave. And just as the right side of the road is left in England, once a woman leaves Canada, she is subject to the laws and customs that govern the country in which she lands.

Mollmann, who has witnessed gender inequality worldwide, says that it’s vital to recognize the cultures in our own country, “or else we will not be able to uproot it. If we don’t speak up, we are participating in this abuse,” she warns. Last month, French President Nicolas Sarkozy encouraged France to ban the burka, as he describes the Islamic garment as oppressive to women. “In our country, we cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity. The burka is not a religious sign, it’s a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement,” he has been quoted as saying during a speech at the Palace of Versailles last year.

Long-standing patterns of abuse also take root in our own backyard. In domestic cases, seven per cent of women are assaulted by their spouses every year. Statistics Canada reports that one-half of all Canadian women experience at least one incident of violence since the age of 16.

In 2007, Aqsa Parvez, a 16-year-old girl from Mississauga, Ont., who is said to have refused to wear the hijab (a head covering traditionally worn by Muslim women) was allegedly strangled to death by her father*. With aims to restore a family’s reputation, honour killings continue to be a worldwide problem, with a 2000 report by the United Nations Population Fund estimating that as many as 5,000 women and girls are killed each year by their relatives.

“We cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity. The burka is not a religious sign, it’s a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement.”
– French President Nicolas Sarkozy

So as the years pass, women continue to be held at the mercy of the state, society and their family, whether they are in peaceful countries or in war zones. However, since 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person [Article 1] … No one shall be held in slavery or servitude [Article 2] … Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution [Article 16].” For Nazia Quazi, the right to marry without limitation was a life-consuming obstacle that shrouded her existence for years. A Canadian Muslim woman who met and fell in love with a Hindu while studying at the University of Ottawa, she decided to take a stand against her disapproving parents and fly to Dubai, where she would marry Bjorn Singhal. Her parents interjected and convinced her to go away with them to perform a religious pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Trusting her father, Nazia visited him in Saudi Arabia where he has been working for years. There, she allegedly met entrapment and violent abuse for three tortuous years. She says he confiscated her Canadian and Indian passports, refusing to let her leave. With the male guardianship law in her father’s hands, Quazi, a Canadian citizen, became a prisoner in Saudi Arabia. Fighting for her right to be happy, she approached the Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and took to the Internet to tell her story, but no one could help her. It was only because her father acquiesced that she was able to finally marry Singhal in Dubai in May 2010.

Women and girls across the world are crippled with abuse, be it physical, emotional or psychological. Their dignity is denied. Since the 18th century, the Women’s Movement has made progress but to say we live in a ‘post-feminism’ era falsely implies that women have achieved equality. While women burned their bras in the ’60s for female liberation, rural parts of India, for example, continues to commit merciless bride burnings – dowry deaths. In heart-breaking addition, the World Health Organization estimates between 100 and 132 million girls and women across the world have endured female genital mutilation.

In a world saturated with technological progress, scientific milestones and astronomical feats, women still do not have the basic right to be a person, to exercise their God-given thoughts and conviction. It seems like we’re more concerned with discovering signs of life on another planet, while the pulse of abused women slows as they fight alienation every day. The 62-year life span of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recently recognized how far we have come, and there is no denying that we have come a long way. Yet it is a frightening reminder of how short we have fallen. In the arena of women’s rights, the absence of social change in the chain of evolution reflects the societies of several centuries ago. “Women are treated in a way that is not one of equality, and as a result, we see expressions of that through violence and discrimination,” says Mossman.

“A life free from violence is a basic human right,” says Amnesty International. Will the entrenched view of women as inferior ever have a happy ending?

STOP THE SILENT TREATMENT. TO JOIN THE FIGHT, GO TO:  www.amnesty.org, www.hrw.org

*[UPDATE] The father and brother of 16-year-old Aqsa Parvez of Mississauga, Ont. have been sentenced
to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Aqsa was strangled to death in her home in December 2007.

Santina Mariani of Zero 20 Bambini: Everything for Everyone
A landmark in the city of Vaughan for the past 27 years, Zero 20 Bambini is a business based on excellent service, quality clothing and prices that a growing family can afford. Santina Mariani and her sister, Anna Turrin, created a unique destination, an affordable designer boutique that dresses children of every shape and size, from head to toe. It’s a massive store with an endless selection of anything and everything you could possibly need for any occasion.

Zero 20 is not your typical, high-end, expensive boutique. This one-stop shop is like a department store for children. Hard-to-find boys’ and husky sizes are always available. ”We train our staff of 18 to be friendly and helpful, never pretentious or pushy,” says Mariani. They give their customers value for their money, which creates a relationship of trust and has been key to their success.

“We are here every day for our clients. If you are not committed and dedicated to a business, don’t even start,” says Mariani. They were awarded Retail of the Year 2009 by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, a well-deserved  achievement.

The owners shop the world to fill the wants and the needs of a Zero 20 customer. “The only reason we exist is to give the customer what they need. We listen to every suggestion and try to accomodate them,” explains Mariani. With elegant chandeliers, relaxing couches and rows of beautiful white dresses, girls transform into little princesses as they try on tiaras, gowns and shoes for their big day as a flower girl, or to celebrate their first communion. For the boys, there is another room full of suits, shirts in a rainbow of colours and ties to complement.

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Focusing on formal and religious occasions, Zero 20 has something for everyone. Baptisms for Catholic, Christian or Orthodox ceremonies command a very large department that has everything imaginable, from simple cotton dresses to heirloom quality silk beaded gowns.  “I’m sure we have the biggest selection in Canada, and if we don’t have it, our in-house designer can make it so,” boasts Mariani. For the boys, the silk or linen suits topped with “paper boy” hats are irresistible.

Each child’s individual style is covered. Popular brands – of which there are more than 50 – include Lacoste, Diesel, Geox, Puma, Deux par Deux, Miniman, and Hugo Boss. There are sales throughout the year and all brand labels are cleared at the end of each season at half price. Join the newsletter and be the first to know.

Whether it’s the friendly atmosphere, affordable prices or the convenient hours (five weeknights until  9 p.m.), shopping is always a pleasure at Zero 20. www.zero20.com 905.851.6041

John Di Vittorio of Vinsanto Ristorante:
Enticing the Palates of Vaughan
With almost 20 years of restaurant experience, John Di Vittorio knows how to turn an ordinary dining experience into something spectacular. “Hard work, determination, and a lot of patience,” is what Di Vittorio, the owner of Vinsanto Ristorante, credits for his successful and highly regarded business. Vinsanto has become a favourite in the Vaughan community and continues to impress with its impeccable cuisine and rustic décor. Customers come back because “they love the overall experience of the restaurant – from the food, the service and the ambiance,” says the entrepreneur.

Di Vittorio is no stranger to the industry, having worked at various restaurants throughout his life including Coppi, Rosewater Supper Club, Mercato, and Crush Wine Bar. “The fact that I’ve had so much experience has prepared me for this exciting venture of having my own restaurant,” says Di Vittorio. According to the hardworking owner, the key to success is being there seven days a week and focusing your energy on making clients happy. Over the years, and at many different venues, Di Vittorio has learned how to run a restaurant and host events that boast perfection.

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The irresistible menu at Vinsanto is definitely an appealing factor for many customers. The delicious calamari fritti or unique Funghi di Bosco, which is arugula salad topped with oyster mushrooms, parmigianno, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, is a great way to excite the appetite. For a main course, there are many innovative choices. From the delicious Agnello alla Vinsanto, which contains a beautiful rack of lamb with a pommery mustard demi-glaze, to the exquisite Pappardelle Vinsanto, everyone is sure to find a dish to tantalize their taste buds. Pappardelle noodles, braised veal, shallots, and wild mushrooms with a white truffle sauce all come together to creatively define the exceptional taste of one of Vinsanto’s signature dishes.

The exclusive and mouth-watering selection of food is only one reason why Vinsanto is a hot spot in the community. Di Vittorio expresses overwhelming gratification for the success his restaurant has experienced over the years. “Meeting so many great people in the city of Vaughan and the community of  Woodbridge has made the experience even that much more satisfying.

The restaurant projects an elegance that entices every patron. Passion, ambiance and decadence remains the restaurant’s motto and appropriately defines the overall dining experience you immerse yourself in once you open the doors of Vinsanto. Indulge with a glass of wine at the bar, savour the taste of Italy with homemade Tiramisu, or relax on the patio while sampling the delectable Antipasto Vinsanto.

The overall feel of the restaurant is appropriate for all occasions and attracts people of all ages. Whether you are looking for a trendy atmosphere to celebrate a birthday or a relaxing environment to have lunch with a friend, Vinsanto Ristorante proves to be the perfect location.

The atmosphere is created with an open-concept kitchen that invites guests to share in the excitement and watch the chefs in action. The main dining area is seamlessly decorated with antique chandeliers and is ideal for a variety of functions. Accommodating 60 guests in the main room, 24 in the private dining area, and 30 on the patio, Vinsanto is available for corporate or social events. The versatility of the venue has contributed to its ongoing success, and has made Vinsanto host of many celebrations and group gatherings.

With live music, friendly staff, and impeccable food, an experience at Vinsanto is anything but commonplace. www.vinsanto.ca 905.264.3991

Paul Walker of Paul’s Boot CAMP (PBC) by Integrity Fitness:
Making a difference, one weight at a time.
Standard gyms are often a person’s first go-to method to shed off those extra pounds and bring back health into their lives. Paul Walker, however, had a passion for group training women – because he found they were always more serious about fitness – and found there weren’t too many group training fitness services available that were able to do just that. He decided to take it upon himself to create boot camp classes and a fitness studio called Paul’s Boot Camp (PBC) by Integrity Fitness, where women get a full, personal, effective fitness experience, both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor fitness classes are often offered at gyms but they are indoors. Walker was inspired to present fitness classes outside so that women could enjoy nature and get fit.

“Every summer, on my way to train clients indoor, I would drive by a farm with an old bus advertising their fresh produce. I thought, ‘I would love to bring my clients here and train them outside.’ I could envision them enjoying the summer day while training and exercising. The bus would be converted to store all the equipment I would need. Even better, I could move the location as I needed.”

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Up to the age of 12, Walker – now founder of Integrity Fitness, professional and certified personal trainer, certified sports nutritionist and lifestyle and wellness coach – was overweight and one of the heaviest kids in his class. Through fitness, he found a way to develop numerous skills that continue to help him lead an optimistic life with confidence, determination and leadership.

Walker’s need to interact with people, along with his goal of giving others the tools and instructions needed to stay healthy and live affluent lives, ignited his idea of creating a way to move away from the regular gym concept with its high-pressure contracts and sales and instead provide a way for people to really enjoy and experience fitness.

“I decided to take more of a personal side to fitness. I guess in the end I’m more of a humanitarian – I like to coach and teach, and this is just the way I chose to do that,” says Walker.

“Everyone has different needs. My need is to help people and I get inspired by that,” he says.

Initially, his concept of a gym on wheels (Mobile-Fit) lacked support and few people understood his vision. Walker initially found it difficult to get his revolutionary method of fitness out to people, but he never let that hold him back.

“When I first got Mobile-Fit by Integrity Fitness started, there was nothing like it. What I built was Canada’s only outdoor mobile fitness boot camp studio,” he says.

“I had to work seven days a week with no vacation and I had to surround myself with people who believed in what I was doing.”

But his perseverance and passion to make a difference through fitness paid off and in 2005, Walker opened Paul’s Boot Camp (PBC) by Integrity Fitness – a first-of-its-kind, rigorous training service for women that features a number of intense indoor and outdoor boot camp classes.

In the outdoor classes, the participating women train in an open field in Boyd Park through a variety of challenging and effective exercise activities and routines. His indoor studios also offer an array of boot camp sessions. Both options provide equipment and fun music, so women don’t have to worry about bringing any gear.

With a member base of around 1,500 and two convenient locations at Langstaff and Weston Road and on Hwy 27 in Vaughan, Paul’s Boot Camp continues to present a friendly, uplifting and versatile way to exercise. In addition to his boot camp classes, Walker says he’ll be offering other helpful services to members.

“We’re going to be changing our services and expanding again,” he says. “This will be our fourth expansion in four years and we’re going to be offering things like chiropractic care, pilates, yoga and fusion fitness. We want to offer different types of fitness when people come in as well as the boot camp and training we already have.” www.integrityfitness.ca 905.482.FITT(3488)

Salvatore  and Franca Greco of Mondo Uomo:
Dressing Vaughan in Style
Mondo Uomo graces Vaughan with sophistication, high-end designs, and a warm atmosphere. With two dedicated owners, Salvatore Greco and Franca Greco, this clothing store has maintained an excellent reputation over the years. Known for creating a relaxing shopping experience in a comfortable environment, Mondo Uomo boasts integrity and reliability.

Being honest and direct with customers is what Salvatore and Franca emphasize as the key to their success. “If something doesn’t look right on them we just tell them ‘you know what? Forget it. Take it off,’” says Franca. Finding an outfit that makes the customer look good and feel confident has been Mondo Uomo’s constant goal. This steadfast attitude has built a booming business, and continues to attract new and returning customers.

Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, Cavalli and Ermenegildo Zegna are just a few of the brands that have enhanced the popularity of the business. Customers leave sporting the latest trends and flawlessly fitted clothing. “When we alter a suit, we make it fit like a custom,” says Franca. The elegant accessories also add a personal touch to every outfit. Mondo Uomo offers anything from cufflinks and shoes to belts and stylish ties. The experts are always there to help put together an outfit that is fashionable, but also reflects the client’s personal style and budget.

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It is not only the impressive merchandise that has contributed to Mondo Uomo’s success but also the one-on-one attention they grant each and every customer. “We always give our full service and that is really what our business is based on,” explains Franca. “It’s not just the product we carry but the service that comes with it from beginning to end.” Accommodating individual needs and different style preferences, Mondo Uomo always tries to make their customers’ experience enjoyable.

At a young age, Franca realized her knack for fashion. This passion pushed her to join Salvatore’s established business 20 years ago, and she has been contributing her hard work to Mondo Uomo ever since. Seeing customers pleased with their purchases and feeling confident in their clothing is what makes the experience worthwhile for Franca. Her charming personality continues to add to the warm atmosphere of the store, and greatly contributes to its ongoing success.

Creating lasting relationships with customers, Mondo Uomo strives to give all of their clientele a personal shopping experience. Dressing young men for their confirmation, and grooms on their wedding day, Mondo Uomo’s fine clothing and impeccable service is what has made them so successful. www.mondouomo.com 905.856.1099

Haigo Derian and Jeff Karadjian of Cupido: Continuing to impress as
Canada’s first retailer of exclusive fashion luxury jewelry
A two-tone Tag Heuer Sports Elegance model was the first watch that Haigo Derian sold. He was just 13. “When you’re that young, it’s tough to convince a customer that you’re reputable, but I knew my stuff,” says Derian, who continues to cater to that same client two decades later. With extensive formal diamond training and years of experience managing his father’s respected company, L’Oro Jewelry, Derian decided it was time for a new venture. In 2007, he teamed up with lifelong friend Jeff Karadjian and opened the doors of Cupido in Vaughan Mills mall. “We wanted to create a concept that focused on a gap in the market – a retail environment that’s fresh, new and that specifically satisfies branded fashion luxury products,” he says. Unlike most traditional jewelry stores, Cupido carries a rare mix of brands from around the world. From DeMaria, Scott Kay and Pandora, to Hermès, U-Boat and Michael Kors, there is a piece that suits every personality. We strive to give every client as much information about each product we sell, says Karadjian. With little else like it in the industry, Cupido has become an instant success.

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Karadjian’s business savvy is a perfect complement to Derian’s industry expertise, which led the pair to create a second location in the trendy Bayview Village Mall. “Jeff is a very creative guy; he’s always on the cutting-edge and loves doing things that aren’t mainstream. We’ve always had a similar vision of doing something that wasn’t the norm,” says Derian, who is proud of how quickly their vision has materialized.“We each bring something different to the table. It’s a perfect business partnership,” adds Karadjian. Despite the initial challenges of relaying Cupido’s unconventional concept to a traditional industry, Derian and Karadjian make it a priority to attend global trade shows and discover new trends before they make it to the marketplace. The pair has lustrous plans to expand the business by opening new locations over the next five years. “I love the fact that every day is different. It keeps things interesting,” says Karadjian.

An inspiring range of mainstream brands is what best characterizes Cupido’s conquest in a competitive industry. While Derian and Karadjian may be naturally enthused to slip on a different watch every day, they are consistently striving to stay ahead of the times. “It’s an evolution. At the end of every day we’re one step closer to our ultimate goal of creating the lead role in this segment which we call fashion luxury,” says Derian. www.cupidodesigns.com, Bayview Village: 647.346.2176, Vaughan Mills: 905.669.8522

Rosalia Fazzari of Tapestry Decor: Bringing Your Vision Into Reality
Whether it is with a bookshelf or a set of customized curtains, Rosalia Fazzari puts a smile on the face of every home and business owner she decorates for.

Fazzari started working as an interior decorator from her home, decorating her own space and putting together many striking and innovative looks. Recognizing that she had a knack for transforming the blandest of rooms into spectacular areas, Fazzari wanted to share the feeling of walking into a place adorned with beauty and elegance with others.

“Working with people and seeing how they react to the transformation of their home is very fulfilling to me,” she says.

In 2004, she opened Tapestry Decor – a décor centre offering full interior design and decorating services to help mesmerize and enhance the appearance of a home or business. Customers can also purchase one-of-a-kind accessories, including antiques, browse through a variety of faux finishes and custom draperies, in-home consultations and full renovations.

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“The idea of Tapestry Decor came to me because a tapestry itself has many faces and colours, along with weaves and prints. I think this reflects all the diverse people and many different styles and textures that they may have when they come to me with their décor needs and visions,” says Fazzari.

For the past 14 years, Fazzari has used her determination to build and establish a business that merges her passion and talent in interior decorating with her desire to help people achieve their dream look.

Lighting, area rugs, paint colours and even the arrangement of your furniture are all elements Fazzari says can express a lot about a room and the people who own the home or business. That’s why Tapestry Décor steps in to help people create their perfect, balanced look.

“People may not have the simplest solutions for arranging certain accessories or colours, whereas someone like myself – I go in and I help them to create that flow and obtain the look they want.”

“Whether it be in the wood I select, or the glass, granite, or finishes that I choose, there’s a huge variety of unique looks that I can create,” she says.

To book an appointment to visit our showroom or have an in-home consultation call 905.264.0635. For more information visit www.tapestrydecor.ca

With this initiative, Rabbi Shmuley is spreading Jewish values across North America but the program is not exclusive. “The message of inclusion is a strong part of the program,” he says. “We hope to inspire people nationwide to come together to embrace their family and spend quality time together irrespective of race, creed, colour, religion, sexual orientation or marital status.” Rabbi Shmuley recently visited the Vatican and garnered Pope Benedict XIV’s support for the TFNFN project.

Rabbi Shmuley clearly knows the power of celebrity and has managed to gain many endorsements for his cause. He also knows that celebrity families such as the Gosselin family (Jon & Kate Plus 8) struggle with the same issues. To help Jon Gosselin spread TFNFN’s values, as well as to discuss “The Ethical Challenges and Moral Responsibilities of Celebrity,” Rabbi Shmuley counselled him through his public divorce. “Having celebrities like [Gosselin], Oprah, Rachel Hunter, Kathie Lee Gifford and many others helps in terms of disseminating [TFNFN’s] powerful message to more and more families,” Rabbi Shmuley says.

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Rabbi Shmuley also draws from university case studies to stress the importance of family dinners for his 2008 flagship article, “Turn Friday Night into Family Night.” He’s also written his 24th book called Renewal: A Guide to the Values-Filled Life. In his 2008 article he wrote: “Studies by Columbia University and the University of Minnesota found that teens who do not have regular family dinners are three and a half times more likely to abuse drugs.” He also wrote “that teenagers who have infrequent family dinners are twice as likely to smoke daily and get drunk monthly [and] girls who have regular family dinners with their parents are one-third less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits like anorexia.”

To help families come together, Rabbi Shmuley’s TFNFN initiative uses a 2/2/2 theme: two hours of family dinner, with two friends as guests and two subjects to discuss. “The theme represents two hours of uninterrupted time with no distractions of cell phones, TV or any other disruptions, encouraging parents to give their children one night a week where they are focused on them,” he says. “Especially with the advent of media at our fingertips, it takes more of a conscious effort to focus on our families; we need to make sure we make quality family time a priority.” www.shmuley.com