Tag: Awareness

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Looking Back & Moving Forward

When I think back on the last almost eight years with Julio, there are a lot of incredible memories to be grateful for. That being said, just like in any relationship, there are some moments that changed the direction of our marriage and relationship forever. I am not one to rehash the past or our mistakes respectively, but I thought it was time to talk about how unsafe I felt during some of those moments and how I was able to find stability and safety again in my life during very unsure times.

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Enough Is Enough

The end of November has for the last few years been a difficult time for me personally. With the anniversary of losing my Dad in 2016, I find myself in a state of heightened self-awareness and willingness to be more compassionate. Not that I’m not those things during the rest of the year, but it is a bit more important because that moment in my life changed me forever. Over the last ten years (specifically as a gay man) I have come to meet some spectacular people who have revealed to me their stories about living with HIV/AIDS. Where is the correlation you ask? Well, for a long time finding out you were positive was a moment that meant your life as you knew it was over. Over the aforementioned decade, the medical advances made in the treatment of those living with HIV/AIDS has allowed it to become similar to living with diabetes. Leading up to World AIDS Day on December 1st, I found out that a recent survey revealed that “almost half of (the) people in North America say they would not be comfortable sharing skin-to-skin touch with someone who is HIV+.”

I normally do my best to keep my language in check here on the blog, so please understand the severity of the following statement. 

That is not fucking okay. 

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I Want My Children To See An Elephant

One of my earliest memories as a little boy was going to the Granby Zoo while growing up in Montreal with my family. I remember not necessarily knowing why the animals were there, but being so captivated by their beauty. No animal made a bigger impact than the elephant. It’s sheer size and magnificence stopped me in my velcro shoes. Ever since that moment I have had this adoration for one of the most, in my opinion, majestic creatures on the planet. 2018 has been a hard year for me when it comes to my environmental stances on certain topics. From the albino rhino earlier this year, to the importance of discussing the alarming rate that many species are approaching (or have entered) endangered status. There is so much good in the world, but there is still so much for us to do to be better. Because I want my future children to be able to see an elephant and not have them be something in story books. So let’s talk about #WorldElephantDay and why I am so proud to have partnered with Amarula to share their #AmarulaTrust campaign on August 12th in Canada. Continue reading “I Want My Children To See An Elephant”

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Contest | Making a Difference with McCain Foods Canada’s #McCainShareGood Campaign

The holidays season has settled and life seems to be getting a lot busier for us all. I am true believer that supporting positive campaigns &  working with brands that have a strong Corporate Responsibility is important, no matter how busy I get. That is why I am excited to tell you all about McCain Foods Canada‘s newest initiative and the #McCainShareGood Campaign. Come & see how they are planning to make a difference in the lives of countless Canadians and how your support can help you WIN with DoTheDaniel.com. Continue reading “Contest | Making a Difference with McCain Foods Canada’s #McCainShareGood Campaign”