The Flag Shop Blog

Pride in Your Community Building Bridges to End Discrimination

With countless Pride events and festivities planned across Canada, The Flag Shop is excited to introduce the first of a special blog series highlighting LGBTQ2+ Pride. In presenting the series, we hope to contribute to a deeper sense of acceptance and belonging for all in the global community.

Victoria Pride – Source: tourismvictoria.com

Join Your Community and Express Your Pride
There are far too many events to list them all, and major celebrations have already happened in some cities. Congrats to the Victoria Pride Society, Edmonton Pride Festival Society, Pride Winnipeg and Pride Toronto for hosting great parties! Here’s just a small sampling of what’s still to come:

Toronto Pride Parade  – Source: cbc.ca – Credit: Mark Blinch/Reuters

British Columbia
Vancouver Pride Fest
August 5, 2018 (with many events leading up to and following the big day)
http://www.vancouverpride.ca

Kelowna Pride
August 11 – 18, 2018
http://www.kelownapride.com/

Powell River Pride
August 13 – 19, 2018
http://powellriver.info/calendar

Alberta
Central Alberta Pride
August 12 – 19, 2018
http://centralalbertapride.ca/

Calgary Pride Parade  – Source: sportsnet.ca

Pride Calgary
August 24 – September 3, 2018
http://www.calgarypride.ca/

Ontario
London Pride Fest
July 19 – 29, 2018
http://www.pridelondon.ca/

Muskoka Pride Fest
July 20 – 29, 2018
http://www.muskokapride.com/2018-pride-festival.html

Windsor/Essex Pride
August 8 – 12, 2018
https://www.wepridefest.com/

Capital Pride Fierté
August 19 – 26, 2018
https://ottawacapitalpride.ca/

Montreal Pride – Source: mtlway.com

Quebec
Montreal Pride
August 9 – 19, 2018
http://www.fiertemontrealpride.com/en/

Quebec City Pride
August 30 – September 2, 2018
http://fetearcenciel.ca/en/

Maritimes
St. John’s Pride Fest
July 15 – 21, 2018
http://www.stjohnspride.ca/

Halifax Pride Fest
July 19 – 29, 2018
https://www.halifaxpride.com/

Pride PEI
July 22 – 28, 2018
https://www.pridepei.com/

Pride Flags – Poly and Sewn Options Available

Say It with Flags – Seeing Is Believing!
As you make your way to Pride celebrations in your area, we’d be thrilled to set you up with a full range of products, including Pride, Canada Pride, Transgender and Canada Transgender flags, paper stick flags, silicone bracelets, car flags, quill flags, lapel pins, temporary tattoos and so much more! If you need custom items, there’s still plenty of time to produce whatever your imagination might dream up, as an expression of your Pride!

Pride Hockey Stick Tape

The Flag Shop’s Pride website is about honouring the truth that we are all equally deserving of the basic rights of freedom of expression and freedom from oppression. We are privileged to work with Canada’s LGBTQ2+ communities and organizations to do our part to help end discrimination and violence, while promoting self-affirmation and dignity.

Sourced from Twitter: @CdnHumanRights

Discrimination: What Is It and What to Do About It
According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, discrimination is defined as “an action or a decision that treats a person or group badly for reasons such as their race, age or disability.” The Canadian Human Rights Act.^[1] ensures fair and equal treatment of all people, regardless of social status, skin colour, gender, personal beliefs, or sexual orientation. The Act protects the rights of everyone in Canada, and plays a vital role in building bridges between all people groups, including the LGBTQ2+ community. If you or someone you know needs support, here are some great resources:

LGBT Youth Helpline Canada
http://www.youthline.ca/
Text for help: 647 694 4275

Egale Canadian Human Rights Trust
https://egale.ca/

The Fence
http://www.thefence.ca/

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
http://www.pflag.org/

The Flag Shop Booth at Vancouver Pride Festival 2016

Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you enjoyed this blog and you don’t want to miss the rest of the series, including topics like “SOGI 1 2 3” and bullying, subscribe in the upper right corner of our blog page at blog.flagshop.com. It’s quick and hassle-free! And, don’t worry, if you’re not captivated by every word, unsubscribing is just as easy!

Express your Pride!

—
Sources:
[1] https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/eng/content/what-discrimination

Call it Football or Call It Soccer – FIFA Fever Is Contagious!

FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 is on! As the biggest soccer event in the world reaches fever pitch, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the game, and its rich history. Celebrating the best of the best in this wildly popular sport, the World Cup unites players and fans alike, as teams live the dream of winning the Cup!

Source: sportsnet.ca

The Big Debate: The Name of the Game
The name of the game is football. Or, is it soccer? The answer depends on who you ask, and can be found partly in the history of the sport. The modern version of soccer can be traced to the mid-1800s in England, where there were two types of football. The first started in public schools and involved passing the ball by hand, and would eventually become known as rugby. The other involved passing the ball by kicking. This game was called “association” football, named after its governing body, the football association.

Russia-Saudi Series Opener – Source: TSN.ca

Rugby became known by the slang term “rugger”, and “assoc” became the slang reference for association football. The term soccer was derived by adding “er” to “assoc.” In countries like Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the US, soccer is used more commonly, in part to avoid confusion with other popular national sports.

Historic Facts Tell an Interesting Story
Before modern-day soccer, the origins of the game are said to date back more than 2,000 years, to ancient Rome, China, Greece, and regions of Central America. The game we know and love today originated in England (see The Big Debate).

During the first-ever international football match between Scotland and England in 1872,^[1] players wore knickerbockers and bobble hats. The headgear was part of the uniform, which lasted into the 20th century.

Source: www.roarforscotland.com

Soccer balls were more oval than round in the earliest days because they were made of inflated pig’s bladders which were placed inside leather cases. When Indian rubber was discovered in the 1860s, the egg-shaped ball was out, and a rounder ball came into play.

During its infancy, football was an upper-class sport in England. The rules of the game were developed mainly by students attending public schools and universities.

Penalties or referees were not part of the original rules of the game. Debating skills were almost as important as physical ability, as players could appeal against decisions first to captains and then to umpires. Referees became part of the game in 1891.^[2]

Source: kaplaininternational.com

London’s Kensington High Street traffic lights are the inspiration behind the red and yellow cards used in the game today. British referee and FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Ken Aston, was driving through London when he first thought of better ways to demonstrate a warning, or to send a player off the field.^[3]

Canadians (and People Everywhere) LOVE the Game
Soccer is a game that can be played spontaneously with nothing more than an open space, a ball and a few players. From children playing soccer with their neighbours, to a pro footballer vying for the Cup, the passion for the game is the same. Soccer brings people together, creates friendly (and frenzied) rivalries, pushes players to excellence, and builds team and national pride! Well, no wonder it’s the most popular game in the world!^[4]

Source: soccerbasics.net

Soccer Associations Supporting Future World Class Players
Soccer associations assist and support members and their affiliated soccer clubs, providing leadership and structure in advancing players and coaches to thrive at the game.
In British Columbia:
https://clubcharter.bcsoccer.net/
In Alberta:
https://albertasoccer.com/
In Saskatchewan:
http://sasksoccer.com/
In Manitoba:
http://manitobasoccer.ca/
In Ontario:
https://www.ontariosoccer.net/
In Quebec:
http://www.federation-soccer.qc.ca/
In Nova Scotia:
https://www.soccerns.ca/
In Yukon:
http://www.yukonsoccer.yk.ca/
In Northwest Territories:
http://nwtsoccer.ca/

Limited Edition FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Flag

Raise Your Team Up on the World Stage – Do It with Flags!
Get your team’s flag on (we’ve got them all!) and join fans around the world as we all stand behind our favorites! No matter who you’re rooting for, we’re here to set you up with a full range of products, including national flags, paper stick flags, friendship pins, vinyl decals, crests, car flags, and temporary tattoos!

Limited Edition FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Ball and Pennant

Get Your Limited Edition Keepsakes – Before It’s Too Late!
There’s still time to get your hands on the Official FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 flag, felt pennant and soccer ball! Contact one of our 12 Flag Shop locations near you, today!

Catch FIFA Fever – It’s Contagious!

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1872_Scotland_vs_England_football_match
[2] https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa
[3] https://www.fifa.com
[4] https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-most-popular-sports-in-the-world.html

Promoting Unity: Honouring Indigenous Heritage and Culture

National Indigenous Peoples Day – Source: canada.ca

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
Every year, on June 21st, communities come together to recognize Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. These groups are acknowledged by the Canadian Constitution as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.^[1] National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) celebrates and honours Indigenous people’s cultures, traditions, spiritual beliefs, and contributions to Canada as a nation.

Source: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca

The History
National Aboriginal Day (NAD) was announced in 1996 by the Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc, through the National Aboriginal Day Proclamation.^[2] Cooperating with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21st, the summer solstice, as NAD. For generations, many Indigenous peoples have celebrated their heritage and traditions on or around this day because the summer solstice is the longest day of the year.^[3] Then, on June 21st, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the renaming of this day to NIPD.^[4]

According the 2016 Census, more than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as Aboriginal. Aboriginal peoples are the fastest growing population in Canada, increasing by 42.5% between 2006 and 2016. This also represents the youngest population in Canada, with about 44% being under the age of 25 in 2016.^[5]

Kwakwaka’wakw Artist, Curtis Wilson – Designer of the Canadian Native Flag
Our story begins in 2014, when The Flag Shop President, Susan Braverman, met Curtis Wilson on Facebook. Curtis is the designer and creative genius behind the Canadian Native Flag. The meaning of the design is so beautiful, Susan knew immediately she could do something big to help share the flag with all of Canada, and beyond! Susan said, “National Indigenous Peoples Day is about creating opportunities to promote unity among all Canadians while honouring the Indigenous peoples of our country!” She added, “I can think of no better way to do this than to connect with celebrations in our communities, and proudly wave the Canadian Native Flag!”

Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival – Source: indigenousbc.com

Find a National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration Near You!
Canadians across the country will be celebrating and there are so many events and activities planned that we can’t possibly list them all! Here’s a sampling of what’s happening in communities across Canada:

Ottawa, ON
https://www.ottawasummersolstice.ca/

Victoria, BC
https://www.indigenousbc.com/victoria-indigenous-festival/

Winnipeg, MB and  Toronto, ON
http://indigenousdaylive.ca/

Whitehorse, YK
http://www.adakafestival.ca/

Iqaluit, NU
https://alianait.ca/

Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede – Source: calgarystampede.com

Calgary, AB
https://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/attractions/indian-village

Inuvik, NT
https://www.gnaf.org/

Batoche, SK
https://backtobatochefestival.com/

Mani-Utenam, QC
http://innunikamu.ca/

Kamloops, BC
http://www.crazycrow.com/site/event/kamloopa-powwow/

Montreal, QC
http://www.presenceautochtone.ca/

Need Flags for Your Celebrations?
The Canadian Native Flag is manufactured by, and exclusive to, The Flag Shop. Take a closer look at the full range of Canadian Native Flag products, including motorcycle flags, paper stick flags, lapel pins, and even temporary tattoos!

Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you enjoyed this blog, and would like to read more interesting stories about flags, and events in your community, subscribe to our blog in the upper right corner of our blog page at: blog.flagshop.com. It’s quick and hassle-free! And, don’t worry, if you’re not captivated by every word, unsubscribing is just as easy!

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

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[1] http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1100100013719
[2] http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/
[3] [4] [5] http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1100100013719

United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Source: qualityaging.com

The UN World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
At the 89th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in December of 2011, Resolution 66/127 designated June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This day has been set aside for all nations of the world to take a unified stance against the abuse and neglect suffered by senior citizens.

Facts and Stats
Employment and Social Development Canada defines elder abuse as any action by a person in a trusted relationship that causes distress or harm to an older person. Most common forms of elder abuse are psychological, physical, and financial, which may take the form of an isolated incident, or an established pattern of behaviour.^[1]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population of those 60 years or older is expected to more than double from 542 million in 1995 to an estimated 1.2 billion by 2025.^[2] With populations aging quickly, cases of elder abuse are expected to increase.^[3]

Source: cnpea.ca

Bringing Elder Abuse into the Light
In many parts of the world elder abuse is not noticed or acknowledged as a growing social issue, but instead is considered to be a private matter to be handled quietly. Even in today’s world of heightened social consciousness, elder abuse is still viewed as a taboo subject, often ignored in the community. Evidence is growing to indicate that elder abuse is a public health and community concern.^[4]

There are many types of elder abuse, including:
Physical Abuse – the use of non-accidental physical force causing physical injury and/or pain
Psychological Abuse – the use of threats, name-calling, intimidation, ridicule, profanity and mental cruelty causing emotional pain
Financial Abuse – the unethical or illegal exploitation of an elderly person’s money, property or assets
Neglect – the failure (passive or active) to provide basic care or services to ensure a safe and healthy life of an adult
Abandonment – the intentional desertion by anyone having a responsibility to provide care
Isolation – the deliberate separation from social connections, preventing individuals from having visitors, or receiving mail or phone calls
Self-Neglect – the failure to provide oneself with shelter, food, water, clothing, and safety

Source: ctvnews.ca

British Columbia Association of Community Response Networks
The British Columbia Association of Community Response Networks (BCCRN) recently reached out to us to design and produce a special flag to spotlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It all began when a community coordinator requested a flag to be flown at City Hall. With 40 flags in their first order, we just learned that one flag has already made its way to the United Kingdom! The Flag Shop thanks the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse for the work they do to stop elder abuse, and for helping to share the flag with others!

Source: cnpea.ca

The BCCRN grew out of the need to create an on-going, permanent provincial funding and support structure for the benefit of adults facing abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. The association provides project funding, materials, training, support people, and maintains a website to assist its Community Response Networks (CRN). At the local level, CRNs facilitate abuse and neglect prevention and education with stakeholders to end adult abuse in British Columbia.^[5]

If you’d like to be counted among the many around the globe who will take a stand against elder abuse, remember to wear purple on June 15th, the colour which is known to symbolize elder abuse awareness, and fly the WEAAD flag. We are thrilled to be the supplier of this flag, so get yours today! For more information and resources about elder abuse awareness, including a Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security, please visit the RCMP Elder Abuse website.

Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you enjoyed this blog, and would like to read more interesting stories about flags, and events taking place in your community, subscribe to our blog in the upper right corner of our blog page at: blog.flagshop.com. It’s quick and hassle-free! And, don’t worry, if you’re not captivated by every word, unsubscribing is just as easy!

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Sources:

[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/elder-abuse/reality.html#a
[2] [3] http://www.who.int
[4] http://www.un.org/en/events/elderabuse/background.shtml
[5] http://www.bccrns.ca/generated/homepage.php

Sure Sign Summer is Just Around the Corner: May Long Weekend

Young Queen Victoria – Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Queen Victoria was born nearly 200 years ago, and all these years later, we’re still celebrating her birthday! In fact, Canadians have been celebrating Victoria Day since 1845, when the first legislation was passed by the Parliament of the Province of Canada, to set aside May 24 as a day to officially recognize the Queen’s birthday.^[1]  

Source: express.co.uk

Interesting Facts About Queen Victoria

• Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and died in 1901.
• As a little girl, Queen Victoria’s nickname was “Drina.”
• Victoria was the reigning Queen of England when Canada joined Confederation in 1867.
• Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837, at the age of 18, following the death of her uncle, King William IV.^[2]
• Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and as Queen she was required to propose to him!

Victoria Day Fireworks – Source: 680news.com

It’s Party Time – Find a Celebration Near You!
Canadians across the country celebrate Victoria Day with parades, fireworks, and special events. There are so many fun activities planned, we can’t possibly list them all. Here’s a small sampling of what’s happening in communities across Canada!

Regina
Saskatchewan Highland Gathering & Celtic Festival
Saturday, May 19^th and Sunday, May 20^th, 2018
Follow the link for daily hours and activities
Regina, SK

Canada’s Wonderland

Toronto
Fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland
Sunday, May 20^th, 2018
10 p.m.
Canada’s Wonderland
1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive
Vaughn, ON

Victoria Day SpeedFest
Friday, May 18^th to Sunday, May 20^th, 2018
Follow the link for daily hours and activities
3233 Concession Rd 10
Bowmanville, ON

Vancouver
Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum
Monday, May 21^st, 2018
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
6501 Deer Lake Ave
Burnaby BC

Island Farms Victoria Day Parade – Source: timescolonist.com

Victoria
120th Island Farms Victoria Day Parade & Celebration Square
Follow the link for hours and activities
Douglas Street from Finlayson to Humboldt Streets
Victoria, BC

Montréal
Porchfest Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Saturday, May 19^th and Sunday, May 20^th, 2018
Follow the link for daily hours and activities
Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Montréal, QC

Dave Sidaway/Post Media – Source: nationalpost.com

May Long Weekend in Quebec
National Patriots Day or Journée nationale des patriotes is celebrated in Quebec on the same day as Victoria Day. It was established by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec-in-Council in 2003. The day honours the struggle for national recognition of the people of Quebec, as endured by the patriots of 1837-1838.^[3]

Royal Union Flag
While you’re out celebrating Victoria Day, look for the Royal Union Flag, more commonly know as the Union Jack. On Victoria Day, according to Canadian government protocol, this flag is to be flown at all federal government buildings, including crown corporations, military bases, and airports.

The Union Jack was first proclaimed by James I in 1606, when he ascended to the thrones of both England and Scotland. He knew the importance of creating a flag reflecting the crosses of each nation. Then, in 1801, when Ireland joined the United Kingdom, the Cross of St Patrick was added. Take a closer look at the full range of Union Jack products available at The Flag Shop.

So, what does Victoria Day mean to you? If you’re like the rest of us, aside from its rich and interesting history, there’s no denying that Victoria Day also unofficially signals the beginning of summer fun!

Happy Victoria Day!

—

References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Day
[2] https:/https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/queen-victoria-dies
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Patriots%27_Day

 We Wore Our Denim and Raised $377.10     

Yesterday, May 15^th, was the CURE Foundation’s National Denim Day, and the team at The Flag Shop Vancouver jumped on board to join the fight against cancer. Many wore denim to work, as well as the signature pink ribbon, making personal donations in support of breast cancer research and prevention. National Denim Day creates awareness and provides resources for the foundation to explore all possible avenues in the battle against cancer, so that no lives are lost due to a lack of funding.^[1]

The team was treated to a special lunch by The Flag Shop President, Susan Braverman, to encourage a day of giving, team unity, and fun. She said, “We all have a cancer story and we’ve all been touched by cancer, in some way. National Denim Day gave us a chance to do something as a team to join the fight!” She added, “On top of encouraging my staff to donate what they could, the company matched the team contribution!” The Flag Shop Vancouver raised $377.10 for the CURE Foundation’s National Denim Day campaign.

The first-ever National Denim Day took place 22 years ago in 1996, and continues each year on the first Tuesday after Mother’s Day. This campaign unifies more than 400,000 Canadians, of all ages, from all walks of life, who share a common understanding that together, we have the power to bring hope and change to those affected by breast cancer.^[2]

Source: The CURE Foundation

The Reality of Cancer
According to Canadian Cancer Society statistics, in 2013 an estimated 23,800 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women, with 200 cases in men. In 2013, 5,000 lost their lives to breast cancer.^[3]

Cancer, in all its many forms, is the leading cause of death in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, in 2015 77,054 Canadians lost their lives to cancer (29.2% of all deaths that year), followed by heart disease (19.5%), and stroke (5.2%).^[4]  These statistics reflect the harsh reality of cancer, and point to the critical role of awareness and prevention in keeping all Canadians healthy. Whether it’s about prevention, regular screenings, or treatment, the work of the CURE Foundation and other not-for-profit cancer agencies positively impacts the lives of those who have been affected by cancer.

For more than 40 years, The Flag Shop has been proudly supporting not-for-profit cancer awareness, research, and prevention organizations, such as the CURE Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the CIBC Run for the Cure, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the BC Cancer Agency, and many others, sharing a long and rewarding history.

Getting Your Message Across with Beautiful Banners
We know our street banners, that’s for sure! And, it’s our privilege to support organizations whose daily work is focused on fighting cancer and other serious illnesses. At The Flag Shop, our banners are manufactured in our production facility on Powell Street, in Vancouver. Our goal is to make things easy and hassle-free, so we also install, remove, wash and store the banners for future use. This not only saves money, but it’s socially responsible because it means the banners can be re-used, reducing waste, and keeping them out of landfills sites.

Source: www.socialcrustcafe.com

A Special Thank You!
Thank you to Social Crust Cafe & Catering for yesterday’s delicious lunch! Social Crust is a social enterprise launched by Coast Mental Health. Employees are graduates of the Coast Mental Health’s Culinary Training Program, which creates training and employment opportunities for at-risk young adults facing employment obstacles.^[4]

Don’t Miss a Thing! 
If you enjoyed this blog, and would like to read more interesting stories about events taking place in your community, subscribe to our blog in the upper right corner of our blog page at: blog.flagshop.com. It’s quick and easy! And, don’t worry, if you’re not captivated by every word, unsubscribing is easy, too!

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References:

^[1][2][3] https://www.curefoundation.com/national-denim-day/
^[4] http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/hlth36a-eng.htm

Sunday May 13th is the Day We Celebrate Our Mothers

By Susan Braverman

Source: familiesforchildren.org

I’ve never cared much for “Hallmark Holidays”, but when it comes to the lifetime I’ve spent celebrating my mom on Mother’s Day, I definitely make an exception! Being a former elementary school teacher, I know first-hand that starting from when our children are in school, teachers often help them prepare gifts and cards in advance of Mother’s Day, so moms everywhere can receive something special on the second Sunday of May. I also know that for some these hand-crafted gifts are so precious that they’re often kept as mementos of years gone by.

Source: julia-ward-howe-peacealliance.org

Mother’s Day: How Did It Start, Anyway?
Some of the earliest-known celebrations of mothers date way back to ancient Greek civilization, honouring Rhea, the mother of the Gods. Later on, in 1870, Julia Ward Howe of Massachusetts wrote “The Mother’s Day Proclamation” calling for woman to unite for peace.^[1] Then in 1908, Anna Jarvis of West Virginia held a private memorial celebration in remembrance of her mother. The following year, she planned a church service, celebrating mothers, which was attended by more than 400 children and their mothers. In 1914, Mother’s Day became an official holiday in the US,^[2] and today, it is celebrated all over the world.

Source: portlandflag.org

Traditions Around the World
Mother’s Day is about honouring all mothers, and especially showing appreciation to our own moms. Here’s a quick view of some interesting traditions from different parts of the world:

In Germany, Mother’s Day was declared an official holiday in 1933. Early traditions included gifting mothers with medals of gold, silver and bronze, for bearing children.^[3] Today, people gather to treat their mothers to a special meal, which typically ends with a special dessert called Rote Grüetze.

Rote Grüetze – Source: www.chefkoch.de

In Ethiopia, they take Mother’s Day celebrations very seriously, so much so that they hold feasts called “Antrosht”, which last for three whole days. Children gather the ingredients for preparing traditional hash. Girls are responsible for the vegetables, spices and dairy, such as cheese and butter, while boys bring the lamb or bull. ^[4] Unlike in the western world, where moms usually take a break from cooking, mothers in Ethiopia prepare the meals for the feasts.

In Japanese, “Haha-no-hi” means Happy Mother’s Day, and sons and daughters greet their mothers with this expression. Most commonly, mothers are given carnations, symbolizing the sweetness and purity of a mother’s love.^[5]

And, did you know? “Mama” is one of the most universal words, appearing in the 10 most commonly spoken languages of the world, reflected as: māma, mama, mamá, ma, mama, mamã, maa, mama, haha and mamī. Another cool fact: 3.4 billion people of the world speak Mandarin (Mãma), Hindi (māṃ), English (mama), or Arabic (māma).^[6]

Doreen and Susan Braverman – 1971

Celebrating All Mothers of The Flag Shop
My mom, Doreen Braverman, founded The Flag Shop in 1975, when I was a seven year-old girl. When I think about those early days, I can truthfully say that I spent more time in the shop than I did at home! Flash forward 35 years to 2010, when I purchased the company and became President. I still remember bringing my baby to the office, just days after she was born, so I can hardly believe that today, my daughter Alex is 25 years old! This tradition of mothers and daughters at The Flag Shop is all thanks to my amazing mom, who has given of herself so much. I just can’t do enough to express my gratitude and love! Without question, if it were not for my mom, I wouldn’t be writing this blog, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today!

Source: zhonggdjw.com

Flowers, Phone Calls and Text Messages
According to the most recent data from Statistics Canada, in 2011 there were 9.8 million mothers in Canada, which includes biological, adoptive, and stepmoms.^[7] That adds up to millions of flowers^[8] and cards given and received. For a Mother’s Day snapshot, representing only one of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, SaskTel predicts some astonishing figures. In the province of Saskatchewan (home of The Flag Shop Saskatoon), call volumes are expected to reach 1,060,000^[9] and text messages are predicted to reach 10.2 million,^[10] for well-wishers, this coming Sunday.

As our mothers taught us long ago, tuck in your shirt, get a hair cut, use your manners, and don’t forget to call your mom!

Happy Mother’s Day!

—

References:
^[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day_Proclamation
^[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day
^{[3] [4][5]} http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com
^[6] https://www.mother.ly/parenting/mama-is-most-universal-word
^[7][8] https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/dai/smr08/2017/smr08_216_2017#a1
^[9][10] https://globalnews.ca/news/4192850/sasktel-text-messages-mothers-day/

At The Flag Shop EVERY Day is Anti-Bullying Day

By Susan Braverman

As I reach a personal milestone celebrating my 50^th birthday today, it’s a natural time of reflection, recalling some of the defining moments of my past. At the same time, I’m looking towards the future with excitement and enthusiasm for all that is yet to come!

Susan Braverman

Tomorrow, May 4^th, is the United Nations Anti-Bullying Day^[1], and I can’t help but to remember my experiences as a youth in grade 8, having to change schools to escape the torment of my bully. Though many years have passed, it doesn’t make the emotional trauma of those days any less real. I’m just so thankful that I had the support of family to help me through those difficult times. I’m so glad they knew to reassure me it was not my fault, that they knew to talk about it with school leaders, and that they gave me real steps to take to address the bullying behaviour. Sadly, bullying continues to impact many school-aged children and youth today. According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada has the 9th highest rate of bullying among 13-year-olds across 35 countries.^[2] CIHR findings indicate that exposure to bullying increases risk of suicidal thoughts,^[3] and that 73% of victims reported experiencing cyber-bullying.^[4]

Source: kellywarnerlaw.com

With today’s technology, kids are faced with the harsh reality of cyber-bullying, which is much more difficult to escape compared to the bullying of my youth. With cyber-bullying, a child or youth is targeted, using cell phones and other devices, to harass, embarrass, threaten or humiliate.^[5] In many cases, this “drama”, hating, or gossip can be relentless, spreading quickly, and causing severe damage to self-esteem and mental health.^[6]

On May 4^th, it’s a time to talk about, and take a stand against bullying. Other special days set aside to create focus around bullying include: Pink Shirt Day, Day of Pink, and Blue Shirt Day.

My team and I are deeply honoured to support this cause, doing all that we can by providing schools and other organizations with anti-bullying flags, and promotional items such as pins, crests, and lanyards, to help fight the good fight! We are proud of our school fundraising program, enabling schools to increase awareness, and think about the serious impacts of bullying, while raising funds for school programming.

Grace Fenton

The Creative Genius Behind the Design
We first met Grace Fenton in 2014, when she was a grade 7 student from Albert Mines, New Brunswick. Grace created an anti-bullying design for a Pink Shirt Day contest at her school. When The Flag Shop learned about it, we recognized an amazing opportunity to support anti-bullying efforts, while honouring Grace’s achievement. Her original design holds a positive message, representing the importance of helping those who may be experiencing bullying. Grace’s flag was hoisted for the first time in 2014, and later that year The Flag Shop was given exclusive rights to use her design, supporting anti-bullying efforts across Canada. We love the design and its message so much that we didn’t stop at flags, so take a look at our full product line! Grace Fenton, thank you for the inspiration!

I AM SOMEONE Rally – 2015

Kudos to the Anti-Bullying Champions in Our Communities
In Canada and beyond, we know of many organizations which are dedicated to wiping out bullying. Days like May 4^th are an important part of highlighting these efforts. While we can’t name all of them, thank you to the following organizations which provide important resources and support to address bullying:

B-Free.ca – www.b-free.ca
Bullying Canada – www.bullyingcanada.ca
Bully Free Alberta – www.bullyfreealberta.ca
Erase Bullying – www.erasebullying.ca
I AM SOMEONE – www.iamsomeone.ca
I am Stronger – www.iamstronger.ca
Pink Shirt Day – www.pinkshirtday.ca
PREVNet – www.prevnet.ca
Stop A Bully – www.stopabully.ca

EVERY Day is Anti-Bullying Day
If you’re wondering what you can do to put a stop to bullying and help to create a world in which our children’s children can live peacefully, join us as we continue to educate ourselves about bullying and prevention, and commit to taking action at the first hints of bullying. Make EVERY day Anti-Bullying Day!

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Resources:
^[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Bullying_Day#cite_note-5
^[2][3][4] http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/45838.html#5
^[5][6] https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/cnt/cbrbllng/prnts/cbrbllng-en.aspx

Be the Change that Helps to Protect Our Planet

On April 22^nd every year, Earth Day is celebrated around the world. It is a day set aside to think about what we can do individually, and collectively, to protect Earth’s environment.

Source: brainfeedmagazine.com

Celebrating and Protecting Planet Earth
Earth Day began in the US, when Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin, was inspired to create a national day to focus on the importance of protecting the environment. In January 1969, an oil well blew out off the shore of Santa Barbara, California, killing more than 100,000 ocean animals, including seals, birds, and dolphins.^[1] In the wake of the devastation, Nelson was inspired to lead a “national teach-in on the environment.” Working with Dennis Hayes, a graduate of Harvard, together with a group of volunteers, the first Earth Day was observed across the US, on April 22, 1970. The national event was attended by an estimated 20 million people.^[2] Rallies took place from coast-to-coast, with demonstrators giving a voice to environmental issues, such as the use of pesticides, preservation of wildlife and wilderness, toxic dumps, and industrial pollution.^[3]

Gathering straw used to soak up oil spill – Source: LA Times

Every Day is Earth Day
In 1990 Earth Day expanded globally, engaging and unifying 200 million people across 141 countries,^[4] reflecting the role that each one of us has in preserving our beautiful planet. Today, 48 years after the first-ever Earth Day, the legacy continues.

John Denver at Earth Day 1990 – Source: Flickr by John Platt

Here are 10 simple ideas you can put into practice today, and every day, to help the environment:
1.   Instead of buying books, read e-books or go to the library.
2.   Walk or ride your bike to work or school instead of driving.
3.   Go paperless.
4.   Give up bottled water and use filtered or tap water instead.
5.   Plant a garden.
6.   Boycott plastic straws.
7.   Repair. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
8.   Use rechargeable batteries.
9.   Conserve water and electricity.
10. Have a vegetarian day once a week.

Source: walkbiketoschool.org

Just for fun, here’s a quick Earth Day Quiz to test your knowledge of Earth (True or False):
1.   Earth is the 3rd planet from the sun.
2.   65% of the Earth’s surface is under water.
3.   Everest is the highest point on planet Earth.
4.   The largest ocean on Earth is the Atlantic.
5.   Earth is the only planet in our solar system that is not named after a god.

Check your answers at the end of the blog. (No peeking!)

Mount Everest – Source: wikipedia.org

At The Flag Shop, we care about sustainability, and recognize that we have a responsibility to model social consciousness in business. Echotex^®, developed by The Flag Shop, is a 100%-recycled banner fabric, which is made of 65% pre-consumer polyester fiber and 35% PET (plastic bottles) waste. Echotex^® offers socially-responsible, vibrant, and durable options for street banners. To take a closer look, please visit our Echotex^® gallery. To further reduce plastic waste, we also offer The Flag Shop Reusable Shopping Bag. If you’re looking for Earth Flags and decals, to help you celebrate our planet, we’ve got those, too!

Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you enjoyed this blog, and would like to read more interesting stories about flags, and events taking place in your community, subscribe to our blog in the upper right corner of our blog page at: blog.flagshop.com. It’s quick and easy! And, don’t worry, if you’re not hanging on every word, unsubscribing is easy, too!

Earth Flag

On April 22^nd – and every day – what on Earth will you do about Earth Day?

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Resources:
^[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day
^[2][3][4]https://www.earthday.org

^{Quiz Key: 1: True, 2: False (70%), 3: True, 4: False (Pacific), 5: True}

Celebrating Tartan Day on April 6 in Canada and Beyond

You Say Plaid, I Say Tartan
A tartan is a pattern of criss-crossing horizontal and vertical stripes, of multiple widths and colours. Originally made of woven wool, the tartans of today are made with various textiles. Tartans are specifically associated with Scotland, and Scottish kilts usually have tartan patterns. Often called “plaid” in North America, a plaid in Scotland refers to a tartan cloth worn over the shoulder, as an accessory, or a plain blanket for a bed.

Tartans – Source: www.awarenessdays.com/us/

Tartan Day Observed in Canada and Around the World
Tartan Day is celebrated by Scots around the world. In Canada, about 13% or 4.8 million^[1] people are of Scottish descent. In the US, between 8% and 10%^[2] of the population claims to be of Scottish descent. Argentina’s population includes approximately 100,000^[3] people of Scottish descent, which is the largest population of Scots in a non-English-speaking country.

Kirkin of the Tartans – Source: standrewsoftampabay.org

National Tartan Day was first proposed at a meeting of the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia, in 1986. During this meeting, the following motion was put forward: “That we establish a day known as Tartan Day. This is to be a day chosen to promote Scottish Heritage by the most visible means. The wearing of the Scottish attire, especially in places where the kilt is not ordinarily worn, i.e.: work, play or worship.” Then, in 2010, the Minister of Canadian Heritage officially declared April 6 to be Tartan Day in Canada. This date was chosen because it was on this date in 1320 that the Declaration of Arbroath (the Scottish Declaration of Independence) was signed.

Canadian, Provincial & Territorial Tartans – Source: clanmunroassociation.ca/cantartans.htm

The Maple Leaf Tartan
On March 9, 2011, the Maple Leaf Tartan was declared an official national symbol of Canada. This tartan was created by David Weiser, in 1964, in preparation of the 100th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada (1967).The Maple Leaf Tartan is a symbol of Canadian pride, worn by Canadians of every heritage and ethnicity, on important national days such as Tartan Day and Canada Day. Based on the colours of the maple leaf, throughout four distinct seasons, the tartan’s pattern reflects the greens of summer, the gold of early fall, the red colour of the season of the first frost, and finally, the brown of the leaves on the ground before the arrival of winter.^[4] To show just how important this tartan is, as an official national symbol of Canada, other official symbols include: the maple tree, the Royal Coat of Arms of Canada, the Canada flag, and the beaver.

Royal Coat of Arms of Canada

Tartan Day Events Across Canada
There are so many Tartan Day events going on across Canada, and we found a few to share! Get your tartan on and celebrate Scottish heritage and pride at an event in your community!

Red Deer Scottish Country Dance Workshop and Ball
Friday, April 6 – Sunday, April 8, 2018
Red Deer, Alberta
Classes will be available in two levels, including Beginner/Intermediate, and Social.
For more information, visit the Red Deer Scottish Country Dancers website.

VanIsle Workshop and Ball
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Victoria, British Columbia
Presented by the Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society
For more information, visit the  Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society website.

A Ceilidh at Cartier Square
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the RCMP Tartan, and the National Pipe Band.
For more information, visit the Scottish Society of Ottawa website.

National Tartan Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Join the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band at a concert celebrating Scottish heritage on Parliament Hill.
For more information, visit the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band website.

Maple Leaf Tartan Flag

Want to Know Where to Get Your Tartan Flags or Scottish Flags?
All Flag Shop locations across Canada carry Tartan flags, and Scotland flags known also as the St. Andrew’s Cross, or the Saltire, and the Royal Standard of Scottish flags. If decals and lapel pins are more your thing, we’ve got those, too! Need a tartan? Whatever you can imagine, we’ve got more, and we’re here to help you celebrate Tartan Day, and its rich Scottish heritage!

For interesting stories and information about flags, and to stay on top of community events taking place across Canada, remember to subscribe in the upper right of our blog page, so you don’t miss a thing! And, don’t worry, if you’re not hanging off of every word, unsubscribing is easy!

Happy Tartan Day!

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References
^[1] 2016 Census – Canada – Ethnic Origins of Population

^[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Americans

^[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Day

^[4] https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/official-symbols-canada.html