Sports stars Alan Quinlan and John Kirwan talk candidly about mental health among men, noting how difficult it can be to speak up, especially in a sporting environment. John describes his journey and highlights “It’s an illness, not a weakness”. If you or anyone you know are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to Darkness into Light Vancouver or contact the Irish Canadian Immigration Centre’s Vancouver Social Care Advisor - Gillian Goulding; g.goulding@irishcdn.org - 778-689-9590 for a list of local resources.

It’s harder now more than ever to be away from home, so please look out for each other. Chat openly about how you’re feeling and check in on your friends. In the below video, John explains “Often people get scared when someone presents to them with mental health. And I answer like this - you don't have to be the psychologist. But help lighten the road by walking with them.” If you are concerned for yourself or someone is in danger, do not wait, always call 911.
Keep talking and mind yourselves <3

Vancouver Irish Running Crew (VIRC)

IrishInBc is run by the COVID-19 support group which is primarily made up of volunteers. Each week we would like to introduce one of our members. 

Irish Studies at Concordia

Loadza Toys

This week we wanted to highlight a business in the Okanagan. Meet Arno and Mary who moved from Leopardstown, in south county Dublin 21 years ago in August. Mary and Arno are the owners of Loadza Toyz in Kelowna, BC who opened Loadza Toyz, a toy & boardgame store, in the heart of Kelowna, located in Orchard Park shopping center.

When the pandemic hit, they had no clue what was going to happen. Following news in Ireland, they saw places shutting down and assumed the same would happen here.

When they had to close, their website went on overdrive, people in Kelowna and all over BC started to order. With Easter on the horizon, they had lots of anxious moms, dads, and grandparents looking for gifts for the little ones. The biggest surprise was for jigsaw puzzles; we sell from small 24 piece puzzles to 40,000 pieces.

They processed orders and while some were mailed, the majority were for local delivery which they offered for free during the crisis. While out every day, for 2-4 hrs delivering (while keeping our social distance of course!). People were so grateful for the service we provided, and Arno & Mary were so grateful for the support of our local community. They have seen many of our regular customers, and some new ones too.

If anyone is passing through the Kelowna area be sure & pay them a visit, or visit us online at www.loadzatoyz.ca