Below is a list of shops in Winnipeg where you can bring your items for consignment. The flip side of that is that you can find great deals on previously loved and gently used treasures. There could be items that could be turned into cash in your closet and drawers!
So Over It Luxury Consignment– Clothing, Bags, Jewelry, Footwear, Accessories. Includes designer handbags, find jewelry, and high-end footwear. Shop online or at their Winnipeg location for everything from Gucci to Louis Vuitton. They have Authentication services (for a fee). Consignment rates start at 30% and go up to 70% commission (depending on value of item). Nice shop.
Located at 394 Academy Road in Winnipeg, MB. Phone: 204-306-7722
Things Supporting the Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Operated by the Volunteer Committee for the Royal Winniepg Ballet since 1967, Things is a specialty boutique that sells consigned and donated items. They offer gently used antique, vintage, and contemporary collectibles, including furniture, jewellery, china, crystal, silver, artwork, and linens. Some items are sold on consignment, others aren’t. Items have two prices depending on how long the item has been in the shop. Smaller store with nice things.
Located at 913 and 911 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Phone: 204-284-7331
Upscale consigment thrift. “From cool to couture, The Closet Chick is a trendy upscale consignment/thrift boutique. Current major brands, one of a kind gems and authentic designer labels make up the great assortment. And they’ve got you covered in sizes XS- XXL. Pop in to The Closet Chick and you’ll go out smiling. Walking into the store is truly a lovely experience with a friendly atmosphere and unique selection of all things retro and modern…We are always accepting trendy, contemporary fashions that are in season, no older than 2-3 years, and in excellent condition.” They offer 50% commission store credit or 40% by cheque on items sold. They also have an online store. Preloved, retro, vintage. Lots of women’s clothes, shoes, and bags. Some jewelry. Belts.
Located at 956 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Phone: 204-774-2442
October 22/25. The Closet Chick has been around for many years. It is in the same building as the Italian store called DeLuca’s. The lovely fragrance of pizza was very dominant during my visit! It was right around lunch time, too. I was very impressed with the cleanliness and organization of the clothing and shoes. There were many photos of Marilyn Monroe throughout the store. I was very surprised to see the large assortment of formal dresses and even wedding dresses. Lots of shoes to go with them, too. There were some clearance racks just outside of the store. The lady in the shop had to unlock the door each time a customer went in. There were about 2 others ladies in the store. I tried on some jeans, other bottoms and tops. I ended up buying three items off of the $10 CLEARANCE rack. The prices seemed to be a bit high on most items. It was nice to see an assortment of brand names such as Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Coach. All items were in excellent to like-new condition. There is ample parking along Lipton and Portage, plus some in the back behind the shop.
A & A Jewellers: Jewelry Repair, Engraving, & Vintage Jeweller. They sell jewelry on consignment. 60/40. I bought some Sherman jewelry there! And I have sold some of my mom’s jewelry on consignment at their store. They provide a cheque when items are sold.
I live in a beautiful, vibrant community in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that hosts The Whyte Ridge Community Garage Sale annually on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. The community is hopping that day and parking patrols are always out so watch where you park!
This year, in addition to having a Garage Sale, I will also be holding a Gentle Angel Treasures Pop-Up Sale! I will have my bracelets, earrings, spinner rings and some of my newly source vintage items. All forms of payment are accepted.
Whyte Ridge is a community area in the city of Winnipeg located in the south west corner, just south of Costco off Kenaston Blvd. We have tons of shopping, restaurants, and services in our area.
If you are free, please come by and see me at my Garage Sale and Pop-Up Sale on Saturday, May 10/25, 9-3 pm. Message me for my address if you don’t know where I am located. Hope to see you!
If you are tired and bored with cheap “fast fashion” and big box stores, if your favourite clothing store (eg. Ricki’s or Cleo) or direct marketing business (e.g. Tupperware)has closed, perhaps you are looking for a different way to shop for clothing, art, jewelry, collectibles, and other household goods. You could be a collector (like me, I love Sherman jewelry) and you love the thrill of the “hunt.” Good deals, nostalgia, and much more can be found in thrift stores as well as stores and sellers that are dedicated to vintage (20 years or older) items. I already wrote about Thrift Stores in Winnipeg, and now I would like to shine the light on vintage stores! There is definitely some overlap, as you will soon come to learn.
Some vintage stores also offer consignment. That’s where you, the “customer,” can supply the store with your own unique, vintage, previously loved, or new “old” stock and if and when it sells, you will get a percentage of the sale. Some shops offer 40/60% (you get 40% and the shop gets 60%). Others offer 60/40. You can do your own research to see where the best place is to sell your good, used, older vintage items.
Shopping at thrift stores and vintage shops also helps keep items out of the landfills. Whether it’s soft goods (clothing/linens etc.) or hard goods (jewelry/glassware, etc.) consider checking out these shops to see if there are any treasures you can take home for yourself or gift to a special somebody. Here they are, in no particular order:
Vintage Glory: 20th Century Clothing, Accessories, and Costume Jewelry.
A chic boutique blending vintage clothing with accessories like jewelry, purses, hats, and shoes. The shop features restored original tin ceilings and maple floors, enhancing its nostalgic ambiance. The shop owner, Doug, who runs it with his wife, told me that he used to rent out items to movie sets, but sometimes they would come back damaged. The solution to that was to sell the items. I was also looking at the selection of Sherman jewelry he had. He said he remembers one time some family members came from out of town to buy up a bunch of Sherman jewelry. They were interested in what he had and they were very pleased. The shop owner also told me he resources for his shop from all over the world. He has been to South Korea even! He has an Instagram account (@vintageglorywpg) and you can see all kinds of ideas of the types of things they sell at Vintage Glory. He said he buys outright, he doesn’t have consignment.
Located in Elmwood Place, Keenleyside and Thomas, Winnipeg, Manitoba (204-942-7186).
Vantage Vintage Boutique: This Exchange District shop specializes in authentic vintage garments from the late 1800s to the 1980s, meticulously cleaned and restored. The boutique offers unique pieces that seamlessly integrate into modern wardrobes. Queer owned/operated & LGBTQ2S+ safe space. They have an Instagram account (@vantagevintagebtq) and they can be found on Etsy (vantagevintagebtq.etsy.com).
Located at 70 Albert Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba (204-801-5681).
The Clothing Bakery Ltd: Offers sustainable clothing and accessories from the 1970s to today, including vintage t-shirts, sweatshirts, denim, and a variety of jackets. They also provide a buy, sell, and trade system in-store. Can be found on Instagram (@clothingbakery). Two guys founded it and it appears the fashions are catering to men. Website: clothingbakery.com
Located at unit 105-70 Arthur Street, Winnipeg, MB (204-949-9250).
The Collab Shop: This Exchange District Filippino male-owned shop is a streetwear, sneaker, and vintage store featuring ’90s and early 2000s nostalgia, including sports, band, and movie-themed items, as well as pre-loved streetwear from sought-after brands. Basketball is their passion. They are on Instagram (@collabshopwpg) and YouTube (@TheCollabShopWinnipeg). Website: collabshopwpg. com.
Located at 246 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB (204-306-4664).
The Jar: “Second-Hand Vintage Store.” Focuses on vintage clothing from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, emphasizing items made in the USA and Canada. Known for rare finds and deadstock items like limited-edition band tees and vintage designer pieces. Vintage fashion and accesssories owned and curated by Blue. Female owned. Found on Instagram (@thejarwpg).
Located at 555-70 Arthur Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba (204-795-3580).
Thrift Nihilist: “Curated Vintage Clothing – Streetwear & Antiques” This Exchange District shop balances wearable, timeless staples with unique, eccentric items, including wildlife-themed apparel and a selection of antiques and furniture. Found on Instagram (@thriftnihilist).
Located at 75 Albert St., 2nd Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba. DM on Instagram for inquiries (@thriftnihilist).
Shop Take Care: New, pre-worn consignment clothing. Vintage and contemporary items. Home goods and accessories. Two locations in Winnipeg.
“Shop Take Care offers gender-inclusive consignment clothing + home goods in Winnipeg, MB.
Opened in February 2017, Shop Take Care aims to create a safe shopping experience for everyone. Clothing is not distinguished by gender, instead, the entire shop is organized by colour.
“I wanted it to be a very safe inclusive space for all gender expressions and identities,” said Jill Zdunich, the owner of Shop Take Care.
In addition to a curated collection of consignment clothing, ranging from sizes XS to 4X, Shop Take Care offers a selection of small batch made, handmade goods from brands across North America, that focus on ethical and sustainable practices.”
Weekend Vintage Winnipeg: Two Locations to serve you. Located in the Johnston Terminal at The Forks, this shop offers a variety of vintage clothing and accessories, promoting sustainable fashion choices. The second location is at Mulvey Market. They offer curated, high-quality pieces sourced from Europe, Japan, the USA, and beyond, emphasizing sustainability and timeless styles for eco-conscious shoppers. Lots of clothing such as t-shirts and jeans, and purses. Instagram (@weekendvtg). Website: weekendvtg.com. They are also found on Facebook (Weekend Vintage).
Old House Revival Company: A four-storey antique mall featuring a vast array of vintage items, from furniture and decor to collectibles, making it a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts. Host to 40 different vendors! Found on Instagram (@oldhouserevival). Website: theoldhouserevival.com
Located at 324 Young Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba (204-477-4286).
Época Haus: Mid-Century Modern Vintage Home Decor. Find that perfect preloved piece for your home! Website: epocahaus.com
Located at 1318 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. (204-338-7044)
Redeemed The Consignment Place: “Winnipeg’s premier consignment store.” A well-regarded consignment store offering an ever-changing selection of women’s apparel, accessories, and home goods. The store focuses on mid- to high-end consignment clothing, emphasizing trendy, contemporary styles and designer labels. Customers can find a variety of pre-owned clothing, accessories, and home goods at affordable prices. I found a beautiful vintage Elizabeth Taylor brooch, a gorgeous faux pearl necklace, and two sterling silver rings. There are great vintage finds as well and they help people earn money while promoting sustainability. They can be found on Instagram (@redeemedtheconsignment).
Location: 410 Academy Road (204-474-1182) Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Kildonan MCC Thrift (Mennonite Central Committee): Non-profit. Support your community. A large warehouse full of clothing, jewelry, gifts, collectibles and furniture. They also have a Vintage Lane Department way in the bakc that has older and more collectible/nostaglic items. I found a beautiful vintage faux fur jacket at Vintage Lane. Senior’s discount day (20% off) is on the first Thursday of the month. For those over 55. Website: Shop.lovetothrift.ca. Find your local shop at mccthrift.com
Located at 445 Chalmers Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba (204-668-0967).
Selim’s Antiques: Western Canada’s Finest and Longest Standing Estate Jeweller and Antique Dealer. An outstanding selection of fine quality antiques & collectibles, art & jewellery.
Located at 801 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba (204-284-9886)
Gerry’s Antiques & Collectibles: Gerry Beelen offers a wide variety of vintage items, antiques, and collectibles. I bought some Sherman jewelry from him! He sources his inventory from estate sales as well as other local sources. Gerry sells mainly hard goods such as jewelry, crystal, porcelain figurines, glassware, and china. He sells within Canada and the US.
Located at 1000 Isbister Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Call for an appointment: 204-330-8642.
Atomic Age Vintage: Lover of all things vintage. You can find Atomic Age Vintage set up at Old House Revival (324 Young Street), Johnston Terminal Antique Mall at the Forks, and Pollock’s Hardware (1407 Main Street) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Instagram (@atomic_age_vintage) (204-795-6647)
A & A Jewellers: Jewelry Repair, Engraving, & Vintage Jeweller. They sell jewelry on consignment. 60/40. I bought some Sherman jewelry there! And I have sold some of my mom’s jewelry on consignment at their store.
Johnston Terminal Antique Mall: With items curated by over 30 consignors, the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall show you the history of Winnipeg and beyond in their vintage finds. Follow the signs to the basement of the Johnston Terminal at the Forks to peruse their seemingly endless rooms of antiques. I bought some Sherman jewelry from there! Tony Costa is the owner.
The Faded Barn: Antique Design – Preserving the Prairie Past. This shop is in The Village at Pineridge Hollow. It isn’t in Winnipeg, but it’s just a half-hour drive northeast from the city centre in Oakbank. This shop has lots of vintage gifts and treasures including jewelry, trinkets, and decor. They buy antiques! The store also boasts some antiques and new contemporary items. Instagram @thefadedbarn
Located at Pineridge Hollow, 67086 Heatherdale Road, Oakbank, Manitoba. (204-777-3881)
Brian’s Corner Antiques and Thrift: Buy – Sell – Trade – Consign. “I like old stuff!” Brian buys very old items dating all the way up to the ’60s and ’70s. Instagram @brianscornerantiques
Located at 867 Wall Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (204-781-9603)
Mulvey Market: Winnipeg’s largest year-round indoor flea market. Features 40+ vendors selling a vast variety of new and gently used products, vintage items, and antiques. Canteen available.
Thirsty’s Flea Market: A number of vendors that sell a variety of items such as antiques, nostalgia, memorabilia, vintage jewelry, and collectibles. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and most holiday Mondays.
Things Supporting the Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Operated by the Volunteer Committee for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet since 1967, Things is a specialty boutique that sells consigned and donated items. They offer gently used antique, vintage, and contemporary collectibles, including furniture, jewelry, china, crystal, silver, artwork, and linens. Website: thingsforrwb.com
Located at 913 and 911 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba. (204-284-7331).
Vintage in the Village: Vintage in the Village carries a wide variety of vintage items and collectibles. We are a small store, so we strive to carry the best, currently desired items at reasonable prices. We strive to remain at the forefront of current design and decorating trends. We are constantly getting new (old) items in our shop that are unique, like our customers. Website: VintageintheVillage.com
Located at 194 Osborne Street (entrance on Gertrude), Winnipeg, Manitoba. (204-287-2278)
Pollock’s Hardware Co-Op: In addition to their usual items, Pollock’s also sells vintage cookware and kitchen items. “Pollock’s is a gem of a store and if you’ve never been it’s well worth the visit and you’ll always be able to find an employee to help you.” A sampling of these items can be viewed on their Instagram page or by visiting the store. Instagram: @pollockshardwarecoop. Website: http://www.pollockshardwarecoop.com
Located at 1407 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. (204-582-5007)
Gold Time Horology: Ilya Goldman of Ukrainian descent is known by others as the “finest watchmaker to ever work in Winnipeg – and one of the very best in all of Canada.” He is certified in all the luxury brands. He will fix expensive and inexpensive watches. He carries an inventory of quality watches as well as jewelry on consignment including vintage pieces (I have seen Sherman there!). Visit his Facebook page: Ilya Goldman-Watchmaker. Instagram @goldtimehorology. Website: http://www.goldtimehorology.com
Located at 723 Borebank at Grant, Winnipeg, Manitoba. (204-890-6210)
Green and Gold Vintage, Winnipeg: Vintage and recylcled jewelry. Old made new. (Instagram – @greenandgold.vintage)
Wright On Vintage Wares: Tracy Wright. We can be found at the Old House Revival Co. – at Portage Avenue and Young Street in Winnipeg. Also on Etsy and sometimes at in-person shows. (Instagram – @wrightonvintagewares).
Not a Taco Shop: A bit of everything except tacos. Rescuer of things and rehomer of stuff. Instagram: @notatacoshoppe. Located in Winnipeg.
Atomic Age Vintage: Find them at Old House Revival Co., Johnston Terminal Antique Mall and Pollock’s Hardware – Winnipeg MB. Facebook: @atomicagevintage
Grand Trunk Vintage and Nostalgia Sale (Assiniboia Downs, Winnipeg)
Manitoba Antique Association Sale (Viscount Gort Hotel, Winnipeg. Held in the spring and fall/holiday seasons)
Junk Wagon: Antiques, Vintage & Collectible Sale – Over 60 vendors, booths, & tables. (Winakwa C.C.)
Estate Sales
Garage/Yard Sales
Flea Markets or Bazaars
Fundraisers to support organizations (“Church Basement Sales”)
Look for local or Canadian sellers on these platforms:
Online buy and sell site Kijiji
Online buy and sell site on Facebook called Marketplace (ex. Del Del Stevens for furniture, June Warkentin for jewelry)
Whatnot
Etsy
Poshmark
eBay
Outside of Winnipeg:
Interlake Thriftiques: Located in Winnipeg Beach Plaza. Buyers and sellers for the Interlake Cottage & Country decor, Antiques & Uniques. “Nothing is too unusual.” Open May – October. Call ahead to ensure they are open. 204-299-5429. Facebook: Search “Interlake Thriftiques”
Grandmont Antiques: #78091 Rd 2W. From the junction of Hwy 67 & 236 at Stonewall, travel 12 kms W on Hwy 67 to Rd 2W, then turn right (north) on Rd 2W, go 4 kms to #78091. “Over the last 20 years we have been a premiere source for unique pieces from antiquity to the early 20th century. Our experience is with period furnishings, decorative arts, architectural elements and fine art.” Follow on Instagram @grandmont_antiques. http://www.grandmontantiques.com. 204-383-5382.
Eras Antiques & Art: Located at 636 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB. Unique shop with 5,000+ items from all areas of collecting. Set up in a creative way for the customer to browse easily. Instagram: @erasantiques. 204-726-9408 (Daryl Hicks)
Delaquis Antiques: Located at 2108 Hwy 59 (20 min S of Winnipeg) Quality antique furniture & collectibles available. Beautiful selection ranging from small to large pieces. Something for everyone! Furniture repairs & refinishing. 204-388-4850 (Patrick). http://www.delaquis-antiques.com. Instagram @delaquis.antiques
The Gypsy Traders: 238 Manitoba Avenue in Selkirk, Manitoba. Antiques, vintage, gifts, furniture up-styling, local crafters, DIY workshops, Country Chic Paints. Instagram: @the_gypsy_traders. 204-482-7677
Let me know if you know of any other places to find vintage or antique items for sale! Happy shopping!
I belong to many “market” groups on Facebook and I regularly see people who want to put on a market asking for advice from vendors (like myself) on how to organize and facilitate a great event. Vendors and makers are quick to offer advice on what they think is important. I have taken some of the information below from the groups I belong to.
Before vendors or crafters even consider signing up or applying for a market, I think it’s important for them to do their research on the person or company organizing the event. Unfortunately, some scammers will quite easily take the money for the table fees, and then run. Ensuring the legitimacy of the organizers and the event is the most important first step as a vendor. So the important takeaway for the organizer is to make sure they are putting their best self forward and to include their social media contacts, company affiliations, phone number, and email address.
Following is a list in no particular order of what is important to vendors (and shoppers) like myself and what is appreciated.
Make sure the venue has ample lighting, parking, washrooms, and a kitchen/canteen.
Decide on a date and time to hold the event. Secure the spot. Ensure a good relationship with the venue organizers as vendors and makers may call the venue to confirm the legitimacy of the market event. (I have found Saturdays work best and 10 am – 3 pm is a good time frame.) Determine the table fees based on your costs to hold the event.
Determine if liability insurance is needed by each vendor or if it is covered by the venue.
Decide if you want direct sellers (of commercial products), handmade only, or both.
Ensure there is good reception or Wi-Fi available for vendors to be able to use their Square machines to facilitate easy sales transactions.
Determine how many tables you can comfortably fit into the venue event. (30 different vendors is a great number to aim for).
Clearly outline how much floor space each vendor has.
If it’s an outdoor market or there are outdoor spots, let the vendor know if they have to supply their own canopy, tables, or chairs, and any other safety measures that are required (such as weights on the legs).
Put out a request for vendors. Give at least three months’ notice for the event and to vet, curate and secure vendors.
Ensure good email communication (and/or phone calls) and clear expectations of deadlines and updates from the organizers to the vendors.
Clear expectations to the vendors or makers about keeping their display out until the market is over or what they are to do if they sell out of their product (e.g. Hand out business cards, tell the customers where they can get their product, etc.)
The table fee refund policy should be clearly explained.
Request table fees ahead of the sale (e-transfer or credit card is most convenient). Table fees collected day-of sale could mean vendors don’t feel a need to show up or go to a different market they feel will give them more traffic and exposure.
Communicate with clear emails in a timely fashion with lots of notice (at least one month) indicating if the vendor has been accepted or not.
A well-curated event will have only one well-known commercial direct sales vendor at each event (e.g. Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Norwex, Mary Kay).
Vendor Spotlights on social media are a bonus. Have vendors send in their photos of their products and share them on social media.
Professional-looking event notices that can be easily shared on social media and online/in-person (jpegs are better than pdfs for sharing online).
Lots of advertising and promotion leading up to the event so the event has lots of customer traffic. Paid advertising in newspapers and on radio, as well as partnering with other local complementary organizations can help get the word out.
Encourage (or direct) the vendors to also post the event on their social media and to tell their friends on Facebook or Instagram. They can help build up the hype.
Combine the event with other events going on in the area so it attracts more foot traffic.
Plenty of road signage days before and the day of event indicating the venue, visible coming from all directions.
Allow for temporary unloading/loading close to the doors if available. Provide clear instructions and expectations of where the vendors should park to make room for easy access for the customers.
Lots of free parking, close to the event.
“No fee” or “Free entry” for shoppers to attend the event can be a draw but a crapshoot. If needed, presale tickets to the event should have an early-bird discount, while tickets purchased on the day of the event can be regular price.
Low vendor table fees are a good idea if it’s the first event put on by the organizer.
Volunteers to help unload and load back up is always appreciated.
Allow at least one hour for setting up before the doors open to the public. (More time is also appreciated.)
6′ or 8′ banquet tables (clearly stated in the vendor application) with comfortable chairs (2 per vendor).
Access to electricity if available (for an extra fee is okay).
Clearly identified tables are assigned in a well-arranged fashion.
Make sure there are not more than 2 or 3 vendors of the same item and ensure they are not set up near each other.
Ensuring lots of room between tables so vendors don’t have to disturb each other when they have to get out to use the restroom or get a snack.
Access to snacks and drinks. (Some events provide a free hot beverage, bottled water, snacks, or lunch for the vendors which is a nice touch!)
Regular check-ins by the organizers to see if the vendors need anything and how things are going. Providing supervision of the table if the vendor needs a restroom or shopping break, etc.
Music playing to attract customers and encourage them to stick around.
Organizing a “Learn to Make…” where people can learn a new skill. Activities for children can keep people coming. I have seen Free Face Painting, Free Glitter Tattoos, Kids Coloring Draw for Giant Balloon Bunny and Easter Basket at Easter Time, Free Henna Tattoos (with a donation appreciated), Photos with Santa.
Include a charity fundraiser table to emphasize community spirit. I have even seen pets up for adoption!
If there are any door prizes, the item can be collected before the sale begins to make it convenient for the vendors.
Provide an opportunity for the vendors or makers to provide feedback after the sale. Send them an email asking for information on what went well and what didn’t. Then build upon that for the next sale.
As an organizer, you should keep a record of vendors or makers who were NOT contributing to your market or sale positively. For example, those who were NO SHOW and failed to communicate why they couldn’t attend. Another example is those who “pack up early”.
I am very interested in helping older people, especially those who are caregivers to those who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Two of my books are written specifically on this topic. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month here is Canada, and I was pleased to see this statement from the Minister of Health which I felt was important enough to share here (I bolded a section for emphasis!). I found there is a lot of valuable information, plus the good news that we are doing something right! It also includes steps we can take to help reduce our risks.
January 3, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Almost half a million people in Canada live with dementia, impacting not only themselves, but their loved ones and caregivers as well.
While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, the rate of newly diagnosed cases in Canadians aged 65 and over has been dropping for the last several years.
This is why the Government of Canada has been investing in the implementation of Canada’s national dementia strategy – A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. It focuses on the areas of research, surveillance, awareness initiatives (including a national public education campaign), community-based projects and guidance.
Implementing the national strategy is a joint effort by a wide range of organizations across Canada, including provincial and territorial governments, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and health and social care providers. Over the past five years, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has funded more than 70 dementia projects through organizations such as these across the country. A number of these projects were featured in the 2023 Report to Parliament on the national dementia strategy.
It has been estimated that 12 risk factors that can often be managed and reduced could explain 40% of cases of dementia globally. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about these factors which include physical inactivity, smoking, obesity and chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
This January, for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, I encourage you and your family to visit Dementia: Risk factors and prevention – Canada.ca to learn more about dementia risk reduction. Choose one habit that you can change or improve such as being more physically active, socializing regularly, or having a healthier, more balanced diet. Engaging in these healthy behaviours can help reduce the risk of dementia and delay the onset of symptoms, thereby improving your quality of life as you age.
We can all help improve the quality of life of those living with dementia. For more about how to reduce dementia-related stigma and communicate in a supportive way with people living with dementia, visit Dementia: Tips on how you can help – Canada.ca.
As more of us take these actions, we’ll reduce the impact of dementia on Canadians.
The Honourable Mark Holland
Contacts
Christopher Aoun Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health 613-291-4176
Media Relations Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983 media@hc-sc.gc.ca
Today’s guest post is by Brent Hoag. Reprinted with permission. Originally published on Facebook.
*****
A BOND A PLEDGE A COMMITMENT LOVE
A husband caring for his wife A wife caring for her husband A daughter &/or son caring for their mother &/or father A grandchild caring for their grandfather &/or grandmother A relative caring for someone related to them A friend caring for a friend A partner caring for a partner A human being caring for a stranger A human being caring for someone they know Human beings caring for human beings who are vulnerable and in need
I just read for 90 minutes various Posts & Comments in a few support groups that were written by a cross section & diversity of members/caregivers. I don’t often do this for a number of reasons. I was overwhelmed yet again at the pain, despair, grief, and anxiety and so much more that we share in common. And the sadness, oh the sadness in our lives & hearts.
However, in complete candor, I felt such a sudden unexpected pride because of what each of you, & we collectively, are doing. I honestly felt such a sense of pride to be associated with you even though we have never met. I empathize. I cannot overstate the importance of our being able to relate to, & rely upon, one another as caregivers.
This is about feeling privileged & honored about being in a group of people who notwithstanding our sadness, frustrations, challenges, & yes again the exhaustion, are caring for another human being who is so vulnerable. You have not only endured & coped but you have risen above and persevered in spite of daunting challenges in order to care for another human being. You are pushing through an incredible amount of sadness & difficulty in order to care for another human being. You are trying to afford them some peace, comfort, dignity, respect, & level of care that they so desperately need.
Your own selflessness & sense of responsibility & compassion for another human being is making a difference in their journey. We don’t expect or want recognition or applause. That’s not why we are doing this. Why we do it is so personal & can be simple or profound. However, here we are.
Love for another human being is often the most powerful & compelling element that each of us feel and have in our hearts. We then care, share & support.
Tonight I read & read. There are so many of us & we are such a diverse group of people who are at very different places in our journeys with our loved ones. And yet here we are under one “bubble” sharing, empathizing, & supporting.
No cheerleaders, no bands, no celebrations, no speeches, no oscars, no victory laps. However there is something that I want to share with you caregiver to caregiver. We’re “doing it”. We’ll get through this. I understand only too well your sense of humility but now & then we need help to get back up & to carry on & some deserving recognition & praise can give us the ability & required strength. And yet in our very special group of human beings not only are we selflessly caring for another human being but we are lending assistance to one another as caregivers.
You, your steadfast dedication, your ongoing sacrifices, your compassion, your perseverance, your doing the best that you can, and yes your love are a bond that we share. Whoever you are & whatever your connection with the person that you are caring for, I just want you to know how sad it was for me to read so many of your posts/comments but how much of a sense of pride & honour it allowed me to feel during such dark times. Thank you for that.
You are pretty remarkable even though you likely don’t feel that way. Most of us don’t. However, I hope that in some way when you hear it from a fellow caregiver that it resonates with you & that you can carry some of this in your hearts & minds in going forward.
I have sometimes been criticized for my Posts being too long. Caregiving & the challenges that Alzheimer’s/Dementia presents doesn’t often have a short version when it comes to supporting, sharing, & feeling for a fellow human being. In this Post, I could have simply written “I’m proud of you & honored to be associated with you”. However, in my opinion the topic/message was too important to abbreviate, condense, or underemphasize. You deserved so much more than that.
It’s bittersweet for all of us, but I wanted to take a rare “time out” to acknowledge you for what you are doing.
It’s tough. It’s almost impossible at times, but here we are caring as best as we can for a fellow human being. I will never take that for granted & even though it is a long Post it is one of the rare one’s where a caregiver reminds other caregivers just how remarkable they are.
Who knows, when times are especially low, sad, & challenging perhaps you will allow yourself a “time out” to re-read this as a source of encouragement, support, etc. After all, that is one of the reasons why I wrote this, one caregiver to another caregiver. 💜
Stress is a normal part of life and can be caused by a wide range of factors such as work, relationships, financial problems, aging, caregiving, and health issues. While some level of stress can be helpful in motivating people to take action and find solutions, chronic stress can have a negative impact on a person’s mental and physical health.
People may seek counselling for stress because it provides a safe and supportive environment to explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to stress. A therapist can help individuals identify the root cause of their stress, develop coping strategies to manage it, and learn relaxation techniques to reduce symptoms of stress.
Therapy can also provide an opportunity for people to process their experiences, address past traumas or negative life events that may be contributing to their stress levels, and develop a better understanding of their emotions and thoughts.
In addition, counselling can also help individuals with stress-related conditions such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. By working with a therapist, people can gain a deeper understanding of their patterns of behavior and thought, and develop a more holistic approach to managing stress.
Overall, therapy for stress can provide people with the tools and support they need to manage and reduce stress levels, and improve their overall mental and physical well-being.
Check out my Psychology Today profile for up-to-date information on my counselling services.
Angela G. Gentile, book launch for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, & Memory Loss
1. Plan well in advance: Give yourself enough time (3-4 weeks) to plan the event and invite guests.
2. Recruit a sponsor who can get more exposure for their generosity. They can pay for refreshments for example. Give them a table so they can have brochures and business cards available to your guests.
3. Choose the right venue: Select a venue that is appropriate for the type of event you want to have. Plan for about 40 people.
4. Create a guest list: Invite friends, family, media contacts, politicians, and other important people to your book launch party. Have an RSVP contact number. Follow up with your guests.
5. Consider holding a fundraiser to compliment the theme of your book. Offer to donate a portion of your sales to a charity. Take a collection. Set up an online donation page.
6. Promote the event: use social media and other marketing channels to promote your book launch party. Make posters and send them out.
7. Enlist people to: take photos, take a video, help with other tasks as needed.
8. Offer refreshments: Provide snacks and drinks for your guests to enjoy. Your sponsor can pay for this!
9. Greet people as they arrive. Let them know how much you appreciate them.
10. Prepare a presentation and tell your guests about your book. Provide a Powerpoint presentation with visuals to make it more interesting. Present some background on your book and read some passages. Let your guests know what inspired you. Aim for 20-30 minutes or so. Leave time for questions!
11. Make it interactive: Encourage guests to engage with the book’s topic by having activities or discussions related to the book’s theme.
12. Provide door prizes. Everyone likes to win something!
13. Have copies of the book available for purchase: Make sure to have copies of your book available for purchase at the event, so guests can take home a copy. Prepare to sign the books, too!
14. Prepare a small flyer as a takeaway if they aren’t ready to buy the book or want to bring back information to someone else.
15. Share your news on social media (photos, videos).
16. Thank your guests: Show your appreciation to the guests who attended your book launch party by sending thank-you notes or other small gestures.
17. Follow up with media contacts and guests after the event to thank them for attending and see if they have any feedback or opportunities for future promotion.
I have a small, compact device that helps me determine the authenticity of the beads and gemstones I sell. The machine is called a Presidium Gem Tester II. It runs on electricity or battery power (2 AAs). The technique is called thermal conductivity scale (TCS) testing. The scale reads Glass at one end (left side) and Diamond/Moissainte (right side) on the other. In between glass and diamond is a number of other semiprecious gemstones, including garnet, tourmaline, iolite; chyrsoprase, emerald, nephrite (greens); tanzanite, aquamarine; quartz, amethyst, citrine; jadeite, spinel; topaz; ruth, sapphire. (The red CAL stands for calibrate.)
To help me “measure” and record a reading of the thermal conductivity of the stones, I have decided to give them values from 0 – 6 (see the arched bars on top, like a rainbow). The first arched bar on the top left I will call value 1, next to the right is 2, and so on, until we get to the far right, which is 6 for diamond/moissanite. I will test three times, and use different beads from the same strand.
Each value (1-5) will be divided into quarters. So each stone will have a reading of a whole number (e.g. aquamarine could read as 2.0), or a portion of a whole number (e.g. jadeite could read at 2.75).
I will keep this listing updated as I test new stones.
AGATE: Bamboo Leaf (matte), 2.0; Black banded agate, 2.0; Yellow Fire Crackle Agate, 1.75
(An observation about agate: When the bead is broken, it looks like a glass substance. It is very shiny.)
AMETHYST (purple quartz): 2.5
CITRINE (yellow quartz): 2.5
HEMATITE: 3.0
JASPER (dalmation): 1.5-1.75
LAPIS LAZULI: 0.5
MOONSTONE: white with blue flash, rainbow, 0 – 0.25
QUARTZ (clear): 2.5
RHODOCHROSITE: 2.0
SHUNGITE: 2.25
SUNSTONE: 0.5
TIGER’S EYE: Natural matte, 2.25
To be identified:
Black stone 1 (opaque with minor white veining): 2.75-3.0
Black stone 2 (opaque with tiny chipped divits): 0.5
Testing the stone with the Presidium isn’t the only test I do to determine authenticity. There are other ways to examine beads, too!
If you would like to see my jewelry and gifts, check out “Gentle Angel Treasures” on Facebook and Instagram (@gatreasures).
Here in Canada, January is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. To commemorate this event, I am thrilled to announce the release of my newest book, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, & Memory Loss: A Helpful Guide for Caregivers (2022). This book has been in the making for a few years now and I am pleased with its completion. It is available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and ebook (Kindle) format.
Alzheimer’s, Dementia, & Memory Loss is a fully revised and expanded version of my book, Caring for a Husband with Dementia. Caring for a Husband with Dementia, written in 2015, has been my number one seller and this new book is sure to enlighten everyone. It is written in gender-neutral language and will be relevant for all care partners and those who provide assistance and help to those struggling with cognitive decline and neurocognitive disorders.
My idea for this book came to me not long after I published, Caring for a Husband with Dementia. I had people asking me, “Where is the book for us husbands?” and “Where is my book? I am a child of a parent with dementia.” This got me thinking. So I started by having men who were caregivers look over the book. I had one man who was unable to complete his mission. So I had to continue to search for the right person(s) to help me.
Dubbed the “first aid kit” and “quintessential survival guide” for caregivers.
Eventually, I developed a friendship (through an online caregiver support group) with a man named Brent Hoag, whose wife Sally had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years prior. He was very keen on helping me and agreed to review the book from a male caregiver’s perspective. He is a prolific writer in support groups and online, so I knew he would be a great choice. His contributions to this book project were so valuable that I included his name on the front cover!
Brent’s contributions to Alzheimer’s, Dementia, & Memory Loss include a chapter on humour and his words of wisdom, experience, and advice are sprinkled throughout the book. You can sense the love for his wife in his words and the challenges he endured and how he handled them with loving care.
In this expanded volume I include special chapters on delirium, drinking, driving, and doggy dementia. In the seven years since I wrote my first book on dementia, caregivers have come to me with some very challenging situations that are unfortunately more common than we realize. The dementia-affected brain can pose so many difficult situations for caregivers, so this book is sure to shed some light on how to cope and manage.
Topics include:
Getting a Diagnosis
Understanding Dementia
Understanding Caregiving
Asking for Help
Practical and Emotional Support
Caregiver Burnout and Self Care
Humour as a Coping Strategy
Improving Self-Esteem
Long-Term Care Placement
Loss, Grief, and Bereavement
Communication (includes Therapeutic Reasoning®)
Coping with Difficult Behaviour (the biggest chapter with tons of tips!)
Abuse and Neglect
Legal and Financial Preparedness
Delirium and the Older Adult
Problem Drinking and Dementia
Unsafe Driving
Doggy Dementia
and more!
These 210 pages are full of support, tips, and advice that everyone can learn from whether you are a informal care provider or a formal caregiver. Problems with one’s memory and recalling recent events is often one of the first signs of dementia. I have included the term “memory loss” in the title in case a failing memory is the main problem one is having.
If you would like to purchase a copy, I always have some available on hand, or you can purchase the book online from Amazon. Contact me for any other inquiries, or click on these links to go to Amazon (USA – change country if needed):
Angela G. Gentile is a clinical social worker who has worked with thousands of clients and their families. She has a specialization in aging and has been working with older adults for more than 25 years. Angela is married, has two adult children, and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Angela G. Gentile, BSW, MSW 