Brandy

Waterloo, Ontario

Community Box: Holiday Edition

Featured Creator, November 2018

“Looking back at it, I never really got the chance to be a kid.”

Brandy’s Story

I was born with spine and kidney issues. My childhood was very difficult because I was constantly teased and picked on in school. My health impacted my friendships because I wasn’t always at school; I would have to get IVs and stay in the hospital for 1-2 weeks at a time.

“Looking back at it, I never really got the chance to be a kid.”

I’m looking forward to graduation. I’ve been in university for six years doing undergrad in social development studies and psychology, with a minor in political science. Because I had back surgery in 2016, I can only do so much per semester. This is so important to me because my entire life, I’ve lived in poverty.

“I want to be the Prime Minister of Canada. I want to change society so that it’s more equitable for everyone.”

Right now we live in a society where our social assistance programs are residual-based. I get just over $700 for rent, and my rent is $900. I have to dip into my basic needs that's supposed to be for food and the bills so it's hard to balance everything. I’m in quite a bit of debt. It’s been there for a year and the interest alone is $117 a month.

“When I was in high school, I was given the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award.”

I started a charity in high school that provided game systems and toys to Grand River Hospital. The GRH has a small children’s hospital so it doesn’t get as many donations. It made so many kids happy. I want to be able to provide for my daughter and give her opportunities that I never really had growing up.

Inspiration for my holiday card

One thing that gets me every Christmas is the look on my daughter Emily’s face when she gets a present. I try to do 3-4 gifts depending on what my budget is; I get her something she wants, something she needs, something to wear and something to read. She’ll rip off the gift wrap and get right in there.

My favourite quote in the world comes from Dr. Who:

“Some people live more in twenty years than others do in eighty. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.”

I’m only 25 years old, but I’ve experienced more stuff in my life than any other person I know - age cannot define my wisdom.

The Community Box:

Holiday Edition

ABOUT

Our first Community Box was created by four members of our community who are overcoming adversity in their life.

The box includes four hand-designed cards with an elegant linen finish, with designs that are meaningful to each partner.

The Holiday Box includes:

A holiday card designed by Brandy, Elisa, Sam, and Tiffany (one card from each Creator).

PROFIT SHARING

Brandy earned $50 for co-creating the products in her Community Box. Additionally, 50% of all our profits are shared with our Creators.

EMPOWER OUR CREATORS

Click the button below to order our Community Box: Holiday edition or to order individual cards!