Voices for the Planet

On May 29, 2026, GentleWays for Our Planet hosted its first annual gathering, Voices for the Planet, at the Sandy Hill Community Centre in Ottawa.

The evening brought together caring voices from our community, people who, in different ways, are living their values and contributing to a more sustainable world. Together, speakers and attendees shared stories, practical wisdom, and quiet reflections on how personal care for our planet can grow into meaningful local action.

Rather than a formal panel, our speakers shared their experiences through intimate, conversational reflections. Their deep care for the Earth shone through in every reflection.

Reflections from Our Speakers

Caroline Ruriko Ishii, chef and author on plant-based, Earth-friendly cooking, shared the timeless perspective that God lives in each grain of rice—a profound reminder to approach our food with gratitude and prevent waste. Caroline also introduced the practice of hara hachi bu, the cultural principle of leaving the table when one is 80% full. It was a gentle invitation to moderation, mindfulness, and appreciation.

Mike Farbod, an advocate for animal welfare and long-time generous supporter of GentleWays, brought a deeply compassionate voice to the evening. He shared personal stories of rescuing a kitten, supporting local volunteers who care for stray animals in Cuba, and continuing to advocate for the humane treatment of all living creatures.

Connie Schulz, a retired nurse and lifelong gardener, shared her journey from traditional gardening to nurturing native ecosystems. Working alongside the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library, Connie and her team harvest, maintain, and distribute native seeds across the community to help restore local biodiversity.

Dr. Aïda Warah, Founder and Executive Director of GentleWays for Our Planet, reflected on the core philosophy behind GentleWays’ initiatives. She spoke about the extraordinary value of small, everyday gestures, encouraging us to let go of the pursuit of perfection, because imperfect action is always better than inaction.

Community Reflections: How We Show Love for the Planet

We invited attendees to share how they express their own care for our Earth. They enthusiastically described their daily practices –from sorting organic waste and mending worn clothes to creatively reusing items and choosing to buy only what is truly needed. Among those who shared were two teenagers whose care for the planet gave us renewed hope for the future. It was a moving reminder of the quiet, everyday climate action already taking place all around us.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters

We extend our sincere gratitude to our local businesses whose generosity and support added warmth and joy to the evening:

• Bridgehead Café, for donating three beautiful gift baskets.

• Lee Valley, for donating a generous gift card.

Congratulations to our raffle winners, who were thrilled to take home these lovely gifts! The proceeds from the raffle will support future GentleWays initiatives.

Moving Forward with Gratitude

This gathering strengthened our deep-held belief that meaningful environmental change does not always require grand gestures. It can begin simply, with small, daily acts of mindfulness, gratitude, and care. The evening left us feeling hopeful, inspired, and deeply grateful for the many quiet ways people care for our shared home.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their voice, and continues to make our community a more sustainable place to live. We look forward to gathering again next year and hearing even more voices for our planet.